"Sesquicentennial" is a big word for a big anniversary. In 2022, the coastal community of Belmar, New Jersey, celebrated its 150th anniversary (AKA sesquicentennial). The celebration culminated with the dedication of a commemorative clock on August 31, 2022, during the Belmar Founder's Day Celebration. During the event, brief remarks were presented by Belmar Mayor Mark Walsifer; Spencer Heulitt; President of the Belmar Historical Society; Tom Arnone, Monmouth County Freeholder Director; and other government officials. Following the presentations, bagpipers and drummers from the Pipes and Drums of the Jersey Shore performed several songs. Over $70,000 was raised through private donations to the 2021 Belmar Mayor's Ball fund for the purchase, design, and installation of the clock at its place of honor on 10th Avenue and Main Street. This location is one of the busiest thoroughfares in the center of town, making it the perfect place to mark the passage of time in the borough. The clock is surrounded by a custom paver walkway and a specially designed Belmar blue "wave" logo. RELATED: Grab A Selfie At The Giant Bruce Springsteen Tribute Guitar "A clock measures time," Heulitt said. "In history, we measure what has been done in time. There is a connection in Belmar’s 150 years. Land was divided by avenues and streets, then lots. Roadways, rails, and award-winning bridges, which allowed for a marina with charter boats, contributed to the town’s growth. Magnificent public and private buildings, some coming from the nation's 1876 Centennial Fair in Philadelphia, were constructed. A business district was established." "Monuments honoring those that served the community and country were erected, including the WWI Doughboy, one of the most recognizable statues in America," he added. "In Belmar, world-class swimmers broke records, top surfers rode waves off its beaches, and Baseball Hall of Famers performed in Major League games on its Memorial Field. Skilled musicians of all genres have played throughout the town. What it all says is that Belmar has had its share of firsts, biggest and best.…In Belmar’s 150 years, there is a lot to celebrate. Time is a part of life. So thanks to the Mayor and Council for a clock that reminds us of this and the link between past, present, and future." Belmar Day The Belmar Historical Society (BHS) also organized Belmar Day on September 10, 2022. The event took place at Taylor Pavilion on the Belmar boardwalk and included informational exhibits by the Belmar Arts Center, the Belmar Police Department, Belmar Cares, the Belmar Public Library, and other community organizations, as well as free slices of chocolate and vanilla cake to commemorate the birthday of Belmar. According to a BHS email, "More than 500 people visited Taylor Pavilion to see displays and learn more about local organizations such as the Friends of the Belmar Harbor, the Belmar Environmental Commission's new Treasure Trail, and much more. Plus, Union Fire Co. brought their 1889 horse-drawn steam engine and 1956 Seagrave engine for all to enjoy." RELATED: Upcoming Events In Belmar, New Jersey Belmar 150th Anniversary Calendar In addition to the well-attended community events, the Belmar Historical Society produced a special 12-month calendar to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Belmar in 2022. According to the official Facebook page for the Borough of Belmar, the calendar includes "12 months of vintage photos with a bonus of two extra photos from its archive collection. The calendar also records important dates in Belmar’s development. Each month depicts a look back in time from the marina at Shark River, summer carnival at Silver Lake, to the beachfront and boardwalk." The calendar is selling for $15.00 and may be ordered online or purchased at several places in town: the BHS museum and history room, 900 E Street in the annex of the Union Firehouse; the Belmar Public Library, 517 10th Avenue; and Taylor Hardware, 914 Main Street. Calendar order forms are also available at the Belmar Municipal Building, 600 Main Street. RELATED: Belmar Business Spotlight - Taylor Hardware A Day Of Baseball In Belmar On Saturday, June 25, 2022, the Belmar Historical Society and Belmar Recreation came together to celebrate “A Day of Baseball in Belmar,” with a bronze plaque dedication ceremony at Memorial Field across from the Belmar Post Office. As part of the ceremony, two dugouts at the ballfield were named after two Negro National League stars who played in Belmar between 1933 and 1941. The plaque also recognizes Belmar Braves Hall of Fame players. According to the Belmar Historical Society, "The Belmar Braves were a semi-pro team formed in 1919 originally called the Belmar Mystics, but changed their name when Judge Fuchs, a Belmar resident and owner of the Boston Braves, donated uniforms that had 'Braves' on them. The team was sponsored by the Belmar First Aid Squad. The home field where they played many a game still exists in Belmar on Main Street between 12th and 13th. It is called Memorial field and featured a 5,000 seat grandstand. Some very well-known visiting baseball players could be seen during the hay day of league games in Belmar such as Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson and Roy Campanella, to name a few." Following the plaque dedication, the Monmouth Furnace and the Hoboken 9 baseball teams faced off in a historical re-enactment game following baseball rules from 1865. "A Day of Baseball in Belmar" concluded with a free showing of the baseball-themed movie "The Sandlot" in the outfield of Memorial Field. Belmar Treasure Trail Relaunch 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, artistic and historical treasures of Belmar. Each is identified on an interactive online map and accompanying podcast. Pictured below is Stop #29, a butterfly waystation garden. With plantings of milkweed, coneflowers, and other native plants, the garden is specially designed to host monarch butterflies and bees, while also preventing pollution from rainwater in the nearby Silver Lake. RELATED: 7 Ways To Enjoy The Water In Belmar 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.

