It all started in 1764 when the 103-foot-high white lighthouse was built on Sandy Hook, now part of Gateway National Recreation Area in Highlands. It was one of only 11 lighthouses in the original 13 colonies and today remains the oldest still operating lighthouse in the country. Although the building is maintained by the National Park Service, the light itself is under the direction of the Coast Guard and the light remains a beacon for ships entering and leaving New York Harbor. The lighthouse closed for visitors in September for intense repairs, rehabilitation and renovations, all of which is expected to be completed by April of 2018. During renovation, the adjacent Visitor Center and gift shop remain open.

A few miles away, across the Shrewsbury River and situated on one of the highest points along the East Coast waterways, is the Twin Lights, once the brightest beacon on the East Coast with its Fresnel lens, and itself a historic landmark for a variety of reasons. It is the site where the Pledge of Allegiance was officially first said publicly; it is also the site where Guglielmo Marconi sent his first wireless message, and eventually became the first lighthouse electrically powered. In the 1930s, the Army’s Mystery Ray, what we now know as radar, was tested at the site. Officially known as the Navesink Light Station, the two lights separated by keeper’s quarters were designed to avoid confusion for seamen with the Sandy Hook Light and are not identical twins because of the differences in their shape and operation. Maintained by the State of New Jersey, and home to both the Friends of the Twin Lights and the Highlands Historical Society, the Twin Lights are open for visiting and climbing several days a week, and house a magnificent maritime collection in the Museum located between the towers.

Barnegat Lighthouse, Old Barney to friends, at 171 feet in height, joins the Absecon Lighthouse as being the two tallest lighthouses in the state. Located on the north end of Long Beach Island, Old Barney’s striking red and white exterior is a familiar sight for summer visitors. The lighthouse was built in 1859 on what has been identified as one of the most crucial change of course points for ships, with swift currents, shifting sandbars and shoals extending from the shore offering unique and dangerous challenges for sea vessels along the New Jersey coastline. The Lighthouse is on the NJ Coastal Heritage Trail.

In addition to Sandy Hook the Twin Lights, and Barnegat lighthouses, visitors seeking to discover the uniqueness of the structures can visit the Absecon Lighthouse, the 157-foot-high Cape May lighthouse, as well as Hereford in Wildwood, Sea Girt, decommissioned since 1945 but a charming Victorian building constructed in 1896 and boasting a square red brick tower;

Tucker’s Island, a reconstructed lighthouse built about six miles from the original building, East Point in Heislerville on Delaware Bay, a two story white building with a bright red roof, Finns Point Rear Range, an 1876 wrought iron structure in Pennsville, built in Buffalo and moved to its site by rail and wagon, and Tinicum Rear Range Lighthouse in Paulsboro, built in connection with Tinicum Front Range Light to guide ships along the Delaware River to ports in Philadelphia and Camden.

https://www.visitnj.org/nj-attractions/sandy-hook-lighthouse

It all started in 1764 when the 103-foot-high white lighthouse was built on Sandy Hook, now part of Gateway National Recreation Area in Highlands. It was one of only 11 lighthouses in the original 13 colonies and today remains the oldest still operating lighthouse in the country. Although the building is maintained by the National Park Service, the light itself is under the direction of the Coast Guard and the light remains a beacon for ships entering and leaving New York Harbor. The lighthouse closed for visitors in September for intense repairs, rehabilitation and renovations, all of which is expected to be completed by April of 2018. During renovation, the adjacent Visitor Center and gift shop remain open.

A few miles away, across the Shrewsbury River and situated on one of the highest points along the East Coast waterways, is the Twin Lights, once the brightest beacon on the East Coast with its Fresnel lens, and itself a historic landmark for a variety of reasons. It is the site where the Pledge of Allegiance was officially first said publicly; it is also the site where Guglielmo Marconi sent his first wireless message, and eventually became the first lighthouse electrically powered. In the 1930s, the Army’s Mystery Ray, what we now know as radar, was tested at the site. Officially known as the Navesink Light Station, the two lights separated by keeper’s quarters, were designed to avoid confusion for seamen with the Sandy Hook Light and are not identical twins because of the differences in their shape and operation. Maintained by the State of New Jersey, and home to both the Friends of the Twin Lights and the Highlands Historical Society, the Twin Lights are open for visiting and climbing several days a week, and house a magnificent maritime collection in the Museum located between the towers.

