Living and working in Barnegat, we often associate ourselves with the beach here at the Jersey Shore, but we are just as closely connected to New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, too! Here’s what you should know about this amazing place.
The Pine Barrens of New Jersey, also known as the Pinelands, is a unique and impressive region. Filled with pine trees that reach for the sky, this natural wonderland is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Covering an area of around 1.1 million acres, it is one of the largest and most diverse ecosystems in the eastern United States, and area towns like Barnegat, Manahawkin, and Forked River / Lacey are part of the region.
A Brief History
The Pine Barrens of New Jersey is a region with a rich and interesting history. The Lenape Indians, who were the original inhabitants of the area, used the Pine Barrens for hunting, gathering, and fishing. In the early 18th century, European settlers began farming the area, but the highly acidic and infertile soil made it difficult to grow crops. As a result, the region became a source of charcoal, which was used for iron smelting. During this period, the area acquired its name – “The Barrens”. Large settlements soon arose, including towns like Atlantic City, Manahawkin, and Beach Haven.
Photo by Famartin
Natural Beauty
Today, The Pine Barrens are a National Natural Landmark and have been designated as an International Biosphere Reserve. It is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in North America. The soil is still largely acidic and infertile, limiting the growth of certain plants but encouraging the growth of other species like cedar trees and pitch pine. The region is also known for its unique wildlife, including black bears, foxes, ospreys, bald eagles, and red-headed woodpeckers.
The region is home to several threatened and endangered species, including the Pine Barrens tree frog, the blue-spotted salamander, and the Pine Barrens tree snake. The area is also home to several rare plant species, such as the Pine Barrens gentian and the Pinewoods lily.
Recreational Retreat
The Pine Barrens are a popular destination for outdoor recreation and exploration. Visitors can enjoy activities like camping, fishing, canoeing, bird-watching, and exploring the region’s many trails. The area is also home to a number of historic sites such as Batsto Village and Wharton State Forest.
Great attractions near Barnegat, Manahawkin and Forked River include the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Island Beach State Park and Barnegat Lighthouse State Park (both of which are on the coastal area of the Pine Barrens region). There are also several nature preserves in the region, including Bass River State Forest and Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.
Unlike many other regions of the United States, much of the Pine Barrens is not developed. Vast areas of this unique landscape is largely untouched and provides a perfect escape for nature lovers.
The Pine Barrens is known for its natural beauty, with acres upon acres of picturesque landscapes. Visitors can bike, hike, or horseback ride through the vast network of trails that wind through the region. There are campgrounds dotted around the area, allowing visitors to spend several days exploring the region and experiencing its tranquility and beauty.
Conclusion:
The Pine Barrens of New Jersey is a unique and awe-inspiring region, with a rich and interesting history. While many regions in the US have been developed over the years, the Pine Barrens has remained largely unchanged, providing the perfect environment for threatened and endangered species to thrive. If you are a nature lover, an adventurer, or simply a person looking for a peaceful escape from modern life, the Pine Barrens is definitely a place you should visit at least once in your lifetime.
The Pine Barrens of New Jersey, also known as the Pinelands, is a unique and impressive region. Filled with pine trees that reach for the sky, this natural wonderland is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Covering an area of around 1.1 million acres, it is one of the largest and most diverse ecosystems in the eastern United States, and area towns like Barnegat, Manahawkin, and Forked River / Lacey are part of the region.
A Brief History
The Pine Barrens of New Jersey is a region with a rich and interesting history. The Lenape Indians, who were the original inhabitants of the area, used the Pine Barrens for hunting, gathering, and fishing. In the early 18th century, European settlers began farming the area, but the highly acidic and infertile soil made it difficult to grow crops. As a result, the region became a source of charcoal, which was used for iron smelting. During this period, the area acquired its name – “The Barrens”. Large settlements soon arose, including towns like Atlantic City, Manahawkin, and Beach Haven.
