If you love live music or music history, plan a visit to the world-famous Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey. In addition to local legends Bruce Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt and Southside Johnny, musicians of all genres have been rocking audiences at the Stone Pony since 1974. The Stone Pony is open year-round; however, shows at the outdoor Summer Stage take place between mid-May and early fall. Wear comfortable shoes, dress for the weather, and be prepared to stand on blacktop in a large crowd of other concert-goers. You'll be able to watch the sunset behind the giant outdoor stage while you're enjoying the tunes. Go To Stone Pony Summer Stage 2026 Schedule>> Along the perimeter of the Stone Pony Summer Stage, you’ll find concession stands with beer, wine, hard seltzers, and snacks for sale. You can venture inside to get drinks at one of the air-conditioned bars or to use the bathroom if you don’t want to use the portable potties outside. Be aware that the indoors is usually just as jammed as the outside when there's a Summer Stage performance going on. RELATED: Day Trip Destination – Asbury Park Boardwalk Over the past several years, I’ve seen a few shows on the Stone Pony Summer Stage, including Willie Nelson and Almost Queen. If you like the music of Queen, I highly recommend the Almost Queen tribute band! The lead singer, Joseph Russo, is a native of Middletown, New Jersey. He embodies nearly every characteristic of the late Freddie Mercury, from his facial expressions and mannerisms, to his spot-on vocals and even Mercury's signature mustache. In fact, the entire band provides a realistic "almost Queen" experience! If you're coming to the the Stone Pony for a concert, you could plan your arrival a little early to enjoy a stroll along the Asbury Park Boardwalk and get something to eat at one of the nearby restaurants. The Asbury Park Boardwalk has plenty of food choices for all tastes and budgets — from giant pizzas at Maruca’s Tomato Pies to craft cocktails and small plates at the ocean-front Watermark bar. Those are just a few options for you to consider. One of my favorite Asbury Park pizza restaurants, Porta, is about five-minute walk from the Stone Pony. Porta is a very popular spot before Summer Stage shows, so expect crowds there, too. Local Tip: If you don’t like standing in large crowds, there’s another way to enjoy the music for free. Because the Summer Stage is an outdoor venue with a powerful sound system, you can hear the music from the Asbury Park Boardwalk. Even better, you can bring a chair or blanket and sit on the beach or set up on the lawn across from Ocean Avenue. I’ve even had friends with boats who dropped anchor in the waters around the Summer Stage vicinity, where the music washes over the waves. Stone Pony Summer Stage 2026 Schedule Friday, July 24 Shakey Graves & Dope Lemon Saturday, July 25 Lucy Dacus Thursday, August 6 Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms & Spin Doctors Saturday, July 29 Orville Peck CANCELED Per Ticketmaster Website Saturday, August 8 Dogs In A Pile Friday, August 14 & Saturday, August 15 Yacht Rock Revue Wednesday, August 19 The Fray Friday, August 21 Dylan Scott Sunday, August 23 Chance the Rapper Friday, August 28 Shadow of the City Bleachers Saturday, August 29 Fetty Wap Friday, September 4 The Front Bottoms Present Champagne Jam Saturday, September 5 Social Distortion Friday, September 25 All-Time Low Friday, October 2 Charley Crockett Saturday, October 3 Rise Against Alkaline Trio Sunday, October 4 Turnpike Troubadors The Stone Pony 913 Ocean Avenue Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712 732-502-0600 Tickets: Tickets for Summer Stage shows are general admission (standing) and may be purchased on Ticketmaster Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but the best way to experience the area is to unpack your bags and stay for a week or two. If you are looking for a clean, quiet getaway for a couple, solo stay, or small family trip, our updated two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect place to relax in serene surroundings at the Jersey Shore. The house sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars by our guests for its fantastic location, spotless upkeep, and all the thoughtful details that make for an easy beach stay. You can see photos and check open dates on our Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental page. RELATED: Explore our local Belmar NJ Travel Guide to plan your beach days, dining, and local events. Story and images © Christine Cardellino, Belmar Beachcomber Blog, and www.VacationInBelmar.com, 2017 to present. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including photography, without express and written permission from this site’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use a photograph from this site, full and clear credit must be given to Belmar Beachcomber Blog with appropriate and specific links to the original content.