Barnegat Lighthouse, Old Barney to friends, at 171 feet in height, joins the Absecon lighthouse as being the two tallest lighthouses in the state. Located on the north end of Long Beach Island, Old Barney’s striking red and white exterior is a familiar sight for summer visitors. The lighthouse was built in 1859 on what has been identified as one of the most crucial change of course points for ships, with swift currents, shifting sandbars and shoals extending from the shore offering unique and dangerous challenges for sea vessels along the New Jersey coastline. The Lighthouse is on the NJ Coastal Heritage Trail.

In addition to Sandy Hook the Twin Lights, and Barnegat lighthouses, visitors seeking to discover the uniqueness of the structures can visit the Absecon Lighthouse, the 157 foot high Cape May lighthouse, as well as Hereford in Wildwood, Sea Girt, decommissioned since 1945 but a charming Victorian building constructed in 1896 and boasting a square red brick tower.

Tucker’s Island, a reconstructed lighthouse built about six miles from the original building, East Point in Heislerville on Delaware Bay, a two story white building with a bright red roof, Finns Point Rear Range, an 1876 wrought iron structure in Pennsville, built in Buffalo and moved to its site by rail and wagon, and Tinicum Rear Range Lighthouse in Paulsboro, built in connection with Tinicum Front Range Light to guide ships along the Delaware River to ports in Philadelphia and Camden.

https://www.visitnj.org/nj-attractions/sandy-hook-lighthouse

Historic Allaire Village — The many acres feature a beloved campus of trails at the state park, but the museum shows the history of an iron-producing factory town known as the Howell Iron Works, complete with preserved buildings and living history displays courtesy trained volunteers, docents and historians. And there’s special events aplenty. Some are not particularly based around history — such as the large flea markets and food events — but there’s also ones such as an annual birthday party for James Allaire or Civil War encampments for example. Or, just swing by the historic general store for provisions such as freshly baked bread. There’s plenty to do! And the railroad museum — with the New Jersey Museum of Transportation and Pine Creek Railroad — on the grounds offers even more of a treat.

Visit https://allairevillage.org/ and https://www.njmt.org/

InfoAge — This is a pretty impressive place in Wall Township. From Marconi’s first messages to WWII radar, the site, also known as Camp Evans, is where much of this history happened. But as a museum, it also features exhibits on much of that technology too, and how it shaped the world. Camp Evans was once the 1914 Marconi Belmar Trans-Atlantic Wireless station, opened worldwide wireless communications, played an important role in W.W.I trans-Atlantic communications, and so much more. Visit the campus, which houses many nonprofits, including The InfoAge Science History Learning Center and Museum and Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Visit https://infoage.org/

Sea Girt Light House — This historic, unique lighthouse has been guarding the shore for more than a century. In addition to seeing how it operated and how the lighthouse keeper lived, this is also a history of Sea Girt. Or, see some rare artifacts from the Morro Castle disaster — the cruise ship that burned offshore in 1934, prompting a heroic rescue, and disaster tourism.

Visit https://www.seagirtlighthouse.com/

Belmar Historical Society — Housed 900 E Street, Belmar, in the Annex of the Union Fire House, this treasure features memorabilia from Belmar’s history, but the group also puts on some interesting events around town.

Visit https://www.belmarhistoricalsociety.org/

Bay Head Historical Society Museum — Also known as the Loveland Homestead, this site features an 1867 homestead and 1925 cottage. Named for the prominent family that helped develop much of what would become Bay Head, the Loveland Homestead is now transformed into a history of that town, featuring exhibits showing the heyday but also the natural history and sailing history of Bay Head. Be sure to roam the property to see the gardens and other corners of history thoughtfully maintained throughout.

