( WHAT'S HAPPENING )
Spring Lake The Jewel of the Jersey Shore By Pam Teel
Town of Spring Lake
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pring Lake got its name from the natural springs that feed into the town’s largest lake, Spring Lake. This town in Monmouth County is considered one of the most beautiful seashore towns in the state. It boasts a quaint downtown area with no fewer than 60 shops and boutiques, a beautiful clean two-mile beach, a long noncommercial boardwalk and many gourmet restaurants and places to eat. Incorporated in 1892, you will find large old well-kept Victorian mansions lining tree-shaded streets. With historic bed and breakfasts to chose from, pristine beaches and gourmet dining, one can’t think of a better place for a perfect vacation getaway. Historic Spring Lakes shopping district welcomes guests from all over the world with its small village atmosphere. Its shopping district provides unique galleries, boutiques, gift shops, bike rentals and more. Add to that its casual and fine dining restaurants like the Black Trumpet, located in the Grand Victorian and just steps from the beach, and the Tap house, featuring 28 different beers to choose from, burgers, pizza and more. Stay at popular bed and breakfasts like the Beacon house or Johnson House, the Breakers Hotel or the Grand Victorian Hotel. There is also a park surrounding the spring fed lake. Spring Lake hosts many cultural events including performances from its very own Historic community theatre ensemble. One of its most popular events is the Spring Lake 5k, which draws over 10,000 people to its town. Spring Lake Borough borders Belmar, Lake Como, Spring Lake Heights, Seagirt, and Wall. To find out more about Spring Lake eating, shopping and places to stay, go to: www.springlake.org/wheretoeat, www.springlake.org/wheretostay, and www. springlake.org/wheretoshop Two structures in town, The Normandy Inn and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, are on the National Register of Historic Places. There is also Saint Catharine’s Catholic Church. A must see beautiful church built in 1901 by a distraught father for his young deceased daughter who died from TB. The church was built and named in her honor. Don’t leave without seeing the interior collection of religious artwork painted by Italian artists within its walls and on the inside ceiling. You can take a self-guided tour. The boardwalk was rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy making it much wider with easy access to the beach. Sorry no dogs allowed. There is a bike shop in town where you can rent bikes and see the town on two wheels or you can start with a walk around Spring Lake taking in the sites of the older Victorian homes and the elegant summer cottages. Follow the paths of Divine Park, which surrounds Spring Lake. Go when the flower gardens are in bloom, and make sure you stop for a minute in the middle of a quaint wooden bridge that spans the lake's water. Across from the park is the main street of town with cozy cafes, boutiques and shops. After shopping, leave the heart of town and make your way over for a long stroll on the boardwalk by the sea. If you plan on spending a weekend or longer, make sure you book now!
Inside of St. Catharine's Catholic Church, Spring Lake
Ocean House Inn, Spring Lake
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