219 South Main St. Barnegat, NJ
Phone: 609-698-1155
Click to Call

Visit these Jersey Shore towns next summer!

Archive for the ‘ Local Interest / Jersey Shore ’ Category



Visit these Jersey Shore towns next summer!

Posted on: October 5th, 2022 by admin

Life at the Jersey Shore is pretty great. That much is clear if you ask the people who live there.

 

It’s even pretty great for visitors, provided you’re visiting the right communities. Have no fear, though, we have a list of six towns that you should add to your “must visit” list if you want to have a good time when the weather is good. Between the six you’ll find relaxation, fun, excitement, and more. Check them out:

Ocean Beach

This small subsection of Toms River was battered during Hurricane Sandy but is making a valiant comeback. The quaint bungalows that make up most of Ocean Beach make this a nice town for summer rentals or affordable retirements. The damage from Sandy is still apparent, but it’s getting better by the day.

Point Pleasant

This bustling shore community has everything from historic homes to a traditional downtown to a busy boardwalk with rides and games and nightclubs – and, of course, a lovely beach. There are few communities more fun to visit than Point Pleasant, which is why it’s known as one of the premier destinations in Ocean County.

Cape May

An historic town filled with charming inns, bed and breakfasts, and romantic getaways, Cape May is one of New Jersey’s most cherished shore communities. Many of these homes have been here since the 19th Century, giving the town a feel that now many others in the state can boast.

Wildwood

It’s right there in the name. If you like your weekends wild, Wildwood and the surrounding towns showcase the fun side of the Jersey Shore. The town boasts a lengthy boardwalk packed with games and rides and places to eat, and is also filled with things to do, eat, drink, see and enjoy. There is a reason why Wildwood is such a popular weekend getaway!

Asbury Park

Asbury Park fell into decline for many years, but it is back and in a big way. Thanks to great restaurants, shops, art galleries and more, this town is once again thriving. It’s a town ideal for hip young people. Not only is the bar scene is excellent, but the music scene is great, too, and there are good apartments and homes available. This is a return to form long in the making!

Lavallette

Located adjacent to Toms River, this tiny little beachfront community is on the barrier island separating the Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It enjoys a close proximity to hot shore towns like Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights, but Lavallette itself is a quiet town with plenty of local shops and neighbors who know one another. It was recently ranked one of the top places to live in New Jersey, too.

Fantastic Ways to Enjoy the Shore Near Manahawkin

Posted on: August 10th, 2022 by admin

If you’re looking for things to do this summer, the Jersey Shore is the place to be! With miles of coastline and plenty of activities to keep you busy, you’ll never run out of things to do. Today, we’re taking a break from practicing dentistry at the shore to discuss five fun activities that are perfect for a day at the beach. So pack your sunscreen and get ready for some fun in the sun!

The first activity on our list is swimming. Of course, one of the best things to do at the beach is to take a dip in the water! Whether you’re looking to cool off or just have some fun, swimming is a great way to spend your day. Just be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks often if you’re in the sun for extended periods of time.

If swimming isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy. One popular option is building sandcastles. This is a great activity for all ages and can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. If you’re feeling creative, try incorporating shells or rocks into your design. Or, if you’re looking for a challenge, see how tall you can make your castle before it collapses.

Another great option for things to do at the beach is fishing. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, there’s nothing quite like spending a day out on the water. Just be sure to check the local regulations before you start fishing, as there may be limits on what you can catch. And if you don’t have a boat, no worries! There are plenty of spots along the shore where you can cast your line and enjoy some time in nature.

If you’re looking for something a little more active, why not try stand-up paddleboarding? This popular activity is perfect for those who want to explore the coastline at their own pace. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try paddleboarding in the waves! Just be sure to wear a life jacket and practice safety first.

Last but not least, one of the best things to do at the beach is simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Soak up the sun, read a book, or just take a nap on the sand. No matter how you spend your day, there’s no doubt that a day at the Jersey Shore is sure to be a memorable one.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your swimsuit and head to the shore for some fun in the sun!