Visit https://www.bayheadhistoricalsociety.com.

Silverball Museum — Not many museums allow you to get this hands-on with their exhibits. At Silverball on the boardwalk in Asbury Park, play for hours on pinball machines that represent a sizeable chunk of arcade history. Whether you want to enjoy Elvira or see how difficult the early pinball machines are to play, Silverball is a great arcade, but it’s also a museum. Each machine has thoughtful history that details the mechanics and art that went into developing pinball wizards throughout the years.

Visit https://silverballmuseum.com/asbury-park/

So where are the best spots to take in this beauty? Whether a fall drive down a country road, a romp to a park, or a hike round a trail, we’ve got some suggestions on the best places for Jersey Shore fall foliage.

The forestry service put Monmouth and Ocean at near peak on November 3, with the northern stretches of the state past peak. It’s prime time to enjoy your own backyard or points south as the colors continue to change. And if you ask the folks at NJ Hiking https://www.njhiking.com/, there’s a real spectrum out there — this week means for more terrific color for our region but “expect to also see unchanged green as well as thinned or totally bare trees on the same trail.”

The Forestry Resource Center in Jackson is a great example of the biodiversity of this area. Trees are both deciduous and coniferous – that is, the kind with leaves that change color and the pine cone kind that don’t – and the center has displays and resources for you to learn more, including regular year-round nature walks to enjoy the landscape whether under the full moon or for a special event. Check out the center online here, https://njforestry.org/, or visit 496 Don Connor Blvd. in Jackson.

The Monmouth County park system doesn’t disappoint with its access to great fall foliage color. One of the best is around the Manasquan Reservoir. Compare the leaf drop near the water’s edge to the trail section away from the water. This beautiful place is also home to historic cedars, and several osprey and bald eagle nests to make for great bird watching, too.

Take to some lighthouses to get a bird’s eye view over the tree line, and get a grand picture of fall color. Navesink Twin Lights provides a great spot to see the beauty of water and land, with the twists and turns of Atlantic Highlands and the Bayshore area of Monmouth county providing layered beauty. Another lighthouse option is Sea Girt, check out their schedule here: https://seagirtlighthouse.com/

For the Shark River area, it’s peak color time. The county park known as Shark River Park is situated on 946 acres around Neptune, Wall and Tinton Falls, but the river itself snakes down to the inlet between Belmar and Avon-by-the-Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, giving great riverfront views for those enjoying the scenery at Belmar Marina Park’s 9th Avenue Pier and Marina Grill.

The Historic Village At Allaire is another opportunity for fall foliage fun. Whether enjoying a bike ride or hike on Allaire State Park’s trails or checking out the historic village’s General Store and buildings, there’s plenty to do.

Next door to the main entrance at the park is the New Jersey Museum of Transportation, where you can take a historic train ride through the park. Trains run on weekends only and tickets can be purchased online. So hop aboard before all the trees change and the conductor switches to more holiday and Santa train ride schedules. For more information, visit https://www.njmt.org/

Speaking of trains, why not enjoy a day trip using the NJ Transit ride from train stations between Bay Head to Long Branch? Most of this rail line provides a leisurely pace along the Jersey Shore, snaking along or over the rivers and freshwater lakes between the southernmost stop at Bay Head to points north.

The North Jersey Coast Line features stops at Bay Head, Point Pleasant Beach, Manasquan, Spring Lake, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Asbury Park, Allenhurst, Elberon and Long Branch before heading further north. Many of the Monmouth County stations drop off in the picturesque main streets of our towns, allowing for some fall fun and a chance for shopping and dining. Plan your route here: https://www.njtransit.com/pdf/rail/R0080.pdf.

