I grew up in Monmouth County, New Jersey right on the Jersey Shore. What a great county it is. It is in Central Jersey, and yes, Central Jersey is a thing. I do not live in North or South Jersey. If you look at a map, you will see that Monmouth County is right in the center…of New Jersey, making it Central Jersey. New Jersey, especially Monmouth County, has some special things that no other place has to offer. People just don’t understand what these things are, and I think it is safe to say that they are missing out. So, only people from Monmouth County know what these things are:
1. Rook Coffee
Now, I miss a lot of things about Jersey. I miss my family the most obviously, but Rook Coffee is definitely a close second. Okay, not a close second, but it comes in second place. This is the best coffee I have ever had. It beats Starbucks and even Dunkin Donuts by a landslide. They have these cold jugs that you can keep refrigerated. All you have to do is put ice in a glass, pour the coffee and then mix it with cream. I am stocked up on them here at school because I can’t survive without my Rook coffee.
2. Broad Street Dough Co.
Donuts. These donuts are heavenly. They can be simple, or they can be very complex. They are original and come in a variety of flavors. Even though the place is about 15 minutes away from my house, I am never too lazy to make the trip. So, if you ever want something sweet and delicious in New Jersey, Broad Street Dough Co. will never disappoint. Also, a side note, there is a Rook Coffee right next to Broad Street Dough Co.
3. Beach Clubs
I go to Ship Ahoy. If you are from Monmouth County you will understand that Sea Bright is comprised of beach clubs along the shore. Ship Ahoy, Sands, Surfrider, Driftwood, Edgewater, etc. You may be asking what a beach club is. Well, let me tell you. A beach club is a club along the beach that costs an exorbitant amount of money, but it is totally worth it. There is a nice pool, a kiddie pool if you are into that sort of thing, a snack bar, and obviously sand and an ocean. Oh, and there is also a playground and a volleyball net and overpriced cabanas.
4. Red Bank
Red Bank is one of the hot spots in Monmouth County. It is a town right next to mine that has a bit of a city feel. It has unique shops and stores like Urban Outfitters. It is always nice to walk around Red Bank, go to dinner or do some shopping. During the summer, there are some concerts by the river in Red Bank.
5. Poor Cat
This store is pretty darn awesome. Poor Cat is a jewelry store that can only be found in Red Bank, New Jersey. There are a wide variety of colors to choose from while picking your leather. The charms are put on the leather. You can have a three-knot necklace, or a double knot necklace. Or, you can have a leather bracelet. The charms come in gold and silver and they are very individualized and unique.
6. Monmouth Park Track
This is the place where we try to pretend like we are at the Kentucky Derby. American Pharaoh raced in the Haskell Horse Race, which is held here, so I guess that is pretty sweet.
7. The Stone Pony
This is where musicians get their start. Bruce Springsteen got his start here and look at him now. The Stone Pony has concerts and it is just a really cool place to go visit. It is one of New Jersey’s most popular music venues and it opened in 1974.
8. Kingda Ka
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This is the tallest and fastest roller coaster in North America. This wild coaster is at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey. Six Flags is an awesome amusement park with plenty of fun roller coasters and attractions. Kingda Ka is 456 feet tall coaster, so I don’t think it will disappoint. Although some say they do get nose bleeds because of the crazy altitude.
9. Inkwell Coffeehouse
If you like good Dutch coffee and a hipster scene, then Inkwell Coffeehouse is the place to go. The Inkwell is a big hangout for Monmouth County residents. The lighting and the atmosphere is really chill and down to earth. Also, the bathroom is very decorated, which I think is cool. There are a bunch of names and graffiti on the wall. It is very artistic.
10. Exit 109
In New Jersey, we know where we are from based off of our parkway exits. I am off Exit 109!
11. Porta
Eat, Drink, Be Honest. If you are from Monmouth County, often times you will scroll down on your Instagram feed and see many basic posts in front of the three decorative doors in front of this restaurant. Porta’s pizza is amazing, but let’s be honest, people really just go there for the Instagram post.
Monmouth County is a great place to live in. My town in particular, is a small one, but the size makes it unique. It is an exciting place to live with the beach about five minutes away and the city about forty minutes away. There is always something to do in Monmouth County, so if you are ever visiting, please check out these awesome places!
