OT: Recommendations for visiting Spring Lake area this week

[Scarlet Jerry]

My elderly parents have not been on a vacation in two years, so I thought that I would take them to the Spring Lake area (they live in Bergen County). Rationale is that we would get to walk on the Boardwalk and see the ocean. Mom is religious and would like to visit St. Catherine's, and she also likes to go shopping at outlets, so I would like to take her to the Jersey Shore Outlets. I am also interested in taking her for a drive through Ocean Grove and of course, eating at some nice restaurants (prefer Italian food). Both parents are not very mobile, but they can so some walking (Dad goes with me to Rutgers games and can walk to the stadium) Any recommendations for this trip?

Scarlet Jerry

 

[Mr_Twister]

A couple of years ago we had a splendid lunch with Florida friends who hail from Ohio at Breakers, Spring Lake. Classy, stylish place that older folks can appreciate. And surprisingly, not over-the-top expensive.

 

[Scarlet Jerry]

Thanks. This looks like a great recommendation. I've never been to the Jersey Outlets, so hopefully they will offer a nice shopping experience.

 

[Knight Shift]

My elderly parents have not been on a vacation in two years, so I thought that I would take them to the Spring Lake area (they live in Bergen County). Rationale is that we would get to walk on the Boardwalk and see the ocean. Mom is religious and would like to visit St. Catherine's, and she also likes to go shopping at outlets, so I would like to take her to the Jersey Shore Outlets. I am also interested in taking her for a drive through Ocean Grove and of course, eating at some nice restaurants (prefer Italian food). Both parents are not very mobile, but they can so some walking (Dad goes with me to Rutgers games and can walk to the stadium) Any recommendations for this trip?

Scarlet Jerry

Ocean Grove- park and walk near the Great Auditorium is a must to see the tent homes.

While not Italian food, you will get fantastic food and service at SeaGrass in Ocean Grove. But if you are going to go to Ocean Grove, you can park near the North End by the beach, take a nice stroll through the Asbury Park Casino building (open air), and the first business on your left on the Boardwalk is Stella Marina Restaurant. You can sit outside on the Boardwalk with fantastic view of the beach and Ocean. There are some really great shops on the Boardwalk too. There is a parking area at the far North end of Ocean Ave (where it meets Spray Ave). It is an 0.2 mile walk from that parking lot to Stella Marina.

Stella Marina Bar and Restaurant | Asbury Park, NJ

Stella Marina, which means star of the sea in Italian is an award-winning restaurant located on the boardwalk in Asbury Park, NJ.

stellamarinarestaurant.com

For Italian food, a place that gets rave reviews is Grandma's meatball in Manasquan (105 Taylor Ave, Manasquan, NJ). We have not been there-tried to get in without a reservation and it was a long wait. It is not much on atmosphere, in a small strip mall type of building.

As far as the Spring Lake Boardwalk, the best bet to get up on the boardwalk for not very mobile people is parking at the South end near Brown Ave. They have a wide ramp right next to a parking lot with handicapped parking.

 

[e5fdny]

@Scarlet Jerry,

@Mr_Twister makes a good call on The Breakers for the reasons he mentioned. The menu is Italian influenced. And depending on your parent’s mobility there is an elevator to get them upstairs to the dining room if needed. Try and get a table up front if you guys go just for the ocean view.

You can stay there too or The Chateau which is very nice and right off Spring Lake itself. Some nice paths around the lake walk around.

There is a ramp on the south side of St. Catharine’s to get inside.

As @Knight Shift mentioned the ramp at the South End is easy to negotiate but if you come to the North End it’s flat and there is also an elevator in the Pavilion that you can use to get to the top to enjoy the ocean view in a covered porch type area that has Adirondack and rocking chairs.

For Italian, I like La Dolce Vita in Belmar right on Ocean Avenue for the food and depending on the time of the day the people watching too. You can sit outside too right on Ocean if you prefer.

The main drag in Ocean Grove has a nice old fashion ice cream parlor that you can sit in, outside or just get something at their window and continue your stroll. I can’t remember the name.

Another place to consider if the weather cooperates is the Avon Pavilion which is right on the boardwalk in Avon. It’s outside but with a roof. But it looks like their last day of the season is tomorrow. Maybe next year.

 

[Scarlet Jerry]

Thanks for these reviews. One more thing, I assume that this area is safe, even at night?? I remembered reading some bad things about Asbury Park a few years ago.