Enjoy Your Jersey Shore Summer Before It’s Gone!

Posted on: August 3rd, 2022 by admin

Don’t let the show “Jersey Shore” fool you. The coastal areas of New Jersey are a beautiful, relaxing place where people enjoy the beach lifestyle in friendly, down to Earth communities. As anyone who lives here will tell you, once you live at the shore you never want to live anywhere else!

Don’t believe us? Go visit these fantastic Jersey Shore communities for a taste of what life is like here:

Manahawkin / Stafford

Manahawkin is the gateway to Long Beach Island, a beautiful little community that is technically a part of Stafford Township. It’s a warm, pleasant place to live filled with great people and excellent access to local beaches and attractions such as Long Beach Island, Atlantic City, and Seaside Heights. That’s why we are proud to be a dentist serving Manahawkin!

Lavallette

Located just north of Toms River, this sleepy little beachfront community is nestled between the Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It enjoys a close proximity to shore hotspots like Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights, but is itself a quiet town with plenty of local shops and neighbors who know one another. It’s a beautiful place to relax.

Long Beach Island 01

Ocean Beach

Technically part of Toms River, the quaint bungalows that make up most of Ocean Beach make this the perfect community for summer rentals or affordable retirements.

Beach Haven

This subdued community on Long Beach Island is as beautiful as it is quiet. It’s a small town in which everyone knows their neighbor. Longtime residents are common. It’s the ideal place to live if you like to have good friends nearby. Even better, it boasts easy access to the attractions in places like Barnegat and other nearby LBI communities.

Cape May

This historic town is filled with old inns, bed and breakfasts, and romantic getaways. Many of these home have been here since the 19th Century. This is a fantastic place to get away from it all, with great boat tours, secluded places to eat, and more.

Asbury Park

Asbury Park is back and in a big way. Once run down and decrepit, this town is now thriving with great restraints, shops, art galleries and more. It’s a town ideal for hip young people. The bar scene is excellent, the music scene even better, and there are good apartments available. If ever there was a welcome return to form at the shore, it’s the return of Asbury Park.

Wildwood

Sometimes called “The Wildwoods,” though that actually refers to several towns, Wildwood and the surrounding towns showcase the fun side of the Jersey Shore. With a lengthy boardwalk packed with games and rides and places to eat, and a town filled with things to do, eat, drink, see and enjoy, Wildwood is a weekender’s perfect getaway. No wonder it’s such a popular destination!

As you can see, the Jersey Shore is more than night clubs and boardwalks. It’s varied and interesting enough for almost anyone!

5 Reasons the Jersey Shore near Manahawkin is something special

Posted on: July 13th, 2022 by admin

Don’t the show of the same name fool you. The Jersey Shore is a terrific place to live. This is especially true in Southern Ocean County around Barnegat, Manahawkin, and Forked River, where there are a wealth of benefits that will quickly have you living the good life.

Don’t believe us? Just take a look at these five great reasons to live at the shore:

Jersey Strong

1) Watersports

For those who like their life to be on the exciting side, the Jersey coast offers some of the best areas for jet skiing, water skiing, surfing, and much more.

Whether you already own equipment or just want to rent it, shops and rentals places are so numerous you’ll be tripping over them.

Even better, the waters here are made for activities like this. Our bays, waterways and oceans are perfect for waverunners, paddle boarding, and much more.

2) Boating and Fishing

New Jersey has some of the best boating and fishing on the East Coast (and anyone who follows our Facebook knows our doctors take full advantage of it!).

Whether you like relaxing on a bay and enjoying the sun with friends, or like to take a boat out on the Atlantic and engage in some serious fishing, the opportunities to both are endless here. The Garden State has a thriving fishing and boating community that dates back hundreds of years, with a wealth of fishing clubs, charter boats, yacht clubs, and much more available. If you live someplace like Renaissance on The Ocean, it’s easy to access this great aspect of the shore.

