| Two weeks later, and everyone is still raving about the Asbury Park Guinness Oyster Festival. If you were there, you know why! Our events just keep getting better and better as so many more discover this great little city by the sea. My latest favorite phrase is: “where else are you able to experience this . . . . . . ?” Very unique, very cool, and yes, very different. Only in Asbury Park!
We have a new ambassador! In the recent “Fall Getaways” issue of NJ Monthly’s “Only in New Jersey” with Steve Adubato, Secretary of State, Nina Wells, shares in a short interview about NJ Tourism, Asbury Park is “coming back.” The Secretary made a special visit to Asbury Park in May and we made sure she got the “tour.” Huge! Also, in the magazine’s Eat & Drink section, Tim McLoone’s Supper Club was singled out.
I finally got over to take a tour of Asbury Park’s newest and coolest offering: Hotel Tides Restaurant & Spa. I was blown away. This has been a long time coming, but well worth the wait. Robert Doran, Director, Art Curator showed me around and I’m still reeling! I have attempted many times to describe the rooms, lobby, restaurant (not yet open) and grounds including a pool, but would not do it justice. This is Asbury Park’s first boutique hotel and it has raised the bar very high. You need to check it out. Go to www.hoteltides.com for a peek. Huge!
A very special fundraiser is taking place this weekend to benefit Friends of Deal Lake Special Projects. A group of homeowners, including my favorite “merry maker,” Mark Fleming of Premiere Theater fame has crafted this fun event. Cocktails start at 5 PM and include a regatta and boat parade flowed by dinner at various lakeside homes with a “Light up the Lake” event. Minimum contribution $30. To attend RSVP to Mark at 848.459.2580 MFLEMING61@yahoo.com or Tony at 732.865.6471, MACEMMERT@aol.com. Only on the banks of Deal Lake!
On Wednesday night I attended the Gay Pride Business Network meeting at Moonstruck. Carol Heller, President of this very active group invited me a number of times but Wednesday nights are difficult for me. I immediately met many people and was introduced to two new and very exciting businesses that are coming to Asbury Park. This group meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 6 to 8 Pm at Moonstruck. Stay tuned!
This weekend:
Thursday, Sept. 25th: Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange (and just one good time) at the Langosta Lounge, 1000 Ocean Avenue starting at 5:30 PM. Please enter from the Ocean Avenue entrance. Be there!
ArtsCAP Wine Tastings Presents Photographer Jason Meehan, 7 PM at Mattison Park.
“Lovely” Starring Kelly Briggs & Jerry Christakos 8 PM – Tim McLoone’s Supper Club
Friday, Sept. 26th: Paranormal Books & Curiosities – Psychic Readings 6- 10 PM. Also, Saturday and Sunday. Check www.paranormalbooksnj.com for details.
Laura Warshauer at Twisted Tree Café – 8 PM, $5 admission.
Status Green at The Saint – 8 PM
School of Rock/ Music of the 80′s – Wonder Bar.
Documentary film, “Snake Hill” at The Stephen Crane House – 7 PM $10 Saturday, Sept. 27th: Main Street Farmers’ Market 8 AM to 1 PM.
Community Vendors Market at City Hall’s Parking Lot 10 AM to 4 PM.
Chess Fest! Free for children grades K – 12. -10 AM to 2 PM in Convention Hall – www.asburyparkchess.com for details.
Boardwalk Relay Against Hunger.to benefit NJ Federation of Foodbanks. Go to www.boardwalkrelay.org for info.
Bowlarama 2: the bowling Pin Art show at Asbury lanes – 8 PM
Sunday, Sept 28th: Giants bye weekend. Go Jets!
Empower the Youth – Police Athletic League celebration – Asbury Park beach
Twisted Covers – Johnny Cash tribute at Twisted Tree Café at 5 PM, admission is free.
Stay tuned:
October 4th: First Saturday
NJ Gay Men’s Choir at Restaurant Plan B
Three Little Kittens Annual “All Holiday” Attic and Bake Sale Fundraiser
October 5th: “Good Times” Birthday.
October 10th: Susan Pelligrini’s multimedia performance: Beyond Words Love in Translation at the Berkeley Hotel.
The Saint has opened a very cool merchandise store on the their web site: www.thesaintnj.com. Check it out!
It is so exciting that new businesses are still coming to Asbury Park. Can you name another city in New Jersey that can make that boast? And in one of the worst real estate markets in eighteen years, and certainly the most confusing one, residential real estate is selling. When you think about it, it shouldn’t surprise you. This is the place to be on the Jersey Shore. Stay tuned!
Wishes for a wonderful and safe weekend.
Tom Gilmour
Director of Commerce and Good Times
If you know anyone who would like to receive these weekly email updates, they may go to the city’s web site, www.cityofasburypark.com and subscribe.
Tom Gilmour serves as the Director of Commerce for the City of Asbury Park and is responsible for economic development, the APUEZ (Asbury Park Urban Enterprise Zone Program), special events, and the city’s employment initiative; “Asbury Works.” |
