I’m forever grateful that I had the good sense to take today off from work. It’s a rainy, crisp Fall morning- perfect for curling up under the covers and sleeping in for- which is exactly what I plan on doing after the long weekend I just got back from! Last Friday (which I also took off from work,) after picking up a rental car and an iced coffee- I made my way towards Asbury Park, New Jersey- where I was going to be attending the Sea.Hear.Now Festival on the shore Saturday evening.
And because I’m me, and I love a good road trip- I opted to take the back roads the entire way there so I could see some historic houses and pretty scenery since it was a beautiful, sunny morning. My travel time clocked in at just under six hours, and the views throughout did not disappoint! One thing I love about New York state is that they have notable markers everywhere along the road- so there’s so much to stop and see/read about when it comes to unique or unusual structures that you might otherwise drive by without knowing anything about them.
I wanted to snap photos of so many things, but I also knew I wanted to get checked into my hotel room before the late afternoon/evening traffic started- so I pressed on with the thought that I would simply make a mental note to stop again on my way home on Sunday morning.
I stayed in East Brunswick, a little under 45 minutes away from the venue- since closer hotels/motels had considerably increased their prices due to the festival. My room became more of a storage space, however- since I was out and about checking out nearby Rutgers University (and trying WaWa for the first time! Thank you to all my friends/family who told me what to order!)
On Saturday morning, prior to making our way to the venue, I met up with Andrew, his parents, and the kids- who had driven in from Maryland to hang out and see the show. It was my first time seeing everyone since the end of April, and I’m still not over how fast they’ve been growing! We spent the afternoon playing with toys, making lip gloss and friendship bracelets, and watching college football before it was time to head down to the shore and see The Killers.
I don’t think I’ve ever been to the Jersey Shore before, and if I have- I must not have stayed long- because Asbury Park is absolutely beautiful (especially at sunset!) Its a place I would have remembered seeing in person for sure. After grabbing some pizza and getting situated beyond the front security gates, we made our way to the main stage- which was actually on the beach and right up against the tide that was slowly but surely rolling in. I can’t say I’ve ever been to a festival on the beach in my life up until now- so it was a night of new locations/experiences!
The kids had a blast making sand castles and dancing along to other acts leading up to The Killers taking the stage. The older they get, the more songs they know/recognize- so I was stunned when Haven started singing along to ‘Human’ all on her own. Kelsey would be so, so proud.
By the end of the night, we were all pretty fried- and covered in sand- so it was time to get the kids back to the hotel for a bath and bedtime, and I had to get ready to drive back to Massachusetts yesterday morning. I’m seeing them again in a few weeks when I head to Maryland for Halloween, though!
Yesterday, however- my GPS had other plans- and took me on an entirely different route home than the one I’d taken on my way in, winding me through Newark and Albany before returning me to Western Massachusetts. I didn’t see any of the sights I’d hoped to revisit/photograph- which means I’ll have to take another road trip to New York sooner than later!
And now with a whole day ahead to return the rental car and catch up with Dan- who also has today off!- I’m looking forward to relaxing, recharging and having a hot cup of coffee before it’s time to head back to work tomorrow.
‘Til then!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 