By Charles Layton
Until now, this blog has focused almost exclusively on Ocean Grove, to the exclusion of our big, bad neighbor across the pond. However, Asbury Park’s rebirth has been so astonishing that we can no longer ignore it. We find ourselves drawn irresistibly now to its vibrant boardwalk, its blossoming music and theater, its street life and its almost incomparable restaurant district. We know that many of you also feel this magnetic pull. And soon, Cookman Avenue (the one in Asbury) will provide us with a movie theater, relieving us of the need to drive to far-away Red Bank for high quality, first-run cinema. That will be the cherry on top of the sundae.
The most interesting parts of Asbury are such an easy walk for most of us Grovers that we are starting to think of them as our own turf — North Ocean Grove, if you will. Therefore, Blogfinger’s editors have decided to pay more attention.
The following story is one of many to come dealing with events, issues and places in Asbury that should be of interest to Grovers.
ASBURY PARK and OCEAN GROVE were called the Twin Cities about 100 years ago. Promotional material of the period showed the Twin Cities. Perhaps this would be good research for Kathy Arlt.
Actually, according to the Tri-City News which I just picked up, there are going to be not one but two movie theatres in Asbury Park on Cookman Ave. The aforementioned Showroom which is going to be moving across the street from its current location and a new one to be built down the block by Press Plaza, across the street from Raffertys/Steinbachs bldg. Now if only the Mayfair theatre could be brought back to life.
Being on Mount Carmel, we love to sit on our porch & hear the B street band playing Bruce tunes. The restaurants are getting better though we were disappointed to see the Harrison close. We are hoping for a good Chinese restaurant and we really love the Twisted Tree Cafe for people watching and vegan cuisine. The boardwalk is awesome fun but all in, I love coming back to the peace and serenity of the Grove. Walking on the Asbury boardwalk and then coming back through the old Casino “tunnel” makes me feel like I am stepping through a time portal to a less hectic, more civilized time.
Frank — I believe the people who run The Showroom are also involved in the much larger theater that’s being built.
Perhaps you haven’t noticed but there already is a great little movie theatre on Cookman Ave. in Asbury Park. It has been there a few years. It is called The Showroom and is at 708 Cookman Ave. It shows high quality Art & indy films. Great place. Check it out.
Also while on the subject of movie theatres let’s not forget about the one in Bradley Beach. It is probably one of the last remaining single screen theatres and a very cool place.