If you’re into taking a longer road trip, consider a Pinelands jaunt to such places as Batso Village and Atsion with the Wharton State Forest. The drive down Route 70 to Route 206 to this part of the state will show the lovely roadside colors of South Jersey, but your destinations are these state parks and historical landmarks. Wharton offers boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking and camping opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking fall. Batsto Village was an iron-making town that made ammunition for the Continental Army, and several of its historic buildings remain preserved on site. Further along is Chatsworth, where the historic cranberry bogs are on full display.

The New Jersey State Forestry Service gives some great clues as to where else to go, and what the fall foliage looks like. Their sites and social media pages are chock full of up-to-date information each season on when each region of the Garden State is in fall foliage zone, whether near peak, peak or post-peak fall color. Enjoy more of the season and check that out here: https://www.facebook.com/NewJerseyForests.

Commodore Robert Field Stockton is known as one of the first families and descendants of a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The commodore had amassed quite a portfolio of estates at the ripe old age of 57 after his naval officer career. He was quite proficient in the building of canals and railroads, as well as pushing to bring through propeller-driven steamships.

Stockton did a brief stint as a New Jersey Senator before resigning in 1852. The Commodore owned a winter residence in Princeton called Morven, which was purchased in modern years by New Jersey State. Keeping the name, Morven is open to the public as a museum holding many Stockton artifacts some of which have been on loan from the Stockton family here in Spring Lake. (The last of the local Stockton family recently moved to Mass. from Spring Lake.) The commodore also owned a townhouse in London as well as another winter home in Philly.

Sea Girt was named by Commodore Stockton after he purchased land in the area in 1853. But, long before the white man settled in on this Jersey Shore spot, the Lenni Lenape Indians inhabited the area. The tribe once held its annual feast on the beach at the North East section which is now Sea Girt. This yearly affair even continued with early settlers. This tradition was held the 2nd Saturday in August known as the Big Sea Day, (what a cool tradition to bring back to the dunes!)

In the 19th century, there were two major farms here. One is now the Boro of Sea Girt, once owned by Dr. Charles Montrose Graham from NYC and called the Bell Farm. The 2nd farm was owned by John Sherman who then sold it to Commodore Robert F. Stockton in 1853. This was his summer home and was between the inlet to the north and the Manasquan River to the south so he called it Sea Girt.

Sea Girt means surrounded or enclosed by the sea. Back then his ‘home’ had great lawns right to the beach with two bathhouses on either side. Stockton called it his Beach House. The story goes that Mrs. Stockton would not spend a night by the ocean, so the old farmhouse near the railroad was refurbished for her.

In 1866, Sea Girt appeared on Commodore Stockton’s deed in 1866, while Ocean Side was the name for Dr. Montrose’s Bell Farm. Three years later the Sea Girt Land Improvement Company began. This company assisted in bringing the railroad to Sea Girt in 1875. Sand from the beach was used to make the concrete for the construction of the original station. Today the town library is housed in another station built at a later date.

After Stockton’s death, the Beach House became a hotel, known as the Beach House Hotel in the mid-1870s. The original Stockton home was flanked on both sides by two new five-story additions. It became quite an upscale destination for the likes of General Grant and Commodore Vanderbilt.

So many changes were going on in these years! 120 acres was purchased by the legislature in 1887 for a whopping $51,000 which laid out a camp or home for the rifle range and seacoast battery for the National Guard of NJ. In 1939 after the annexation bill passed, the camp would become the “summer capital” of New Jersey. Governors spent summers here and while enjoying his relaxing days at the shore, Woodrow Wilson first learned of his nomination for President.

A farmhouse from the Stockton Farm was used as the first Governor’s cottage. This place of ease was brought to a halt by WWII. A lighthouse was built after the government acquired land on the beach in 1895. Later in 1909, lots in Sea Girt were sold off for summer homes by the investment company known as Sea Girt Company. Later in 1917, Sea Girt was officially incorporated. Before that, Sea Girt was part of Wall Township.