Registration for the 2023 Spring Lake Five Mile Run is scheduled for Sunday, February 12. Hopeful participants will go online at 5:00 a.m. to score one of the 12,500 available race bibs. The popular running event along the scenic New Jersey coastline takes place Saturday, May 27, 2023, a Memorial Day weekend tradition since 1977. The Spring Lake 5 begins at 8:30 a.m. at Ocean and Sussex Avenues in Spring Lake, New Jersey. A true family-friendly event, the Spring Lake 5 also includes non-competitive kids' races for children up to age 14. The kids' fun runs start at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 26, at Ocean and Atlantic Avenues in Spring Lake. Runner's World magazine has named the Spring Lake 5 as one of the top 100 U.S. road races, and the event is a USATF-certified course (USA Track and Field). Members of the Jersey Shore Running Club and the Princeton Running Club are among the thousands of participants. RELATED: Places We Love: Scone Pony Specialty Bake Shoppe Spring Lake 5 - Where To Stay: Our Belmar beach house is available for rent the weekend of the Spring Lake 5. The home has two bedrooms and sleeps up to four people. Learn more at www.VacationInBelmar.com. From its humble beginnings as a local fun run with 500 participants in 1977, the Spring Lake 5 has evolved into the largest road race in New Jersey and one of the country's largest competitive running and fund-raising events. All proceeds from the $60.00 entry fee are donated to support local fire departments, Spring Lake Recreation, and numerous non-profit charitable organizations throughout the shore region. Over nearly two decades, more than $2.6 million has been raised through the Spring Lake 5. By many accounts, the Spring Lake 5 will go down in the history books as a time-honored tradition that signals the official start of summer at the Jersey Shore. If you were previously confirmed for the 2020 race and did not request a full refund, your registration number has been rolled over for the 2022 race. No further action is required. Visit www.springlake5.org for more information. RELATED: Area Attractions Near Spring Lake, 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 © 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.

Check out the Belmar Beachcomber's top picks for grocery stores and farm markets near Belmar, NJ. At our beach house rental in Belmar, New Jersey, you’ll find a well-equipped kitchen for preparing meals, along with a diverse selection of nearby supermarkets, farm markets, and natural-foods stores to shop for groceries and provisions. Our rental is a short drive from popular markets such as ShopRite, Whole Foods and Wegmans, as well as independent grocers such as Matt’s Farm Market and Soulberry Natural Market in Spring Lake Heights. We've also compiled a list of our favorite places for gourmet takeout and Italian specialties for those super-chill days when you don't feel like cooking or getting takeout. Remember to bring your own shopping bags to the grocery store, as New Jersey no longer allows retailers to provide single-use paper or plastic bags as of May 2022. Most markets have bags available for purchase if you do not bring your own, and we have a small supply of reusable tote bags available in our beach house rental for guests to use. Matt's Farm Market & Garden Center 1740 Highway 71 Belmar, New Jersey 07719 732-449-5600 <1 mile Great for: Fresh fruits and vegetables, bundles of fresh basil, Jersey sweet corn and tomatoes, winesap apples. RELATED: Belmar Honey - How Sweet It Is Matt's Farm Market in Belmar, New Jersey. ShopRite of Belmar 1732 State Route 35 Wall Township, New Jersey 07719 732-681-0900 1.5 miles A World-Class ShopRite supermarket opened on Route 35 and 18th Avenue in May 2021. The 71,500-square-foot store is a foodie's dream. You literally could spend an hour or two shopping in this store — there's that much to explore and experience. Great for: General groceries, household provisions, personal care items, grab-and-go meals, fresh seafood and meats, bakery cakes and breads, salad bar, and more. ShopRite of Belmar. Soulberry Natural Market Spring Lake Heights Shopping Center 2407 Route 71 Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey 07762 732-449-4950 2 miles Soulberry Natural Market is a family-owned independent grocery store that opened in 2023 at the retail location formerly occupied by Nature's Corner. This is the second location of Soulberry, the first one being in New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Shop at Soulberry Natural Market for organic and non-GMO groceries, organic and local produce, health and beauty products, nutritional supplements, and vitamins. This grocery store is a great option to Whole Foods when you want to run out for something quick. Soulberry Natural Market in Spring Lake Heights, NJ. Aldi Supermarket 1919 State Route 35 Wall Township, New Jersey 07719 Approx. 2.5 miles Great for: Fresh produce, gourmet cheese, eggs, nuts, crackers, snacks, frozen food, bottled spring water, condiments, coffee, bread, pantry items, and seasonal merchandise. Bring a quarter to use the shopping carts. The store has a shopping cart system where you insert the quarter to unlock the cart. You get your quarter back after you return the cart to the corral at the front of the store. Aldi supermarket in Wall Township, New Jersey. Whole Foods Market 1933 NJ–35 Wall Township, New Jersey 07719 732-359-3400 Approx. 