If you’re like me (a Bruce Springsteen singing, bagel eating, Monmouth County native) it isn’t hard to think of a list of all of the things you will miss when you leave for college. I am leaving for University of Michigan this week, and as I think about my life so far, I've realized that my home has played a huge part in who I am. Monmouth County is small and nestled in the heart of good ol’ forgotten “dirty jerz”, however in my outwardly biased opinion it is one of the most fantastic places on earth. I in fact never ran from it once in my childhood, possibly because of the impending fear that if I left I would never eat a good bagel or see the New York skyline from sandy hook ever again. So, in my final days as a Monmouth County resident, I’d like to reflect on the top ten things we all miss the most when we are away from our home on the jersey shore.
#1 The Proximity to NYC
This is one of the things I really took for granted growing up in Monmouth County. It is such a gift that we have the ability to hop on a train or a boat and be in the city in an hour. I guess we don't realize that some people have NEVER been to the "greatest city in the world" before. As a huge fan of broadway, I’ve recently been taking advantage of said freedom. I’m a big fan of the broadway “rush line” policy and scoring tickets for super cheap is my favorite thing to do. My last NYC endeavor was to see Cats the musical, and get Schmackary's cookies- both which I’d totally recommend.
#2 Playa Bowls
Over the past two years, the popularity of the “acai bowl” in New Jersey has grown to an insane level. I’ll admit, while possibly deemed “basic”, acai bowls are both beautiful and delicious. Playa Bowls is the original acai establishment on the shore, and the most sought after. I’d recommend the "power bowl" while sitting on a picnic bench outside of their Belmar storefront- simply heaven.
#3 Sandy Hook
In my eyes, Sandy Hook is one of the most beautiful places in Monmouth County. I know I will I miss running and walking down it with friends, discovering new paths and beaches. My favorite thing to do on Sandy Hook is take a slow drive all the way around it to watch the sunset, windows down (always) with good friends in the backseat. It can get crowded in the summer, but other than that “the hook” is one of the most breathtaking views in New Jersey.
#4 The Navesink River
Growing up with the Navesink in my backyard has been such a blessing. I know most Monmouth county residents can share many memories of boating, kayaking, tubing, wake-boarding, swimming and adventuring in the river throughout their childhood. My most favorite memory of the Navesink is the fourth of July fireworks every year, or the beautiful sunset I am so lucky to see every evening.
#5 Red Bank
How lucky I have been to have my favorite “mini city” only five minutes away from my home. Red bank is known home to everyone’s favorite Starbucks, Chipotle, Urban Outfitters and more. My favorite places in Red Bank (and the ones I’ll miss most) include Birravino Restaurant, Lil Cutie Cake Pops, Lucki Clover, and the Count Basie Theatre. Red Bank is always lively at night and busy throughout the day and I know it is missed by everyone when they are far.
#6 Bagels (and pork roll)
I don’t even want to argue this with anyone. The BEST bagels are Jersey bagels. Always have been, always will be. There is nothing like a fresh, fluffy, warm Jersey bagel and you just won’t find them on the west coast or down south. I will miss the best ever pork roll, egg, and cheese on a toasted sesame bagel at Bagel Masters (in Shrewsbury) very much.
#7 Lighthouse
The best Monmouth County, NJ delicacy may lie in Strollo’s Lighthouse, AKA the best Italian ice there ever was. I cannot imagine a week without at least two trips to lighthouse and I can barely even think about having my very last lighthouse Italian ice before I leave- truly heartbreaking.
#8 The beach
This may be the number one thing Monmouth County residents miss when they are far from home. New Jersey beaches are our best kept secret. I cannot imagine not living ten minutes away from the ocean to jump into on a blisteringly hot afternoon or after cross country practice. It has been such a blessing to be so close to beautiful Seabright beaches every single day of the summer.
#9 Holmdel Park
As a runner, one of the things I will miss most about Monmouth County are the beautiful running parks available to the public all around Monmouth County towns. My favorite, Holmdel Park has been named hardest cross country course in the country multiple times, so I actually don’t know why I feel like I am going to miss it. However, I’m sure the fated "bowl" will be waiting for me when I return in November.
#10 The people
Most importantly, I know when I leave I will miss everyone that lives in Monmouth County. My entire family lives along the Jersey Shore and all of my friends who I went to high school with live here as well. Additionally the “theatre community” of Monmouth County has blessed my life with countless memories, relationships, and performances over the past ten years that I will miss so much. Luckily, missing my family and so many others will make my home that much better to come back to on Thanksgiving break.
As I make my journey to college this week, I have a lot to be thankful and excited for. My hometown (in Monmouth county) has been such a huge part of who I am and a brilliant influence on me so far. I am going to miss the beautiful Jersey Shore sunsets and bagels (and the not so beautiful jug handles) but I am so excited for my new adventure. Xo & good luck in school this year to all my Monmouth County readers.
