Hey neighbors! Love is in the air — and things are quite literally heating up (after a long, cold spell). This week, the focus is on Valentine’s Day.

Don’t worry, though. If you don’t have a ring on, you won’t be left out. I’ve found great events for couples, singles, friends, and families.

Let’s see what’s going on around the county this week…

Enjoy a gourmet multi-course dinner including everything from soup and salad to an entree, side, and chocolate-covered strawberry chaser!

Where? Mathis House, 600 Main St., Toms River, NJ 08753

When? Thu 2/12, 7:00pm - 9:30pm

Cost? $75/person

Good to know… Seniors and military personnel get 10% off.

Coffee shop vibes + Valentine’s-weekend festivities all day at Spire Coffee House.

Where? 1922 Hooper Ave. Toms River, NJ 08753

When? 7am - 7pm

Cost? Pay for what you purchase

Good to know… Event resumes Saturday, too (and includes local shop vendors!)

Recurring annual event with live musical storytelling performance that uniquely explores the music of Jane Austen’s era.

Where? The Grunin Center at Ocean County College

When? 2pm

Cost? $28 per ticket

Good to know… Includes $5 pre-show tea service if desired.

A great way to make up for things if you couldn’t get a reservation on Saturday.

Where? The Waterfront 361 East Lacey Road, Lacey, NJ

When? 9am - 1pm

Cost? Pay for what you purchase

Good to know… Reservation needed — and must be by phone (609-888-6063)

This week isn’t exactly a warm front, but we’re finally going to get a thaw! After weeks of bitterly cold temperatures, expect highs in the 40s over the weekend and a high in the low 50s early next week.

Rain could show up Sunday night and Monday morning, but otherwise, expect a chance to get outside and soak up some sun. (Just make sure you’re wearing a coat.)

Check out the 10-day forecast here…

Sunrise/sunset

Ocean temp

It isn’t much, but expect the water temp to rise a few degrees to around 44°F offshore near the Barnegat buoy.

Tide Predictions

Full Weather Report

Full Traffic Report

In 1696, the pirate captain William Kidd is believed to have buried treasure somewhere along the Jersey coast. The most likely location? Money Island, right near Toms River.

This isn’t just hearsay. A handful of Spanish Doubloons have literally washed up during low tide before. Kidd’s treasure remains a mystery, so if you find a gold coin, don’t assume it’s a fake!

That’s it for now. Next week, the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day will both be behind us. We’ll officially be in the winter slump as we hold out for warmer spring weather.

Make sure to check in to see what events and activities you can find to keep you and your friends and family busy in the short days and slow weeks to come.

See you next week!

If you have any feedback or you want to share your thoughts, reach out to me at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you!