Summer is on its way! That means one thing for many of us here in New Jersey: Head to the Shore.
While a new season brings the return of countless longtime favorites, a new crop of exciting restaurants, events and attractions are being added to the mix for 2022, too.
So while you’re making summer plans, be sure to check out some of these new spots, and, above all, have fun while doing it.
What’s Cooking on the Dining Scene
This August, Gordon Ramsay brings his made-from-TV concept, Hell’s Kitchen, to Caesars in Atlantic City, where he already operates two restaurants. One of those, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, is already one of New Jersey Monthly’s favorite restaurants in Atlantic City, so that bodes well for this newbie, which is the first East Coast location for Hell’s Kitchen. The new restaurant is expected to feature design elements from the show.
In other celebrity chef news, Hazlet native David Burke’s seventh Jersey restaurant, the Goat, is now serving casual American bistro fare and locally distilled spirits in Union Beach (1411 Route 36; 732-264-5222).
Across from Raritan Bay in Keansburg, Half Moon (2 Beachway Avenue; 732-471-6815) is serving coastal comfort food, handcrafted cocktails, and locally brewed beers, hoping to be a stepping stone in the revitalization of the Bayshore borough during its first summer in operation.
B2 Bistro + Bar brings its raw-bar fare, wood-fired pizzas and signature
rustic dishes to Bayville. Photo courtesy of Foxtrot Media
In Asbury Park, husband-and-wife duo Thomas and Martha Dunphy’s Mutiny BBQ (808 Fifth Avenue; 732-366-9985) is celebrating its first summer by dishing out brisket and so much more. What started as a catering company in 2020 has now grown into a brick-and-mortar restaurant, where guests can enjoy outdoor tables on the patio, shared with the restaurant’s in-house meat smoker.
And in Bayville, what was Martell’s Water Edge is now B2 Bistro + Bar’s fifth Jersey location (125 Bayview Avenue; 732-269-3000), serving the same rustic B2 menu with items such as oysters and wood-fired pizzas. At the edge of Barnegat Bay, dinner comes with panoramic views and, oftentimes, live music performances. —Maggie Leenas
Click here to discover more new restaurants down the Shore this summer.
Big Changes at Cape May Ferry Terminal
The Cape May Ferry Terminal is getting a dining-and entertainment-focused makeover from Exit Zero Hospitality, with four restaurants timed to be open this season—including the Lookout, a fine-dining spot, and Boat Drinks, an outdoor bar/restaurant. A park is set to open there in 2023. —Thomas Neira
Atlantic City Gets a Go-Kart Track
The Raceway at Lucky Snake, Bart Blatstein’s latest family-oriented project in Atlantic City, is a 40,000-square-foot, indoor, electric go-kart track set to open in May. The course, which is without a doubt a more enjoyable alternative to navigating the traffic on Atlantic and Pacific avenues, is just off Blatstein’s Showboat hotel. —Ed Condran
Play boardwalk games between innings when the Jersey Shore BlueClaws play. Photo courtesy of Mike Dill/Jersey Shore BlueClaws
BlueClaws Games Focus More on Shore
The Jersey Shore BlueClaws, a Class A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are leaning heavily
into the Boardwalk theme by renaming their 6,500-seat stadium ShoreTown Ballpark in Lakewood (2 Stadium Way). Smell the peanuts, delight at the crack of the bat, and between innings head to the boardwalk-themed Center Field for games like Balloon Darts, or check out the miniature golf course. Also grab food at the revamped Blue Wave Grill. —R.C. Staab
New Spots to Shop
Surf-and-lifestyle brand Jetty, which is about to celebrate its 20th year in business, has opened a sharp, 1,600-square-foot flagship in Manahawkin selling apparel and accessories inspired by life on these local waters (176 East Bay Avenue; 800-900-6435). Meanwhile, in Seaside Heights, Jersey Shore star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is returning to her old stomping grounds with the third branch of her women’s boutique the Snooki Shop, which is expected to open in late May or early June (NJ604 Boulevard). At Shore shopping destination Pier Village, Doggie Sweets—which started as a mobile pet shop called the Waggin’—has planted permanent roots as a boutique, café and bakery with events slated throughout the summer. —Jon Coen and Julie Gordon
Click here to discover more new stores down the Shore this summer.
Wildwood Makes Fridays (More) Fun
After a day (or week) at the beach, downtown Wildwood’s free Fun Fridays series is a great way to kick off the weekend. Taking place at Byrne Plaza (3400 Pacific Avenue) on July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 6-8 pm, the events feature live music, food vendors, lawn games and more for all ages. —JG
Take in the views from the Cape May Lighthouse at night. Photo courtesy of Cape May MAC
Beautiful Night Views from the Top
What’s cooler than climbing the Cape May Lighthouse? Climbing it at night on a New Moon date, when the sun and moon are aligned. The new Stairway to the Stars climbs (215 Light House Avenue; 609-884-5508) offer views from nearly 156 feet above the water on May 30 (7-9 pm), June 28 (8-10 pm), July 28 (8-10 pm) and August 27 (8-10 pm). Admission costs $20 for adults and $10 for children aged 3-12; tickets can be purchased on site the evening of the climb. —JG
Oceanfest Makes a Big Comeback
Oceanfest—the Shore’s biggest July Fourth event—started in 1990, but its presence feels new after a two-year pandemic hiatus. The daylong, family-friendly celebration takes over Long Branch starting at 10 am and features music, food and more. Fireworks cap off the festivities at 9 pm. —JG