June 2022: Shore Issue

Our 2022 Shore Guide—an annual tradition here at New Jersey Monthly—features the ultimate Jersey Shore Bucket List.

Up for an adventure? Hunt for Cape May diamonds or scuba dive to a shipwreck. Craving peace and quiet? Become one with nature at Island Beach State Park or relax at one of the Shore’s less-crowded hidden beaches. Looking for some quirky fun? Get your fortune read at Madam Marie’s on the Asbury Park boardwalk or visit Ocean Grove’s unique tent community. Can’t wait to indulge in the best Shore eats? Check out our picks, from pizza to seafood to beach-area breakfasts.

Share your own Shore bucket list (and let us know if we missed any of your favorite places) by using #shorebucketlist on social media.

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GARDEN VARIETY

What’s New at the Jersey Shore for Summer 2022

New restaurants, events and more join old favorites this season at the Jersey Shore.

Raphael Miranda with husband Doug Simpson and son MacArthur

WNBC’s Raphael Miranda Reflects on Public Coming-Out, Prepares For Baby No. 2

With June’s Pride Month approaching, Miranda says much has changed for the LGBTQ+ community and for him personally following his public coming-out more than a decade ago.

Show Place waitstaff in red and white–striped costumes.

Beloved LBI Ice Cream Parlor Also Serves Up Singing Telegrams

The Show Place, a Beach Haven institution renowned for its in-store performances, can send waitstaff to serenade locals—anywhere on the island.

NJ True-Crime Story Becomes a Controversial Musical

“A Wicked Soul in Cherry Hill” is ostensibly about the 1994 murder of Carol Neulander by two men hired by her husband, a Cherry Hill rabbi.

Sea Girt Croquet Club, Oldest in Nation, is Wicket Fun

Green Gables Croquet Club in Sea Girt, celebrating 65 years, invites the public to play a free game of golf croquet this June.

When War Came to Cape May County

The story of the oft-forgotten Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet in June 1776.

Two models for Olive Surf swimwear cart a surfboard on a beach.

This NJ Native Designed an Artful Swimwear Line—Made From Recycled Ocean Waste

Olive Surf, the eco-friendly collection founded by beach lover Olivia Hartgers, is made entirely out of items like nylon fishing nets and plastic water bottles.

Two models enjoying a boat ride at the Jersey Shore

Fashions That’ll Rock the Boat at the Jersey Shore

Make a stylish splash at the Jersey Shore this summer with fashions fit for a day out on the water.

Jersey Shore Shopping: What’s New for Summer 2022

The Snooki Shop and Jetty are among the new Shore stores this summer.

Jersey Shore Center Saves Stranded Sea Creatures

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center has been rescuing seals, turtles, whales and other New Jersey marine life since 1978.

Strong Tourism Season Expected for Jersey Shore

Shore visitors may exceed 2019, says New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism executive director Jeff Vasser.

Seaside Heights Taking Big Steps to Shed Party-Town Image

Sweeping changes include residential development and an emphasis on family-friendly attractions over the bar scene.

A lifeguard surveys LBI's Holgate on a sunny day.

Best Things to Do at the Jersey Shore

We’ve put together the ultimate Jersey Shore bucket list, filled with destinations, day trips and activities you absolutely must check out.

Best Places to Eat at the Jersey Shore

Fill up on fries, savor custard on the boardwalk, or dig into fresh seafood.

Eggs, bacon, toast, pancakes, home fries and coffee at Blue Pig Tavern in Cape May.

Best Breakfast Spots at the Jersey Shore

Fuel up for your beach days at these tried-and-true eateries.

How to Find Cape May Diamonds, a True Jersey Shore Treasure

They’re not real diamonds, but rather quartz stones that were swept out of pockets of the mineral upstream and carried downriver.

The six-story Lucy the Elephant in Margate.

See What Lucy the Elephant’s $2M Makeover Is All About

She’s looking good for 141 years old!

Birders look through binoculars in Cape May.

Cape May Birding Is a One-of-a-Kind Experience

Like many wingless folks, avians make their way to the southern tip of the state to rest and refuel.

Barnacle Bill’s Miniature Golf in Ortley Beach.

Where to Play Miniature Golf at the Jersey Shore

Take a swing at some of the top spots along the coast.

What Life Is Like In Ocean Grove’s Unique Tent Community

The Jersey Shore community of Ocean Grove has 114 unique tents and 23 larger cottages available to rent each summer.

Sunset Beach Flag Ceremony a Moving Tribute to Veterans

Throughout summer, family and friends gather to honor a U.S. veteran at a beachfront flag-lowering ceremony in Cape May Point.

Ocean City Baby Parade: A Beloved Spectacle for More Than a Century

Every August, onlookers gather to cheer on elaborately costumed babies, toddlers and children under 10.

16 Summer Books Bursting with Jersey Pride

New Jersey authors and settings make for ultra-fun escapes when enjoying the ocean, pool or your own backyard.

How NJ Native Donna Leon Became an International Bestselling Author

Leon, 79, recently published “Give Unto Others”—the 31st book in her beloved Commissario Brunetti detective series.

Illustration of a man in a hammock reading a book by a Jersey author.

‘Jersey Fan Club’ a Great Summer Read

“New Jersey Fan Club,” a book edited by @jerseycollective’s Kerri Sullivan, captures NJ pride through essays, comics and more.

The Sarfo-Darko family amid amusement park attractions on the Point Pleasant boardwalk.

Jersey Shore Is Transforming Into a Hotspot for Year-Round Living

Families, working professionals and retirees are increasingly trading suburbs and cities for full-time homes at the beach.

Exterior of waterfront home in Forked River

In Forked River, a Couple Embraces Waterfront Living

“I build the house, and she makes it a home”: How an artist and a builder fused their distinct sensibilities into an eclectic oasis they both adore.

The Sounds of Summer: Where to See Outdoor Concerts in NJ

Acts like Cold Play, Miranda Lambert and Machine Gun Kelly are playing outdoor shows in NJ this summer.

A photo of fried zucchini flowers, next to a photo of a tableside chef mixing pasta inside a wheel of Pecorino Romano.

Review: Cafe 2825 is Atlantic City’s Best Italian Restaurant

At this venerable mom-and-pop, the menu is full of winners—and tableside theatrics.

Serena Celestino of the American Littoral Society’s Shuck It, Don’t Chuck It! program deposits shells at Sandy Hook.

Former Shore Restaurateur Turns to Recycling Seafood Shells

Serena Celestino enlists eateries to donate used oyster, clam and mussel shells, which are then spread along local shorelines. Here’s why.

The interior of Sugar Tree Café in Nutley

Nutley’s Sugar Tree Café Offers Photogenic Fare, Décor

The Instagram-worthy eatery aims to serve as a community hotspot.

Grilled cheese and tomato soup at Priscilla's Pantry in Basking Ridge.

Priscilla’s Pantry in Basking Ridge: A Friendly Spot for Café Favorites

The eatery offers delectable pastries, fresh coffee, daily rotating specials and family-style meals to go.

A platter of fried shrimp, mashed potatoes and vegetables at the Shrimp Box in Point Pleasant.

The Shrimp Box Serves Seafood Classics With an Ocean View

The Point Pleasant eatery boasts an outdoor patio and a sunset dinner special.

Fun Sunset Session Ale at Last Wave in Point Pleasant Beach

Lower-Alcohol Session Beers Are All the Rage

These lower-alcohol ales make for easy-to-enjoy sipping—with plenty of eye-opening flavor.

Becoming a True New Jersey Surfer

Shore surfing in the summer was a no-brainer. In the winter? Not so easy.

June 2022: Shore Issue

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