Eventually, by 1920, the erosion brought the ocean slapping the edges of the foundations as the building fell into disrepair. The ol’ gal was snapped up at auction by Nora Stubbs who was quite the businesswoman for her time. She had the original Stockton beach house demolished. She had both the side wings moved back 100 feet and joined creating an entrance in the center. This brought new life and again was the popular spot for many high-profile folks. It is reported that the famous comedian, Fred Allen frequented in the ’30s and ’40s.

By the 1960s, the structure was fast becoming obsolete in amenities compared to accommodations being built nearby. Frank Palmieri, the owner at the time, requested permission to raze the structure. Eventually, the hotel items were auctioned off with demolition right around the corner. Then, on September 23rd, 1965 a fire began!

This was a horrendous fire with a relentless wind whipping off the ocean fanning the blaze in this huge building. The ‘Stockton’ fire brought 43 fire companies and first aid from Monmouth and Ocean counties. Crowds of onlookers and numerous boats full of onlookers sat oceanside to watch as the flames took hold. Luck would have it that with a wind shift blowing out to sea along with a watering down, nearby homes were spared.

The end of an era!

It all started in 1764 when the 103-foot-high white lighthouse was built on Sandy Hook, now part of Gateway National Recreation Area in Highlands. It was one of only 11 lighthouses in the original 13 colonies and today remains the oldest still operating lighthouse in the country. Although the building is maintained by the National Park Service, the light itself is under the direction of the Coast Guard and the light remains a beacon for ships entering and leaving New York Harbor. The lighthouse closed for visitors in September for intense repairs, rehabilitation and renovations, all of which is expected to be completed by April of 2018. During renovation, the adjacent Visitor Center and gift shop remain open.

A few miles away, across the Shrewsbury River and situated on one of the highest points along the East Coast waterways, is the Twin Lights, once the brightest beacon on the East Coast with its Fresnel lens, and itself a historic landmark for a variety of reasons. It is the site where the Pledge of Allegiance was officially first said publicly; it is also the site where Guglielmo Marconi sent his first wireless message, and eventually became the first lighthouse electrically powered. In the 1930s, the Army’s Mystery Ray, what we now know as radar, was tested at the site. Officially known as the Navesink Light Station, the two lights separated by keeper’s quarters, were designed to avoid confusion for seamen with the Sandy Hook Light and are not identical twins because of the differences in their shape and operation. Maintained by the State of New Jersey, and home to both the Friends of the Twin Lights and the Highlands Historical Society, the Twin Lights are open for visiting and climbing several days a week, and house a magnificent maritime collection in the Museum located between the towers.

Barnegat Lighthouse, Old Barney to friends, at 171 feet in height, joins the Absecon lighthouse as being the two tallest lighthouses in the state. Located on the north end of Long Beach Island, Old Barney’s striking red and white exterior is a familiar sight for summer visitors. The lighthouse was built in 1859 on what has been identified as one of the most crucial change of course points for ships, with swift currents, shifting sandbars and shoals extending from the shore offering unique and dangerous challenges for sea vessels along the New Jersey coastline. The Lighthouse is on the NJ Coastal Heritage Trail.

In addition to Sandy Hook the Twin Lights, and Barnegat lighthouses, visitors seeking to discover the uniqueness of the structures can visit the Absecon Lighthouse, the 157 foot high Cape May lighthouse, as well as Hereford in Wildwood, Sea Girt, decommissioned since 1945 but a charming Victorian building constructed in 1896 and boasting a square red brick tower.

Tucker’s Island, a reconstructed lighthouse built about six miles from the original building, East Point in Heislerville on Delaware Bay, a two story white building with a bright red roof, Finns Point Rear Range, an 1876 wrought iron structure in Pennsville, built in Buffalo and moved to its site by rail and wagon, and Tinicum Rear Range Lighthouse in Paulsboro, built in connection with Tinicum Front Range Light to guide ships along the Delaware River to ports in Philadelphia and Camden.

https://www.visitnj.org/nj-attractions/sandy-hook-lighthouse

So where are the best spots to take in this beauty? Whether a fall drive down a country road, a romp to a park, or a hike round a trail, we’ve got some suggestions on the best places for Jersey Shore fall foliage.

