Growing up in New Jersey; I of course spent summers at “The Jersey Shore”. But not that crappy TV show! I am talking about the true Jersey Shore, (in my mind at least). It is peaceful and disconnects you from the daily shuffle of life. Almost as if you’ve been transported to another world. One where the adult responsibilities do not exist, and everyone can get in touch with there inner kid. Though I am sure this can be said about most ocean side communities. I have visited many others, and I can tell you it’s not the same. Even Hawaii cannot create the same feeling the Shore can. Therefore, I want to show the world what’s so special about this place, and I’m gonna do it the best way I know how. Photos….
This is the Sandy Hook Lighthouse. Located on its namesake peninsula, Sandy Hook. Home to Fort Hancock, which made up a major portion of the defenses for New York Harbor during World War II. Although this is not the most aesthetically appealing lighthouse out there; it is a historic one. Construction was completed on June 11th, 1764, making it the oldest operational lighthouse in the country and older than the country itself. It was funded by the New York Assembly to help ships navigate the entrance to New York Harbor. It was able to survive the American Revolution, despite there being a least one attempt to destroy it. When the lighthouse was constructed, it was only 500 feet from the northern shore of the hook, but today it’s nearly 1.5 miles from the tip. This isn’t because the building was moved but instead because of littoral drift. The constant crashing ocean waves along the eastern shore of the hook and Sea Bright to the south have dragged sand northwards which has resulted in the lengthening of Sandy Hook about 1.5 miles over the 259 years since the lighthouse’s construction.
Almost like a metaphor for the coming summer, the trees in Ocean Grove are starting to come to life and bloom. The grey of winter are starting to become pops of color and the empty streets of Ocean Grove and shore town through New Jersey are starting to be full of people once again.
This iconic wooden structure located in the heart of Ocean Grove is mostly unchanged since it was constructed in 1894. Today it’s known as The Great Auditorium, originally built as a place of worship and for musical performances, which it still is home to today. When originally built it was said to be able to hold nearly 10,000 attendees, but over the years of replacing the old seats with larger ones it now holds over 6,000 people. The auditorium’s wooden ceilings give it outstanding acoustics, so much so that conductor and composter Leonard Bernstein compared it to Carnegie Hall. Another noteworthy point for the Auditorium is that it is home to the 17th largest pipe organ in the world. The organ was installed in 1908 but it has been upgraded and expanded many times over the years. Today The Great Auditorium is still the center of the small town of Ocean Grove, and an icon of the Jersey Shore.
Although parts of Asbury Park have been taken over by developers, who’s intentions are to build high end overpriced apartments for the wealthy. There is luckily still lots of charm in the city. And one of the hallmarks is The Wonder Bar. Which was opened in the early 2000’s and has become a well-known venue for music in the city, along with the infamous Stone Pony. The Wonder Bar is also known for Tilly, the smiling face you see greeting you at Asbury’s Ocean front. Wonder Bar celebrated its 20th anniversary in the summer of 2022, even getting a shoutout and visit from New Jersey music legend Bruce Springsteen on the occasion. Hopefully the bar is here for another 20 years if not more, but it’s hard to ignore the modern buildings popping up all around it, as you can see in the background. I tried to frame it out, but it just wasn’t possible. A fitting metaphor for the future of the Jersey Shore.
A detail shot of some of the lovely retro artwork that helps make The Wonder Bar so special. Ever since it opened in July of 2002 it has become one of Asbury Park’s well-known music staples, along with the infamous Stone Pony of course. One of the most known pieces of art on the building’s walls is “Tilly” and you can see him peering above the roof on the left side of the frame.
The sun sets over Pleasure Bay as a local fisherman's trusty steed rests in the lift.
Another beautiful early summer day ends on Manhassett Creek.
Officer’s Row in Fort Hancock is a favorite for photographers for many reasons. And one of them is that all the houses are nearly identical. As the name suggests, these homes were once occupied by Military officers and their families that were stationed in Fort Hancock. And since these were essentially government housing; all must be equal.
Click On A Location On The Map To See The Photos!
