This Memorial Day weekend, you may find yourself with extra time to spend with family and friends, and perhaps take a trip. Are you a history buff? Beach bum? Or, maybe you’d like to spend time in the great outdoors.
We’ve shared six different ways to enjoy Memorial Day Weekend that best suit different interests.
History Buffs
May 29, 10:30am, Spring Lake Memorial Day Parade
Join us for a true small town USA parade! Parade begins at 10:30 at H.W. Mountz School with a ceremony to follow at the War Memorial at 11:00. http://www.visitspringlake.com/event/memorial-day-parade/
May 29, 10:30 am, Memorial Day Parade, cnrecparks.com
Share in a true touch of Americana, when our Memorial Day Parade marches up Heyers Mill Road from Town Hall to the Memorial Cemetery and grave site of Pvt. Michael Field, a soldier from the Revolutionary War. View the marching bands, fire engines, community organizations, antique cars and much, much more followed by a traditional picnic celebration at Fire House # 2 on Conover Road.
May 29, 11 am – 2 pm, Memorial Day Ceremony
New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Era Educational Center, Museum & Memorial, Holmdel: America's only museum devoted to the war in Southeast Asia is the "Home of the Huey," a military chopper that is being restored. The center features numerous exhibits, memorials, and a meditation garden.
Please join them for their annual ceremony at 11:00. In addition to honoring our Veterans, they will induct 5 Vietnam Veterans into their In Memory Program. The Museum will remain open until 2:00 PM following the ceremony.
https://www.njvvmf.org/event/memorial-day-ceremony
Runners & Shoppers
Summer at the shore begins with the Spring Lake 5, http://www.springlake5.org/
Saturday, May 27 – Spring Lake Race Day
Saturday & Sunday, May 27 & 28 - Spring Lake Race Day Sidewalk Sale
Outdoorsy Types
Want to get away from the traffic and beach crowds? Check out the Monmouth County Park System’s family campground located in Turkey Swamp Park, Georgia Road, Freehold. The campground features 64 wooded campsites (52 which can be reserved, while 12 are available on a first come, first-served basis).
Beginning Memorial Day Weekend, every Friday evening from June through August, the Park System will host its Campfire Program featuring family-friendly offerings such as Cowboy Campfire, Dog Gone It and Campfire Family Challenge. Interested campers can register for free with the campground office on the day of the program. Campers can also enjoy the free wagon rides through the park on Saturday evenings.
Reservations are available for stays of at least two nights (Friday though Sunday) and must be prepaid. They can be made in person at the Campground Office located in the Oak Point Shelter Building in the park, through the mail or by calling 732-462-7286. MasterCard, Visa and Discover accepted. For more information about the campground, please call 732-462-7286. For more information about the Monmouth County Park System, please call 732-842-4000 or visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com.
Nature Lovers
Adrenaline junkies and nature lovers alike can take advantage of Hartshorne Woods, a 787-acre site that overlooks the beautiful Navesink River. It features some of the highest elevations along the Atlantic Coast so you can get your heart racing while on a refreshing hike or even a mountain biking adventure.
Karen Irvine, the spokeswoman for Monmouth County Parks, said Hartshorne is one of their most popular parks — every weekend you'll spot people walking and biking, enjoying the surroundings.
The woods features 14 miles of challenging trails, and is open for 365 days a year. The park opens at 7 a.m. Visit monmouthcountyparks.com for more information.
Foodies
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival
May 27-29, 11:30 am–5:30 pm, Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport Ave., Oceanport
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed “foodie” or just someone who really loves to eat, you’ll adore this festival dedicated to a wide range of gourmet food trucks. About 45 of the area’s best trucks come to Monmouth Park Racetrack to serve up all kinds of treats from cheesesteaks, fried bacon, lobster rolls and empanadas to cupcakes and waffle sundaes.
Cost: $5/person, $5/parking
Beach Lovers
Visit Island Beach State Park if you're just looking for a day trip in a place unlike anywhere along the Shore.
Island Beach State Park is a barrier island set between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay, where visitors can enjoy 10 miles of natural shoreline and wildlife habitats. The beach has been left nearly untouched since the 1600s. The beautiful coastline is shaped by tides and storms. It's located just along the southern tip of Route 35 near Seaside Park and Long Beach Island.
Enjoy white sandy beaches, sand dunes, maritime forests, and wildlife, including foxes, ospreys, herons and diverse species of plants.
Whether you want to relax in the great outdoors, tour a historic landmark or take a stroll or bike ride along the boardwalk from Spring Lake to Belmar, there’s something for everyone this Memorial Day weekend.