The forestry service put Monmouth and Ocean at near peak on November 3, with the northern stretches of the state past peak. It’s prime time to enjoy your own backyard or points south as the colors continue to change. And if you ask the folks at NJ Hiking https://www.njhiking.com/, there’s a real spectrum out there — this week means for more terrific color for our region but “expect to also see unchanged green as well as thinned or totally bare trees on the same trail.”

The Forestry Resource Center in Jackson is a great example of the biodiversity of this area. Trees are both deciduous and coniferous – that is, the kind with leaves that change color and the pine cone kind that don’t – and the center has displays and resources for you to learn more, including regular year-round nature walks to enjoy the landscape whether under the full moon or for a special event. Check out the center online here, https://njforestry.org/, or visit 496 Don Connor Blvd. in Jackson.

The Monmouth County park system doesn’t disappoint with its access to great fall foliage color. One of the best is around the Manasquan Reservoir. Compare the leaf drop near the water’s edge to the trail section away from the water. This beautiful place is also home to historic cedars, and several osprey and bald eagle nests to make for great bird watching, too.

Take to some lighthouses to get a bird’s eye view over the tree line, and get a grand picture of fall color. Navesink Twin Lights provides a great spot to see the beauty of water and land, with the twists and turns of Atlantic Highlands and the Bayshore area of Monmouth county providing layered beauty. Another lighthouse option is Sea Girt, check out their schedule here: https://seagirtlighthouse.com/

For the Shark River area, it’s peak color time. The county park known as Shark River Park is situated on 946 acres around Neptune, Wall and Tinton Falls, but the river itself snakes down to the inlet between Belmar and Avon-by-the-Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, giving great riverfront views for those enjoying the scenery at Belmar Marina Park’s 9th Avenue Pier and Marina Grill.

The Historic Village At Allaire is another opportunity for fall foliage fun. Whether enjoying a bike ride or hike on Allaire State Park’s trails or checking out the historic village’s General Store and buildings, there’s plenty to do.

Next door to the main entrance at the park is the New Jersey Museum of Transportation, where you can take a historic train ride through the park. Trains run on weekends only and tickets can be purchased online. So hop aboard before all the trees change and the conductor switches to more holiday and Santa train ride schedules. For more information, visit https://www.njmt.org/

Speaking of trains, why not enjoy a day trip using the NJ Transit ride from train stations between Bay Head to Long Branch? Most of this rail line provides a leisurely pace along the Jersey Shore, snaking along or over the rivers and freshwater lakes between the southernmost stop at Bay Head to points north.

The North Jersey Coast Line features stops at Bay Head, Point Pleasant Beach, Manasquan, Spring Lake, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Asbury Park, Allenhurst, Elberon and Long Branch before heading further north. Many of the Monmouth County stations drop off in the picturesque main streets of our towns, allowing for some fall fun and a chance for shopping and dining. Plan your route here: https://www.njtransit.com/pdf/rail/R0080.pdf.

If you’re into taking a longer road trip, consider a Pinelands jaunt to such places as Batso Village and Atsion with the Wharton State Forest. The drive down Route 70 to Route 206 to this part of the state will show the lovely roadside colors of South Jersey, but your destinations are these state parks and historical landmarks. Wharton offers boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking and camping opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking fall. Batsto Village was an iron-making town that made ammunition for the Continental Army, and several of its historic buildings remain preserved on site. Further along is Chatsworth, where the historic cranberry bogs are on full display.

The New Jersey State Forestry Service gives some great clues as to where else to go, and what the fall foliage looks like. Their sites and social media pages are chock full of up-to-date information each season on when each region of the Garden State is in fall foliage zone, whether near peak, peak or post-peak fall color. Enjoy more of the season and check that out here: https://www.facebook.com/NewJerseyForests.