One of our favorite places to visit for an afternoon outing is the Asbury Park Boardwalk in Asbury Park, New Jersey. We especially like to ride our bikes there from Belmar, enjoying the scenic route north along Ocean Avenue through Avon, Bradley Beach, and Ocean Grove. If biking is not your thing, no worries. The Asbury Park Boardwalk is only about 15 minutes from Belmar by car. Fun Things To Do On The Asbury Park Boardwalk There’s so much to do and see on the Asbury Park Boardwalk — where do we start? No trip to the boardwalk is complete without seeing the circa 1920s Convention Hall Grand Arcade, located at 1300 Ocean Avenue. Inside Convention Hall, you’ll find the Paramount Theater, another historic Asbury Park landmark, as well as an assortment of cute gift shops, Asbury Park Roastery, an oyster bar, and the Anchor’s Bend, an oceanfront bar and grill. Throughout the year, the Grand Arcade in Convention Hall hosts numerous special events, including the Asbury Park Beer Fest, Catsbury Park Cat Convention, Asbury Park Bazaar seasonal markets, and a festive Christmas tree lighting and holiday pop-up markets. RELATED : 8 Ways To Celebrate Summer In Belmar A few hundred yards from Convention Hall is the Silverball Museum Arcade at 1000 Ocean Avenue. Pay one admission fee (30 minutes, 60 minutes, half day, or full day) and enjoy unlimited play of your favorite arcade games, including Skee-Ball, pinball, air hockey, vintage video games, and more. The kids will also enjoy cooling off at Asbury Splash Park, 950 Ocean Avenue, and a game of mini golf at Asbury Eighteen, 1050 Ocean Avenue. A short walk from the Asbury Park Boardwalk, you will find two more local icons: the Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Avenue, and the Wonder Bar, 1213 Ocean Avenue. Since 1974, the Stone Pony has been a leading venue for live music, and its claim to fame is back-in-the-day performances by the young rising artist Bruce Springsteen (read more about Belmar’s giant guitar tribute to Bruce). In the summer months, the Stone Pony Summer Stage, 909 Ocean Avenue, provides a perfect setting for outdoor music under a sunset sky. RELATED : Area Attractions Near Belmar, NJ Where To Eat On The Asbury Park Boardwalk You have numerous choices for upscale, casual, and grab-and-go dining on the Asbury Park Boardwalk. At the 800 block of Ocean Avenue, you’ll find Stella Marina, a good choice for fine Italian dining with an ocean view; Cubacan, known for its fusion of Cuban and South American cuisine; and Watermark, a popular spot for signature cocktails (red sangria pictured below) and small plates. For boardwalk fare, your choices include Maruca’s Asbury Park, a spinoff of the popular Maruca’s Tomato Pies on the Seaside Heights boardwalk; MOGO Korean Fusion Tacos; the Iron Whale, which has a diverse menu of appetizers, salads, raw bar, and entrees; the Mayfair Boardwalk Grill; and more. Although not directly on the boardwalk, one of our favorite stops in Asbury Park is Porta Pizza, 911 Kingsley Street, which is a short walk west from the Stone Pony. Our go-tos here include the margherita and arugula pizzas with a side of freshly made ricotta cheese and sliced Italian bread. For your sweet tooth, try a towering ice cream creation at Coney Waffle, 803 Ocean Avenue (they also have a location on Ocean Avenue in Belmar); an ice pop or vegan soft serve at Betty’s Icebox, 1300 Ocean Avenue; or Ralph’s Italian Ice, Third Avenue Pavilion. RELATED : Favorite Restaurants In Belmar For Lunch And Light Bites A Note About Parking in Asbury Park If you plan to drive to Asbury Park from Belmar, we highly recommend that you take a cab or use a ride-sharing service. Because of its popularity among locals and tourists alike, parking in Asbury Park can be tricky, especially during peak summer season and on weekends. Public street parking is metered in Asbury Park, which means you must pay for parking between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. seven days a week. If you do prefer to drive your own vehicle, download the Asbury PARK app , which allows you to enter your license plate and pay for parking remotely. Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, single adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com . RELATED : Plan Your Vacation In Belmar, New Jersey Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog , a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

