8:30 am. Vicky Redfern of Harrisburg, Pa. surveys the empty Ocean Grove beach. Click images to enlarge. Re-post from the autumn of 2013.
Bikers whiz by an empty Ocean Pathway
Paul Goldfinger photo Sept 4, 2013, 8:30 am ©
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger.net
On a beautiful September 4 morning, there were just a few scattered walkers, joggers, bikers and dogs tugging on leashes. The beach was totally empty. Lifeguard stands were standing together in a bunch.
Vicky Redfern is in town to sign papers for her new OG year-round home. She was wondering if there is anything to do here in the winter. Anybody want to comment on that? There are 12 comments below which are of interest.
My suggestion would be to take tango lessons. Here’s Gato Barbieri from “The Last Tango in Paris:”
Vicky. OG Home Owner meetings are at 10:00AM…coffee, OJ and donuts included. No need to join to attend. All are welcome.
Nucky Thompson in Boardwalk Empire is staying at the Albatross Hotel. I don’t know whether anyone else has commented on this. Nucky’s territory includes up to Asbury Park. In this seasons opener, its 1924 and he is staying at the Albatross and is seen standing on the second floor balcony.
Editor: That is indeed our Albatross. The opening episode is in AC but they just used the OG hotel as a location. It appeared in a number of episodes.
Here is a link. BF wrote about it: https://wp.me/pqmj2-mud
Vicky, a big welcome to year-round living in Ocean Grove.
A good way to meet neighbors and find out about OG news and activities is to join the Ocean Grove Homeowners Association (OGHOA), which meets the fourth Saturday of every month, usually in the CMA Community Room on Pilgrim Pathway, which is next to the Pathway Market.
If you like movies, the Beach Cinema in Bradley Beach is a real find–an old-fashioned movie theater complete with great popcorn!
I am waiting for the day when we can retire full time to Ocean Grove … For now we are happy traveling down 2.5 hours every weekend to our tiny cottage so we can to soak up the great vibes of this special little place. Trust me, the winters are filled with people walking the beach/boardwalk, walking their dogs, visiting and checking in on neighbors … You will love it!!!!!
Well…what to do after Labor Day?
Clean and service your generator to make sure it is in apparent readiness for Hurricane Season (it lasts until November…), make sure that your sump pumps work (get hydrostatic back ups in case you do not have a generator) so you don’t have to worry about your basement flooding when the NorEasters start to come into town in January through March and the electricty goes out due to heavy winds, buy large bottles of wine and vodka (with appropriate garnishes) so you can entertain your friends during storm season, make friends with the local restauranteurs so they will open their doors and feed you and your friends when you need a night out and give you the extra crust of bread you couldn’t get during “the season”,
Lock up and store your bicycle. Feel free to move about the cabin….there is parking and plenty of room to drive without getting mowed over by a benny in a beamer. (almost 6 times for me this year)….Enjoy a slice of cheese from Cheese on Main, patronize Nagel’s, Yvonne’s, Sea Grass, the Barbaric Bean, The Emporium, The Comfort Zone and every other local shop to keep them all in business for next year and then, if you have the energy, wander over to the Wonder Bar on Weekends for nachos and some good music….If you can get there through the ice cold winter, arthritic knees caused from dampness and oh yeah…did I mention the NorEasters?
Cynical much? I have learned to love my home…cautiously. September and October rock as do April and May. The rest I just kiss up to God and hope I survive until the next season. Can’t wait to be a snowbird!
Vicky: A knitting/crocheting group from Ocean Grove gathers regularly each month and is meeting at the Bradley Beach library on Sept. 27 at 10:00 a.m. If you or anyone else is interested–you need just a little bit of experience–you are invited to join us.
We love being able to go to any restaurant any night we want, usually without making reservations. And we can go shopping or run errands in the car on the weekend without worrying about parking!
Walk over to the Showroom movie theater on Cookman Ave. in Asbury. They always have something interesting showing:
http://theshowroomap.com/
I love Rich’s suggestion about researching your house. I’ve been doing that as well. Your first stop should be the OG Historical Society to look through their pictures and records. Then off to Freehold to the Hall of Records. While in Freehold, plan to stop at the La Cipollina restaurant — it’s fabulous and well worth a trip on its own.
Neptune has a public library and a swimming center. Both are great ways to spend your time.
Welcome to the Grove!
Come on over to St. Paul’s. 9a.m. & 10:45a.m. worship on Sundays with fellowship from 10 – 11a.m. Bible studies throughout the week. United Methodist Women. Community volunteer opportunities. We would love to see you.
Missing OG! Now that the kids are back in school, we’ll only be down on the weekends and vacation days. Enjoy the peace and quiet!
I’ll join you as soon as I retire and live there full time. I can’t wait!
Vicky: Congrats on your new home purchase. I don’t live there but visit often. The Winter (Off Season) is probably a welcome and needed change from the summer tourist season which you probably already know. Hobby wise, research the history of your new property all the way back when it was just a lot number on an old map. Property ownership should be had from records that are in Freehold. Post Cards ! Start a post card collection. Look for old photo’s post cards etc. and on the WWW too of your street. Perhaps you may see your property. I did this for a Hotel on Beach Avenue and it is a welcome reading addition for the employees, patrons and all to look at. It is pushing 70 pages now of photo’s and text and some history on the Grove too. This is a bit long now so good luck with the new home.
Join the rest of us at Sea Grass for half price Entrees on Monday Nights !