 

[Knight Shift]

@Scarlet Jerry,

@Mr_Twister makes a good call on The Breakers for the reasons he mentioned. The menu is Italian influenced. And depending on your parents mobility there is an elevator to get them upstairs to the dining room if needed. Try and get a table up front if you guys go just for the ocean view.

You can stay there too or The Chateau which is very nice and right off Spring Lake itself.

There is also a ramp on the south side of St. Catherine’s to get inside.

As @Knight Shift mentioned the ramp at the South End is easy to negotiate but if you come to the North End it’s flat and there is also an elevator in the Pavilion that you can use to get to the top to enjoy the ocean view in a covered porch type area that has Adirondack and rocking chairs.

For Italian, I like La Dolce Vita in Belmar right on Ocean Avenue for the food and depending on the time of the day the people watching too. You can sit outside too right on Ocean if you prefer.

The main drag in Ocean Grove has a nice old fashion ice cream parlor that you can sit in, outside or just get something at their window and continue your stroll. I can’t remember the name.

Agree with everything, except last time we went in early August, Nagles on Main Ave was closed. Days Ice Cream on Pitman is really worth the stop, as they have an old fashioned tea room/porch overlooking small gardens.

http://www.daysicecream.com/

 

[e5fdny]

Thanks for these reviews. One more thing, I assume that this area is safe, even at night?? I remembered reading some bad things about Asbury Park a few years ago.

The places I have mentioned all safe anytime of the day or year…

Because as my 88yr old Mother would say…”we don’t allow it.”

Btw, I found out the other day when taking my Parents for a drive she refers to Ocean Grove as “Ocean Grave”, LOL And when I asked her why she said…”because of the old people.” I then had to remind her she is in that demographic now too. LOL

 

[Knight Shift]

Thanks for these reviews. One more thing, I assume that this area is safe, even at night?? I remembered reading some bad things about Asbury Park a few years ago.

Asbury Park by the Boardwalk is completely safe at night. Undoubtedly and on schedule T2K will chime in with his nonsense, but he has no idea what he is talking about. If you do not mind paying for parking, there is a parking lot next to the Carousel in Asbury that gets you even closer to Stella Marina restaurant. We have not eaten there for quite a few years, but the Casino, The Carousel and the view down the Boardwalk to Convention Hall are really fantastic, and may bring back memories for older people who used to visit Asbury Park before the 1960s.

 

[Tango Two]

My elderly parents have not been on a vacation in two years, so I thought that I would take them to the Spring Lake area (they live in Bergen County). Rationale is that we would get to walk on the Boardwalk and see the ocean. Mom is religious and would like to visit St. Catherine's, and she also likes to go shopping at outlets, so I would like to take her to the Jersey Shore Outlets. I am also interested in taking her for a drive through Ocean Grove and of course, eating at some nice restaurants (prefer Italian food). Both parents are not very mobile, but they can so some walking (Dad goes with me to Rutgers games and can walk to the stadium) Any recommendations for this trip?

Scarlet Jerry

Spring Lake

Looking to take my wife away over Labor Day weekend, trying to decide between the Cheateau Inn & Suites and The Hewitt Wellington. It looks to me like the rooms at the Chateau are a little nicer but the Hewitt is considerably closer to the beach, plus they give you free breakfast. Anyone have...

rutgers.forums.rivals.com

Spring lake NJ feedback

Spending the weekend in spring lake and looking for feedback on casual dining places and maybe a thing or two to see while in town. Thanks.

rutgers.forums.rivals.com

 

[RUSeaGirtMA]

Spring Lake center has some great little restaurants, cool little shops and even ice cream places. Easy to park, stroll around, and is pretty condensed. Also right near St. Catharine church (spelled with 2 a’s and no apostrophe). Great for seniors to enjoy a walk around.

 

[T2Kplus20]

My elderly parents have not been on a vacation in two years, so I thought that I would take them to the Spring Lake area (they live in Bergen County). Rationale is that we would get to walk on the Boardwalk and see the ocean. Mom is religious and would like to visit St. Catherine's, and she also likes to go shopping at outlets, so I would like to take her to the Jersey Shore Outlets. I am also interested in taking her for a drive through Ocean Grove and of course, eating at some nice restaurants (prefer Italian food). Both parents are not very mobile, but they can so some walking (Dad goes with me to Rutgers games and can walk to the stadium) Any recommendations for this trip?