3 miles Great for: Organic produce and foods, gourmet cheeses, bakery items, fresh fish and seafood, Bell & Evans chicken, cold cuts, hot prepared foods and salad bar. If you are an Amazon Prime member, Whole Foods will deliver your groceries to the house for a nominal fee. Acme 2007 New Jersey Highway 35 Wall Township, New Jersey 07719 732-974-9090 Approx. 3 miles Great for: General groceries, Boar's Head cold cuts, household provisions. The Wall Township Acme offers online ordering with free curbside pickup and home delivery (fee applies). Wegmans 1104 Highway 35 Ocean Township, New Jersey 07712 732-695-7000 Approx. 6 miles Great for: General groceries, basic provisions, hot prepared foods, takeout sushi, fresh meat and seafood, organic foods and produce, international ingredients, wine and beer. Grocery delivery is available from Wegmans via Instacart (subject to service and delivery fees). Costco 2361 Highway 66 Ocean Township, New Jersey 07712 732-481-0023 Approx. 6 miles Trader Joe’s 1031 Broad Street Shrewsbury, New Jersey 07702 732-389-2535 Approx. 13 miles Trader Joe’s 110 Brick Plaza Brick, New Jersey 08723 Approx. 12 miles In addition to these markets near our Belmar beach house rental, there's a Target nearby in Wall Township, New Jersey, as well as a small convenience store in downtown Belmar called Supersavers Market, where you can buy fresh produce and basic groceries. There's also a Family Dollar store near the 10th Avenue train station in the Belmar Plaza. 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. www.VacationInBelmar.com 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.

Every March, the Belmar Magical Garden volunteers come together for a spring cleanup day to prepare the raised planting beds, organize the greenhouse, and sow organic seeds that will grow into this summer’s harvest. The garden and greenhouse are nestled behind Mitzi and Emily’s Playground on the corner of 15th Avenue and E Street in Belmar, New Jersey. "The community garden is an opportunity for residents to learn about organic gardening and can serve as a model for them to use in their own gardens or, for those who do not have a place for a garden, it provides an opportunity for them to garden," says long-time volunteer Carol Davies, pictured below in the greenhouse. "We grow a variety of vegetables," she adds, "which we strive to grow organically, and always enjoy trying something new each year. This year, we are planting various greens, green beans, peas, onions, summer squash, radishes, carrots, beets, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplant, kale, and more." RELATED : Best Playgrounds And Parks In Belmar The Belmar Magical Garden season begins with a breakfast and planning meeting the first Saturday in March and ends with a wrap-up meeting in late fall. Every Saturday morning throughout the growing season, members of the gardening group take a hands-on role in planting, watering, and maintaining the vegetables, flower beds, fruit shrubs, and herbs. The group meets weekly from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. ​ A to-do list of gardening activities is maintained in the greenhouse for members who cannot attend the Saturday morning sessions so they may provide their weekly hour of service as their schedule permits. In addition, garden members assist with tasks such as preparing the garden layout, maintaining the compost pile, ordering seeds, building new planting beds, organizing popcorn fund-raisers at free movie night on Belmar beach, and other responsibilities. At harvest time, all the community garden members share in the bounty of their efforts, with everyone taking home a share of the fresh produce, herbs, fruit, and flowers to enjoy. RELATED : Making Perfect Matches At MidAtlantic Bulldog Rescue The Belmar Environmental Commission is the sponsoring municipal entity of the Belmar Magical Garden, which opened in spring 2000 as an outgrowth of the playground that was built on a vacant piece of land owned by the Borough of Belmar. According to Davies, "The greenhouse was built by inmate labor donated through the New Jersey Department of Corrections, and Home Depot donated tools and seeds the first year. It began with approximately eight families and has grown to over 20 family units." An annual membership to Belmar Magical Garden costs $20 per year. Membership fees are used to purchase planting supplies, such as seed-starting mix, vegetable and flower seeds, and organic fertilizer. Membership is open to Belmar residents, as well as families from neighboring towns. All levels of gardening experience are welcome, from master gardener to first-timer. New families are welcome to join the Belmar Magical Garden for 2022. Email the garden coordinator if you are interested in getting involved. "The success of the garden is made possible by the contributions of each of the members," Davies says. "It takes all of us to make the garden a success!" Belmar Magical Garden and Greenhouse 604 15th Avenue Belmar, New Jersey 07719 Website Facebook 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.