3) Beautiful Beaches

There is a reason why so many people come to the Jersey Shore each summer: because it’s beautiful! No matter the type of experience you want, New Jersey offers it. We have quaint, quiet communities with relaxing beaches, party towns with thriving nightclub scenes, towns that specialize in historic inns and bed and breakfasts, fishing towns, communities geared towards families, towns that focus on boardwalks and amusements, and much more. New Jersey beaches in Ship Bottom, Long Beach Island, and elsewhere are the place to be!

4) The Outdoors

In addition to watersports, beaches and more, the Jersey coast has something a lot of people don’t realize: some gorgeous state and federal parks featuring pristine coastland. These preserves boast great hiking trails, lush dunes, and abundant wildlife. You can see a side of New Jersey you never imagined!

5) Easy Access To NYC and Philly

Being at the Jersey Shore doesn’t mean you always have to STAY at the Jersey Shore. Thanks to 195 and the Parkway, access to New York City and Philadelphia is incredibly easy, making day trips into the city a breeze. Even Baltimore is an easy three-hour drive away, a perfect way to catch Phillies, Yankees and Mets games without having to deal with the home town crowds. It’s just one more thing that makes living at the shore so desirable!

With these things in mind, it’s hard to ignore how great the Jersey Shore can be!

Pack Light for your New Jersey Vacation at the Beach

Posted on: June 29th, 2022 by admin

The Jersey Shore is a popular destination for weekend getaways and week long summer vacations for many reasons, especially the area near our office, which includes Barnegat, Manahawkin, Long Beach Island, Forked River, and other great shore towns. There is plenty to do, the beaches are close to almost any rental you can find, and the entire region is easily accessible from the entire tri-State area. If there is a single headache it’s this: you never seem to have enough room to bring all the stuff you want to bring!

With that in mind, here are some tips on how to pack light. Believe us, it can make the difference between a good summer vacation and a great one!

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-car-near-seashore-with-blue-ocean-1118448/

You Don’t Need All Those Shoes – It’s easy to get caught in the trap of bringing shoes for every occasion. You need your flip-flops or sandals, your sneakers, your nice shoes for going out to dinner, maybe those boots in case you go for a trek on Long Beach Island. Bad idea! Bring only one or two pairs (including what you are wearing). You’ll be glad you did.

Pack Your Lightest Items Last – Packing your luggage is not a science, it’s an art form, but there are a few tips that can make your packing more efficient and help you get the most into a small space. Packing your lightest items last is one of them. They will be easier to fit into whatever nooks and crannies are left in your bags, are more easily switched around with other items, and in the worst case scenario where something won’t fit, they can easily be thrown into a small extra bag.

Layers, Layers, Layers – If you’re bringing a few bulky clothing items to ward off cooler evenings or rainy days, consider wearing them during your trip to the Long Beach Island summer house you booked. That will save a lot of room in your bags and make travel less of a hassle. Just be sure to crank up the A/C in your car!

Make Yourself A Checklist – It may seem obvious but a lot of people don’t do this – and skipping this step is a bad idea, because planning ahead can save many headaches later! Write down what you absolutely, positively need, and also write down what you need but will be able to purchase once you arrive at your destination. It’s far easier to make a quick stop at a local store for sun block, towels, snacks and other disposable items. Don’t waste space in your luggage on that!

Don’t Fold, Roll – Most of us grew up folding our clothes, but guess what? Rolling your clothes up takes up less room and allows you to pack in more creative, space efficient ways. It also allows you to distribute the weight in your bags more evenly, which will make carry them around far easier.

These few small tips don’t seem like much, but add them together and they will make your next trip to the Southern Ocean County shore area much easier and far less stressful!

9 Cool Facts About Long Beach Island

Posted on: April 6th, 2022 by admin

Anyone who has been to LBI knows it’s a beautiful, cozy community that thrives during the summer months. Whether you own a home there or you just take day trips to the beach, you probably love to visit.

