18 hours at the shore

Picture this: it’s January, 3 weeks in quarantine, craving fresh pizza, drinks and the breeze of the ocean.

Now, that’s what a quick weekend getaway is for. Or better, that’s what the shore in winter is for! It may sound like a weird combo, why would someone go to the beach when it’s winter and it just snowed the day before? Just because of that! Low season means few people around, no crowd, just peace (and as an Italian, seeing the snow on the beach just blows my mind).

So, let’s jump in the car. First stop? One of the United States National Parks. Yes, it’s true, New Jersey has its fair share of National Parks, one of these being Sandy Hook – Gateway National Recreation Area. The Gateway National Recreation Area has been ranked the fourth most visited National Park site in the United States in 2019 – Sandy Hook is just special not only because of the view of NYC that you can get on a clear sunny day like I was lucky to get, but it’s also home to the oldest lighthouse in the states.

Sandy Hook’s lighthouse is dated back to 1764 (yes, 12 years before the U.S. was even the U.S.) and to be honest it deserves a post itself. So yes, you don’t need to take a plane to check a box in your National Parks bucket list!

Driving down the shore there’s one only strong feeling – when can I move here and why are these beach houses just so right for this place. One town after the other, Asbury Park welcomes us with the best beach sunset you may ask for. Yes, it’s freezing. Yes, I may freeze every day for a sunset like that. Asbury is pre-eminently the postcard shore town. The Broadwalk sure has more life in summer but it doesn’t lose its charm. Asbury has a lot to offer, sure more in summer than in winter, but just walking on the beach, trying to feel how cold is the water and ending up with soaking wet shoes, I mean sometimes it’s exactly all is needed.

When it comes to where to stay in Asbury Park, there’s a bunch of different and cool options but my favorite will always be The Asbury; modern and fun design, a 2 minutes short walk to the beach, budget-friendly – is there anything more you can ask? I’m good with that only, but add a common area with pool, games, live music and a nice cocktail bar and I’m even better! It’s on my list to come back in summer though, to enjoy their outdoor movie theater and their rooftop – who doesn’t love a nice rooftop?

If you’re wondering why I haven’t mentioned food yet, are worth to wait for and I wanted to save the best for last. 18 hours at the shore are perfect for a nice dinner a delicious brunch. For dinner, I really craved pizza and a taste of Italy – Porta had the answer I was looking for! No kidding when I say that was on the top three of the best pizza I had in NJ. Their menu has a cared selection of pizza and other Italian traditional deliciousnesses, where authentic meets the fun to experiment something new.

Now, let’s talk about brunch. This girl loves a good brunch, it’s one of those things I missed back in Italy. Cardinal Provisions is the place to go when craving big plates of chicken and waffles, homemade breakfast potatoes and the signature hot sauce. Now, I’ve had my fair share of time in the U.S. but I am still in shock with how big portions are, and this time I really was amazed. Food was amazing, tasting like the perfect cozy Sunday Brunch on a rainy day.

Asbury has a special place in my heart – it’s because of that pizza? It may sure be. It’s the perfect weekend getaway, a little more than one hour drive from home, that makes you feel recharged and warm even with the freezing breeze of the ocean. Everyday life can get crazy, especially if a pandemic is still there, you’re 4000 kilometers away from home and that end of the holidays’ sadness is knocking at your door. It’s a normal and valid feeling and it’s 100% worthy to be taken care of. For me, a short road trip to touch the ocean and devour a hot pizza is what makes my heart full and my mind recharged, even with soaking wet shoes and a burnt tongue, maybe just for that.

Until next time, Asbury!