Eastern Lines owner Don Tarrant has been riding a wave of success at his shop in Belmar for more than 40 years. In May 2019, he accepted a special honor bestowed upon a select group of local surfing legends when he was inducted into the New Jersey Surfing Hall of Fame. Tell us a little bit about your business. Eastern Lines is a full-service surf shop located on Ocean Avenue in Belmar, directly across from the surfing beaches at 17th and 18th Avenues. We opened in 1981 in the Acme Plaza. In those days, we were known as Zodiac Surf & Skate. After closing for a year in 1986 (while I was spending a lot of time in Hawaii), we re-opened on Main Street as Eastern Lines Surf Shop. What was the inspiration for your business? I have been a surfer since the age of 12. I found my life consumed by surfing and travelling to surf. I had always been interested in surfboard design and construction. By opening the shop, I was able to live the lifestyle I wanted. What do you enjoy most about being part of the Belmar business community? I grew up in Ocean County and had my early surfing career at Casino Pier in Seaside Heights, which was very well known at the time as a “hot bed” of New Jersey surfing. Once I was old enough to drive, I began surfing in the Belmar area regularly. In the years after I opened the shop in Belmar, I became acquainted with my many business owners and locals. Most of the locals and business people are very friendly and share a sense of community. I like that very much. What is something most people don't know about your business? Eastern Lines is a family-run business. My daughter, Darby, has been working and involved in the shop since she was 12, along with many other members of my family. After her graduation from Stockton, she came to work at the shop full-time and has since taken over most of the day-to-day operations at the shop. I want my business to be known for…. I would hope that Eastern Lines will always be remembered as a friendly, family-oriented business. In a lot of cases, we are on our third generation of surfers from the same families. It’s quite an honor to have been involved with all those people! How does it feel to be an inductee into the New Jersey Surfing Hall of Fame? As of that day, there will only have been about 50 people inducted so far. I feel it is a real privilege to have my name mentioned along with many of the most well-known surfing luminaries in New Jersey. When I’m not working, I like to …. Spend a lot of time reading and riding my Harley. My “second home” is in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. I love to spend time with all my friends there. What is the biggest lesson you have learned being in business for yourself? I laugh when I hear over and over, "Wow, you own a business up at the beach. You must make a fortune!" Most people have no idea how hard it is to run and maintain a business, especially for a long period of time. Your business is really with you seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Even when you’re off, you’re thinking and worrying about it and trying to make plans for your future. Anything else to add? I have been incredibly fortunate to do what I love for nearly 40 years. I’ve gotten to travel and surf all over the world. I’ve met and made many friends along my travels. I love being in the surf business and love my many friends and customers. Our mantra over these many years has always been "Soul, Tradition and Experience." I hope I have been able to live up to those ideals. Eastern Lines Surf Shop 1605 Ocean Avenue Belmar, New Jersey 732-681-6405 www.easternlines.com RELATED : Belmar Business Spotlight - Beckman's On The Beach 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.