Photo by Famartin
Natural Beauty
Today, The Pine Barrens are a National Natural Landmark and have been designated as an International Biosphere Reserve. It is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in North America. The soil is still largely acidic and infertile, limiting the growth of certain plants but encouraging the growth of other species like cedar trees and pitch pine. The region is also known for its unique wildlife, including black bears, foxes, ospreys, bald eagles, and red-headed woodpeckers.
The region is home to several threatened and endangered species, including the Pine Barrens tree frog, the blue-spotted salamander, and the Pine Barrens tree snake. The area is also home to several rare plant species, such as the Pine Barrens gentian and the Pinewoods lily.
Recreational Retreat
The Pine Barrens are a popular destination for outdoor recreation and exploration. Visitors can enjoy activities like camping, fishing, canoeing, bird-watching, and exploring the region’s many trails. The area is also home to a number of historic sites such as Batsto Village and Wharton State Forest.
Great attractions near Barnegat, Manahawkin and Forked River include the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Island Beach State Park and Barnegat Lighthouse State Park (both of which are on the coastal area of the Pine Barrens region). There are also several nature preserves in the region, including Bass River State Forest and Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.
Unlike many other regions of the United States, much of the Pine Barrens is not developed. Vast areas of this unique landscape is largely untouched and provides a perfect escape for nature lovers.
The Pine Barrens is known for its natural beauty, with acres upon acres of picturesque landscapes. Visitors can bike, hike, or horseback ride through the vast network of trails that wind through the region. There are campgrounds dotted around the area, allowing visitors to spend several days exploring the region and experiencing its tranquility and beauty.
Conclusion:
The Pine Barrens of New Jersey is a unique and awe-inspiring region, with a rich and interesting history. While many regions in the US have been developed over the years, the Pine Barrens has remained largely unchanged, providing the perfect environment for threatened and endangered species to thrive. If you are a nature lover, an adventurer, or simply a person looking for a peaceful escape from modern life, the Pine Barrens is definitely a place you should visit at least once in your lifetime.
The Jersey Shore is a popular destination for weekend getaways and week long summer vacations for many reasons, especially the area near our office, which includes Barnegat, Manahawkin, Long Beach Island, Forked River, and other great shore towns. There is plenty to do, the beaches are close to almost any rental you can find, and the entire region is easily accessible from the entire tri-State area. If there is a single headache it’s this: you never seem to have enough room to bring all the stuff you want to bring!
With that in mind, here are some tips on how to pack light. Believe us, it can make the difference between a good summer vacation and a great one!
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-car-near-seashore-with-blue-ocean-1118448/
You Don’t Need All Those Shoes – It’s easy to get caught in the trap of bringing shoes for every occasion. You need your flip-flops or sandals, your sneakers, your nice shoes for going out to dinner, maybe those boots in case you go for a trek on Long Beach Island. Bad idea! Bring only one or two pairs (including what you are wearing). You’ll be glad you did.
Pack Your Lightest Items Last – Packing your luggage is not a science, it’s an art form, but there are a few tips that can make your packing more efficient and help you get the most into a small space. Packing your lightest items last is one of them. They will be easier to fit into whatever nooks and crannies are left in your bags, are more easily switched around with other items, and in the worst case scenario where something won’t fit, they can easily be thrown into a small extra bag.
Layers, Layers, Layers – If you’re bringing a few bulky clothing items to ward off cooler evenings or rainy days, consider wearing them during your trip to the Long Beach Island summer house you booked. That will save a lot of room in your bags and make travel less of a hassle. Just be sure to crank up the A/C in your car!
Make Yourself A Checklist – It may seem obvious but a lot of people don’t do this – and skipping this step is a bad idea, because planning ahead can save many headaches later! Write down what you absolutely, positively need, and also write down what you need but will be able to purchase once you arrive at your destination. It’s far easier to make a quick stop at a local store for sun block, towels, snacks and other disposable items. Don’t waste space in your luggage on that!
Don’t Fold, Roll – Most of us grew up folding our clothes, but guess what? Rolling your clothes up takes up less room and allows you to pack in more creative, space efficient ways. It also allows you to distribute the weight in your bags more evenly, which will make carry them around far easier.
