It looks like we’re headed for a scorching hot summer this year; luckily, Manasquan has the perfect destinations to cool off and enjoy the weather. From their restaurants to their tourist attractions, Manasquan has a number of establishments and locations that welcome all beach-goers and travelers.
Below, you’ll find our day-trip guide, filled with the best ways to spend time in Manasquan.
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The Best Events
Best for Everyone: A Very Berry Festival
When: Sunday, August 7 (rain date Sunday, August 14), 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Squan Plaza, Abe Vorhees Drive, Manasquan
Description: This annual outdoor festival features all things “berry.” Manasquan’s Very Berry Festival is an all-ages event with tons of crafts, foods, and antiques. Vendors display their own sweet treats made from special homemade recipes, so the festival is packed with desserts including strawberry shortcakes, berry pies, cobblers, and much, much more.
More Information: Visit http://kraftfairs.com/berry.html or call 732-223-3710.
Best for Families: Fireman’s Fair
When: Tuesday, July 26 to Saturday, July 30, 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Where: Mallard Park, S Potter Avenue, Manasquan
Description: Manasquan’s annual Fireman’s Fair is an exciting 5-day event for all ages. The event kicks off with a firefighter’s parade down Main Street on opening night. The traditional carnival features the Gravitron, Super Sizzler, a gigantic Ferris wheel, a carousel, small boats, and a super-sized slide, as well as fun games like skee-ball, whack-a-mole, and of course, the ring toss. The fair also accommodates a ton of food and sweet treats like funnel cake and cotton candy.
More Information: Visit http://www.manasquanfair.com/ or call 732-223-3501.
The Best Restaurants
Best for Breakfast and Brunch: The Committed Pig
Address: 168 Main Street, Manasquan
Description: The Committed Pig is a distinguished American eatery with several locations across the state. They’re open every day of the week and offer a ton of unique menu items, like their signature Burgernut (a double patty cheeseburger on glazed donuts). They also offer traditional breakfast and brunch items like pancakes, French toast, eggs, pork roll and cheese, grilled cheese, and salads as well.
More Information: Visit www.thecommittedpig.com or call 732-528-9400.
Best for Dinner: Blend on Main
Address: 152 Main Street, Manasquan
Description: Blend on Main is an elegant contemporary American restaurant. They’re open for lunch and dinner every Tuesday through Sunday, offering a wide range of dishes, like their Lil’ Piggy Sandwich (two eggs, potato hash, bacon, pork roll, and cheese on toasted brioche), Brick “Amish” Chicken (all natural, herb marinated, brick pressed, natural jus), and Jersey Shore Black Out (Prince Edward Island mussels, black garlic, squid ink spaghetti, and yuzu brodetto).
More Information: Visit blendonmain.com or call 732-223-0030.
The Best Tourist Attraction
Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area
Address: 383 3rd Avenue, Manasquan
Description: The Fireman’s Cove Conservation Area is a 55-acre site, and the last undeveloped tract on the Manasquan Inlet. It’s a great place to fish, walk on the beach, or just bask in the sun. Your furry friends are welcome, but dogs must be on-leash at all times while at the park. The park opens at 7:00 am every morning and closes between 8:30 and 9:30 pm every night throughout the summer.
More Information: Visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2521 or call 732-922-4080.
The Best Beach Tips
Beach Tags: Beach badges can be purchased from the Manasquan Beach Office on 205 Beachfront (Next to Gee Gee’s Pizza). Daily wristbands for everyone 12 and older cost $9.00. You can also purchase pre-season beach badges at a discounted price.
Beach Parking: Manasquan Beach has four municipal parking lots and is within walking distance from the train station, which services the NJ Transit System.
Changing Facilities: There are public restrooms on Ocean Avenue, Main Street, Brielle Road, and the Inlet.
More Information: Visit www.manasquan-nj.com/badge_prices.html or www.manasquan-nj.com/beaches.html, or call 732-223-0544.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Luigi Novi / WikiMedia
Additional Images (in Order) Courtesy:
Manasquan Fair
The Committed Pig / Facebook
Blend on Main / Facebook
Monmouth County Parks
WikiMedia
