There’s something majestic about the New York City skyline. I’m always glad I’m never behind the steering wheel while driving over the George Washington Bridge, since I can’t seem to take my eyes off of it. This is, by far, the most exciting part of our 5 1/2 hour ride to the Jersey Shore.
My sister, brother in-law and their daughter live in Howell, NJ - a mostly suburban and rural town, about 60 miles south of NYC. There are many quaint, independently owned shops and breathtaking beaches just a short drive away. We spent a few days exploring their area, during the week of July 4th.
The Herbary at Bear Creek Farm is something out of a magazine. My sister and I took our kids here on a sunny Thursday morning and it did not disappoint. It seemed like we kept on spotting new places to check out as we roamed the expansive property.
We went inside the barn first, where unique gifts and home decor (such as rosemary mint scented candles!) adorn the tables and walls. Also, for one dollar, you can buy feed for the chickens out back - we purchased two and wandered outside.
As you walk by perfectly pruned hedges, waterfalls and vibrant flowers, you can’t help but feel as though you’ve found New Jersey’s secret garden. The girls stopped to rest their feet in an ornate gazebo, which sits behind a greenhouse that houses tropical plants year-round and hosts private functions.
The best part for the kids was feeding the animals. We saw chickens, goats and bunnies. The girls enjoyed pouring the feed down a pipe at the chicken coup and the roosters crowed in gratitude. It was nap time for the bunnies, but the goats were ready to mingle as they ate clover and hay from their hands. This place was beautiful, free and so much fun!
As the sun began to set, we headed over to Ocean Grove to walk the boardwalk and experience some Atlantic Ocean waves. Much of the boardwalk was rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy in 2012, so this makes for a wonderful half-mile stroll.
Down by the water, my daughter, Laina, and my son, Wyatt, dipped their toes in the water. Laina belly laughed as waves rolled in and receded, almost knocking her over. Wyatt, on the other hand, was a little uncertain (due to the fact this was his first time at the ocean). Footsteps away, a church performed baptisms as a large crowd looked on.
After, we headed over to Ocean Grove’s Boardwalk Pavillion for some live music. In the summer months it hosts weekly worship services and bands, all free to the public. People sat inside or stopped, while walking by, to dance, sing, or just listen to the lively worship. No matter who you were or what you believed, I sensed an enormous sense of community here.
Later on, we enjoyed some delicious Vegan Mint Chip Ice Cream Pie. I shared the recipe in another post, so make sure you check that out, as well. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day. Needless to say, the kids slept well that night.
Have you ever been to the Jersey Shore? Where are your favorite spots? Please comment below!
To learn more about The Herbary or Ocean Grove, click on the links below:
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