These few small tips don’t seem like much, but add them together and they will make your next trip to the Southern Ocean County shore area much easier and far less stressful!
If you’re looking for things to do this summer, the Jersey Shore is the place to be! With miles of coastline and plenty of activities to keep you busy, you’ll never run out of things to do. Today, we’re taking a break from practicing dentistry at the shore to discuss five fun activities that are perfect for a day at the beach. So pack your sunscreen and get ready for some fun in the sun!
The first activity on our list is swimming. Of course, one of the best things to do at the beach is to take a dip in the water! Whether you’re looking to cool off or just have some fun, swimming is a great way to spend your day. Just be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks often if you’re in the sun for extended periods of time.
If swimming isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy. One popular option is building sandcastles. This is a great activity for all ages and can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. If you’re feeling creative, try incorporating shells or rocks into your design. Or, if you’re looking for a challenge, see how tall you can make your castle before it collapses.
Another great option for things to do at the beach is fishing. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, there’s nothing quite like spending a day out on the water. Just be sure to check the local regulations before you start fishing, as there may be limits on what you can catch. And if you don’t have a boat, no worries! There are plenty of spots along the shore where you can cast your line and enjoy some time in nature.
If you’re looking for something a little more active, why not try stand-up paddleboarding? This popular activity is perfect for those who want to explore the coastline at their own pace. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try paddleboarding in the waves! Just be sure to wear a life jacket and practice safety first.
Last but not least, one of the best things to do at the beach is simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Soak up the sun, read a book, or just take a nap on the sand. No matter how you spend your day, there’s no doubt that a day at the Jersey Shore is sure to be a memorable one.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your swimsuit and head to the shore for some fun in the sun!
Don’t let the show “Jersey Shore” fool you. The coastal areas of New Jersey are a beautiful, relaxing place where people enjoy the beach lifestyle in friendly, down to Earth communities. As anyone who lives here will tell you, once you live at the shore you never want to live anywhere else!
Don’t believe us? Go visit these fantastic Jersey Shore communities for a taste of what life is like here:
Manahawkin / Stafford
Manahawkin is the gateway to Long Beach Island, a beautiful little community that is technically a part of Stafford Township. It’s a warm, pleasant place to live filled with great people and excellent access to local beaches and attractions such as Long Beach Island, Atlantic City, and Seaside Heights. That’s why we are proud to be a dentist serving Manahawkin!
Lavallette
Located just north of Toms River, this sleepy little beachfront community is nestled between the Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It enjoys a close proximity to shore hotspots like Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights, but is itself a quiet town with plenty of local shops and neighbors who know one another. It’s a beautiful place to relax.
Ocean Beach
Technically part of Toms River, the quaint bungalows that make up most of Ocean Beach make this the perfect community for summer rentals or affordable retirements.
Beach Haven
This subdued community on Long Beach Island is as beautiful as it is quiet. It’s a small town in which everyone knows their neighbor. Longtime residents are common. It’s the ideal place to live if you like to have good friends nearby. Even better, it boasts easy access to the attractions in places like Barnegat and other nearby LBI communities.
Cape May
This historic town is filled with old inns, bed and breakfasts, and romantic getaways. Many of these home have been here since the 19th Century. This is a fantastic place to get away from it all, with great boat tours, secluded places to eat, and more.
Asbury Park
Asbury Park is back and in a big way. Once run down and decrepit, this town is now thriving with great restraints, shops, art galleries and more. It’s a town ideal for hip young people. The bar scene is excellent, the music scene even better, and there are good apartments available. If ever there was a welcome return to form at the shore, it’s the return of Asbury Park.
Wildwood
Sometimes called “The Wildwoods,” though that actually refers to several towns, Wildwood and the surrounding towns showcase the fun side of the Jersey Shore. With a lengthy boardwalk packed with games and rides and places to eat, and a town filled with things to do, eat, drink, see and enjoy, Wildwood is a weekender’s perfect getaway. No wonder it’s such a popular destination!
