The Stone Pony

The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ is the perfect night out for music lovers. Friends and couples can grab a drink and enjoy a night of music, fun and dancing at one of the best venues in Monmouth County. It is known as a starting point for many musicians, including New Jersey natives Bruce Springsteen, Patti Scialfa, Jon Bon Jovi, and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. Springsteen’s first performance at the Stone Pony was on Sept. 8, 1974 when he jammed with The Blackberry Booze band (headed by Steve Van Zandt and Southside Johnny).

913 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, NJ

Phone: 732-502-0600 

Website: http://www.stoneponyonline.com/

Asbury Park Convention Hall

Asbury Park Convention Hall is a 3,600-seat indoor exhibition center located on the boardwalk and on the beach in Asbury Park, Monmouth County, New Jersey. It was built between 1928 and 1930 and is used for sports, concerts and other special events. Adjacent to the Convention Hall is the Paramount Theatre; both are connected by a Grand Arcade. Both structures are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  Beginning in the late 1990s Convention Hall gained a strong association with Bruce Springsteen. He held rehearsals for upcoming tours there (with fans standing outside to get early ideas of what the shows would bring), some ticketed public rehearsal shows, and several December holiday shows in conjunction with The Max Weinberg 7. The large lighted sign on the top of Convention Hall now reads “Greetings from Asbury Park”, in reference to Springsteen’s 1973 debut album Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.

1300 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, NJ 07712

Website: http://www.apboardwalk.com/venues/view/39

The Count Basie Theatre

The Count Basie Theatre opened in 1926 and has been a favorite to starts like Tony Bennett and Art Garfunkel. The theatre is host to many different types of events. From Opera, to “An Acoustic Evening with LeAnn Rimes,” to free film nights, to benefits and events, to dance recitals, the Count Basie Theatre has something for everyone. 

Red Bank, NJ.  On August 14, 1974 a young, up and coming local singer/songwriter with two albums under his belt named Bruce Springsteen played the theatre for the first time, beginning an association that would last for more than thirty years. 

99 Monmouth St, Red Bank, NJ 07701

Phone: 732-842-9000

Website: http://www.countbasietheatre.org/

Jack’s Music Shoppe

About 40 years ago, musician Bruce Springsteen walked into Jack’s Music Shoppe, a small record store located in Red Bank. “When I first saw him, I thought here was this rare and so-important person that wandered into my little store. I was so in awe of his presence, but at the same time, a little freaked out about not scaring him away,” said the store owner, Jack Anderson. Anderson, his staff and his customers learned quickly that Springsteen acted like a normal shopper and not a celebrity. He would stop by the shop many times over the coming decades, long after he became world famous.

30 Broad St., Red Bank, NJ 07701

Phone: 732-842-0731

Website: http://www.jacksmusicshoppe.com/

Jay & Silent Bob’s Secret Stash

Jay & Silent Bob’s Secret Stash (sometimes shortened to simply The Stash) is a comic book store owned by filmmaker Kevin Smith, and named after the fictional duo portrayed by Smith and Jason Mewes in the Smith’s View Askew films.

35 Broad St., Red Bank, NJ 07701

Phone: 732-758-0508

Website: http://jayandsilentbob.com/

Silverball Pinball Museum

This museum showcases pinball machines manufactured between 1933 and 1979 that visitors can play and enjoy.

639 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park, NJ

Website: http://silverballmuseum.com/

Sandy Hook National Seashore

The best thing about this National Park – it’s a beach! Drive onto the seven-mile stretch of beach or visit the Sandy Hook Bird Observatory.  Originally discovered by the famous Sea Captain Henry Hudson in the early 1600’s, Sandy Hook remains a beautiful, 1,665-acre barrier peninsula within view of the Manhattan skyline.

Sandy Hook, NJ

Phone: 732-872-5970

Website: http://www.sandy-hook.com/

Red Bank Armory Ice Complex

Hockey, league play, skating lessons and public skating.

75 Chesnut St., Red Bank, NJ 07701

Phone: 732-450-9001

Website: www.redbankarmory.com