Scarlet Jerry

One of the highest ranked Italian restaurants in NJ:

Spano's Ristorante Italiano

Quaint little BYOB Italian Restaurant in downtown Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

www.spanos.net

Avoid Asbury Park, especially with older folks.

 

[e5fdny]

@Scarlet Jerry

Shows this to your Mom…

Parish History – St. Catharine & St. Margaret Parish Family

www.stcatharine-stmargaret.org

The Maloney (family mentioned in the article) estate a few blocks from the church no longer exists but by deed, the wrought iron fencing surrounding it still does.

 

[Scarlet Jerry]

Thanks for these wonderful recommendations, everyone. I haven't had a real vacation for almost two years due to COVID closing a lot of places least year, so I am looking forward to smelling the ocean as well.

Jerry

 

[rufeelinit]

You have received a lot of good recommendations. I would second the idea of the North Pavilion in Spring Lake and sit upstair to look out over the ocean. You might want to go up first to see if there is seating available. If you want to take them to a nice Italian bakery I might suggest Del Pontes in Bradley Beach. They have nice little Italian restaurant around the side as well. Only had pizza there but thought it was very good. There is also Vics in Bradley Beach which seems to play well with the older crowd as well. The Breakers is nice and again a little dated in the dining area, which plays well with the older crowd.

I think today is the last day for the Avon Pavilion. Another nice place to eat if looking for a view is the Marina Grille in Belmar which overlooks the Shark River. Not Italian food. Asbury, Ocean Grove and Spring Lake have nice walkable downtowns with spring lake have the park right there as well. I guess depends what type of mobility restrictions you are dealing with. IMO, best time of year right now at the Jersey Shore so enjoy.

 

[e5fdny]

You have received a lot of good recommendations. I would second the idea of the North Pavilion in Spring Lake and sit upstair to look out over the ocean. You might want to go up first to see if there is seating available. If you want to take them to a nice Italian bakery I might suggest Del Pontes in Bradley Beach. They have nice little Italian restaurant around the side as well. Only had pizza there but thought it was very good. There is also Vics in Bradley Beach which seems to play well with the older crowd as well. The Breakers is nice and again a little dated in the dining area, which plays well with the older crowd.

I think today is the last day for the Avon Pavilion. Another nice place to eat if looking for a view is the Marina Grille in Belmar which overlooks the Shark River. Not Italian food. Asbury, Ocean Grove and Spring Lake have nice walkable downtowns with spring lake have the park right there as well. I guess depends what type of mobility restrictions you are dealing with. IMO, best time of year right now at the Jersey Shore so enjoy.

I will check today for you, @Scarlet Jerry about the chairs for upstairs. The nice thing about the North End is that is stays open all of September. So the bathrooms and chairs/tables should be there the whole month.

Vic’s is a little bit of a time warp IMO and while I have many friends who love it I never got all the fuss. For Italian along with ambiance and the view I think La Dolce Vita is better.

Marina Grille can get a little crazy but considering we are now in “Local Summer” mode maybe it won’t be as crowded.

You should have no problem getting around, parking or reservations at many of the places listed already in the thread.

 

[RuBird]

Was just at the outlets with my family last month. There is a little bit for everyone. Plenty of places to sit including food court. They have maps of all the stores. We were surprised that most were open.

 

[e5fdny]

Was just at the outlets with my family last month. There is a little bit for everyone. Plenty of places to sit including food court. They have maps of all the stores. We were surprised that most were open.

And now with it being past Labor Day there should be much more elbow room for @Scarlet Jerry ‘s parents to move around.

That place can get absolutely nuts certain times of the year. So glad when BOTH my boys were old enough to drive themselves there. LOL

 

[Scarlet1984]

My strong recommendation for a restaurant would be Barelli’s by the Sea in SL. In my opinion, a notch above The Breakers or La Dolce Vita.

There’s a new place in town called something like Spring Lake Seafood which is very good but casual.

There’s a lot of shopping in Spring Lake. Plenty of nice clothing for men and women and very laid back.

My wife and I are big fans of Klein’s in Belmar. It can be chilly or hot outside but it’s right on the water.

It’s fun to take a drive (or bike ride 😊) up through Deal and check out the houses. Actually not bad to head up to Pier Village in Long Branch, which is relaxed and safe.

I don’t love Asbury as a place for older people. There’s an edgier, faster city feel. It doesn’t have the quaintness of some other places.

