I’ve always wanted to do a gift guide for Asbury Park. My town has so many neat places to visit, cool shops, and great restaurants. I love to promote it. But something about promoting retail didn’t quite ring right with my blog. Once quarentine started I realized that this gift guide wasn’t promoting retail as much as it was promoting small business and community. That’s just right for this space!
This year is going to be a weird one for gift giving, but that’s all the more reason to put some mindfulness into it, instead of just picking something up from a big corporate shop. This gift guide is cutting it a little close but in a year like this, a belated gift is fine and welcome, I’m sure! Here are a few things that are great ideas if you live in or near Asbury Park.
Get flowers delivered (or to deliver) from local purveyors.
Meaberrie Market has amazing flowers, dinner, sweets, and specials every day they are open and for mother’s day.
BluebellNJ sells flowers, candles, dried bouquets and flower art.
AP Greenery’s site is still saying they have normal hours, but their instagram has more info. They have awesome floral arrangements and plants.
Since mom can’t go to her favorite Asbury Park spots, give her a keep sake from them.
Who knows when concerts will come back? In the meantime, get mom some Stone Pony merch. (Or is she’s more a foodie, try the Scone Pony. )
We love Silverball Pinball Museum and they are open for take away pizza, and have mugs, tshirts and more available to help support them through this time.
Rebel Supply is selling merch, mystery packs of vintage clothing, and selling masks. The store has got to stay closed but pick ups and delivery is available.
Now that many restaurants are back open for take out, get her a meal, or give her a gift card for pick up or delivery or to use after restaurants have reopened for guests.
Some of my favorites are Franks Deli (great for sub sandwhiches and the best local cheesecake!!), I hear The Galley Pizza has great cheesesteaks, we are super excited that Ada’s Gojjo reopened for takeaway (my attempt at injera was a bust, so I’ll be happy to eat some authentic Ethiopian food again!), and of course Talula’s has pizza, provisions, cocktail kits, merch and more!
I’m sure you can find similar things near where you live, also! Use this guide as inspiration for your own city or town. There’s so much more I could have listed. If you want to see more small business guides, please let me know!
This mother’s day I probably won’t see my mother. I haven’t seen her since the beginning of March. I hope we can be reunited soon. And I you are reunited with your loved ones soon as well!