Movie buffs may know Red Bank as the slacker chic setting for several of Kevin Smith's films (Dogma, Chasing Amy) but this Jersey Shore jewel has much more to offer. Fabulous boutiques, top-notch accommodations and simply beautiful surroundings make Red Bank a perfect choice for a blissful escape and some serious retail therapy.
Getting There
Red Bank is a hop, skip and train ride away from New York City. Just catch New Jersey Transit at Penn Station directly to Red Bank. Travel time on the train is between 72-89 minutes depending on the time of day. An off-peak round trip ticket is $20.
However, to really get into a vacation state of mind, the SeaStreak is the best way to travel. Skip the chaos of Penn Station and catch the SeaStreak Ferry at Pier 11/ Wall Street or at 35th Street and the East River. Why feel cooped up in a train car when you can cruise along the water and enjoy the view of the city slipping away. And, did I mention that they sell cold beers and snacks on board? At $40 for an adult round trip ticket, the SeaStreak is a bit more expensive than the train. However, the ferry is faster and much more fun! When you get off the SeaStreak at Atlantic Highlands, you will feel like you've landed in a small New England town.
Travel in style with 33 London Taxi.
Call ahead to let 33 London Taxi know when your ferry arrives and the world's most charming taxi driver, Mario Patino, will be waiting for you at the end of the dock with a smile and an open door to his very chic London style black cab. Of course, Mario can't be everywhere, and he has other delightful drivers to transport passengers around in cars from 33 London's fleet of black and silver taxis. You'll feel a bit like an Austin Powers' femme-bot being driven around town in this spacious taxi that comfortably seats five plus luggage. Yeah baby!
Where to Stay
Room at the Oyster Point Hotel.
The Navesink River is one of Red Bank's most charming attributes so a room with a view is a must. The Oyster Point Hotel and Molly Pitcher Inn are two very different but equally excellent options. Both properties are owned by the JP Barry Hospitality Group, a family run business. Built in 1928, the Molly Pitcher Inn is a stately brick building with national landmark status and a Five Star Diamond Award recipient. Exuding old world charm, the Molly Pitcher Inn has first class amenities including a mahogany bar that is reminiscent of the bar at the St. Regis in NYC with the breathtaking bonus of a river view. Since 1996, the Inn's Sunday brunch has won the Reader's Choice Award for Best Brunch.
Offering the same top-of-the line service as the Molly Pitcher Inn but in a more contemporary setting, the Oyster Point Hotel was my home away from home in Red Bank. Manhattan was out of sight and out of mind during my stay. Modern but cozy, the Oyster Point has been extensively redesigned with upscale contemporary furnishings and other refurbishments. Their new atrium is the perfect spot to enjoy sunset cocktails and a tasty bite to eat.
Retail Therapy
Chic and Sexy Coco Pari Boutique.
No sales tax on clothing makes New Jersey a shopper's delight and Red Bank's great selection of stores is retail heaven. From high end couture to funky and affordable, just stroll along Broad Street for an impressive and eclectic collection of shops. Major retailers Tiffany & Co and Duxiana have a presence in Red Bank, and the town even has their own department store - Garmany. However, the smaller boutiques really make Red Bank shopping something special.
A super sexy shoe from selve.
selve: Why buy shoes off the rack? At Selve you can treat your tootsies to a made-to-measure pair of bespoke footwear. Your feet are scanned to make sure you get the proper fit because, more likely than not, your left and right foot differ slightly in size. They can even measure your calves for a perfect fitting pair of boots. Once the scanning is done the fun begins! You can go as conservative or as crazy as you want when choosing the color of the leather and heel height. You can even customize a matching handbag. Men's shoes are also available. Headquartered in Munich with a second store in London, the Red Bank store is Selve's first location in the U.S. Further proof of Red Bank's position as a major fashion player.
Coco Pari: If you love your big labels, Coco Pari is the store for you. Recently Voted Best Boutique in New Jersey (New Jersey Monthly Magazine), this is a must visit destination for an impressive selection of designers including Jimmy Choo, Versace, Diane von Furstenberg, Christian Louboutin, and Roberto Cavalli. Of course, these big names come with a big price tag but Coco Pari offers some amazing deals in their sales basement. Need a last minute dress for a night out on the town? Coco Pari is open until 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday nights.
Wisteria: Located in the same space as Coco Pari, Wisteria is an oasis for high end skin care, fragrance, cosmetics and accessories. Laura Mercier, La Mer, Creed, Natura Bisse, Sonya Dakar, Chantecaille and Nars are all sold at Wisteria. As hard as I tried, I was too weak to walk away from a cute Kooba clutch at 20% off.
The Bee's Knees: Unassuming from the outside, The Bee's Knees surprised me with their selection of quality labels and pretty frocks. Trina Turk, Tibi, Tory Burch and Lilly Pulitzer aplenty filled the racks at this charming little store. The 50% off rack had some great designer finds.
4B: Owned by a former Los Angeles stylist, 4B is a small space with big style. Cynthia Vincent and Tory Burch filled the racks along with stylish handbags, colorful scarves and statement making jewelry.
Everything you need to make your place look great at Space Interiors.
Space Interiors: Looking to spruce up your home? Space offers interior design services and sells a modern and elegant array of furnishings and home accessories - including some really amazing pillows. In fact, SPACE worked with the Oyster Point Hotel on their new interiors.
Funk & Standard Variety Store: The self-proclaimed "most bad ass store in town", Funk & Standard is the place to go for affordable bohemian chic dresses, retro t-shirts, and tchotchkes.
Jack's Music Shoppe: An old fashioned music store like Jack's is a breath of fresh air. The hours can slip by browsing through their racks of CD's and even vinyl. The latest new releases in all genres can be found at Jack's along with a bounty of used cd's. Sheet music and instruments are also available. Locals tell me that everyone's favorite Jersey boy, Bruce Springsteen, often shops here. Born to run and born to shop!
Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash: You can't mention Red Bank without mentioning Jay and Silent Bob. This is the place to shop for comics and merchandise from Kevin Smith's films. Doesn't everyone need a set of Mallrats "inaction" figures?
Ginger's Salon and Day Spa: End your day of shopping with some pampering at Red Bank's first day spa. Facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, hair styling and everything you need to feel refreshed and rejuvenated are offered at Ginger's.
Beyond Shopping
Sunrise over the Navesink River from my room at the Oyster Point Hotel.
Of course, there is much more to Red Bank than clothing boutiques. The town has numerous art galleries, antique shops, and eateries. The recently renovated Count Basie Theater consistently draws some of the biggest acts in music and I will be heading back to Red Bank in a few weeks to see jazz musician Chris Botti perform. However, I know that even the gorgeous and talented Mr. Botti can't compete with the simple beauty of waking up early and watching the sun rise over the Navesink River.
To learn more about all there is to eat, see and do in Red Bank, New Jersey visit www.onlyoneredbank.com.
