Tour: Asbury Park

I've shared with you the highlights of Asbury Park, the convention center and the casino, but there is still more to see!

Despite a lot of new building and restoration, much still lies vacant down along the water but has a certain picturesque charm.

Other than the Atlantic, the big draw to Asbury Park is the nearby Ocean Grove Auditorium and village -a religious retreat. This is a quaint area near downtown which contains a number of restored Victorian houses.

Right across the street from the Convention Center along the boardwalk is the iconic Howard Johnsons, now home to another cafe. I love quirky mid century modern buildings like this. No small town is complete without a proper post office, a white marble beaux-arts beauty at that.

Terra cotta decoration is found off the boardwalk as well.The Romanesque styled Methodist church in town is covered in gorgeous, colorful tiles.Immacutely kept, the church must be much loved by its' congregants.Just a detail of the tiles.Even this house was covered in terra cotta! The town has seen a rebirth and many of the houses have been restored.Most are charming Victorians such as this with wide front porches; quintessential American homes.There are many variations though, this classically - inspired bungalow was all original. Talk about unique!I loved this white elephant of a Mediterranean, how I would love to restore it!Downtown holds no end of great restaurants and antique shops. This building in particular appealed to me.Even smaller cities have some early skyscrapers, like this Richardsonian Romanesque stone beauty, now condos above a restaurant.But it is primarily known for the strip along the boardwalk where many musicians have famously gotten their start such as Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi , at the Stone Pony club.I even made a few friends down on the boardwalk! I hope you enjoyed this tour of New Jersey's great small town, Asbury Park.

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