Ron Jon Surf Shop is the undisputed anchor for Cocoa Beach. There are a number of other businesses – both bars and restaurants – that contribute to a festive atmosphere downtown. Area142 is an outdoor performing arts venue with a private bar space for more contained activities. The “Downtown Cocoa Beach Main Street” mural has … Read more
We found the Oak Ridge Park for a New Year’s Day hike. While getting our steps in we ran across this distinctive gambrel roofed house. While clearly in need of some preservation, the house has a distinctive form. A two-story gabled extension projects from the main mass of the house. A bay window projects from … Read more
Belle Mara is both a brewery and a distillery, serving their own beer and spirits in separate buildings. We visited during their Christmas Market when there were a number of craft vendors and food trucks, in addition to tasting of the spirits that they are known for. Hand painted signs on their building is a … Read more
The Cross Country Trail has a number of Native American archaeological sites. In Wakefield Park many of the hill and ridgetops contain sites. Native Americans utilized the available quartz outcrops, shaping the stone into knives, spear and arrow points, and other tools. They camped on high and well drained land, as it would provide lines … Read more
The evening of Friday, November 17, 2023, a small group gathered together to celebrate the designation of Central New Jersey as an officially recognized region by the State of New Jersey. This outcome was the result of tireless advocacy on the part of Bradford Fay with Discover Central New Jersey. On hand were elected officials, … Read more
The exterior of the Detour Gallery, a popular contemporary art venue located in Red Bank, New Jersey. The distinctive building features a massive outdoor portrait mural alongside its clean white facade stamped with the minimalist vertical “DETOUR” logo. Perched above the white walls on the left, you can see a unique sculptural installation resembling figures … Read more
Sometimes the most non-descript of plazas can be home to special businesses. That is the case with Johnny Tequilas. We sought it out to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Their happy hour had good reviews. What we found was a warm, welcoming, and friendly business with great food and drinks.
Blade signs are designed to make stores more visible to pedestrians from 20 feet or more. When walking along a sidewalk in a downtown it is hard to see a business until you are right upon it. The blade sign by being visible from a further distance gives a landmark to shoot for and makes … Read more
We drove from New Jersey for a chance to see one of the three Great American Main Street Award winners for that year. My colleague Hannah Davis joined me to give a tour of Florence to me and my two kids who were travelling with me. Right away we were struck by the presence of … Read more
Guardian Angel Roman Catholic Church has a steeply pitched gable with intersecting gable to form the transept. An angular spire rises near the front with a crucifix on top. Inside the steeply pitched roof frames the architectural space. Side aisles have extensive stained glass sections along the length of the nave. A grotto with the … Read more