One of the many reasons we moved to Asbury Park NJ was bc of all the wonderful independent shops, restaurants, bars, and community projects. Our first xmas, I only gifted things I bought in town. Last month we talked about Mother’s Day in Lockdown. Cities and towns are now emerging from lockdown, but that doesn’t mean you have to rush to the mall or big box store for cool gifts.
When wanting or needing to purchase a gift, remember this offers the perfect opportunity to give loved ones the gift of your town. You support local community and are able to show your pride for where you live.
One of my go to gifts is always coffee.
Whether a gift certificate to someones favorite local coffee spot, whole beans, or ground, I love to give the gift of coffee. I buy my coffee form Asbury Park Roastery. The have two locations (it doesn't hurt that one is right by my house and the other one is beachfront) and a wide variety of blends and single origin roasts.
Get Dad some cocktails to enjoy at home
NJ has allowed restaurants who sell alcohol to make and sell cocktails to take home. There are a lot of great places for that around Asbury Park. I love Grand Tavern, Talula’s and Barrio. All these have to go cocktails which can be kept in the fridge until gifting.
Go for a social distance walk
Like me, many people have not seen their families in a long time. Gifts are nice, but just being around loved ones is a gift at the moment. While we are still social distancing a simple walk could be a really good way to spend time together and feel like something special. We mostly want around our neighborhood, but the boardwalk is very crowded now, and might not be a comfortable place. A bigger local park might be better. Try checking out the Monmouth County Parks System. We also like to just go to a little park close to our house, David A Dahrouge Park
Buy from these shops, or go to these places, for a taste of Asbury Park and surrounding areas or use this guide as inspiration for your own city or town.
If you have some favorite spots for gift giving in AP or your home town, leave a comment below!