Treasure Island Pumpkin Picking

We had a great day pumpkin picking on Treasure Island (aka Osborn Island).  Treasure Island is located on the Manasquan River between Brielle and Point Pleasant.   

My sister Katie w the kiddo.

It is believed that  Robert Louis Stevenson wrote his famous novel Treasure Island about this location. According to wikipedia, Stevenson spent about a month in Brielle along the Manasquan River. One day Stevenson visited Osborn Island and was so impressed he whimsically re-christened it "Treasure Island" after his famous novel Treasure Island (1883) and carved his initials into a bulkhead. This took place five years after he had completed the novel. To this day, many still refer to the island as such.

The kiddo made sure to dress up like a pirate for his first visit to the island. 

The Manasquan water taxi took us there from the Brielle Yacht Club. While on the boat, we enjoyed a free drink, received pirate bandanas and listened to some fun fall music. 

Pumpkin picking on Treasure Island

Upon arriving on the island, our tour guide brought us through the woods and pointed out exciting things like sarsaparilla( what root beer is made from). At the end of the island we all congregated around the tire swing and piñata. We talked about our halloween costumes and picked out pumpkins.

On the way back, we even went crabbing!

What a great way to spend a Fall day!  We got a free water taxi season pass too in the event we want to hit the area bars next summer.

Tip:  The boat ride wasn't sold out but it is recommended that you make a reservation.  Bring a light jacket because it gets a little windy and chilly on the water.  Also bring a little snack.

From Beach To Petting Zoo

We had a great time visiting Atlantic Farms petting zoo on Monday.  We've driven by many times and have seen the goats and cows from the car but we've never stopped until now.

I have no idea why we've waited so long for a visit.  The baby and I enjoyed walking around to see the goats, sheep, ostriches,
 donkey and miniature horse.   We also got a delicious pie from the farmers market.  Next time we will take a hay ride to the pumpkin patch.

Vacationer tip:  Atlantic Farms is open for most of the year.  If its overcast and not the best beach day - go visit the petting zoo.  Whenever you decide to go, head over to Hinck's Turkey farm for a Thanksgiving-like meal afterwards.

Saturday wrap up

A happy delivery ready
for vacation!

What a busy Saturday for deliveries and pickups at the Jersey shore!

We were all over making vacations more relaxing and enjoyable for our guests from Manasquan, Ocean Beach, Long Beach Island, Brigantine, Ocean City, Sea Isle, Avalon, Stone Harbor, Wildwood and Diamond beach!

The day started with a little chill, then some rain and we even were sunkissed!

We are already gearing up for next weekend. 

Bare Feet

It's another year for polar bear plunges up and down the coast at the Jersey Shore. This year the plunge has more significance than dunking into the frigid waters. Many northern beaches were hard hit by Sandy and had so much debris on the beach.

Shore towns have remained committed to their tradition and continued with plunges only after major sand sifting on the beaches. The beaches are looking so much better every day. I was more thrilled to see plungers bare feet in the sand than to watch them dunk. With all the focus on our beaches, they will be ready for summer 2013!

Nothing like a snowstorm

To make you want to start planning your summer vacation at the jersey shore!

Hot chocolate

We truly enjoyed hosting an impromptu hot chocolate stand outside our place in manasquan on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Walkers along the beach path were welcome to enjoy a complimentary cup of hot chocolate w whipped cream and marshmallows. Cookies too! Manasquan endured a lot of damage from hurricane Sandy and many walkers were seeing it for the first time. We hope the hot chocolate helped warm folks up and allowed them to think of warm days ahead as the recovery continues.

Two of Our Favorites

Saturday was quite a day for eating!  I've been craving Mariners Cove in Brielle for some time.  It just so happened to be 9:30 on a Saturday and we weren't sure if  we had a chance to get a table.  For those that haven't been there,  the wait crazy on a weekend in the summer (and sometimes in the off season).   We lucked out!  We immediately got a table! Yeah!   I quickly ordered my favorite omelette, the South Jersey.  This is fairly normal with porkroll, tomato and cheese but may of the other omelette options are wild and crazy.

Later in the day, my friend and sister stopped at Surf Taco in Manasquan for lunch.  Wheneever a friend comes to visit, I usually take them to Surf Taco since its delicious and an awesome restaurant.   For lunch, the Hawaiian Salad was calling my name.  This is always good.  

Depite all the good food during the day, I'm glad we stayed in and made dinner!

Polar Bear Plunge

The Race into the Frigid
Atlantic Ocean

Bag Pipers Lead
Plungers to The Water

Here are some photos from this years LADACIN Polar Bear Plunge in Manasquan.

We chose not to participate this year since we decided this was a once in a lifetime activity and not exactly something we felt we had to do every year.
Check out our blog post from last year covering the play-by-play.

We did; however, try to keep it festive this year by looking like a polar bear in our warm coat.

Staying Warm
Looking Like A
Polar Bear

We started the fun at Leggett's with all the plungers and spectators.  Leggett's was rockin'!

Pre-Polar Bear Party
At Leggetts

From there followed the bag pipers onto the beach to watch the dash into the waters.

Way to go plungers!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all our viewers.  We truly enjoyed working with all of you in 2011.  We look forward to announcing new and exciting things for 2012.  For today, we enjoy the sunrise and collecting sand dollars at the beach on this first day of the year.  