So if you love to visit Long Beach Island, you might enjoy knowing a little more about it. With that in mind, we have some interesting facts for you. Take a look:

  • Long Beach Island has been battered by some major storms. In 1920, most of the island was destroyed by a devastating winter storm that even reopened a once closed inlet in Holgate. In 1923, another storm smashed the island and knocked out rail service for a full three years, and in 1935, a storm washed out the railroad bridge to the mainland.
  • Perhaps the worst storm was the Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962. That storm split the island into several pieces and causes the USS Monssen, a Navy destroyer, to run aground. The storm is considered one of the 10 worst storms of the 20th Century in the United States, and almost destroyed all of Long Beach Island.
  • Long Beach Island was also battered by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The storm flooded the island and cause the bridge to the island to be closed for 13 days.
  • The current causeway that connects Long Beach Island to the mainland was constructed in the late 1950s.
  • Long Beach Island is known as a fairly well to do area of New Jersey. Even as far back as 1970, Philadelphia Magazine joked that “the haves turn right and the have mores turn left,” referring to the turns south and north people make after arriving on the island.
  • The communities on the north of the island, including Loveladies and North Beach, feature sprawling Victorian homes that often spark rumors of celebrities vacationing there.
  • Though Long Beach Island is a highly desirable resort and vacation area, it is not comparable to nearby Jersey Shore communities like Seaside Heights, Wildwood, and Belmar. Instead of a thriving night club scene and rides and boardwalks, it’s a family oriented vacation spot with more focus on restaurants, museums, and beaches.
  • Long Beach Island is home to many fishing and charter boats, some of which get 100 or more miles off the coast.
  • Long Beach Island is home to the famed Surflight Theater. Built in 1950 by Joseph P. Hayes, for decades the theater has offered a place for the local arts to be performed, including music, dance, theater, and comedy.

What do you know about the Long Beach Island community? How in touch with its history are you? If you know some interesting facts we didn’t mention, tell us about them in the comments!

What Do You Know About Beach Haven West, NJ?

Posted on: February 23rd, 2022 by admin

Beach Haven West is one of Southern Ocean County’s most desirable waterfront communities. A sleepy unincorporated community that is part of Stafford Township, it is home to both summer residents and all year residents.

It’s no surprise why. This waterfront community offers easy access to fishing and boating, with the entire Barnegat Bay just seconds away by boat.

beach haven west

For many, Beach Haven West itself is a dream come true. Constructed on over 100 lagoons and located right off Route 72 and just across the bay from Long Beach Island, it’s one of the Jersey Shore’s true hidden gems.

Here are 10 facts you might not know about this hidden gem of a community:

  1. Beach Haven West was first developed in the 1950s. Herbert and Jerome Shapiro created the 130 lagoons that make up this part of town.
  1. Beach Haven West began with a series of Cape Cod style homes being built.
  1. The earliest waterfront homes there cost about $7,000 circa the 1950s.
  1. The first phase of Beach Haven West opened in 1957 and makes up the area between Morris Boulevard and Jennifer Lane.
  1. The community’s phase two was finished in the early 1960s and spans the area between Jonathan Drive and Walter Boulevard.
  1. During the 1950s and 1960s, the Beach Haven West Civic Association was a focal point of the community. They ran a community center and pool off Jonathan Drive. The clubhouse was demolished in the 1980s.
  1. Beach Haven West was still being built-out as late as 1986, when Colony Lakes was completed.
  1. The construction of Beach Haven West, as well as Ocean Acres, coincided with the construction of the Garden State Parkway, which finally gave people in North Jersey easier access to the Jersey Shore.
  1. Today, Beach Haven West’s population is about 4,000 residents.
  1. One of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, Teresa Giudice, once had a summer home in Beach Haven West.

These days, you can ask anyone looking to stay in the Southern Ocean County area and they will all agree: there are few communities that have become as desirable to live in as this one.

Even more important? They get access to a priceless lifestyle of relaxation, boating, fishing, great dentists in Southern Ocean County, and more. And that’s not something you can find just anywhere.

Where to Find Your Dream Jersey Shore Summer Rental This Year!

Posted on: February 10th, 2022 by admin

Summer will be here before you know it, so if you want a Jersey Shore vacation, the time to start planning is NOW!