Commodore Robert Field Stockton is known as one of the first families and descendants of a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The commodore had amassed quite a portfolio of estates at the ripe old age of 57 after his naval officer career. He was quite proficient in the building of canals and railroads, as well as pushing to bring through propeller-driven steamships.

Stockton did a brief stint as a New Jersey Senator before resigning in 1852. The Commodore owned a winter residence in Princeton called Morven, which was purchased in modern years by New Jersey State. Keeping the name, Morven is open to the public as a museum holding many Stockton artifacts some of which have been on loan from the Stockton family here in Spring Lake. (The last of the local Stockton family recently moved to Mass. from Spring Lake.) The commodore also owned a townhouse in London as well as another winter home in Philly.

Sea Girt was named by Commodore Stockton after he purchased land in the area in 1853. But, long before the white man settled in on this Jersey Shore spot, the Lenni Lenape Indians inhabited the area. The tribe once held its annual feast on the beach at the North East section which is now Sea Girt. This yearly affair even continued with early settlers. This tradition was held the 2nd Saturday in August known as the Big Sea Day, (what a cool tradition to bring back to the dunes!)

In the 19th century, there were two major farms here. One, which is now the Boro of Sea Girt, was owned by Dr. Charles Montrose Graham from NYC and called the Bell Farm. The 2nd farm was owned by John Sherman which then was sold to Commodore Robert F. Stockton in 1853. This was his summer home, between the inlet to the north and the Manasquan River to the south, so he called it Sea Girt.

Sea Girt means surrounded or enclosed by the sea. Back then his ‘home’ had great lawns right to the beach with two bathhouses on either side. Stockton called it his Beach House. The story goes that Mrs. Stockton would not spend a night by the ocean, so the old farmhouse close to the railroad was refurbished for her.

In 1866, Sea Girt appeared on Commodore Stockton’s deed in 1866, while Ocean Side was the name for Dr. Montrose’s Bell Farm. Three years later the Sea Girt Land Improvement Company began. This company assisted in bringing the railroad to Sea Girt in 1875. Sand from the beach was used to make the concrete for the construction of the original station. Today the town library is housed in another station built at a later date.

After Stockton’s death, the beach house became a hotel, known as the Beach House Hotel in the mid-1870s. The original Stockton home was then flanked on both sides by two new five-story additions. It became quite an upscale destination for the likes of General Grant and Commodore Vanderbilt.

So many changes were going on in these years! 120 acres were purchased by the legislature in 1887 for a whopping $51,000 which laid out a camp or home for the rifle range and seacoast battery for the National Guard of NJ. In 1939 after the annexation bill passed, the camp would become the “summer capital” of New Jersey. Governors spent summers here and while enjoying his relaxing days at the shore, Woodrow Wilson first learned of his nomination for President.

A farmhouse from the Stockton Farm was used as the first Governor’s cottage. This place of ease was brought to a halt by WWII. A lighthouse was built after the government acquired land on the beach in 1895. Later in 1909, lots in Sea Girt were sold off for summer homes by the investment company known as Sea Girt Company. Later in 1917, Sea Girt was officially incorporated. Before that, Sea Girt was part of Wall Township.

Eventually, by 1920, the erosion brought the ocean slapping the edges of the foundations as the building fell into disrepair. The ol’ gal was snapped up at auction by Nora Stubbs who was quite the businesswoman for her time. She had the original Stockton beach house demolished. She had both the side wings moved back 100 feet and joined creating an entrance in the center. This brought new life and again was the popular spot for many high-profile folks. It is reported that the famous comedian, Fred Allen frequented in the ’30s and ’40s.

By the 1960s, the structure was fast becoming obsolete in amenities compared to accommodations being built nearby. Frank Palmieri, the owner at the time, requested permission to raze the structure. Eventually, the hotel items were auctioned off with demolition right around the corner. Then, on September 23rd, 1965 a fire began!

