Hey neighbors…

It’s Super Bowl Sunday this weekend! (If you’re a Patriots or Seahawks fan, congratulations …again!)

Whether you’re looking for a fun way to enjoy the game or you want a distraction from the sports obsession, there are plenty of fun ways to spend the next few days.

Let’s dive in!

This week in Ocean County...

Thu, Feb 5 to Wed, Feb 11

Thursday:

Sip + Wick Night

A crafty night out where you pour your own scented candle (in a heart-shaped vessel)… and yes, it includes a glass of wine.

  • Where? Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533

  • When? Thu, Feb 5 • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

  • Cost? $65/person

  • Good to know… It’s also offered again on Feb 12 if your Thursday fills up fast.

OCVTS Open House

Curious about career training programs (for teens and adults)? This district-wide open house is your one-stop “peek behind the curtain.”

  • Where? Ocean County Vocational Technical School, 131 Bay Lea Road, Toms River, NJ 08753

  • When? Thu, Feb 5 • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

  • Cost? None

  • Good to know… It’s an info session covering admissions, financial aid, and job placement; you’ll be directed to visit the shop/location for your program of interest.

Friday

Galentine’s Day Heart Cake Class

Decorate a Valentine’s-themed cake with Honey Bloom Bakery. It’s basically therapy, but with frosting.

  • Where? Vine Garden & Gift, 783 Fischer Blvd., Toms River, NJ

  • When? Fri, Feb 6 • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

  • Cost? $120

  • Good to know… The event page notes tickets are almost gone. If you’re interested, don’t pull an “I’ll do it later” with this one.

Saturday

Ice Cream Breakfast

Yes, it’s real: free scoop + breakfast-inspired flavors at WooHoo (because February needs a little fun).

  • Where? The Woohoo, 1909 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City, NJ 08008

  • When? Sat, Feb 7 • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

  • Cost? One free scoop - then pay your way

  • Good to know… Limited ice cream + allergy-safe options. They reopen for normal scooping at 3 PM in Beach Haven.

Penguins & Pajamas

What beats storytime, a craft, and a penguin meet-and-greet? (Pajamas really are encouraged!)

  • Where? Jenkinson’s Aquarium, 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742

  • When? Sat, Feb 7 • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

  • Cost? $25 (Children 2 & under free)

  • Good to know… Includes all-day aquarium admission.

Sunday

Superbowl Backpack Weave

Spend Super Bowl Sunday the crafty way: learn to weave a backpack with Mary May at the Seaport.

  • Where? Tuckerton Seaport, 120 West Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087

  • When? Sun, Feb 8 • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • Cost? $180 for Seaport Members ($195 for non-members)

  • Good to know… Led by master weaver Mary May. Walk away with traditional basket-style weaving techniques!

Super Bowl Watch Party

A low-lift way to make Sunday feel festive: show up, grab a seat, and watch the big game with a crowd.

  • Where? Sundae Fundae Ice Cream, 2249 Bridge Ave, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742

  • When? Sunday, Feb 8 • 6:30 pm

  • Cost? Free

  • Good to know… Includes complimentary soft drinks and refreshments. Follow QR code to register.

Other events to keep an eye on…

What’s in store for that unpredictable Ocean County weather…

Cold is the headline this week — again. And it gets serious this weekend. Expect a mostly quiet Thursday, then light snow Friday night into early Saturday and a blustery, bitterly cold stretch into Sunday with lows around 5 degrees. Stay warm out there!

Check out the 10-day forecast here…

Sunrise / sunset

  • Thu, Feb 5: Sunrise 6:59 AM • Sunset 5:22 PM

  • Wed, Feb 11: Sunrise 6:52 AM • Sunset 5:29 PM

Tides and ocean temps

Still looking at around 40 degrees

Back in the Day…

I’ve got a conversation starter for you on Sunday.

Did you know that New Jersey hosted the first-ever outdoor Super Bowl in a “cold-weather” region? It was Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford) on Feb. 2, 2014.

Even better: at kickoff, it was about 49°F, which is not exactly the frozen football apocalypse everyone predicted. Players were even warming up in shorts!

That’s it for this week.

We’ll be back next week for Valentine’s Day and the deep winter fun ahead!

P.S.

If you want help figuring out how to stream the Super Bowl this weekend, check out this resource from NFL.com with all of the options… My official recommendation? Download the Peacock app on your preferred device!

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