The votes are in, and the Borough of Belmar, New Jersey, has been ranked No. 8 in USA Today's "10 Best Beaches in the Northeast" 2023 Reader's Choice Awards. Belmar was ranked along with beaches in Cape May, Island Beach State Park, Ocean City, and Sandy Hook, New Jersey, in the USA Today voting contest, which also ranked beach towns in Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. According to www.VacationInBelmar.com, "The coastal community of Belmar, New Jersey, is a jewel of the Jersey Shore. Visitors and residents alike love Belmar for its top-rated beaches and its small-town charm. Our town takes great pride in providing family-friendly amenities, along with a clean, smoke-free beach and boardwalk. Belmar, in Monmouth County, is easy to reach via Exit 98 of the Garden State Parkway, between the nearby towns of Spring Lake, Avon By The Sea, Ocean Grove, and Bradley Beach. We're about 15 minutes from Asbury Park and about an hour from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, via I-195 East." RELATED: Visitor Guide To Beach Tags, Parking And More In addition to clean, staffed restrooms, the Belmar beachfront is equipped with pirate-themed playgrounds, places to fill your water bottle and charge your cell phone, and touch-free foot showers for rinsing off. Belmar also has ADA-accessible beaches equipped with blue mobility mats. These hard-surface beach-access ramps are designed for people who use wheelchairs or walking aids, and families coming to the beach with strollers, wagons and beach carts. In 2014, Belmar was the first New Jersey shore town to ban smoking on the beach. Smoking is prohibited on the entire beach and boardwalk at all times. The surfing beaches in Belmar, New Jersey, are located at 17th and 18th Avenues. In addition, Summertime Surf School offers surfing camps for kids and group or private surfing lessons for adults and organizations at 3rd Avenue beach in Belmar. Boogie boards may be used at 7th Avenue, 14th Avenue, and 20th Avenue. Popular beachfront events in Belmar include the New Jersey Sandcastle Contest in July and the Belmar Pro surfing competition in September. The three-day New Jersey Seafood Festival is held every May across from the Belmar boardwalk at Silver Lake Park. RELATED: More Belmar Beach Stories Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com. Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

During your vacation in Belmar, New Jersey, you'll find a wide range of activities and events for family members of all ages to enjoy. Here are some of the fun things to do in Belmar when you're looking to spend quality time together: Mini golf Parasailing Whale watching Head boat and charter fishing Sunset cruise Ice cream outing NJ Sandcastle Contest Movies on the beach 1. 18 Holes Of Mini Golf 905 Highway 35 at the Belmar Marina Belmar, New Jersey 732-749-3800 9thavepier.com/mini-golf/ No Jersey Shore vacation is complete without a game or two of miniature golf. The 9th Ave. Pier restaurant operates the mini golf course at the Belmar Marina. Play every day (weather permitting) from noon to 10 p.m. Prices are $7.00. per person, or $5.00 for kids under age 10. After your game, head over to 9th Ave. Pier or to the Marina Grille for a bite to eat in a gorgeous waterfront setting. RELATED: Mini Golf With A Water View - 3 Scenic Spots RELATED: Dining With A Water View In Belmar 2. Family Fishing Trip Belmar Marina 905 Highway 35 Belmar, New Jersey 732-681-2266 When the kids tire of the beach (is that even possible?), family fishing trips are a fun change of pace during your summer vacation in Belmar. The Belmar Marina is home to one of New Jersey's largest fleet of fishing head boats (party boats) and private fishing charters. In addition to half- and full-day fishing outings, some boats also offer sunset cruises. Each boat is independently owned and operated, so contact each vessel directly for pricing and ticket information (link below). RELATED: Best Fishing Party Boats And Charters At The Belmar Marina 3. Belmar Whale Watching Tours Set sail aboard the Miss Belmar Princess or the Royal Miss Belmar for a Jersey Shore Whale Watching Tour. The tour is guided by a marine life specialist from Rutgers University, who shares her extensive knowledge of humpback whales and other creatures that inhabit the sea. In addition to humpback whales, it's common to see dolphins, stingrays and even some sharks during the excursion. For the 2023 season, you may book either a two-hour or a three-hour whale-watching tour. Prices are as follows: Miss Belmar Princess Two-Hour Whale Tour Adults (Ages 13-61): $50.00 Seniors (Ages 62+): $45.00 Children (Up to age 12): $35.00 Royal Miss Belmar Three-Hour Whale Tour Adults (Ages 13 and over): $65.00 Children (Up to age 12): $45.00 (No senior rate) Both boats sail from the Belmar Marina, 905 Route 35, Belmar, New Jersey 07719. Guests are asked to arrive at the boat at least 30 minutes before departure time. Bring your own food and beverages. Gift certificates are also available for purchase. Call 732-681-6866 for more information or visit the Miss Belmar Princess website to book online. RELATED: Grab A Selfie At The Giant Bruce Springsteen Guitar RELATED: Fresh Catch With the Jersey Shore Lobster Brothers 4. Parasailing Adventures And Banana Boat Rides Belmar Parasail 608 River Road (parking area) Belmar, New Jersey 732-681-8359 www.belmarparasail.com You'll never forget your first parasailing adventure 500 feet above the Atlantic Ocean! Parasailing is a fun family activity that does not require any previous experience or special equipment. You take off and land gently on the boat. Current prices are $80.00. per person, $72.00 for college students with valid school ID (ages 18-23 only), and $72.00 for active-duty military with valid military ID. Observers on the boat are $40.00 per