MTV's controversial new reality show Jersey Shore has managed to depict the southern part of the Garden State as a fist pumping bar brawl set to an endless soundtrack of house music. One of the breakout stars in this cast of self-proclaimed guidos and guidettes is Snooki. Rocking jet black hair that is as long as she is tall, Snooki is a tiny uber-tanned party animal whose signature dance move is the panty free cartwheel. Oh my.
As a fan of the Jersey Shore region, I wanted to share a few places that are the complete antithesis of what is depicted on MTV. Your chances of running into Snooki and her raucous roomies are pretty slim in the three towns listed below. Call my buddy Mario at 33 London Taxi to take you around the Jersey Shore in style in his fleet of London style black cabs. Just promise me, no fist pumping please!
Spring Lake: This bucolic town was my introduction to the Jersey Shore. A quiet enclave of Victorian mansions, Spring Lake has a 2 mile non-commercial boardwalk that is perfect for a romantic or solitary stroll by the ocean. Choose one of the many historic inns for an elegant overnight stay. Click here to read more about my first visit to Spring Lake and some of my favorite spots.
Red Bank: Red hot Red Bank boasts fine dining, shopping and A-list accommodations. Book a stylish room at the Oyster Point Hotel with a view of the Navesink River and enjoy an evening cocktail and dinner in their elegant bar. Catch a concert at the spectacular Count Basie Theatre and grab a bite to eat at RED Restaurant and Lounge - home of New Jersey's best crab cake. Shop 'til you drop at selve for custom shoes, Carter & Cavero for excellent olive oil, and SPACE for home furnishings. You might even catch The Boss, Bruce Springsteen, shopping at Jack's Music Shoppe. Click here to read about my trip to Red Bank.
Asbury Park - Home of the legendary Stony Pony and an iconic Boardwalk, Asbury Park has experienced a major renaissance. See and be seen at Watermark - a chic beachfront lounge with ocean views, plenty of eye candy, and killer cocktails. My friend Patti also recommends the "awesome vacation cuisine and great vibes" at Langosta Lounge and The ShowRoom, a "very cool art house showing classics and indie films."