 

[e5fdny]

My strong recommendation for a restaurant would be Barelli’s by the Sea in SL. In my opinion, a notch above The Breakers or La Dolce Vita.

* There’s a new place in town called something like Spring Lake Seafood which is very good but casual.

There’s a lot of shopping in Spring Lake. Plenty of nice clothing for men and women and very laid back.

My wife and I are big fans of Klein’s in Belmar. It can be chilly or hot outside but it’s right on the water.

It’s fun to take a drive (or bike ride 😊) up through Deal and check out the houses. Actually not bad to head up to Pier Village in Long Branch, which is relaxed and safe.

I don’t love Asbury as a place for older people. There’s an edgier, faster city feel. It doesn’t have the quaintness of some other places.

* Spring Lake Seafood is the the old Who’s On Third and 3rd Avenue Cafe.

Bareli’s is inside the Grand Victorian which is literally right next door to The Breakers. Hear lots of good things but I haven’t been there yet myself.

 

[rufeelinit]

I would think Barelli’s might be a different price point.

 

[rufeelinit]

I will check today for you, @Scarlet Jerry about the chairs for upstairs. The nice thing about the North End is that is stays open all of September. So the bathrooms and chairs/tables should be there the whole month.

Vic’s is a little bit of a time warp IMO and while I have many friends who love it I never got all the fuss. For Italian along with ambiance and the view I think La Dolce Vita is better.

Marina Grille can get a little crazy but considering we are now in “Local Summer” mode maybe it won’t be as crowded.

You should have no problem getting around, parking or reservations at many of the places listed already in the thread.

Agree with you regarding Vic’s. Certainly not going for the ambiance and the food is the standard Italian fare.

 

[Scarlet4Shore]

Agree with many of the recommendations. My favorite restaurant is SeaGrass in OG. If you want Italian, La Dolce Vita is good, Vic's is good too (I've only had pizza there), but Jimmy's in AP is good old school Italian. Nagles ice cream has been closed for a few years now, but Day's around the corner in OG on Pitman has very good ice cream, and a nice porch to sit on.

 

[e5fdny]

@Scarlet Jerry

The chairs…Adirondack and rocking will still be available if/when you come down. I’m still on the beach right now. 🌞 🌊

And as others have said that ice cream parlor in Ocean Grove on Pittman is very cute and nostalgic.

 

[Scarlet Jerry]

@Scarlet Jerry

The chairs…Adirondack and rocking will still be available if/when you come down. I’m still on the beach right now. 🌞 🌊

And as others have said that ice cream parlor in Ocean Grove on Pittman is very cute and nostalgic.

@efdny thanks for all of this helpful information! I really appreciate it.

Scarlet Jerry

 

[fg7321]

Agree with many of the recommendations. My favorite restaurant is SeaGrass in OG. If you want Italian, La Dolce Vita is good, Vic's is good too (I've only had pizza there), but Jimmy's in AP is good old school Italian. Nagles ice cream has been closed for a few years now, but Day's around the corner in OG on Pitman has very good ice cream, and a nice porch to sit on.

Seagrass is awesome and they have a half price lunch specials during the week probably Wed... Call ahead to find out which day. My favorite dish is Halibut over Lobster Risotto, but everything is awesome on the menu

Also visit the Ocean Grove Historical Society You might be able to get a house tour. They are located near Days Ice Cream.

We park in Ocean Grove and walk into Asbury Park You should be able to do that easily this week

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

The Parker House is just south of Spring Lake. a table on the porch is nice for lunch/brunch timeframe.

 

[e5fdny]

The Parker House is just south of Spring Lake. a table on the porch is nice for lunch/brunch timeframe.

More fun at night though to watch the “show” coming in. LOL

But to be honest the food has gotten better this season. Much better.

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

More fun at night though to watch the “show” coming in. LOL

But to be honest the food has gotten better this season. Much better.

I read reviews.. been awhile for me.. and, really, when I used to frequent for lunch/brunch I ordered the same thing nearly every time.. grilled cheese with ham/swiss/tomato.. not exactly a foodie type order. Breakers is better idea, just added an option.

 

[NotInRHouse]

More fun at night though to watch the “show” coming in. LOL

But to be honest the food has gotten better this season. Much better.

Closed after Sunday though no?

 

[NotInRHouse]

Capsized Cafe on Route 71 in Spring Lake Heights is a great breakfast/lunch spot.