As you can see, the Jersey Shore is more than night clubs and boardwalks. It’s varied and interesting enough for almost anyone!
Ever thought about living near coast of New Jersey, especially in towns like Manahawkin, Forked River and Barnegat? If you haven’t before, you sure will after reading these seven reasons why it’s AWESOME:
1) Easy Access To Recreation
If you want recreation, there are few better places to be than the beach, especially in Southern Ocean County and Long Beach Island. Surfing, boating, fishing, swimming, sun bathing, games, music, paddle boarding, night clubs, nature preserves, food festivals, and so much more we can barely list it all. If you can’t find something to do at the shore it’s because you refuse to leave the house!
2) It’s Relaxing
Think about the sound of the surf, the smell of the water, the laid back way people go about their lives, and then think about yourself in the middle of it all right here in Ocean County. Yes, that is what living at the shore can be like – and it can be like that every single day of the year! Doesn’t matter if you live in a small bungalow or have a huge beachfront house, being near the the ocean can lift your spirits and help you do something few people can manage: relax!
3) You’ll Enjoy A Longer Life
It might sound like nonsense, but it’s true. Studies show that people who do not take annual vacations are 32 percent more likely to die of a heart attack. So what better way to extend your life then by building a perpetual vacation into your life? That’s exactly what living at the beach is like. At any moment you choose, you can flip the switch from normal life to relaxing. Take a walk to the sand, go look out over the way, enjoy some water sports, go fishing, walk your dog, go people watching – the whole area here near Long Beach Island a tremendous place to unwind!
4) Visits From Friends And Family Will Be Great
If you enjoy making people feel welcome, you’ll have an easy time if you live near the shore. People love to visit the region for a reason, and they love it even more when they are visiting good friends and family. Give them something to see and something to do, often without much effort on your part. That’s exactly what living near the shore can do!
5) Get In Touch With Nature
It may appear that the shore region is built up to a major degree – and in some ways, it is – but there are not only plenty of parks and open areas, even the built-up communities allow access to mother nature you can’t get in the suburbs. When was the last time you watched dolphins and whales play in your McMansion community, or walked two blocks to do some ocean fishing, or fed ducks and gulls on the bay right in your backyard?
6) Salt Water Is Good For Your Health
Yet another mark in favor of shore living, salt water is not just calming to the soul, it can actually help heal little nicks and cuts. Add in the fact that beach sand can help exfoliate your skin, helping you to feel cleaner and fresher, and you have the makings for a healthier life.
7) It’s A Great Investment
When it comes down to it, this may be the biggest reason to own property at the shore. Waterfront property is always in demand. It never goes out of style. Your investment is all but guaranteed to increase for you. Add that to all the lifestyle bonuses mentioned above, and the reasons for living at the shore should be obvious.
And naturally, once you’re here and smiling about your choice, choose us as your Ocean County dentist and we’ll keep your smile bright!
The Jersey Shore is a fantastic place to spend a vacation. The beaches are beautiful, the shopping is great, the sun and surf are excellent. Those of us who live and work here have to remind ourselves that it’s amazing how such great attractions can be so close to home!
Fishing – The Long Beach Island region has a thriving fishing scene that goes back centuries, with deep ties to fishing and trade that date back hundreds of years. Because of that, our fishing tradition is strong and proud. There is plenty of fishing to go around, too. The region has many public fishing spots and great piers and docks for fishing, and charter boats are plentiful. It’s as easy to spend a day out on the ocean as it is fishing in the surf or casting into the bay.
Sunbathing – Yes, this one is simple. It’s what most people want to do when they visit the shore, anyway! And it’s easy. When you’re staying in towns like Manahawkin and Long Beach Island, the beach is just minutes away. Spread out a blanket, relax, soak up the sun, jump in the water if you need to cool off. There is a reason why our beaches are so popular!
