Local Color - Fall Fun

As a life-long, year-round resident of the Bay Head and Mantoloking area, Ed combines his outstanding local knowledge and connections with his 20 year...

Though the summer is over, there are still many fun things to do down here...

Below are several of our favorites, in no particular order.

Island Beach State Park

Island Beach State Park is located about 20 minutes south of Bay Head and Mantoloking. The park is open year-round, and offers a variety of activities in the off season. There are many bayside trails, and it is also possible to drive to the end of the road, and then walk the beach down to the inlet, where you can see the Barnegat Light lighthouse across the way. Depending on the time of year, it is possible to see seals, foxes, snowy owls, and more, along the way. Just outside the entrance to the park there are a handful restaurants to grab a quick bite to eat, on your way in, or on your way out. A bit further north is the Crab's Claw Inn in Lavallette.

Learn More About Island Beach State Park

Holland Ridge Farm

U-Pick Sunflowers, tulips, and more, depending on the time of year. Holland Ridge Farm is located in Cream Ridge, about half an hour away - seasonally, there are various types of flower picking, food trucks, and farm animals, just to name a few of their activities and experiences. Their U-Pick Sunflower season runs through October 31st, and tickets can be purchased online (only).

Visit Holland Ridge Farm

Poached Pear Bistro

If you're looking for a nice BYOB restaurant, close to home, consider Poached Pear Bistro in Point Pleasant Beach. They offer a varied menu, plus specials, and are open year-round. Good for a regular dinner, or for a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary, or other celebration.

Visit Poached Pear Bistro

Screamin' Hill Brewery

If looking over scenic farm fields with a pint of locally brewed beer in your hand sounds good to you, Screamin' Hill Brewery in Cream Ridge may be a good fit. They are about half an hour to the west, and are only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. They invite you to bring your own food for lunch or dinner, and provide seating in their fields in the form of picnic and spool tables.

Learn More About Screamin' Hill Brewery

Algonquin Arts Theatre

Just across the bridge in Manasquan is the non-profit Algonquin Arts Theatre. They are well known for producing their own shows, and for booking concerts and talent from other outside sources as well. There is almost always something going on at the Algonquin, regardless of the time of year. Their production of Elf, The Musical opens on November 27th, and continues into early December. In addition to their productions, they offer education programs for children and adults. Ed is on their Board of Trustees.

Learn More About Algonquin Arts Theatre

Other Parks, Nature Walks, and more...

Other outdoor spaces and places to explore in the fall and winter include Allaire State Park (and Allaire Village), Brigantine (part of the Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge), and the deCamp Trail at Reedy Creek. Allaire Village hosts events throughout the year, including Christmas. The Wildlife Drive at the Edwin B. Forsythe Refuge is fun any time of year, but in the fall, you can see many migrating waterfowl, plus bald eagles, and in the winter, snowy owls. The deCamp Trail, also part of the Forsythe Refuge is located just down the road in Brick, where Mantoloking Road and Adamston Road fork.

Learn More About the Forsythe Refuge