June 2023: Summer Shore Guide | New Jersey Monthly

June 2023: Summer Shore Guide

Here at New Jersey Monthly, we love putting together our annual Shore Guide. It gives us the chance to bring the unique joys of the Jersey Shore to each and every one of you.

In this year’s June issue, you’ll discover everything you need to make your summer memorable. Food and drink recommendations? Check! Full day-trip itineraries? Check! A roundup of the coolest beach hotels, for those who don’t have a Shore house? Check!

We also put together a comprehensive list of what’s new—and worth checking out—down the Shore. And another must-read is our guide to coastal activities that have nothing to do with the beach—perfect for rainy or cloudy days!

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GARDEN VARIETY

Jenn Hampton

Meet the Creative Force Behind Asbury Park’s Transformative Art Scene

Known as the muse of Asbury Park, Jenn Hampton founded the Wooden Walls Project, which has grown to include ambitious installations and residencies.

Carter Doorley carries a surf board on the beach

NJ Boy, 11, Has Been Surfing Every Single Day For Almost 3 Years

Brigantine’s Carter Doorley is about to hit 1,095 straight days of catching waves.

Steve Hiltner

He’s Bringing a Secret Garden in Princeton Back to Life

Steve Hiltner, founder of Friends of Herrontown Woods, is working with local volunteers to lovingly restore a lost nature preserve.

Meet NJ’s First Female Deputy Fire Chief

Jersey City’s Constance Zappella, the state’s highest ranking female firefighter, talks rising through the ranks of a male-dominated profession.

The T-shaped pier in Ocean Grove

Cross-Shaped Pier Sparks Debate Among Ocean Grove Residents

Critics say the use of religious imagery should not be permitted on the public beach. Others view it as a symbol of perseverance and a blessing to the Shore.

Maryjo Welch sitting in a chair, surrounded by furniture for nonprofit Interfaith Furnishings in Morris County

Morris County Nonprofit Transforms Houses Into Homes

Interfaith Furnishings gives people in need light to illuminate their room, a rug beneath their feet, and a place to rest their head, says founder Maryjo Welch.

Trends We’re Loving: Scallops and Pastels

Embrace wavy designs and playful hues this season.

Photo of Emily Raleigh at her Dune Market in LBI next to a photo of home items from the shop

At LBI’s Dune Market, a Shopkeeper Returns to Her Island Roots

Emily Raleigh’s Beach Haven shop is a serene celebration of coastal living.

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Historic Destinations to Explore at the Jersey Shore

Need a break from the beach? Consider visiting these storied spots.

FEATURES

James Comey

Ex-FBI Chief James Comey Draws on Jersey Roots in New Crime Novel

Comey, who grew up in Allendale and later raised his children in Maplewood, has published his first mystery book, Central Park West.

A rendering of the Madison Resort in Wildwood Crest

‘Let’s Keep Doo-Wop Alive’: Wildwoods Developers Invest in Vintage-Inspired Makeovers

Developers in the Wildwoods are renovating old motels and buildings while trying to embody the spirit of their unique, Doo-Wop stylings.

Exit Zero at Ferry Park in Cape May

24 Hours in Cape May: It’s Worth the Trip Every Time

Cape May is the final exit on the Garden State Parkway, but a visit should be first on your list.

Asbury Park scene

24 Hours in Asbury Park: A Guide to the Jersey Shore’s Coolest Town

With great art, music, food and drink, who cares if the ocean’s cold?

Bradley Beach

24 Hours in Bradley Beach: A Hidden Gem at the Jersey Shore

Beautiful, quiet beaches accompany access to great restaurants and activities.

24 Hours in Long Beach Island: Favorite Spots From a Sacred Family Tradition

An array of tried-and-true haunts honed over several years.

Island Waterpark

What’s New at the Jersey Shore for Summer 2023

Add some new places to your Shore to-do list this summer.

Asbury Ocean Club

The Coolest Hotels at the Jersey Shore

The best beach hot spots to soak up the sun, swim and stay over.

Kids play at Bell Works in Holmdel

Beyond the Beach: 15 Fun and Unique Things to Do at the Jersey Shore

There’s more to the Shore than just surf and sand.

Kevin and Lisa Iredell walk the sandy streets of Ocean Beach II

Inside the Jersey Shore’s Unique Community of Tiny Houses

Ocean Beach III is a small seaside section of Toms River Township with a close-knit, “old-school, 1950s” feel.

Illustration of woman on boat reading "Sea Change" by Gina Chung

12 Summer Reads Starring New Jersey

Stay entertained at the beach, on the boat, by the pool or in your backyard.

Illustration of woman at beach reading "Hello Beautiful" by Ann Napolitano

NJ Author Receives Oprah’s Stamp of Approval

Oprah Winfrey chose Ann Napolitano’s latest book, Hello Beautiful, as her 100th book club selection.

Joshua S. Levy holds a copy of his latest book, "The Jake Show"

Jersey Lawyer Writes Middle-Grade Fiction in His Free Time

Joshua S. Levy says his latest book, The Jake Show, contains a story that will resonate with readers of all ages.

HOME & GARDEN

Stone Harbor living room window boasts a waterfront view

Reimagining a Three-Generation Retreat in Stone Harbor

This family gave their 1980s-era home a fresh start.

WHERE & WHEN

Halsey

NJ’s North to Shore Festival Echoes SXSW Model—But Promises Jersey Flair All Its Own

The inaugural event, spanning Asbury Park, Atlantic City and Newark this June, will feature acts from Halsey to Santana to Southside Johnny.

EAT & DRINK

Assorted dishes at IndeBlue in Cherry Hill

At IndeBlue in Cherry Hill, Classic and New Combine to Excellent Effect

From Brussels sprouts with coconut to Drums of Heaven wings, the modern Indian food takes you to new places but anchors you in engaging flavors.

Storefronts, cars and pedestrians on Hudson County’s Bergenline Avenue

Find Foods of All the Americas on Bergenline Avenue

Sweet or spicy, sit-down or grab-n-go, the variety of choices is matched by freshness.

A burger and fries at Dover Grill in Dover

Morris County Spot Serves Up Burgers, Fries and Some of the Best Hot Dogs Around

This casual, cash-only eatery—open March through November—has been around for more than two decades.

Assorted dishes at Stateside Tap & Tavern in Somerset

Shareable Menu, Great Beer Selection on Tap at This Somerset Tavern

The industrial-style eatery offers something for everyone.

Skewers of shrimp and veggies at MudHen Brewing Company in Wildwood

Wildwood’s Only Brewery Boasts Great Eats, Too

MudHen Brewing Company lures hungry and thirsty visitors all year long.

Watermelon beer from Wet Ticket Brewing in Rahway

Here’s to Watermelon Beer!

Juice or purée from summer’s biggest fruit adds a refreshing dimension to brews.

EXIT RAMP

Illustration showing home with popular South Jersey locales and foods

What I Miss Most About Living in South Jersey

Not even the swaying palms of Florida can rival my memories of Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties.