Down the Shore

Vol. 13 - Week of November 30th

December 01, 2025

Hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving! We kicked off ours with the latest Caramel Apple style cold brew at Rook, which kept us fueled until our feast. After spending time with family on Thursday, Friday we did some shopping and lunch in Spring Lake, and then Saturday took trolley rides in downtown Fair Haven before picking up our tree at the local fire station. And now it’s officially December, with aptly timed snowflakes on the forecast. 

We’ll list some great local finds for holiday gifts based on our “market research” below: 

📍Field Trip: Ocean Grove, NJ

Thanks to some Insta inspo from @thejerseyshoregirl_ reel, we took a day trip to Ocean Grove to experience it for ourselves. The Victorian-home lined streets gave us Cape May vibes without the drive, and the holiday light bedecked Main Avenue could have definitely been a Hallmark movie set. Founded as a Methodist meeting site in 1869, Ocean Grove was intended to be a place where “rest and renewal could honor God and refresh the soul.” To this day, the town’s design, landmarks, and “dry town” status demonstrate its unique history. (Sale of alcohol is prohibited, but restaurants are BYOB.) 

We started our walk with a visit to Odyssey Coffee, which side note looks like a great place to post up for the day if you are remote working or studying. There is ample table space, it’s well lit, and decorated with gorgeous plants and copies of its namesake Homerian literature masterpiece lining the walls. 

Afterwards, we strolled up to the boardwalk, took a turn down Ocean Pathway for a look at the Great Auditorium, and then back into town. Some other notables while you’re there include the Hotel Albatross for warm beverages by the fireplace, the Mermaid Haberdashery for gifts, and Cheese on Main for gourmet charcuterie goods. 

Planning Tip: Looks like next weekend, Ocean Grove will be the ultimate holiday destination! Here’s what’s on tap for 12/6:

  • Victorian Holiday House Tour: 10 am - 4 pm (Purchase tickets here)

  • Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Marketplace: 9 am - 3 pm

  • Live Nativity at the Great Auditorium: 5 - 6 pm 

  • Christmas Tree Lighting: 6 - 7 pm 

🛍️Holiday Shopping Guide:

Here are some of our “Down the Shore” approved places for gifting. Because we know your Amazon cart needs a break.

  • To spruce up your home, visit: Terra Earth + Surf: This Spring Lake boutique opened during the pandemic and ever since has thrived. We love going at any time of year, but it feels especially festive during the holidays. Peruse the handmade, Jersey-Shore inspired ornaments, local artwork, and Fraser Fir candles. (Psst: Spring Lake’s Holiday Shopping Soiree is this Thursday, 12/4 from 5-8 pm!) 

  • To spoil that new baby in the family, visit: Buki and Roro: Located on Fair Haven’s River Road, this little spot in a historic home sells the most adorable children’s clothing for reasonable prices. There’s also home gifts and jewelry for the not so little family members in your life. And sometimes on weekends, the Hudson and Willow coffee trailer is parked out front. 

  • To officially become “the Cool Aunt”, visit Velvet Boutique: this trendy clothing spot is actually tucked away in Bell Works, and if you’re stumped over what to get your fashionably inclined niece, cousin, or little sis, look no further. Just don’t ask what “boys lie” means. 

🌤️ Weekend Forecast

⛅️ Thursday 12/4 - 41°/23° Partly Sunny

☁️ Friday 12/5 - 37°/23° Cloudy

🌦️ Saturday 12/6 - 39°/33° Light Rain

⛅️ Sunday 12/7 - 43°/23° Partly Sunny

🎁 Holiday Market Roundup

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

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

🎷 Live Music Roundup

Thursday 12/4

Brielle - Drew Anderson (Big Sexy) at The Pig & Parrot (7 pm)

Red Bank - Moses Patrou at Triumph Brewery (8:30 pm)

Friday 12/5

Brielle - Side Hustle at The Pig & Parrot (8 pm)

Belmar - Glimmer Glass Band Christmas$ at Marina Grill (8 pm)

Holmdel - Yvonne & Friends at Fox Hollow Vineyard (6 pm)

Manasquan - Jo Wymer Duo at Harpoon Willy’s (8:30 pm)

Red Bank - The Alt at Jamian’s (9 pm)

Red Bank - Glenn Alexander & Shadowland at Triumph Brewery (8:30 pm)

Saturday 12/6

Belmar - After the Reign at Marina Grill (8 pm)

Holmdel - Gypsy Jazz Project and Harmonica Quartet at Fox Hollow Vineyard (2 pm)

Manasquan - Big John & Lil Maria at Harpoon Willy’s (8:30 pm)

Red Bank - Stuart Hooten at Coffee Corral (10 am)

Red Bank - Des & Swagmatics at Jamian’s (9 pm)

Red Bank - Chuck Lambert Triumph Brewery (8:30 pm)

Sunday 12/7

Holmdel - I am Curbie at Fox Hollow Vineyard (2 pm)

Red Bank - Rob D. at Coffee Corral (10 am)

Red Bank - Jon Kirschner Trio at Triumph Brewery (1 pm)

Did we miss a show? Let us know.

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