 riginally named Man-A-Squaw-Han by the Lenape Indians that preceded
the settlers of the New World, this quaint Jersey Shore town has been attracting
tourists for
centuries. The Bailey-Reed
House depicts rotating historical themes and is opened for afternoon
visits on the second Sunday's of the month by the Squan Village Historical
Society.
Summer visitors will probably be more interested in beaches, fishing, shops, and
dining establishments, and they'll find plenty to please in Manasquan. A
favorite quick stop of mine, which you won't find on the Net (and perhaps
not even in the phone book) is Carlson's Corner. This summer only
hamburger and hot dog stand is directly across from the busy inlet separating
Manasquan and Point Pleasant Beach - a perfect spot to down a couple of
hamburgers, fries and a soft drink while you watch the action passing by.
More formal meals, though certainly still in the casual mood of the Jersey
Shore, are enjoyed at popular restaurants like O'Neill's
Bar & Grill, Maria's
Colonial Inn and the Squan
Tavern, as well as numerous others throughout the town.
Surfers new to the area will want to be in contact with the lifeguards for
any particular regulations unique to Manasquan, but Inlet Beach is the
area to head for. Families with young children will appreciate the job
those same guards do keeping visitors safe on the sand and in the water.
Surf fishermen will enjoy casting for all species of fish from the beach
and may want to avail themselves of the services provided by the Shore
Catch guide service, which includes fishing reports, guidance, and
charters for those times a change of pace from surf casting is desired. As
referenced under special features above, the disabled and those traveling
with them, will find easy access on Elks Beach with travel on the sand and
to the water made simple with the Beach/Surf wheelchairs provided.
Experienced Scuba divers, or the newly curious, will want to review the
programs hosted by the Explorer's
Dive Club in the area.
The Nathaniel Morris Inn
is the exclusive Bed and Breakfast in Manasquan, although O'Neill's
Bar & Grill offers a similar atmosphere with their guest rooms. Other
nightly accommodations include the Cooper House on East Main St. and the Beachcomber
Hotel. By far the most popular and numerous are the weekly, monthly
and seasonal rentals of cottages along the beachfront and connecting
blocks. The town Web site lists a few of the available
units and you'll find many more realtors covering the general area listed here.
No visit to Manasquan is complete without taking in a play at the
Algonquin
Arts Theatre, which also offers an outlet for those inevitable rainy
days of summer by doubling as a cinema in the summer months. Another good
rainy day activity is browsing through the many shops in the business
district; you'll find variety stores, antiques, beach supplies, and even a
hardware store with old-fashioned personal service. It's amazing some the
interesting things you'll find to use on a vacation in as unlikely a spot
as a hardware store!
If you enjoy wide well protected beaches and a diverse crowd from
singles to grandparents in a quintessential Jersey Shore setting, you'll
enjoy a vacation stay in Manasquan.
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