Sand dollars found at Brielle Road
beach in Manasquan.

First sunrise of the year

Holiday Visitors

Small Christmas tree (unlit in pic)
welcomed guests

We just love having overnight guests at our home.

In the spirit of Christmas we made sure to make our guest rooms festive for California and Florida relatives.

Our front room has to twin beds adorned with our Egyptian cotton linens, down comforters and throws. We added a small Christmas tree with lights to greet guests when entering the room. We also included solar power candles in the window. In the back room we added bay leaf garland around the bed and vanity. In both rooms we left candy canes for our guests.

Garland adorned bed along with
signed copy of Polar Express

In addition to the holiday items, we included our relax do not disturb signs and sparkling water. Our front room guests also had our concierge bell for use whenever needed.

Thankfully we were on vacation too and it wasn't put to use.

Weekend: Manasquan, Point Pleasant, Spring Lake & Asbury Park

This weekend was busy, busy, busy.  We were in Manasquan, Point Pleasant, Spring Lake and in Asbury Park.  Sometimes not once but multiple times.

We kicked off the weekend with a dinner at St. Stephen in Spring Lake.  St. Stephens is our go-to weekend spot.  My husband and I both had their Chicken Pot Pie.  We typically order the Irish Car Bomb Cheesecake but they were out of it so we tried something else that wasn't as delicious.

Photo by Jersey Shore Jen

On Saturday,  I spent some time with my mom and sister.  We visited the Restaurant Supply Store in Point Pleasant so my mom could get her mini bundt pans.  This place is perfect for the cook in your house.  It's open to the public so stop on by.  From here we went to Joe Leones for some lunch.  We ordered a Sausage & Pepper Sandwich and a few salads for the crew.

Saturday night included a Surprise 30th birthday at Manasquan Beach House (a.k.a. O'Neills) for Erin.  Erin helped Relax this summer in the Lavallette area.  After leaving at 10:30 - we grabbed a bar pie at Squan Tavern.

Sunday started off as it normally would after a Saturday night out at the bars.  By 9am we were surprised by a friend who volunteered to make everyone at the house omelettes!   What a nice surprise.  By noon, I had planned a get together with Jersey Shore Jen in Asbury Park.  After dining at Langosta Lounge, we took a walk on the boardwalk, checked out the lobby at the Empress and then checked out Porta.

Check out Jen's blog post here.

Relax Concierge Recommends... (Manasquan, NJ)

MANASQUAN RECOMMENDATIONS

Many vacationers at the Jersey Shore already know Relax Concierge for their egyptian cotton linens rentals, luxurious towel rentals and beach item rentals. What you may not know is we provide free recommendations to area restaurants, stores and local area attractions.

Relax Concierge wants to provide you with the customer oriented assistance you would receive if staying at a fine hotel. Feel free to call us and ask for assistance. If we don't know we'd be happy to look it into your request in more detail.

The following are just a few recommendations in Manasquan, NJ.

RESTAURANTS


Blue Peach Cafe
2517 New Jersey 35
Manasquan, NJ 08736-1918
(732) 223-3444
So good, we had our birthday breakfast there!  A bit off the beach but worth it.


Green Planet Coffee
700 Arnold Avenue
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
(732) 899-2201
One of our two favorite coffee shops in Manasquan. Good coffee, cool vibe, free wifi.

Leggetts Sand Bar
217 1st Avenue
Manasquan, NJ 08736-3314
We are big off-season Leggetts fans. It it definitely a hotspot for the young and young at heart. We love bingo nights, their pizza, nachos and blackened tuna bites.

The Rail
229 East Main Street
Manasquan, NJ 08736
We ere there for breakfast and enjoyed watching a rubgy match on tv. A good option if staying in Manasquan and interested in a cocktail.

Squan Tavern
15 Broad Street
Manasquan, NJ 08736
732-223-3324
Great pizza. Family friendly.

Sweet Tease Desserts
150 Main St
Manasquan, NJ 08736
Our other favorite coffee shop. Good coffee, good desserts, free wifi. Oh... fun cupcakes too!

Surf Taco
121 Parker Avenue
Manasquan, NJ 08736
(732) 223-7757
Whenever my family visits Manasquan, a stop is always required at Surf Taco. Good spot for family and friends to hang out after a day at the beach. We especially love their Aloha Wrap.

SHOPS AND MORE...

Garret
135 Main St
Manasquan, NJ 08736
732-223-8440
Nice coastal home furnishings and home items.

Muellers Florist
245 Hwy 71
24 Parker Ave, Manasquan, NJ 08736
(732) 223-1882
We recently received a beautiful arrangement from Muellers. Happy to recommend!

Salon Via Bella
600 Union Ave
Brielle, NJ 08730

Squan Dry Goods
73 Main St
Manasquan, NJ 08736-2925
(732) 612-3258
Interesting mix of clothing, home items and jewelry for those cool with "reuse".

Weston Galleries
79 Main Street
Manasquan, NJ 08736-2932
(732) 292-1664
We just love their beach badge jewelry. They carry badges from most Jersey Shore towns.

REALTY OFFICES

Richard Wood Agency
535 Main Street
Manasquan, NJ 08736-3357
(732) 223-3333
Speak with Carol when renting.

Check back soon for additional recommendations including area attractions and realty office contacts.