Ocean Grove

           Wednesday, July 6, 2022: I took two scenic tours of Ocean Grove, New Jersey: the first by car through the downtown business district on Main Avenue, and the second on foot in this Monmouth County town. Originally, Ocean Grove started as a Methodist camp-meeting seaside town in 1869. Nowadays, the influence here could still be felt by the Methodist Church, and they currently have laws against selling alcoholic beverages. (Yes, you can bring in your own alcoholic drinks that you bought elsewhere.)  Nevertheless, the other laws against driving and riding bikes in town have been lifted years ago. For my part, on the driving tour though the commercial area of Main Avenue, I saw about two blocks, on both sides of the street, of many retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses housed in very colorful Victorian-Gothic buildings. After this, we parked near the non-commercial boardwalk. Then, we walked along part of the boardwalk until we crossed the street and entered a park called “Ocean Pathway” that led to the 1894 Great Auditorium. While it wasn’t open that day, I did hear bells ringing different tunes at noontime. I also glanced at their nearby “Tent City.” These have been tents connected to a shed containing a kitchen and bathroom that people, who have been approved by the Ocean Grove Camp Association, may rent from May to September. They have been so popular that there has been a 10-year waiting list. I did step inside one place in town: The Hub, 27 Pilgrim Pathway (732-774-9262). This building would be a good first place to visit in Ocean Grove because besides being a book store and gift shop, they also included an information center about the town. In addition, they also had a coffee room and a play area for children. Later as I walked on the way back to the car, I also noticed the many lovely Victorian buildings that were in this town—or at least along Ocean Pathway. While staying in Ocean Grove for days, weeks, or the summer season may appeal to some people, for many of us, I highly recommend visiting for a day because seeing all that fancy Victorian architecture was well worth it! (Get there early, preferably on a weekday, if you want to get a good parking space.)