Down the Shore

October is upon us this week, and despite the still summerlike temperatures in Monmouth County, we’ve noticed more and more pumpkins, mums, skeletons, and ghouls popping up on neighborhood porches.

If the spirit moves you, here’s how we recommend you welcome in Halloween month (yes we celebrate far before the 31st.) 

🍎 Take Your Pick

 Eastmont Orchards in Colts Neck and Battleview Orchards in Freehold are now in Apple and Pumpkin Picking season. We’ve personally visited Eastmont in previous years and were impressed by their giant chicken made of hay bales. 

Battleview: Picking hours 9-4 daily, closed Tuesdays - Through 10/31

Eastmont: For hours check their Facebook page

😂 Have a Laugh

Spend an evening with master of satire David Sedaris at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank Thursday, October 2nd. Tickets are still available. We’re big fans of When You’re Engulfed in Flames, Me Talk Pretty One Day, and Holidays on Ice.

🍅 Eat in Season

Check out the latest harvest at the following Farmers Markets this week - it may be your last chance to take home a Jersey tomato:

• Holmdel: Wednesday 10/1 Bell Works Fresh Market

• Long Branch: Thursday 10/2: West End Farmers Market 

• Holmdel: Saturday 10/4: Bell Works Fresh Saturday Market

• Highlands: Saturday 10/4: Highlands Farmers Market

• Red Bank: Sunday 10/5: Red Bank Farmers Market

🍵 Find your perfect Match(a)

Spotlight on a new business in Fair Haven! Bloombar is the newest addition to River Road and let’s just say their interior will leave you with a rosy outlook. Aside from the gorgeous floral arrangements, home decor, and “objets d’art”, they’ve got a wall of matcha flavors to choose from (we tried Lavender and Strawberry) and donuts from Brooklyn favorite Doughnut Plant. Bloombar also has other NJ locations in Allenhurst, Deal, Long Branch, and Oakhurst.

🎸 Live Music Roundup

We’re trying a new section in the newsletter this week - a live music roundup! Did we miss a show? Let us know.

Thursday 10/2

Asbury Park - The Raveonettes at Wonder Bar at 7 pm

Belmar - Separate at Beach Haus from 7 to 10 pm

Friday 10/3

Asbury Park - The Azures at Wonder Bar at 7 pm 

Red Bank - Dark City Strings at Triumph Brewery at 8:30 pm

Sea Bright - The Polish Nannies at Donavan’s Reef from 6 to 10 pm

Saturday 10/4

Asbury Park - Kevin Hill & Secret Sound at Wonder Bar at 7 pm

Brielle - Side Hustle at The Pig and the Parrot at 8 pm

Red Bank - Junco Partners at Triumph Brewery at 8:30 pm

Red Bank - 2025 Red Bank Porchfest from noon to 6 pm

Sea Bright - Radio Royalty at Donavan’s Reef from 6 to 10 pm

Want to add an event? Use this link!

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