person, subject to availability. Each parasailing excursion is 1.5 hours. Also try their banana boat rides for a fun spin around the ocean waves. Belmar Parasail is located on the L Dock at Belmar Marina in ParkMobile Zone 58104. RELATED: 7 Ways To Enjoy The Water In Belmar 5. Sunset Cruise We’ve seen some amazing sunsets out at sea, facing the Jersey coastline from a boat a few miles offshore in the Atlantic Ocean. The Ocean Explorer and Golden Eagle are two locally operated commercial fishing boats at the Belmar Marina that offer sunset fishing charters. RELATED: Best Spots To Watch The Sunset In Belmar 6. Ice Cream Outing One of our favorite ice cream shops, Niki Maccanico's, is a five-minute walk from our beach house rental in Belmar. All of the ice cream at Niki's is homemade and hand-scooped. You'll find Niki's on 13th Avenue and Main Street, across from the Belmar Post Office. Mint chocolate chip is a personal favorite, along with the chocolate peanut butter swirl. Another popular sweet spot in Belmar is Coney Waffle, located at 803 Ocean Avenue, across from the beach (next to Playa Bowls). Coney Waffle is known for its cannoli waffles and its ,belly-busting ice cream concoctions, including custom milk shakes and towering waffle cones overflowing with your choice of candy and cookie toppings. In March 2022, Coney Waffle expanded into downtown Belmar with its new Coney Waffle Ice Cream Cakery. The shop sells giant cookies, creamy fudge, and other sweets. Also within walking distance of our beach house rental is Rudy's On Main, where you'll find all-natural Italian ice and crème ice, along with gourmet fudge, churros, giant soft pretzels, and more. In nearby Spring Lake, the vanilla ice cream at Hoffman's Ice Cream is a family favorite, in addition to the all-vanilla saucers with rainbow jimmies. RELATED: Favorite Fudge Shops RELATED: Playa Bowls - Two Locations On The Belmar Beachfront 7. New Jersey Sandcastle Contest July 14, 2023 18th Avenue beach Belmar, New Jersey The annual New Jersey Sandcastle Contest is a wonderful family-friendly event. It draws thousands of competitors and spectators to Belmar's 18th Avenue beach to compete for top honors in several judging categories for kids, adults, and camps/youth groups. Read more about this year's event. RELATED: Events In Belmar, New Jersey 8. Movies On Belmar Beach July 5 through August 30, 2023 7th Avenue Beach Bring your beach chairs to 7th Avenue beach for free movie night in Belmar, New Jersey, starting Thursday, July 5, 2023. Movies start at dusk, but it's best to get there earlier to get a good spot in the front of the big screen on the sand. Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com. Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

The Belmar Environmental Commission has partnered with the Belmar Arts Center, the Belmar Historical Society, and the Belmar Public Library to relaunch the Belmar Treasure Trail, a self-paced walking tour of noteworthy points of interest in the borough. The tour has expanded from 30 to 50 destinations that showcase the environmental, art, and historical treasures of Belmar. Each is identified on an interactive online map and accompanying podcast. According to Belmar Councilman Tom Brennan, Borough liaison to the Belmar Environmental Commission, the podcast episodes “are filled with fun, fascinating, and some little-known facts about our wonderful town.” The walking tour is divided into two routes, totaling nearly seven miles in all. The Main Street-Shark River Area route covers the first 27 stops and takes about two hours of leisurely walking to complete (four miles). The Ocean Avenue route is just under three miles in length (about 1.5 hours of walking) and covers stops 28 through 50. Newly updated signage at the 50 points of interest includes QR codes, which provide easy access via any mobile device to the narration that describes the site being visited. The original Belmar Treasure Trail was developed in 2011. Unfortunately, when Superstorm Sandy struck the New Jersey coast in 2012, many destinations along the trail, along with most of the signage, suffered extensive damage. The project to revive the Belmar Treasure Trail was undertaken in 2022 as part of the Borough’s 150th anniversary celebration. RELATED : Belmar Celebrates 150th Anniversary RELATED : Grab A Selfie At The Giant Bruce Springsteen Guitar In addition to Councilman Brennan and his wife, former Councilwoman Merry Brennan, the Belmar Treasure Trail podcast series is narrated by: Belmar Beach Patrol Director Harry Harsin; Belmar Historical Society President Spencer Heulitt; Lake Como Borough Administrator Andrew Huisman; Belmar Environmental Commission Chair Ed Lippincott; Belmar resident Dave Taylor, who also narrated part of the original Treasure Trail script; Belmar Mayor Mark Walsifer; and Belmar Elementary School Principal Sarah Wilton. “This has been a true group effort,” said Councilman Brennan. “The Belmar Environmental Commission has talked for years about rebuilding the Treasure Trail. Celebrating Belmar’s sesquicentennial gave us the push to begin the year-long effort to revise and renew.” RELATED : Belmar Honey - How Sweet It Is RELATED : Find A Free Little Library In Belmar Download the podcast from the iTunes Store . Alternately, you may scan the QR code on each sign or call 732-749-7323 from any point along the tour to hear the recording. Visit www.belmartreasuretrail.com for more information. Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com . Belmar Treasure Trail map credit: www.belmartreasuretrail.com. Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog , a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