On Fridays during the summer, the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike are often backed up with traffic. These aren’t people going home from work or on their way to the world’s largest pizza party. They are coming to the beautiful New Jersey Coast – and since our dentist office in Ocean County is right near the coast, we have a great fondness for the area!

No wonder Long Beach Island rentals, bungalows in Barnegat, apartments in Belmar, weekend homes in Point Pleasant and more are so popular each summer.

The New Jersey coast is not all created equal, however. Choosing one town over the other can be the difference between finding yourself in the middle of MTV’s “Jersey Shore” and relaxing in a quaint, historic community, so choose carefully!

If you plan to invest in a summer home at the Jersey Shore or to enjoy a vacation along the coast, these are a few of the communities you should be sure to consider when deciding to take a weekend, week, or even the rest of your life away with the family.

Point Pleasant Beach – This is a community that endeavors to straddle the line between a vibrant, active resort community and a quiet, peaceful ocean town. Indeed, this is a town that offers the architectural charm of yesteryear as well as the appeal of great dining and excellent shopping. The residential neighborhoods of Point Pleasant Beach are quiet, but the downtown is often bus with shoppers. Also busy is the boardwalk, which has the area’s only aquarium. There you will find rides, games, places to see bands playing music, and more.

Long Beach Island – The fact is, Long Beach Island (along with nearby communities like Manahawkin) is in high demand for a reason. This stretch of coastal barrier island remains one of the New Jersey coast’s most desirable places to both live and to vacation. Boasting plenty of bay and ocean facing property, it also has shopping, historic sites, and more. Even better, while there are plenty of things to do within a short walk or drive, the town itself is calm enough so that even retirees find this to be a small slice of heaven.

barnegat-lighthouse03

Barnegat – The small oceanfront and bay community of Barnegat, where our dentist office in Ocean County are located, is a popular place for families thanks to its lovely beaches, paths, and docks for fishing and crabbing – not to mention its historic lighthouse. There are more than a few small shops run by residents of the town, as well as waterfront property along both the ocean and the bay. Barnegat is on Long Beach Island, so when we say that Long Beach Island has been increasingly popular in recent years thanks to its quaint, small town feel we include this town in the observation.

Belmar – Not unlike Point Pleasant Beach, the Borough of Belmar offers quiet shore living as well as attractions that will appeal to more energetic visitors. Quaint neighborhoods with snug coastal homes are just a short walk away from some of the New Jersey coast’s most active and popular nightclubs. Set that alongside some of the best fishing on the East Coast, a historic boating community, and a downtown that is a throwback to communities of eras long gone and it’s easy to see why people flock to Belmar each year.

Any one of these communities could serve at the perfect place for your New Jersey vacation or retirement!

The inside scoop on Jersey Shore real estate shopping

Posted on: December 22nd, 2021 by admin

If you would like a nice house by the shore, you are not alone. The New Jersey coast is a desirable place to live for many reasons, so it’s no surprise that homes in towns like Manahawkin and Forked River are in high demand. That’s why hunting for that prime shore real estate can be a bigger task than you might be ready for.   Have no fear. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of house hunting tips.

Start Saving Now – The best time to start saving your money is BEFORE you begin your hunt, because what you save is going to impact your budget, and your budget is going to impact the houses you’ll end up viewing.

Know Your Needs – Single, childless couple, family. Work from home, commuter, retired. All of these things will play a major role in the kind of house that will best suit you. Know your needs and you’ll know what features to look for.

Figure Your Max Mortgage Payment – Create a highly detailed household budget factoring in everything you can think of other than a mortgage – car payment, utilities, student loans, etc – then add a little extra to account for unexpected expenses and so on. Subtract that from your income to determine your max mortgage payment. That will help narrow down the real state you should view.

Barnegat Lighthouse New Jersey

Know Your Credit Score – If your score is below 620, you may want to postpone your hunt, because getting approved in today’s real estate climate may be difficult.

Focus On What You Can’t Change – Things like the bathroom tiles or kitchen flooring or landscaping can be changed. Instead, focus on the floor layout, sight lines and views, and available rooms. In other words, the things you won’t be able to change.

