Ocean Grove, N.J.

Tuesdays are always lots of fun. We had made plans to visit with Tony and Mary Colletto who live in Edison, N.J. but, We met them in Ocean Grove . Mary and Tony knew their way around the area and were gracious hostess and host. We toured in their auto and had a really nice tour. They were familiar with the area so that was really great. We were shown where friends Barb and Skip lived in nearby Bradley Beach, where Barb had her tea room and where Barb and Skip's son Chris lives.

It seems like every city in New Jersey on the shore has a boardwalk in it. But, not all do. The beaches are all lovely and even though the temperature wasn't hot, there were many people walking the boardwalk and laying in the sun, tanning. We did neither, but it is still fun to note for all of you reading our blog.

Ocean Grove is a city where old and new all look old. The homes are all Victorian and lovely. We visited the Lillagaard where Barb's tea room was and Dick and Jane (yes that is their real names) let us tour the home. It is a lovely place and has four floors of living in it, plus the basement where the tea room is located. Every single room is decorated in a particular style, each has it's own theme. Lovely!!!

I took photos in the tea room. You must make reservations and they serve tea on the week-ends. It is quaint, pretty as a picture and as you can see it's theme is early victorian. The decorations are lovely. I'm not sure how much has here when Barbara had the tea room, but I'm sure some of it was.

We found places to shop for Mary and Nancy while Tony and Tom sat and girl watched while drinking coffee and enjoying some tidbit from the local bakery.

We then headed north to Asbury Park. What a difference in one town, it is really beat up and not very lovely at all. Most of you know that this is the city that Bruce Springstein got his start in.

Tony then continued our tour north we went through the "Jewish Mafia" area, where homes are big and lawns well manicured. Following up the coast until we landed in Long Branch. We found a greek restaurant in which to eat and had a great lunch. Then Mary and Nancy again went shopping on the boardwalk while Tony and Tom sat on the boardwalk enjoying the scenery. (I'm sure it was girl watching, again!!)

We found a Costco and did a little shopping before parting ways. The day was so very enjoyable and we all had a great time.