MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ – May is finally here and everything you love about summer on the Shore is set to begin! Throughout the county, residents have been oozing with anticipation and enthusiasm to kick off the “unofficial” start of summer after a long winter of Hurricane Sandy recovery. 

It has been proven that even a powerful storm such as Sandy cannot take the love of the Shore away. It’s that love that drove residents and local leaders to work diligently to ensure our beaches and boardwalks were ready for locals and visitors alike by Memorial Day Weekend. 

 

“Our boardwalks are being rebuilt as restaurants, stores and rental properties are reopening each day,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone. “Our community leaders and our residents have worked hard and are now rolling out the welcome mat for 2013."
 

“We invite you to get to know all of Monmouth County, added Arnone. “From our Atlantic beaches to sprawling horse farms you are sure to find out why Monmouth County is the place you want to be.”

 

Outdoors or in, the best source of information for activities and events in Monmouth County can be found on the Calendar of Events, at www.visitmonmouth.com. Compiled by the County’s Department of Public Information and Tourism, the calendar is updated daily and contains everything you need to make your summer plans special.  You can also request that a packet of information be mailed to you by calling 1-800-523-2587 or stop by One East Main St. in Freehold between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays to browse the extensive literature.

 

You can spend the first weekend in May browsing the Manasquan business district during its sidewalk sale on May 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or perusing the Spring Craft Market at Allaire Village on May 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  History buffs may choose to participate in “A Weekend in Old Monmouth” a self-guided historic tour which includes more than 40 historic sites throughout the County.  The tour takes place May 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 5 from noon to 5 p.m.

 

For those looking to pump some adrenaline, the NJ Marathon starts at 8 a.m. on May 5 at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport and ends on the Long Branch Ocean Promenade.  The Tour of Colts Neck Bicycle Classic is also happening at 8 a.m. on Sunday.  You can park and register at Thompson Park in Lincroft.  Spring Lake’s 5-Mile Run begins at 8:30 a.m. on Ocean and Sussex Avenues on May 25.

Pick up some fresh produce at Atlantic Highlands’ farmer’s market every Friday from noon to 6 p.m. starting May 10, at The Galleria farmer’s market in Red Bank every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting May 12 or at Belmar’s farmer’s market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting May 18. 

If you have a love of theatre there is plenty to consider this May.  You can catch shows and performances all month long at New Jersey Repertory Company in Long Branch, Two River Theater and County Basie Theatre in Red Bank, Center Playhouse in Freehold, Monmouth University, Spring Lake’s Wesley Hall, Atlantic Highlands’ First Avenue Playhouse and Manasquan’s Algonquin Arts Theatre. 

Craft festivals, flea markets, sidewalks sales and like the will be popping up throughout the county all month long.  Check the Calendar of Events for dates and specifics at www.visitmonmouth.com.

Celebrate opening day at Monmouth Park Racetrack on May 11 and receive free grandstand admission all day long!  Be sure to re-visit the track on May 25 and 26 for samples from the most popular Food Trucks in the area at the Jersey Shore Food Truck Wars.  Gates open at 11:30 a.m.

The start of Monmouth County’s summer season begins on Memorial Day Weekend.  Here’s a sampling of items for the weekend, and a taste of what you can expect this summer at the Shore:

May 23 at 12:30 p.m. – The 11th Annual State of the NJ Shore at D’Jais in Belmar launches the 2013 Beach Season;

May 25 and 26 at 11 a.m. – The Bradley Beach Arts & Crafts Fair will be on the boardwalk with food and craft vendors and activities;

May 25 and 26 at 10 a.m. – The Spring Lake annual sidewalk sale happens throughout the business district;

May 25 at 8 p.m. – Act I of the Summer Comedy Series starring Artie Lange and Rich Vos will be at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank;

May 26 at 8 p.m. – Spend An Evening with Paul Anka at Count Basie;

May 26 at 10 a.m. – The Seaport Craft Show takes place at Huddy Park in Highlands, and

May 26 at noon – Check out Art in the Park, a judged art show and sale, at West End Park in Long Branch.

Many towns will host services and parades for the men and women in whose honor Memorial Day is dedicated.  Please check our Calendar of Events to see to find an event close to you.

Don’t forget to “like” the Monmouth County Tourism page on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, too.  We’ll keep you up to date on things to do and make sure your summer in Monmouth County is one to remember.

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