Mike and Alex’s love of the beach lifestyle goes back to their Jersey Shore roots. They grew up in Spring Lake, a small shore town (exit 98) where days revolve around the beach and surf and cruiser bikes are the preferred form of transportation. If you’ve never been to New Jersey you may think it’s all about the Jersey Turnpike, the Boss and Bon Jovi, the Sopranos and Snooki. But there’s so much more. In addition to its beaches, the Shore also has many farms, parks, and creative communities. Whenever the guys go home, they get their fix of distinctly Jersey foods, like pork roll, egg, and cheese sandwiches (the perfect post-surf breakfast) and Jersey Mike’s Subs and visit their favorite small businesses.
Here are some of their local loves.
Where to Eat:
Talula's, Asbury Park
Brooklyn has the reputation of being the king of pizza. But Mike swears by the sourdough pies at Talula’s, particularly the Beekeeper’s Lament, made with a four-hour tomato sauce, hot Calabrian soppressata, fresh mozzarella, and local honey.
Pop's Garage, Asbury Park
This laid back Mexican spot on the Asbury Park Boardwalk, channels the flavors and vibes of Sayulita, Mexico.
Turnstile Coffee, Belmar
This boutique roaster and cafe is meticulous about sourcing beans, makes perfect pour overs, and sells its cold brew in growlers.
Delicious Orchards, Colts Neck
This massive farm and market sells exceptional produce and addictive homemade apple cider doughnuts. Made-to-order apple fritters are sold out of the fritter shack on weekends.
Nick + Sons, Spring Lake
Mike, Hillary, and Hayes start most weekends with buttery croissants from Nick + Sons. The cult bakery near their home in Brooklyn attracts pastry fanatics from all five boroughs. Lucky for them, owner Nicholas Heavican, who trained in Iceland, recently opened his first outpost in Spring Lake.
The Whitechapel Projects, Long Branch
A cool restaurant and brewery that doubles as a community creative hub hosting live music and weekend markets.
Spring Lake Seafood
After a late morning surf, the Fahertys hit up this new restaurant for an indulgent lunch of East Coast oysters, fish tacos, and lobster rolls. If they’re cooking at home, the adjacent fish market is their go-to for just-off-the-boat scallops and fluke.
Where to Shop:
Third Avenue, Spring Lake’s version of Main Street, is lined with restaurants and boutiques, including one of Faherty’s very first brick-and-mortar stores.
Noon, Spring Lake
This cute home design shop stocks everything from textiles and local art to handcrafted jewelry. Local secret: There’s also a coffee shop inside that makes fantastic oak milk lattes.
Third Avenue Chocolate Shoppe, Spring Lake
It’s a toss up who loves this old-school candy store more, the Fahertys or their kids. With handmade turtles and peanut butter cups, as well as salt water taffy and Swedish fish, it’s a family-favorite when they need a sugar fix.
Terra Earth + Surf, Spring Lake
Mike is a big fan of the beachy, rustic housewares sold here. The shop’s selection of candles, beach towels, and local pottery make for great holiday gifts.
Waterlily, Spring Lake
This Boho-inspired women’s boutique has a great edit of brands like Roller Rabbit and Australian label Kivari.
Where to Play:
Divine Park, Spring Lake
This green oasis surrounds the spring-fed lake that the town is named after. Two old wooden bridges are popular photo spots and families come to take advantage of its two playgrounds and maple and oak-shaded walking paths.
Allaire State Park
This park near Farmingdale, N.J. offers endless trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It’s also home to a 19th-century iron making town, Allaire Village, where you can still visit the general store and blacksmith shop.
The Stone Pony
Opened in 1974, this iconic music venue has hosted Jersey rock legends like Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi and still hosts sold-out crowds with big-name headliners.
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