Danny White is well-known in Belmar not only for his musical talents as a solo performer and front man of the Danny White Band — but also for his generosity in supporting community events and for his popular music school, Beach Music Studios. When he's not entertaining crowds at local venues or recording his own songs, White is making a difference in young lives through music education. Tell us a little bit about your business . Beach Music Studios (BMS) celebrated its 15th year in December 2019. We offer expert music lessons for all instruments, band rehearsal space, pro recording, and instrument repairs, rentals, and sales. BMS is also the home of the Beach Music Rock Band kids. Students ages 7 to 17 learn to play together as a band and perform shows in legendary venues like The Stone Pony. We also offer the Beach Music Scholarship, which provides a year of free music lessons and a new instrument to select students in Belmar, New Jersey. What was the inspiration for your business? I was touring with my band and was invited to Bloomington, Indiana, by John Mellencamp’s guitarist and co-producer, Mike Wanchic. He offered to produce some of my songs at John’s studio there. It was interesting to find that Mellencamp’s entire operation was run out of a small house he purchased after their first big hits. John and his band recorded all their albums and rehearsed there, his management was set up in the dining room, and John’s painting workshop was in a spare bedroom. I thought, “What a great idea. I’ll find a space where my band and I can rehearse and record, I’ll ask my music teacher and musician friends if they want to teach lessons, and I can offer the space to other bands.” That space has been 808 Belmar Plaza in Belmar for the past 15+ years. RELATED : Belmar Business Spotlight - The Paperback Exchange What do you enjoy most about working with kids and promoting music education? It’s very exciting to see a child find their place and their identity through music. There have been kids come in through the years who have hardly said two words, then they join our rock band, and next thing you know, they are the lead singer in the band performing in front of hundreds of people. The power of music is amazing, and I must thank the great Beach Music Studios staff for our students’ success as well. In particular, the staff that runs the Beach Music Rock Band: Drew Clelland and Mike Williams, with assistance from Matt Daniels and Kyle Donovan. What is something most people don't know about your business? We recently started the Beach Music A Cappella Group. While we are known for our Beach Music Rock Band, we felt we needed an outlet for our fantastic vocal students to perform live. My wife, Kerry, runs and arranges the music for the group, along with our incredibly talented voice teacher JT, who developed a touring a cappella group at Neptune High School Performing Arts Society. Anyone between the ages of 12 and 17 can audition for the group. RELATED : One-Of-A-Kind Finds - Mr. Greek Mediterranean Restaurant I want my business to be known for …. I want people to know that the Beach Music Studios door is open to everyone and that I know all the 16 teachers personally. Our students are learning from and spending time with successful, good people who will genuinely care for, and do their best for, your children. If I was asked to describe my background in a few sentences, I would tell you that …. My background before opening BMS was touring the country with my band. I’ve been lucky enough to perform or work with, on a number of occasions, some of my rock-and-roll heroes: Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp and his band, Sting, Andy Summers of The Police, Shelly Yakus (John Lennon, Tom Petty, U2), CJ Eriksson (U2, Phish), and others. When I’m not working, I like to …. When I’m not working, I’m working — handling the studio, writing songs, recording, etc. When I am not in studio, I spend all my time with my family. What is the biggest lesson you have learned being in business for yourself ? There are no days off if you want to be the best at what you want to do. Beach Music Studios 808 Belmar Plaza Belmar, NJ 07719 732-280-1181 www.beachmusicstudios.com www.dannywhitemusic.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.

From chowders and bisques to surf and turf, lobster is a versatile and delicious shellfish that can be broiled, steamed, and even baked. When we are cooking with our favorite crustacean, we head over to the Sunsets Marina in Neptune, New Jersey, to purchase fresh lobster off the boat from Jersey Shore Lobster Brothers. Jersey Shore Lobster Brothers is a second-generation local family business. It was founded in the 1970s by Joe Horvath Sr. Today, his sons, Joe Jr. and Adam, captain the family's two boats, “Fully Loaded” and “Baby Doll.” The brothers sail year-round in all sorts of weather conditions to harvest their catch. They depart the marina before sunrise and return around dinner time — sometimes after sunset. Their honey hole sits about eight miles off the Atlantic coast, deep in the waters of an area known as the Hudson Shelf, where they set hundreds of traps baited with skate fish and bunker. RELATED : Area Attractions Near Belmar, New Jersey In addition to the general public, area restaurants such as La Dolce Vita in Belmar and Point Lobster Company in Point Pleasant buy their langosta fresh off the boat from Jersey Shore Lobster Brothers. On especially fruitful days, fresh crabs and day-boat scallops are also available for sale. It's best to watch their Facebook page to see when the Baby Doll and Fully Loaded are sailing. They always post their ETA back to the dock, where customers are lined up with coolers to take home the day’s fresh catch. You can’t beat the price or the freshness of day boat lobster from the Jersey Shore Lobster Brothers. Jersey Shore Lobster Brothers Sunsets Marina 100 South Concourse Neptune Township, New Jersey 732-998-1969 UPDATE January 4, 2021: Sadly, Joe Horvath Sr. lost his fight with COVID-19 on November 17, 2020. Our condolences to the Horvath family on their loss. 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.