The Belmar Beachcomber’s “Taste of Belmar” series features recipes contributed by owners and chefs of restaurants in Belmar, New Jersey. In this edition, we share a recipe for spicy tomatillo salsa from 10th Ave. Burrito Co., a popular local spot that specializes in fresh Mexi-Cali cuisine. “This is a deep-flavored salsa with a nice kick but not overwhelmingly spicy,” says Brian Katz, owner of 10th Ave. Burrito Co. “The recipe is from my head chef Jose. His grandmother used to make this every Sunday while he was growing up in Mexico.” Recipe: Spicy Tomatillo Salsa 20 tomatillos 1 oz. chili de árbol (Mexican chili pepper) 5 cloves of garlic, chopped 1/2 yellow onion, diced 1/2 lime Put tomatillos on an open fire and char them till they turn brown. in a sauté pan, sauté the chili de arbol, chopped garlic, and diced onion. Allow to cool and then combine everything in a blender and squeeze in the lime. Season to taste with salt and pepper. About 10th Ave. Burrito Co. According to its Facebook page, “As seen on ‘Diners, Drive-ins & Dives,’ 10th Ave. Burrito started out with the vision to be a unique creative restaurant serving high-quality food, with the emphasis on fresh and tasty. Everything is made from scratch and is cooked to order. We feature local art, as well as live original music, in a laid-back, casual setting.” In addition to great Tex-Mex food, 10th Ave. Burrito has two full-service bars with a selection of over 100 tequilas, tequila flights, margaritas, beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. Try their $18.00 all-you-can-eat Taco Tuesdays, 75-cent wings on Thursdays, happy hour specials from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. daily, and sweet-and-savory brunch on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. RELATED: Favorite Mexican Restaurants In Belmar And Beyond Belmar Beachcomber's favorites include the sweet and spicy corn soup, pineapple-habañero wings, shredded pork molé nachos (pictured below), huevos rancheros, and shrimp in tequila-lime sauce. If you like margaritas, the spicy pineapple margarita is sure to tingle your tastebuds! 10th Ave. Burrito Co. 801 Belmar Plaza Belmar, New Jersey 732-280-1515 www.tenthaveburrito.com RELATED: Dining In Belmar, New Jersey Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.VacationInBelmar.com. Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved. RELATED: Plan Your Vacation In Belmar

The “Taste of Belmar” series on this blog features recipes contributed by local restaurants in Belmar, New Jersey. In this edition, Klein’s Seafood Restaurant, Market and Tiki Bar shares their recipe for pan-sautéed fluke (summer flounder) in a butter-lemon sauce. Recipe: Flounder With Brown Butter, Lemon and Tarragon Sauce Ingredients 1 cup all-purpose flour Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper Pinch of cayenne pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil 4 flounder fillets of equal size, 6 to 8 ounces each 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 1 teaspoon chopped tarragon A few tarragon leaves, for garnish Lemon wedges Directions Put flour in a shallow bowl and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Place a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and coat the bottom of the pan. Season the flounder with salt and pepper. Dip each fillet quickly into the flour mixture, shaking off excess flour. Lay fillets in the skillet in one layer. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until golden. Remove from pan, keep warm. Leave the heat at medium-high and add the cold butter. Let butter sizzle until foamy and brown, but do not let it burn. Add lemon juice, parsley, and chopped tarragon and swirl to incorporate. Spoon butter sauce over fish. Garnish with a few tarragon leaves and serve immediately with lemon wedges. About Klein’s Seafood Restaurant Klein's Seafood Restaurant is a fourth-generation family business that is celebrating its 93rd year of service in 2023. The restaurant is situated along the Shark River, so you can watch the fishing boats, kayakers, and paddleboarders pass by from the Belmar Marina. Boaters who wish to dock and dine can access the restaurant from the Shark River Inlet. With its tranquil views of the water, Klein's Tiki Bar is a popular spot for happy hour and outside dining. All indoor and outdoor seating a Klein's is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The restaurant does not take reservations. RELATED: Outdoor Dining With A Water View In Belmar Flounder for this recipe may be purchased at Klein’s takeout seafood market adjacent to the restaurant. Or, book a fluke fishing trip on one of the head boats sailing from the Belmar Marina and catch your own fresh fish. Some of our favorite foods to order at Klein’s are the Belmar Beach sushi roll, boom-boom shrimp, and the New England clam chowder. Klein's Seafood Restaurant & Tiki Bar 708 River Road Belmar, New Jersey 732-681-1177 www.kleinsfish.com RELATED: Dining In Belmar, New Jersey Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, single adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com. RELATED: Plan Your Vacation In Belmar, New Jersey Recipe courtesy of Klein’s Seafood Market and Waterside Café via Facebook. Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.vacationinbelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

What's cooking in the Belmar Beachcomber's kitchen? Read more about our favorite way to prepare fresh steamed clams at home. Get some crusty bread ready! Whether you’re preparing the Feast of Seven Fishes for Christmas Eve or hosting a backyard barbecue in the summer, fresh seafood is something that you can enjoy all year long at the Jersey Shore. One of our family’s favorite ways to cook clams at home is to steam them in white wine with butter, garlic, and Italian herbs. This recipe for "Clams Italiano" (AKA garlic clams recipe) is always a hit with dinner guests or when we take it to parties. It’s versatile, too, because it can be served as a first course with Italian bread for dipping in the garlic-studded sauce – or served as a main course over pasta (with bread on the side, of course!). Capellini (angel hair) or linguine works especially well to turn this dish into a meal that rivals any seafood restaurant. I am partial to day-old ciabatta or semolina bread for dipping, but use what you like to sop up all the juices. Even my friends who don't eat clams will devour the broth with some good bread! RELATED: Taste Of Belmar - Reuben Dip With Berg’s Beef Brisket Clams Italiano (AKA Garlic Clams Recipe) Ingredients ½ cup butter (1 stick) 5 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups dry white wine 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon dried parsley 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) 36 clams in shell, scrubbed Directions Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook garlic in butter briefly. Stir in wine, and season with oregano, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Place clams in the wine mixture. Cover, and steam until all the clams have opened. Discard any that do not open. Serve in soup bowls, and ladle broth generously over them. Recipe Credit: AllRecipes.com Tips from the Belmar Beachcomber Blog For faster prep, look for a small bag of peeled fresh garlic cloves in the produce aisle of your grocery store. The clams I usually buy come 50 to a bag, so I double the ingredients to have extra broth for dipping. Use unsalted butter. Fresh parsley instead of dried is a plus. Scrub your clams well, then soak them in a bowl of cold water in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes just prior to cooking. The cold-water bath will help the clams release sand and keep your sauce from being gritty. Use white wine that you would drink, not “cooking wine” from the grocery store. An Italian pinot grigio is my go-to for this recipe. You can steam the clams in a covered skillet on the stove top as directed – or toss everything into a large disposable foil tray, cover with foil, and cook them on the grill. Keep the lid closed and start checking for doneness after about 10 or 15 minutes. When cooking in the foil tray, I usually cut the butter into chunks and drop it around the clams. The heat from the grill will melt the butter and soften the garlic just fine. Baste the clams once or twice during cooking and stir them around. The clams are done when they are open as shown in the photo below. You can hear them start to pop when they are getting close. Extra sauce can be frozen. Add a can or two of chopped clams to make another meal. RELATED: Fresh Catch With The Jersey Shore Lobster Brothers Where To Find Fresh Clams In the Belmar area, fresh clams are available at several local markets that are close to our Belmar beach house rental. These include: Mr. Shrimp Seafood Market and Restaurant 1608 State Route 71 Belmar, New Jersey 07719 Klein’s Fish Market and Waterside Café 708 River Road Belmar, New Jersey 07719 Whole Foods Market 1933 State Route 35 Wall Township, New Jersey 07719 ShopRite of Belmar 1732 State Route 35 Wall Township, New Jersey 07719 RELATED: Area Attractions - Fresh Fish Markets Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com. Recipe credit: AllRecipes.com. Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

