ROBERT LEGERE
521 Cookman Avenue
Sophisticated and tasteful, with the perfect touch of whimsy, Robert Legere Design marries all the essentials of elevated style in this tony boutique and design consultancy. With on-trend, high-end brands of lighting and furniture, rugs, well-curated artwork and accessories, home décor aficionados will find plenty to ooh and ahhh about. 732-869-9399, robertlegeredesign.com
PATRIAE
713 Bangs Avenue
Textiles here are designed from vintage, handwoven hemp and linen and offered as bags, table runners, even shoes. 732-774-4341, patriaestudio.com
NITA IDEAS
601 Cookman Avenue
A true original, this shop is filled with cutting-edge couture fashioned by proprietor Nita Novy. After a 25-year run in Millburn, Nita Ideas moved to Asbury Park five years ago. Novy’s designs are flowing, colorful, avant-garde dresses (mother of the bride is a specialty), tops, pants, skirts and belts. Jewelry is commissioned to complement her collection. 732-988-7711, nitaideas.com
ASBURY WOODCRAFT
658 Cookman Avenue
A cache of reclaimed barn wood fashioned into tables, chairs, kitchen islands, bars and flooring. 732-778-4746, asburywoodcraft.com
SALT
550 Cookman Aveue
Neutrals rule at this soothing boutique with an upscale nautical vibe. Punches of texture and crisp shades of blue and green keep things interesting at this 3½ year-old shop, whose owner, Sarah Church Brady, offers full design services. Snag fragrant candles, ceramic vases and woven baskets. 732-455-3363; thesaltyhome.com
INTERWOVEN
511 Cookman Avenue
Clothing, housewares, gifts, accessories and beauty products from well-loved and little-known names. 732-775-1713, interwovenap.com
OASIS
627 Cookman Avenue
A North Jersey transplant, owner Nancy Mikulich brings a decade of experience to the Asbury Park showroom she’s run since 2005. Full-service design is primary, and the natty boutique offerings—pillows, lighting, furniture, art, a bit of jewelry, and a peppering of vintage goods—are distinctive. 732-775-5151, oasishomedesigns.com
SHELTER HOME
704 Cookman Avenue
Color and merrymaking are the names of the game in this fun-filled shop. Need a ceramic rope bowl or a cabana-striped rug? How about a three-dimensional teddy bear puzzle? This playful supply of games, frames, funky lighting and bright seating is hard to resist. 732-774-7790, shelterhome.com
BEAUTIFUL & GRACIOUS HOME
658 Cookman Avenue
Compact but well appointed, this showroom surprises with accessory and furnishing gems that are outside the ordinary, including a fanciful starburst mobile and floor-sized driftwood candleholders. Design consultations, custom upholstery and wall coverings are available. 732-455-3505, bandghome.com
STYLE ROCKET
600 Cookman Avenue
Hipster shop that shares space with the Hot Mess salon and carries a burgeoning inventory of practical and fun beach finds: hats, magnets with clever sayings, jewelry, dresses and T-shirts. 732-807-4777
CARLA GIZZI AT THE BEACH
1300 Ocean Avenue
An ideal rainy-day respite, this quintessential Shore shop is packed with beachwear, fun hats, handbags, jewelry and a plethora of inspiring signage presented on framed linen, weathered wood and even ceramic coasters. 732-988-0000
FOOLISH GINGER
608 Cookman Avenue
Cute-as-can-be, dog-friendly boutique that is chockfull of jewelry, playful kitchen towels, coasters, candles, clothing, baby items, greeting cards—even bridal accessories. 732-455-8068
SHEBY & SHEBY
658 Cookman Avenue, #7
Creativity abounds at this outpost, where artist Sheby Koray upcycles and repurposes furniture and creates decorative accessories by hand painting, staining and waxing, and adding textiles. 732-455-3752; shebyandsheby.com
FOOD LUBE
658 Cookman Avenue
EVOO lovers will rejoice in an array of domestic and international oils, fancy vinegars (red and white) from Italy, and a cornucopia of goods like Himalayan salt blocks, cutting boards and hot spiced honey. 732-361-5631
CATSBURY PARK
708 Cookman Avenue
This nonprofit café, tea lounge and shop offers meet-and-greets with adoptable cats. Have tea while petting a feline, or watch through the glass window. Reservations encouraged. $9 for adults; $7 for kids (9-15) & seniors; kids ages 2-8, $5; under 2 free. 732-361-8997, catsburypark.com
PAWS
658 Cookman Avenue
This bakery/shop features all-natural dog and cat treats, designed for pets with food allergies. Baked fresh daily, snacks are made with human-grade ingredients. Shop for harnesses, beach-themed leashes and collars. 732-449-5000, k9confections.com