If you like to feed the back-yard birds as much as I do, you probably buy a lot of seed. One of my favorite places to stock up on bird-feeding supplies is Wild Bird Seeds & Such, an adorable little shop in Brielle, New Jersey. The owner, Debby, is very knowledgeable about bird species, their habits, and what they like to eat — and she loves to “talk birds” with her customers. She even has several feeders outside the back of her shop to keep you entertained while you’re browsing — and there’s a lot to explore and discover at every turn. One of my regular purchases at Debby’s shop is the Scarlett brand of deck-and-patio bird seed. This shell-free blend is great because whatever seeds fall to the ground will not sprout in your yard or flowerbeds. The deck-and-patio mix consists of shelled peanuts, sunflower seeds and chips, cracked corn, nyjer seed, safflower, and white millet. It comes in 20-pound recyclable paper bags ($25.23 per bag). This seed attracts a range of feathered friends to my feeders, including cardinals, Carolina wrens, sparrows, house finches, mourning doves, and the occasional blue jay. RELATED : Find A Free Little Library In Belmar Another “must buy” when I shop local at Wild Bird Seeds & Such is the C&S brand of sweet corn logs ($5.49 for a two pack). I started putting out the corn logs to discourage the squirrels from raiding my feeders, but the birds like to nibble on the corn, too, especially after a good rainstorm. I think the rain may soften the corn, and the birds go bonkers for it. There’s a corn-only version of the logs and another style that mixes sweet corn and ground peanuts. If you are looking for a new feeder or a colorful bird house to adorn your yard, Wild Bird Seeds & Such is the place to go. You’ll find an amazing assortment of houses in different price ranges to fit different sizes and types of birds. Same for the selection of feeders. You’ll find tube feeders, hanging feeders, platform feeders, hummingbird feeders, suet feeders, and even some squirrel-busters. A couple of years ago, for my birthday, I treated myself to a handcrafted wood birdhouse with a copper-trimmed shake roof from Debby’s shop. I had it mounted on a tall 4x4 post, and the birdhouse reigns proudly over my garden, surrounded by daylilies, Japanese painted ferns, and hostas. RELATED : Area Attractions In Belmar, New Jersey Wild Bird Seeds & Such is an easy 15-minute drive from our beach house rental in Belmar, via Route 71 south. It’s a wonderful place to shop for unique gifts to bring home from your vacation at the Jersey Shore — for you or someone else! Please note that the owner requires customers to wear face coverings while shopping, and she will even offer to carry your big bags of seed to the car if you need help. Wild Bird Seeds & Such 500 Union Avenue Brielle, New Jersey 08730 732-528-4633 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

Twenty-degree temperatures didn’t deter the hungry crowds from enjoying the 9th annual Belmar Restaurant Tour on Sunday, March 12. We have participated in this event every year since it started. It’s a fun way to spend a late-winter, post-NFL Sunday afternoon, sampling small bites and chef’s creations at Belmar’s diverse array of casual, pub-style, and fine-dining eateries. Our first stop on the tour is always La Dolce Vita Italian Seafood Grill on Ocean Avenue, which this year served homemade butternut squash gnocchi with tender braised pork. Next door, La Terrazza Cucina Rustica & Bar was serving its signature pizza. From there, we made our way to Klein’s Fish Market and Waterside Cafe, which provided a warm welcome in its enclosed, heated outdoor bar with live music and hot Manhattan or New England clam chowder. Our path then led us downtown and to Pyanoe Plaza for several stops. We visited 10th Avenue Burrito Co. (shredded chicken or beef soft tacos), Beach Haus Brewery (flight of light and dark beer samples), Brandl (mini beef wellingtons), Federici’s on 10th (penne with vodka sauce), Jack’s Tavern, Simply Southern (crab and corn chowder), Stay Gold Café (chicken or tuna salad with a side of romaine, walnut and cranberry salad), and Twisted Tapas (corned beef bites). We were excited to see Hoagitos taking part in the tour for the first time this year and scoring big with its delicious serving of Cajun-fried chicken thigh sandwiches. Jersey Shore BBQ’s friendly hospitality and award-winning chicken wings in mild, medium and hot (honey-jalapeno, yum!) made for another delightful stop as we rounded third base on the tour. Our tradition is to end the tour with two final stops: Mr. Shrimp Seafood Restaurant and Market and Turnstile Coffee. The owners of Mr. Shrimp always go the extra mile to provide a memorable restaurant tour experience, and we enjoyed this year’s small bites of sliced pepper tuna with wasabi slaw and king crab and lobster risotto. At Turnstile, a currant-oat scone accompanied by a hot cup of craft-roasted specialty coffee provided the perfect ending to a fun — and filling! — day. Regrettably, we missed a few of our usual stops this year, because we forgot to spring forward Saturday night and got a slightly late start. (Note for next year!) I did make sure to grab current menus and business cards from the restaurants we visited to update our stash in the kitchen drawer, where we also keep printed copies of the Belmar Dining Guide for our vacation rental guests. Please visit the About Belmar page of our website and our Belmar Beachcomber Blog for more information on all the fun things to do when you’re visiting 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.