One of our favorite salon spots in downtown Belmar, New Jersey, is Sutra Brow & Lash Bar at 907 Main Street. Sutra specializes exclusively on the ancient art of eyebrow threading and also offers eyebrow tinting and eyelash extensions to finish off your look. I have been getting my brows threaded at Sutra for several years. Threading is more precise (and less painful) than waxing or tweezing, and you'll be in and out of your appointment in under 15 minutes! Threading services are also available for other areas of the face, including the upper lip, chin, and cheeks. The optional eyebrow tinting service will really frame your face and make your eyes stand out. RELATED: Area Attractions Near Belmar Sutra Brow & Lash Bar has been recognized among the "Best of Monmouth" in the category of Best Health and Beauty Services in Monmouth County - Eyebrow Shaping. The "Best of Monmouth" awards are sponsored by Monmouth Health & Life magazine. Sutra's convenient Main Street location is easy to get to if you're staying at our beach house rental, so treat yourself to a little "me time" pampering the next time you're visiting here. Sutra Brow & Lash Bar 907 Main Street Belmar, New Jersey 732-741-5274 www.sutrabrowlashbar.com Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com. Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

Whether you're craving fresh seafood, a romantic Italian meal, or casual appetizers and light bites, your dining experience will be that much better at a table outside with sparkling water views. Here are the Belmar Beachcomber's favorite places to dine al fresco near the water in Belmar, New Jersey. 1. Klein's Waterside Cafe, Grill Room & Sushi Bar  708 River Road Belmar, NJ 07719 732-681-1177 www.kleinsfish.com Klein's seafood restaurant in Belmar is a third-generation family-run business that celebrated its 91st year of service in 2021. The restaurant is situated along the Shark River, so you can watch the fishing boats pass by on their way to and from the Belmar Marina. A favorite outdoor spot is the tiki bar at Klein's. In addition, the restaurant has plenty of outdoor seating at umbrella tables and a shaded full-service bar. Happy hour specials are available at all tables between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Klein's also offers online ordering with curbside pickup or delivery via DoorDash if you prefer your food to go. During the Belmar Restaurant Tour in March, Klein's usually serve their delicious soups, such as red or white clam chowder, and lobster bisque. We also like the boom-boom shrimp and the Belmar Beach roll. RELATED : 8 Great Breakfast Restaurants In The Belmar Area 2. La Dolce Vita Italian Seafood Grill 400 Ocean Avenue Belmar, New Jersey 07719 732-749-3177 Website 2a. La Terrazza Cucina Rustica & Bar 408 Ocean AVenue Belmar, New Jersey 07719 732-894-3855 Website The restaurant business also runs in the family for the uncle-nephew owners of La Dolce Vita Italian restaurant on the Belmar beachfront. The restaurant's prime location on Ocean Avenue offers first-class views of the Belmar boardwalk and beach, great for people-watching. Lunch is served from noon to 3:00 p.m. daily, and dinner is served from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Takeout is available from La Dolce Vita on a limited basis, depending on how busy the kitchen is with outdoor orders. Next door at 408 Ocean Avenue, the family's second restaurant, La Terrazza Cucina Rustica & Bar, is open for lunch and dinner. Current hours of service are 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week. Lunch is served from opening until 3:00 p.m. RELATED : Lunch And Light Bights: 7 Favorite Casual Restaurants In Belmar 3. 9th Ave. Pier Restaurant and Patio Bar Belmar Marina 905 Route 35 Belmar, New Jersey 732-749-3800 www.9thavepier.com 4. Marina Grille Belmar Marina 905 Route 35 Belmar, NJ 07719 732-749-3800 http://marinagrillenj.com/ If you love to watch sunsets while you're dining in Belmar, the best views of the blazing sky can be found at 9th Ave. Pier and Marina Grille at the Belmar Marina. Both water-front restaurants are owned and operated by Chef's International, a regional restaurant corporation, which also runs Anchor Tavern on 8th Avenue and Main Street in Belmar. Neither Marina Grille nor 9th Ave. Pier accept reservations. All seating is first-come, first-served. RELATED : Marina Grille - 12,000 Square Feet Of "Wow" At The Belmar Marina Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, single adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.VacationInBelmar.com . Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog , a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

One of Belmar's most popular casual restaurants, Playa Bowls, operates two locations on Ocean Avenue to serve beachgoers and residents. The flagship Playa Bowls is located at 803 Ocean Avenue in Belmar, next to Coney Waffle ice cream shop. The second Playa Bowls location, which is known as "Lil Belmar," sits at the corner of 17th and Ocean Avenues (down the block from Dunkin Donuts). Both locations serve the company's signature pure acai bowls, pitaya bowls, smoothies, coconut bowls, chia pudding bowls, banana bowls, and green kale bowls. Other items on the Playa Bowls menu include fresh fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies, and steel-cut organic oatmeal bowls. Add extra fruit or customize your bowl or smoothie with toppings such as white chocolate, almond butter, whey or vegan protein, chia seeds, goji berries, bee