THINGS TO DO

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The entire town is very walkable. From the train station, go right on Monmouth to Broad Street (approximately 10 blocks). There you'll find modern gift shops, cafes, clothing and record stores. Charming brick buildings, old-fashioned lampposts and benches line the curbs, giving you the feeling you've stepped back in time. Pop into Jay & Silent Bob's Secret Stash Comics or vintage clothes shops like Funk & Standard Variety. On the way to Broad St., you’ll pass Monmouth Music and the historic Count Basie Theatre. The Count Basie hosts big-name concerts throughout the year.

Relax on the beautiful Navesink River by heading for the Sea-Land Marina (up Bridge Ave. from the train station and left on Front St. under the bridge) where you can buy a cheap rod for fishing (or bring your own) and rent a canoe or a rowboat for $7.50 an hour through mid-October. Monica, the owner, jokes that rowboats are popular with ladies because they "must, must, must increase the bust."

Take the kids canoeing for the day and then to A Time to Kiln on Broad St., where they can paint their own pottery. For more indoor fun, go ice skating on the weekends at the Red Bank Armory, catty corner to the train station.

At the end of Broad St., take a right on Front St., and then left on Wharf Ave. At the base of the hill, you’ll find Marine Park. This is a lovely waterside park with boat slips, public tennis courts and a playground.

If you're here for the shopping, proceed down Bridge Ave. from the train station to the historic antique district and the Antiques Center at Front St. This section is considered "the outskirts" of town. After a day of hard-core shopping, you’ll need to pamper yourself at Manifique with a relaxing massage ($65/1 hour, call ahead). Find them by just walking across the way on Bridge Ave. to the Galleria, a mall of modern shops and restaurants. Through mid-October, check out the Farmer’s Market and kid’s petting zoo on Saturdays behind the Galleria.

LODGING

If you're staying overnight, continue three blocks down Bridge Avenue to Riverside Drive and turn right. There you will find the historic Molly Pitcher Inn. Rates start at $100.00 per night but occasionally they have specials. Ask for a waterside room, because the view of the Navesink River is spectacular. Relax by their pool and take a swim before you conquer the town. Next door, on Bodman Place, you’ll also find the luxurious Oyster Point Hotel and Conference Center starting at $110/night.

If you’re not traveling light and need a taxi, find one next door to the train station at Yellow Car Company (732-747-0747). The five-minute ride costs $3.35. If the Molly Pitcher is booked, try the Courtyard Marriott, at $100/night, which is further from town and will require a taxi.

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DINING

Locals recommend Ashes or The Bistro on Broad St., and apparently breakfast at the Broadway Diner is a must when you get up in the morning.

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NIGHTLIFE

Enjoy a concert at Count Basie Theatre, or a show at Improv Comedy Jam. Take in a flick at the Red Bank Clearview Arts Theater, play some pool at Brannigan’s on Wharf Ave. and live it up at Brother’s or the Dublin House on Monmouth.

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TRANSPORTATION

TRAIN

Take train to Red Bank from Penn Station.

Schedule: Hourly departures. Call NJ Transit for schedule at 973-242-1577.

CAR

Take the Garden State Parkway to exit 109, left on Newman Springs Road, left on Broad St.

TAXI

Next door to the train station, you’ll find Yellow Car Company (732-747-0747). The five-minute ride costs $3.35.

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TRAVEL TIPS

Packing extras: bike, fishing rod, tennis racket, sunglasses, suntan lotion, bathing suit, and camera.

LINKS

New Jersey Tourism

MAP

For a detailed map of Red Bank, please click here.