The 11th annual Belmar Restaurant Tour on March 10, 2019, featured 38 delicious stops throughout downtown Belmar and along Ocean Avenue and Route 71. Our tasting adventure started at La Dolce Vita Italian Seafood Grill with a generous serving of melt-in-your-mouth braised pork short ribs and butternut squash risotto. From Ocean Avenue, we headed downtown to Klein’s Fish Market and Waterside Café (New England clam chowder and tuna bites) and to Doughboys Wood-Fired Pizza (penne with pesto-cream sauce, penne with vodka sauce, and pizza). Hot buffet selections welcomed visitors at Comfi of Belmar (fresh kielbasa, pierogies, chicken pesto salad, and French toast bites) and at 10th Avenue Burrito Co. (chicken taquitos, tequila-spiked creamed corn, and chipotle mashed potato pierogies). Moving on, we sampled butternut squash bisque and pulled pork sliders at Anchor Tavern, followed by smoked brisket chili topped with macaroni and cheese at Jersey Shore BBQ. Patrons lined up outside Stay Gold Café, waiting their turn for small plates of Stay Gold's signature tuna salad, prepared with fresh shredded albacore, chopped golden delicious apples, vegan mayo, and cranberries. Stay Gold also offered samples of vegan chickpea salad and the crisply refreshing apple-walnut salad with honey-balsamic vinaigrette. RELATED: 7 Favorite Casual Restaurants In Belmar A sample of Olé IPA whet our whistle at Beach Haus Brewery before we headed to Jack's Tavern to sample artichokes Francaise and potato-leek soup. Next door, Federici's On 10th served thin-crust pizza and New England clam chowder. Beckman's Deli spiced up our palate with chicken wings slathered in their homemade BBQ and buffalo sauces. In Belmar Plaza, first-time restaurant tour participant Sonny's Grille, which opened in fall 2018, served over 30 pounds of sausage and peppers, along with pulled pork and hot dogs with various toppings. The panko-fried chicken sandwich samples at Hoagitos were also a huge hit. RELATED: 5 Best Happy Hour Restaurants In Belmar The roundup of participating Belmar restaurants this year also included Ragin' Cajun (chicken gumbo and jambalaya); Marina Grille (wild mushroom risotto with shrimp); Surf Taco (fajitas); Cielito Lindo (mixed fajitas, molé sauce, chicken quesadillas, and rice and beans); Belmar Bagels and Joe's Bagel & Grill (selection of bagel breakfast sandwiches); Jimmy's Place on Ocean Avenue (sausage and peppers, lobster bisque, split pea soup, pizza, wraps, deviled eggs, and artichokes Francaise); Relish Hot Dog & Sausage Co.; Pizza Shop (your choice of plain pizza or slices with toppings); and Belmar's Corner Bagelry (crumb cake and bagels). For our sweet tooth, a visit to Main Street Donuts satisfied with doughnut bites in various flavors, while JB Couture Cupcakes provided a decorate-your-own cupcake experience. Our last leg of the 2019 Belmar Restaurant Tour included stops at Mr. Shrimp Seafood Restaurant, which served chilled shrimp cocktail, mini crab cakes, coconut shrimp, and crab dip with bread sticks, alongside a raw bar with clams and oysters on the half-shell. Across the street, Turnstile Coffee Roasters provided a warm welcome with mini scones and two selections of hot brewed coffee, including their popular medium-roast House Blend. Before heading home, we circled back to Ocean Avenue, where lines of patrons snaked out the doors of both Playa Bowls (mini superfruit bowls) and Coney Waffle (cannoli waffles and mini ice cream cones). The vanilla baking aromas inside Coney Waffle were amazing! RELATED: More Dining Stories On The Belmar Beachcomber Blog RELATED: Upcoming Events In Belmar 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.

