Hey neighbors…

Can you believe summer is already almost over? How is the back-to-school shopping going? If you’re a parent, I can imagine you’re looking forward to some peace and quiet in the house again. If you’re a grandparent, maybe you’re prepping to stay busy in a quieter season ahead. 

Either way, we’ve got plenty of different activities to keep you busy as August wraps up this weekend!

Last week’s community spotlight with Spire Coffeehouse went so well that we’ve decided to try to make it a regular part of the newsletter! 

Our pets are part of the family. If you want to find the best care for your four-legged friends, make sure to check out Canine Aesthetic. 

The private dog and cat grooming boutique is located at 40 Main Street, Downtown Toms River.

Owner and Advanced Professional Groomer Jenn Fernández has 20 years of experience — and she’s working toward her Master Groomer certification. She’ll even be competing on a national level at GroomExpo next month!

What we love about Canine Aesthetic: 

Your weekend tips:

Tuckerton Farmers Market Head over to the Union Market & Gallery for a real, producer-only market where you can meet the local farmers, bakers, and makers behind the goods. No resellers allowed. :-) Find out more here...

Creativity Comes Home Beach House Studio in Lavallette is marking the close of a chapter with two days of art, memories, and a collaborative mural, and everyone is invited to join in for free. Find out more here...

Kids Markets at Seaside Park Farmers Market Young entrepreneurs take over the Seaside Park Farmers Market to sell their own handmade creations and get some real-world business practice. Find out more here...

Kaluoka'hina: The Enchanted Reef Head under the dome at the Novins Planetarium for an animated underwater adventure that is perfect for the littles. Find out more here...

Princess Fridays Casino Pier's weekly princess sing-along and face painting party returns for one more Friday of crowns, songs, and photo ops on the boardwalk. Find out more here...

Paint & Sip at Insectropolis Grab your favorite bottle and get creative with local artist Julia Koerner at this BYOB paint night inside the bug museum, with all supplies and light refreshments included. Find out more here...

Comedy Night with Chris Covert The Bayville Elks Lodge is hosting a night of stand-up comedy, so grab some friends and settle in for some laughs close to home. Find out more here...

Laser Beatles The Novins Planetarium turns the Fab Four's greatest hits into a full laser light show, spanning six years and eleven albums of music. Find out more here...

Movies in the Park Catch a free family movie under the stars at Mayo Park (if the weather holds out! If not, they’ll move inside the Beachwood Community Center down the road) — this week, the live action Lilo and Stitch, so pack a blanket and get there for the 6 p.m. start. Find out more here...

One of our inspirations for the newsletter is the Winnipeg Digest - and we’ve got a fun background story for you this week connected to that city.

I know we’re in Giants and Eagles country, but the Jets share MetLife Stadium, too. Did you know Gang Green was originally called the New York Titans? In 1963, they changed their name to the “Jets” due to their proximity to multiple major airports.

Here’s the fun part. The New York Jets are considered the inspiration for the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets. The reason for the distant connection? The owners of the two teams were close friends. You can read the full story here…

Brick Farmers Market Windward Beach Park fills up with more than seventy vendors for Brick's weekly farmers market, now in its twelfth year. Find out more here...

Toms River Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 Block Party Downtown Toms River's Washington Street turns into a full-on block party with craft breweries, live music, food, and fire trucks for the whole family to enjoy. Find out more here...

100 Waves for Recovery Sea Change Recovery Community Organization wraps its summer-long fundraiser with a beach day at the Wooden Jetty in Holgate, honoring everyone touched by addiction and recovery. Find out more here...

Lenape Corn Husk Doll Learn to make a traditional handcrafted doll out of natural corn husks at the Cedar Bridge Tavern Historic Site in Barnegat. Find out more here...

Creative Connections Sensory Class TRAC in Toms River is running a sensory-friendly art class for kids ages five to ten, with caregivers welcome to join in. Find out more here...

Albert Music Hall Saturday Night Show Since 1974, Waretown's Albert Music Hall has been the place for live bluegrass, country, and Pinelands music every Saturday night, and this week is no different. Find out more here...

LBI ParaCon The Long Beach Island Historical Association Museum hosts a full day of paranormal speakers, vendors, and a haunted objects room, with an after-dark VIP investigation for the brave. Find out more here...

Matt Stone as Elvis: In Person Internationally recognized Elvis tribute artist Matt Stone brings his full-scale concert experience to the Strand Theater in Lakewood. Find out more here...

Temps are perfect this weekend. But watch out for the rain again. If you’re looking for some outdoor fun, aim for Sunday!

Tide Predictions

Full Weather Report

Full Traffic Report

First Annual Car & Bike Show Manahawkin Elks Lodge is hosting a car and motorcycle show fundraiser for the Manchester Hawks AYFC athletes. Find out more here...

Point Pleasant Fresh Farmers & Makers Market Shop fresh produce and handmade goods from local makers at this weekly Sunday market in the NJ Transit parking lot. Find out more here...

Group Stand Up Paddleboarding Classes Toms River Recreation and Coastline Adventures team up for a beginner- and intermediate-friendly paddleboarding clinic on the bay. Find out more here...

Family Fun Day The Bayville Elks Special Children's Committee hosts an afternoon of barbecue, games, a water slide, and music for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities and their caregivers. Find out more here...

Inspirations: A Global Cascade of Influence The John F. Peto Studio Museum in Island Heights hosts an international art exhibition connecting Peto's nineteenth-century still lifes to a new generation of painters across five countries. Find out more here…

The Doo Wop Project Broadway stars bring a brand new ninety-minute show of classic Doo Wop hits, plus some surprising Doo Wop-ified covers, to the Grunin Center's Main Stage. Find out more here...

Lavallette Summer Concert Series Close out the weekend with a free concert at the Lavallette Gazebo, featuring local favorites We'll Be Fine. Find out more here…

Firepit Friday Long Beach Township's weekly beach bonfire concert series continues at 68th Street in Brant Beach with a live set from Sneak Attack. Find out more here...

The warm-weather water season is wrapping up. If you’re itching for a few more adventures in a T-shirt and shorts, here are some ideas for the weekend ahead!

If you aren’t in the mood for a swim, try getting out on the water. Seaside Heights has some great rental options. (Watch the rental hours and weather caveats, though!) Walk-ups are welcome, and you can quickly get a kayak or paddleboard in no time.

If you like a moment of peace next to the water but not on top of it, head down to Barnegat Municipal Pier (427 E Bay Ave, Barnegat) for free access to the bay. 

The fall is a great time for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Here’s a great resource if you’re angling for a specific fish in the months ahead.

Can you believe Labor Day is just over a week away? 

We’ll be back next time with a special batch of ideas tailored to a long holiday weekend!

If you have any questions, as always, you can reach the team at [email protected]. 

See you then!

Remember! If you have any local businesses you want to see featured in the newsletter, let us know. (Here’s that email again: [email protected]) We want to start giving the spotlight to these awesome local enterprises and their owners. 

And make sure to take your pup to Jenn over the next week. It’s probably time for a trim. 😀