Restaurants – You don’t have to travel far from your Manahawkin hotel to find some fantastic places to eat in the area. It should go without saying that seafood is a specialty around here, with fresh catches coming in multiple times a day, but we also have a wealth of Italian eateries, amazing delis, classic diners, a wide array of ethnic food, excellent steakhouses, and much more. If you can’t find something to eat in our area, you’re not trying!
Paddleboarding – One of the fastest growing water sports is stand-up paddleboarding, and for good reason. It’s a fun, relaxing, easy way to get in the water and enjoy the shore. Unlike surfing, paddleboarding doesn’t require years of practice and amazing agility. As long as you can stand, you can use a SUP, or Stand-up Paddleboard. You can rent paddleboards, so consider taking some time out on the water!
Local History – The Long Beach Island and Manahawkin region is rich with history, from the famed Barnegat Lighthouse to fantastic local museums that showcase the area’s rich ties to the sea. There are historic buildings to see, parks to visit, and great local historical societies that regularly hold special events. We urge you to pay them a visit!
Cocktails – There is nothing quite like a cocktail in the sun, and the Manahawkin and Long Beach Island region offers you plenty of opportunities to enjoy exactly that. Have a few cold ones, sip on a margarita, and just enjoy a little bit of the beach life before you return to the daily grind. You’ve earned it!
As you can see, there is plenty to do nearby, and we’ve only just scratched the surface. From watersports to hiking to nature to shopping and much more, you will love your time away at the Jersey Shore!
Don’t the show of the same name fool you. The Jersey Shore is a terrific place to live. This is especially true in Southern Ocean County around Barnegat, Manahawkin, and Forked River, where there are a wealth of benefits that will quickly have you living the good life.
Don’t believe us? Just take a look at these five great reasons to live at the shore:
1) Watersports
For those who like their life to be on the exciting side, the Jersey coast offers some of the best areas for jet skiing, water skiing, surfing, and much more.
Whether you already own equipment or just want to rent it, shops and rentals places are so numerous you’ll be tripping over them.
Even better, the waters here are made for activities like this. Our bays, waterways and oceans are perfect for waverunners, paddle boarding, and much more.
2) Boating and Fishing
New Jersey has some of the best boating and fishing on the East Coast (and anyone who follows our Facebook knows our doctors take full advantage of it!).
Whether you like relaxing on a bay and enjoying the sun with friends, or like to take a boat out on the Atlantic and engage in some serious fishing, the opportunities to both are endless here. The Garden State has a thriving fishing and boating community that dates back hundreds of years, with a wealth of fishing clubs, charter boats, yacht clubs, and much more available. If you live someplace like Renaissance on The Ocean, it’s easy to access this great aspect of the shore.
3) Beautiful Beaches
There is a reason why so many people come to the Jersey Shore each summer: because it’s beautiful! No matter the type of experience you want, New Jersey offers it. We have quaint, quiet communities with relaxing beaches, party towns with thriving nightclub scenes, towns that specialize in historic inns and bed and breakfasts, fishing towns, communities geared towards families, towns that focus on boardwalks and amusements, and much more. New Jersey beaches in Ship Bottom, Long Beach Island, and elsewhere are the place to be!
4) The Outdoors
In addition to watersports, beaches and more, the Jersey coast has something a lot of people don’t realize: some gorgeous state and federal parks featuring pristine coastland. These preserves boast great hiking trails, lush dunes, and abundant wildlife. You can see a side of New Jersey you never imagined!
5) Easy Access To NYC and Philly
Being at the Jersey Shore doesn’t mean you always have to STAY at the Jersey Shore. Thanks to 195 and the Parkway, access to New York City and Philadelphia is incredibly easy, making day trips into the city a breeze. Even Baltimore is an easy three-hour drive away, a perfect way to catch Phillies, Yankees and Mets games without having to deal with the home town crowds. It’s just one more thing that makes living at the shore so desirable!
With these things in mind, it’s hard to ignore how great the Jersey Shore can be!
On Fridays during the summer when the Garden State Parkway is backed up with traffic, all those people are coming to the beautiful New Jersey Coast.
