Down the Shore

📍Field Trip: Sullivan County Catskills

Approximate driving time from Monmouth County: 2.5-3 hours

This destination may not be on the Jersey Shore, but it was recommended to us by a Brielle resident as an excellent cold weather roadtrip. And let’s face it, that snow forecast last week was a bust. Drive a little farther north and here’s what you’ll find in this picturesque winter wonderland hugging the Delaware River:

Callicoon: This town looks straight out of a Netflix holiday classic. Start out with breakfast at the Callicoon Caffe for a hearty diner meal (attached to a Shell station, they even have Pork Roll Egg & Cheese under the guise Taylor Ham 😆). Next, browse Spruce Home Goods for unique Christmas gifts, ornaments and fresh donuts, as well as Litt Home and Book! Lastly, top off the day with a visit to Seminary Hill and try a cider flight. We particularly liked the ice cider “The Spy Who Came In from the Cold.”

The town hosts a Dickens on the Delaware Victorian Holiday Wonderland next weekend 12/13, 11 am-6 pm. The event promises carolers, horse and buggy rides, and probably the thing that most caught our eye, a Victorian Ball. Call ole Mr. Fezziwig with our RSVP!

Livingston Manor: Before driving back to NJ, stop here where you should absolutely get breakfast at The Walk In (dog friendly inside!). Their bacon egg and cheese biscuits were some of the best we’ve had outside of the South.

Planning Tip: We did all of the above with a child <1 year old if you have a little one in tow. Just be careful with strollers on icy sidewalks - there was quite a bit of snow in December!

🛍️Holiday Gifts and Crafts:

Here‘s a “Down the Shore” recommendation for the foodie in your life (in case you couldn’t tell we like to eat):

• A Gift Basket from Semolina Pasta Shoppe: One of our favorite shops (Red Bank, Fair Haven) for their Monday Night Meal Kits is now offering pre-curated gift baskets for the holidays. Choose from themes like Gourmet Pantry, Brunch Bundle, Sunday Sauce Essentials, and more!

And if your front door is still looking a little less than festive, this weekend is the last chance to attend the Fleur de Mer Holiday Wreath Workshops in Ocean Township:

• Friday December 12: 7-9 pm

• Sunday December 14: 11am - 1pm

What are you doing New Year’s Eve?

It’s time to start making plans. We did the hard part for you and narrowed down a short list of happenings to ring in 2026:

• Our DTS Top Pick: La Dolce Vita New Year’s Eve at The St. Laurent - the evening flows from golden hour in Capri to late nights in Rome, with an Italo Disco dance floor. Buon Anno!

• Le Reveillon at Mabel - Caviar, champagne, and Golden era luxury in a Parisian-inspired ambience.

• Bar Bella New Years Eve Party

• Comedian Chris Distefano at Count Basie

• New Years Eve Live with Remember Jones at Wonder Bar

🌤️ Weekend Forecast

☀️ Thursday 12/11 - 37°/30° Sunny

⛅️ Friday 12/12 - 38°/30° Partly Sunny

⛅️ Saturday 12/13 - 40°/31° Partly Sunny

⛅️ Sunday 12/14 - 32°/24° Partly Sunny

🎁 Holiday Market Roundup

Here are some area holiday markets that are running through December:

• Asbury Park Bazaar in Asbury Park (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)

• Bell Works Holiday Markets in Holmdel (Saturday and Sunday)

• Fox Hollow Vineyard Old World Style Christmas Market in Holmdel (Saturday and Sunday)

If we are missing any other holiday markets, let us know!

🎷 Live Music Roundup

Friday 12/12

Brielle - From the Ground at The Pig & Parrot (8 pm)

Belmar - The Ruckus at Marina Grill (8 pm)

Holmdel - Backdraft Holiday Show at Fox Hollow Vineyard (6 pm)

Manasquan - Jay & Amy at Harpoon Willy’s (8:30 pm)

Saturday 12/13

Brielle - Hump Day Trio at The Pig & Parrot (8 pm)

Belmar - The Black Ties at Marina Grill (8 pm)

Holmdel - Brendon Brophy at Fox Hollow Vineyard (2 pm)

Manasquan - Frankie from Undisputed at Harpoon Willy’s (8:30 pm)

Red Bank - Random Test Reggae Band at Jamian’s (9 pm)

Sunday 12/14

Holmdel - Jack Mangan at Fox Hollow Vineyard (2 pm)

Did we miss a show? Let us know.