Join the Belmar Beachcomber on a biking adventure along the Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway in Monmouth County, New Jersey. This 5.5-mile paved bike path is part of the New Jersey Capital to the Coast Trail, a mixed-use network of trails that spans 55 miles from the state capital in Trenton to the coastal community of Manasquan. At the Manasquan entrance, the Edgar Felix Bicycle Path begins in a wooded residential area, attracting joggers and walkers in addition to bicyclists of all ages. The path is mostly flat with some very slight inclines at certain spots. Along the way, you'll find memorial benches if you need a quick rest stop or want to take a few minutes to sit and reflect in the natural, wooded surroundings. The views get more rural as you pedal west past preserved historic farmland and open municipal space. After you pass the Allenwood General Store, you'll bike across two wood pedestrian bridges that span the northbound and southbound lanes of the Garden State Parkway. You'll then pass by the Spring Meadow Golf Course, an 18-hole public golf course and driving range located at 4181 Atlantic Avenue in Farmingdale, New Jersey. The Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway ends at Allaire State Park in Farmingdale, New Jersey. With more than 20 miles of color-coded trails, Allaire State Park is a destination unto itself if you are looking for some outdoor adventure. Park your bike and hike through the woods, or walk over to the adjacent Historic Village at Allaire, a living history museum set in colonial times. RELATED: Area Attractions Near Belmar, New Jersey If you're an antique train buff, be sure to check out the New Jersey Museum of Transportation's Pine Creek Railroad while you are touring the grounds of Allaire Village. The Pine Creek Railroad is open to the public, with trains operating daily between July 3 and September 1, and weekends only in the spring and fall. Tickets for regular daily rides cost $4 per person; children 2 and under ride for free. Ticket prices vary from $5 to $7.50 for train rides during special events, such as the Civil War Encampment in June, the Railroader's Weekend in September, the Haunted Express in October, and the Christmas Express in December. Once we bike from Allaire Village back to the free municipal parking lot in Manasquan, we usually stop for lunch or appetizers in town (Squan Tavern is a good choice) or at one of the restaurants along Route 71 back to Belmar. The Beachcomber Blog highly recommends spending a sunny day enjoying the Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway and all the scenery and sights along the way. 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.

Skee-Ball is a classic Jersey Shore arcade game that is fun for all ages. Simply roll the ball up the alley, aiming at the numbered cups, to score as many points as you can. The more points you earn, the more tickets you win to redeem for a prize. Let the good times roll with the Belmar Beachcomber’s list of the best places to play Skee-Ball in the Belmar region of the New Jersey Shore. Arcades listed in alphabetical order. 1. Boathouse Bar & Grill 1309 Main Street Belmar, New Jersey 07719 732-681-5221 www.boathousebarandgrill.com RELATED: Dining In Belmar NJ 2. Go Play! Arcade 1102 Main Street Belmar, New Jersey 07719 732-681-7529 RELATED: 8 Ways To Celebrate Summer In Belmar 3. Lucky Leo's Arcade 315 Boardwalk Seaside Heights, New Jersey 08751 732-793-1323 Website RELATED: Day Trip Destination - Outlet Shopping At The Jersey Shore 4. Silverball Museum Arcade 1000 Ocean Avenue Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712 Website RELATED: Day Trip Destination - Asbury Park Boardwalk Skee-Ball Celebrated 110 Years In 2018 According to its official website, the history of Skee-Ball begins over 100 years ago, when Joseph Fourestier Simpson, a New Jersey inventor, patented his design for the novel bowling-type game in 1908. The Skee-Ball Alley Company manufactured the games in Philadelphia until 1912. In 1914, the J.D. Este Company purchased the patent and manufacturing rights from the founders of Skee-Ball. Este sold his share of the business to his partners five years later. The new owners put their own stamp on the business by renaming it The Skee-Ball Company and relocating its operations from Philadelphia to Coney Island, New York. After the Great Depression, the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company purchased the patent and manufacturing rights for Skee-Ball in 1936. Ten years later, the business was sold yet again, to Philadelphia Toboggan Company, bringing Skee-Ball production back to its original roots in the Keystone State. The automatic ticket dispenser feature of modern Skee-Ball machines was patented in 1960 by Frank D. Johns of Daytona Beach, Florida. In 1984, Skee-Ball Inc. was sold to Joe Sladek, a former finance executive who had grown tired of the grueling daily commute from his home in Chester County, Pennsylvania, to New York City. He and his family ran the Skee-Ball business for nearly 30 years from its corporate headquarters in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The family sold the company in 2016 to Bay Tek Games, Inc. of Wisconsin, where the machines are now manufactured. Over the decades, the original Skee-Ball game has been updated with modern technology, such as special lighting and sound effects, and there’s even a Skee-Ball app for the iPhone. 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. 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.