Seek • October 1, 2024

September on The Shore

Being Jersey girls at heart, we thought it was only fitting to kick off our new adventure with a visit to “the shore”.  Yes, the Jersey Shore, but get images of Snooki out of your head.  Because we skipped Seaside Heights and went straight to Bay Head.

Bay Head is a beautiful, small beach town known for its gorgeous stretch of beach and quintessential shingle style homes.  If you blink, you will miss the town, but they do pack a lot of great stuff in just a few blocks.  The good news is if you are looking for more action, you don’t have to go far, just head to Point Pleasant or Lavalette.  And just a little further North is beautiful Spring Lake, so you can be on the beach, the boardwalk, and mini golfing in one day.

We were fortunate to be able to go during the “shoulder season”, which means less crowds, less expensive accommodations and absolutely gorgeous weather!  Even the ocean is at its warmest in September.  So, if you can visit then versus June - August, you will really get to enjoy it more.

The other thing we really like about heading to the shore this time of year is you can tack on a visit to New York or Philadelphia.  You can get from one to the other in under two hours without traffic.  That’s a whole different story in the summer!

Where we stayed:

The Bentley - 694 Main Avenue, Bay Head

This is a very hip and comfortable B&B just one block from the beach (which is all open to the public).  The original home was constructed in 1886.  While you feel a sense of history there, you also recognize the level of design and detail that went into making it a modern, surf style beach house. 

We each stayed in a Porch Queen room that is a bit small (may not be ideal for sharing, unless you are looking to get close;).  But they have a nice variety of rooms to choose from.  Bonus points for how well appointed the rooms are - comfortable bedding, amazing bath products that smell so good and beach towels. And they also offer beach chairs and outdoor showers.

The staff, including the very wonderful Ana, were so nice and fun to chat with.  Bonus - you wake up to a complimentary continental breakfast and fresh coffee!

Where we ate:

Burkes Market - 536 Main St

This is the ultimate gourmet market!  An awesome selection of prepared food, coffee, fresh produce, pantry goods, spirits and even gifts.  Perfect  place to grab food & bevvies to take to the beach.

Mueller’s Bakery - 80 Bridge Ave

Go for the crumb cake - IYKYK!  I was introduced to this bakery a few years ago and I will never turn down a chance to go back and load up on all of my favorites; crumb cake (they even have an option to skip the cake and just get the crumbs, linzer tarts, black & white cookies).

Charlie’s of Bay Head - 72 Bridge Ave

We actually wound up there for dinner two nights in a row, partially by accident, but also not disappointed by that.  They have so many good options on their menu.  

*We would have also hit Theresa’s South, but it was closed the night we wanted to go.  And, of course we grabbed a slice one afternoon.

Where we shopped:

Caution - The shopping in Bay Head is really good!

Saltwater House - 76 Bridge Ave

The place to go for an elevated coastal vibe in your home.  

Dune + Salt - 92 Bridge Ave

Very cool apparel and accessories for men and women

Beach House Classic Boardshop - 517 Main

Because every shore town needs a good surf shop.

The Salty Pearl - 64 Bridge Ave

Dreamy resort wear and accessories.

Bay Head Needlepoint  - 58 Bridge Ave

A small but mighty selection of needlepoint designs.

Carrie Dunham - 523 Main

You need to check out their signature interchangeable bags - “the modern bermuda bag”.

The Bentley Inn Shop - 694 Main Ave

This is a really well curated shop at the Inn we stayed at and I got some awesome pieces there!

And if you happen to have a teen in tow, head to Lavalette - about 10 minutes away).  Hit Hazel Boutique (hello Alix Earle), Island Gypsy and House of Lucky.  For some serious old school Jersey Shore nostalgia, hit B&B Department store and Ben Franklin!

How we spent our time:

Since this trip was part business, we did feel so fortunate to meet a lovely photographer who was also staying at the Inn.  She is from San Diego and staying on after shooting a wedding.  Cara and I equally hate having photos taken of us, but we got up the nerve to do it with Sara and it was so fun!  We spent time chatting and getting to know one another, which then makes it much easier to get in front of the camera.  She is willing to travel, so keep her in mind for any future weddings in your family. Check out her work on Instagram @sararuthcreative.

We took a few great walks along the beach and just wandered around the streets taking in all of the beautiful homes, flowers and porches.  While we were only there for two days, we both felt super relaxed and loved our return to the shore!