Get Pre-Approved – A pre-approval will put you in a position to know exactly how much you can spend, which in turn will let you know which home is right for you and which isn’t.

Visit Your Short List Homes Twice – Don’t just visit once. That first visit you’ll be too excited to be viewing a nice new piece of property. You will be harder to impress the second time around and more likely to spot issues that you’ll have missed on your first visit.

View The Neighborhood, Too – It’s not enough to just view your desired house. Take a drive out to Manahawkin or Forked River or wherever you’re looking, get to see the neighborhood, see what shops are nearby, see what amenities are available to you – because unless you’re a commuter who works long hours, you’re not just buying into a home, you’re buying into a community.

Use An Agent – While you can do a lot of house hunting on your own, an agent can be a huge help, especially in a competitive market with unique obstacles, such as searching for shore houses. An agent is a worthwhile investment.

Make A Long List – View a LOT of real estate online in catalogs, through your agent, and more, and make a long list of the properties in towns like Lacey / Forked River, Long Beach Island, and Manahawkin that catch your eye.

Make A Short List – Narrow down that list to a few select homes based on rigorous criteria you set (including some of the advice above).

Why we love living and working in Ocean County, NJ

Posted on: November 15th, 2021 by admin

Ever thought about living near coast of New Jersey, especially in towns like Manahawkin, Forked River and Barnegat? If you haven’t before, you sure will after reading these seven reasons why it’s AWESOME:

barnegat lighthouse1) Easy Access To Recreation

If you want recreation, there are few better places to be than the beach, especially in Southern Ocean County and Long Beach Island. Surfing, boating, fishing, swimming, sun bathing, games, music, paddle boarding, night clubs, nature preserves, food festivals, and so much more we can barely list it all. If you can’t find something to do at the shore it’s because you refuse to leave the house!

2) It’s Relaxing

Think about the sound of the surf, the smell of the water, the laid back way people go about their lives, and then think about yourself in the middle of it all right here in Ocean County. Yes, that is what living at the shore can be like – and it can be like that every single day of the year! Doesn’t matter if you live in a small bungalow or have a huge beachfront house, being near the the ocean can lift your spirits and help you do something few people can manage: relax!

3) You’ll Enjoy A Longer Life

It might sound like nonsense, but it’s true. Studies show that people who do not take annual vacations are 32 percent more likely to die of a heart attack. So what better way to extend your life then by building a perpetual vacation into your life? That’s exactly what living at the beach is like. At any moment you choose, you can flip the switch from normal life to relaxing. Take a walk to the sand, go look out over the way, enjoy some water sports, go fishing, walk your dog, go people watching – the whole area here near Long Beach Island a tremendous place to unwind!

4) Visits From Friends And Family Will Be Great

If you enjoy making people feel welcome, you’ll have an easy time if you live near the shore. People love to visit the region for a reason, and they love it even more when they are visiting good friends and family. Give them something to see and something to do, often without much effort on your part. That’s exactly what living near the shore can do!

Southern-Ocean-County5) Get In Touch With Nature

It may appear that the shore region is built up to a major degree – and in some ways, it is – but there are not only plenty of parks and open areas, even the built-up communities allow access to mother nature you can’t get in the suburbs. When was the last time you watched dolphins and whales play in your McMansion community, or walked two blocks to do some ocean fishing, or fed ducks and gulls on the bay right in your backyard?

6) Salt Water Is Good For Your Health

Yet another mark in favor of shore living, salt water is not just calming to the soul, it can actually help heal little nicks and cuts. Add in the fact that beach sand can help exfoliate your skin, helping you to feel cleaner and fresher, and you have the makings for a healthier life.

7) It’s A Great Investment

When it comes down to it, this may be the biggest reason to own property at the shore. Waterfront property is always in demand. It never goes out of style. Your investment is all but guaranteed to increase for you. Add that to all the lifestyle bonuses mentioned above, and the reasons for living at the shore should be obvious.

And naturally, once you’re here and smiling about your choice, choose us as your Ocean County dentist and we’ll keep your smile bright!