Things to do in NJ
 

Hi All -

I will be in New Jersey for the Breeder's Cup Races at Monmouth Park at the end of October. Two adults will be staying at a timeshare about 7 miles out of Atlantic City for the entire week prior to the races. Can anyone make restaurant recommendations, things to do in the Galloway/AC area? We will have a rental car. I saw Renault Winery website -- I think we will visit and also do some golfing there. Are there any other wineries close to Renault? Any suggestions on local points of interest in the area and along the NJ shore will be appreciated.

I assume that you know that Monmouth Park is 1 1/2 hours from AC...
I recommend that you don't try to drive to Monmouth Park. NJ Transit will have extra trains available. Bayhead is the furtherest train south so any place from Bayhead north would be good for you.
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...=2007710110449

Things to do, depends on your likes and dislikes New Jersey has a lot to do. For example a nice time can be spent in Spring Lake walking the boardwalk and having a nice dinner. Or are you interested in historical sites http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandf...ric/index.html
Or, are you a Bruce springsteen fan, then go to a show at the Stone Pony. http://www.stoneponyonline.com/

Curious why Susie mentioned that Monmouth Park is 75+ plus miles from AC then suggested places that are far closer to Monmouth than AC.

I might suggest you plan on visiting Cape May and the areas south of AC such as Avalon and Stone Harbor. All are really nice towns, though not sure how they'll be in October.

For golf, you might want to look into Hominy Hill or Howell in Monmouth County. (Near the 70 mile mark from AC.) The reason I suggest this is Hominy is considered one of the best, if not the best, public golf course in NJ.

Here's a link to the Monmouth County Park website. I played Hominy several times and it is as advertised.

http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/Golf/hominy_hill.asp

I might add, given the Breeder's Cup, plan accordingly.

If you're looking for somewhere to eat following the races, I might suggest Rod's in Sea Girt. Small nieghborhood tavern spot with a good menu and friendly bar.

I also second the train recommendation but don't use the Bay Head station. I believe there is limited parking and it is not the most accessible from the Garden State Parkway.

I'd recommend parking at a station a bit further north like Sea Girt, Spring Lake or Belmar. (The latter is probably the nearest to parkway exit 98.)

>Curious why Susie mentioned that Monmouth Park is 75+ plus miles from AC then suggested places that are far closer to Monmouth than AC<

Because Ryan, the OP said "Any suggestions on local points of interest in the area and along the NJ shore will be appreciated."

If taking the train, Rod's wouldn't be good, since there is no train stop in Sea Girt. roban13, if you want some restaurant suggestions near Monmouth Park or in Monmouth County, let me know and I'll be happy to recommend the best!

Although I have never been there, I have heard there is a Zoo near Cape May that is a gem.

Also, from Atlantic City you can take a train to Philadelphia. Great for a day trip.

Historic Smithville is right in Galloway Township and is extremely convenient to AC. It's a recreated historic town with nice shopping and some dining. Also Gardiner's Basin is right in AC and is interesting, although there may not be that much open on weekdays that late in the season.

Thanks for all of your suggestions everyone...it is very helpful and much appreciated. I'm from Minnesota and pretty clueless when it comes to New Jersey since I have never visited before.

I was aware that the track is 1-1/2 hours away from our accomodations. We wanted to use a timeshare week for our stay, so staying in that area was what was available when I was doing my search for accomodations. We already have paid parking passes for Saturday's race. Having been to many of the BC races before, I'm aware of what traffic can be like (brutal) -- but, it's all part of the experience I guess. We may take the train in on one of the other days though. Having said that, does anyone know what station would have the most parking available on weekdays? Perhaps on a weekday it may be more difficult to park at the station since I'm sure commuters are using it to get to work??

Also, I was looking at the NJ map and saw what looked like a long stretch of beach (Island Beach S.P. and nat. area according to the map) off the coast with a lot of little towns dotted through it. Is anything in that area worth a visit that time of year?

Again, many thanks for your suggestions.

Regarding your question about Island Beach state park and the strip of beach with little towns...

If you have time for a detour on your way to or from the Breeders Cup, it might be worth to take a drive thru Island Beach State Park and to see what a few Jersey Shore towns look like. It is quiet in October but can be so pleasant.

I would definitely make a stop in Cape May. You have the beach walk, the shops and the restaurants. Stone Harbor and Avalon are wonderful towns, but there will not be much to do there at the end of October. Island Beach is really beautiful, but the experience would really be weather dependent.

hello roban 13

all the previous posts are spot on. . . lots of great suggestions.

for detailed train schedules (north jersey coast line)

www.njtransit.com

as previously mentioned by SusieQQ there will be extra trains stopping at the track for the races.

there are a couple of places to grab some food within walking distance from the track, if you so desire:

"zachary's", famous for its' thin crust pizza. located on oceanport ave across the the highway from the track gates.

"the sitting duck". famous for its' cheddar burgers. located on myrtle ave. just one block east of oceanport ave.

both easily walkable from the track. both are casual and are local hangs.

have a great time!

All the above suggestions are good ones when it comes to Cape May and Stone Harbor. If you are in Cape May, go to the lighthouse. There is a great trail that lets you walk through wetlands, bogs, and eventually the beach. It is easy walking with several areas that have been covered with wood boards to keep your feet out of the mud. The view is beautiful and there is lots of wildlife to observe if you are quiet.
Also in Cape May is an area called "sunset beach" that is quaint although touristy.
If you are in A.C. check out the Caesar's Pier. Lots of eateries and beautiful views of the ocean.
Have a great trip in NJ.