pollen, and other options for 75 cents per add-on. In the back of Playa Bowls on 8th and Ocean Avenues, you'll also find Coffee Surf Co. , an independent coffee shop also founded in Belmar. RELATED : Favorite Fudge Shops In Belmar Playa Bowls started in 2014 as a modest pop-up stand on Ocean Avenue in Belmar, inspired by the founders' international surfing adventures where they first experienced the taste of acai and pitaya bowls. The business has erupted into a nationwide sensation beyond the Jersey Shore, with the opening of numerous franchise locations in 20 states, including 65 in New Jersey, dozens along the East Coast, and some even as far as Arizona, Texas, and Colorado. My go-to orders are either the Dragonberry pitaya bowl (pictured above) or the power acai bowl, which is topped with chocolate protein, bananas, peanut butter, and granola. Local tip: Order ahead online to avoid the long wait in line on busy summer weekends. Playa Bowls (Original Location) 803 Ocean Avenue Belmar, New Jersey 07719 732-556-6897 www.playabowls.com Playa Bowls Lil' Belmar 1607 Ocean Avenue Belmar, New Jersey 07719 732-245-1239 www.playabowls.com Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.VacationInBelmar.com. Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog , a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

When your sweet tooth is calling, curb your craving with a box of creamy fudge from one of our favorite shops in the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. The three confection shops featured in this post are family-owned small businesses serving fresh fudge that is hand-crafted in small batches. Each fudge shop is within walking distance of our Belmar beach house rental — making for any easy destination to visit and enjoy this timeless treat during your vacation stay. (Shops are listed in alphabetical order). 1. Coney Waffle Ice Cream Cakery 801 Main Street, Unit 1G Belmar, New Jersey 07719 (Enter from Belmar Plaza parking lot, next to Big Frog Shirts) 732-556-6951 www.coneywaffle.com The owners of Coney Waffle on Ocean Avenue expanded their business into downtown Belmar in March 2022 with the opening of Coney Waffle Ice Cream Cakery. In addition to chocolate and vanilla fudge, you’ll find 14 additional tempting flavors at Coney Cakery in Belmar: banana pudding, chocolate cherry, chocolate raspberry, chocolate with Reese’s Pieces, cookies and cream, cookie dough, Cookie Monster, cotton candy, Heath bar, key lime, mint chocolate, Nutella, orange creamsicle, and peanut butter. Fudge at Coney Waffle Ice Cream Cakery sells for $17.95/pound. In addition to fudge, they sell giant half-pound cookies, chocolate-covered pretzels, cakes, and assorted chocolates. Stop in for a free sample! RELATED: Playa Bowls Operates Two Locations On The Belmar Beachfront 2. Rudy’s On Main 1623 Main Street Lake Como, New Jersey 07719 848-204-0758 www.rudysonmain.com The fudge at Rudy’s On Main in Lake Como, New Jersey, is delightfully decadent and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Fudge is sold in portions ranging from a quarter-pound ($7.25) to a half-pound ($14.50), three-quarter pound ($21.75), and a full pound ($29.00). Gourmet fudge flavors at Rudy's include Belgian chocolate, black cherry bourbon, chocolate walnut, cookies and cream, crème brulée, dark espresso, peanut butter, raspberry truffle, salted caramel bourbon, and sea salt caramel. Order from Rudy's online for curbside pickup or delivery via DoorDash or Grubhub. Ask about their free customer loyalty program. RELATED: Places We Love – Rudy’s On Main UPDATE 1-10-2023: Rudy's is temporarily closed as of 1-5-2023 and will be moving to a new location, to be announced. 3. Sweet! Cupcake Shop 702 10th Avenue Belmar, New Jersey 07719 732-280-8889 sweetbelmar.com Sweet! is locally known for more than award-winning cupcakes. Their signature Boardwalk Fudge is made onsite at the cozy little shop next to Beckman’s Deli on 10th Avenue. Take your pick of 12 flavors in half-pound or full-pound cuts ($8.99 and $15.99, respectively). The flavors of fudge at Sweet! include: chocolate peanut butter; chocolate-vanilla swirl; cookies and cream; maple walnut; milk chocolate with or without walnuts; peanut butter; rocky road (milk chocolate with miniature marshmallows and walnuts); turtle (chocolate with pecans and caramel); vanilla sea salt with caramel; and vanilla with or without walnuts. Sweet! also sells a vanilla-chocolate fudge combo pack (one slice of each flavor) and the “Jersey Shore Pack” ($19.99), which includes a half-pound box of fudge and a one-pound box of salt water taffy in assorted flavors. All of the Boardwalk Fudge at Sweet! is individually vacuum-sealed and boxed to keep it as fresh and creamy as the day it was cut. Nationwide shipping and free local delivery (five-mile radius) are available. No matter how you slice it, gourmet fudge from the Jersey Shore is a sweet souvenir — for you or for someone back home! RELATED: More Belmar Food And Dining Stories Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.VacationInBelmar.com. Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.