And no wonder. In Long Beach Island, Barnegat, Manahawkin, and other towns in our area, there are some fantastic communities in which to unwind during the summer months.
The Jersey shore is not all created equal, though. Picking one community over the other can be the difference between finding yourself in the middle of a bad MTV show and relaxing in an historic community with great beach access, so choose carefully!
If you plan to rent a summer home or to enjoy a vacation on the coast, these are a few of the town you should consider when deciding to take a weekend, week, or even the rest of your life away with the family.
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-beach-chairs-on-seashore-564900/
Point Pleasant Beach – This is a town that straddles the line between a vibrant, active vacation town and a quiet, peaceful ocean community. Point offers the architectural charm of yesteryear as well as the appeal of excellent dining and great shopping. The residential neighborhoods are quiet, but the downtown is often full of shoppers. The boardwalk and aquarium are also busy. There you will find rides, games, places to see bands playing music, and more.
Long Beach Island – Real estate in Long Beach Island is in high demand for a good reason. This swath of coastal barrier island is one of the New Jersey’s most desirable places to both live and to vacation. Boasting plenty of gorgeous bay and ocean facing property, it also has shopping, historic sites, and much more. Even better, while there are a lot of things to do within a short walk or drive, LBI itself is calm enough so that you really feel like you’re getting away from the world.
Barnegat – This small oceanfront and bay community – and the place where our office is located – is a popular place for families thanks to its clean beaches, and docks for fishing and crabbing, and more. Not to mention the historic lighthouse! There are many small shops, great places to eat, as well as waterfront property along both the ocean and the bay. It’s a great town, which is why we love working here!
Belmar – Just like Point Pleasant Beach, Belmar offers quiet shore living as well as attractions that will appeal to visitors looking for more action. Quiet neighborhoods with cute coastal homes are just a short walk away from some of the New Jersey coast’s most active and popular nightclubs. Add in some of the best fishing on the East Coast, a historic boating community, and a downtown that is a throwback to communities of old and it’s easy to see why people flock to Belmar each year.
With its gorgeous bays, rivers, waterways, and ocean, it’s no surprise that the Jersey Shore is one of the best areas to visit to explore a myriad of fun watersports, especially in the Long Beach Island and Southern Ocean County area.
Both year round residents and summer visitors alike loves to take advantage of the ocean waves. No doubt about it, there are a ton of fun things to do along the coast of the Garden State, especially if you get out on the water.
When people think of water sports, they often think of places like California or Hawaii, but New Jersey is a great destination for them, too. The Garden State has amazing beaches, lots of opportunities for surfing lessons, boat rentals, and more.
If you are visiting the Jersey Shore, here are some fun activities you’ll want to try:
1) Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding was first practiced by the Polynesians hundreds of years ago. These days, using boards similar to surfboards, riders stand up on the board and paddle themselves using long paddles. You see people all over the bay doing it!
2) Wake Boarding
This sport has been around since the 1940s, but wakeboarding is only now gaining popularity. This is a combination of snowboarding and water skiing in which you are towed by a boat on a board that is sort of like a snowboard. The brisk speed can be exhilarating, and you can pull off some crazy tricks, too!
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-beach-chairs-on-seashore-1484256/
3) Jet Skiing / Waverunners
Jet Skis, waverunners and seadoos are fast, nimble, and a blast to ride. They can tear across the water at high speed, turn on a dime, and are a blast to ride. It’s no surprise that they are one of the most popular ways to enjoy the water at the Jersey Shore!
4) Surfing
This classic has a rich history. Surfing takes expert skill. From Long Beach Island to Seaside Heights, the Manasquan Inlet and elsewhere, surfers in New Jersey love to test their skills.
5) Boating & Fishing
There is no more important or historic bay and ocean activity in Jersey than boating and fishing! The area boasts excellent fishing and many opportunities to boat on the bay and ocean. Jersey’s waters are famous for a reason!
If you want to give any of this a try, find a local rental place and get out on the water. You’ll have a great time!