This was a horrendous fire with a relentless wind whipping off the ocean fanning the blaze in this colossal building. The ‘Stockton’ fire brought 43 fire companies and first aid from Monmouth and Ocean counties. Crowds of onlookers and numerous boats full of onlookers sat oceanside to watch as the flames took hold. Luck would have it that with a wind shift blowing out to sea along with watering down, nearby homes were spared. The end of an era!

So where are the best spots to take in this beauty? Whether a fall drive down a country road, a romp to a park, or a hike round a trail, we’ve got some suggestions on the best places for Jersey Shore fall foliage.

The forestry service put Monmouth and Ocean at near peak on November 3, with the northern stretches of the state past peak. It’s prime time to enjoy your own backyard or points south as the colors continue to change. And if you ask the folks at NJ Hiking https://www.njhiking.com/, there’s a real spectrum out there — this week means for more terrific color for our region but “expect to also see unchanged green as well as thinned or totally bare trees on the same trail.”

The Forestry Resource Center in Jackson is a great example of the biodiversity of this area. Trees are both deciduous and coniferous – that is, the kind with leaves that change color and the pine cone kind that don’t – and the center has displays and resources for you to learn more, including regular year-round nature walks to enjoy the landscape whether under the full moon or for a special event. Check out the center online here, https://njforestry.org/, or visit 496 Don Connor Blvd. in Jackson.

The Monmouth County park system doesn’t disappoint with its access to great fall foliage color. One of the best is around the Manasquan Reservoir. Compare the leaf drop near the water’s edge to the trail section away from the water. This beautiful place is also home to historic cedars, and several osprey and bald eagle nests to make for great bird watching, too.

Take to some lighthouses to get a bird’s eye view over the tree line, and get a grand picture of fall color. Navesink Twin Lights provides a great spot to see the beauty of water and land, with the twists and turns of Atlantic Highlands and the Bayshore area of Monmouth county providing layered beauty. Another lighthouse option is Sea Girt, check out their schedule here: https://seagirtlighthouse.com/

For the Shark River area, it’s peak color time. The county park known as Shark River Park is situated on 946 acres around Neptune, Wall and Tinton Falls, but the river itself snakes down to the inlet between Belmar and Avon-by-the-Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, giving great riverfront views for those enjoying the scenery at Belmar Marina Park’s 9th Avenue Pier and Marina Grill.

The Historic Village At Allaire is another opportunity for fall foliage fun. Whether enjoying a bike ride or hike on Allaire State Park’s trails or checking out the historic village’s General Store and buildings, there’s plenty to do.

Next door to the main entrance at the park is the New Jersey Museum of Transportation, where you can take a historic train ride through the park. Trains run on weekends only and tickets can be purchased online. So hop aboard before all the trees change and the conductor switches to more holiday and Santa train ride schedules. For more information, visit https://www.njmt.org/

Speaking of trains, why not enjoy a day trip using the NJ Transit ride from train stations between Bay Head to Long Branch. Most of this rail line provides a leisurely pace along the Jersey Shore, snaking along or over the rivers and freshwater lakes between the southernmost stop at Bay Head to points north.

The North Jersey Coast Line features stops at Bay Head, Point Pleasant Beach, Manasquan, Spring Lake, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Asbury Park, Allenhurst, Elberon and Long Branch before heading further north. Many of the Monmouth County stations drop off in the picturesque main streets of our towns, allowing for some fall fun and a chance for shopping and dining. Plan your route here: https://www.njtransit.com/pdf/rail/R0080.pdf.

If you’re into taking a longer road trip, consider a Pinelands jaunt to such places as Batso Village and Atsion with the Wharton State Forest. The drive down Route 70 to Route 206 to this part of the state will show the lovely roadside colors of South Jersey, but your destinations are these state parks and historical landmarks. Wharton offers boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking and camping opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking fall. And Batsto Village was an iron-making town that made ammunition for the Continental Army, and several of its historic buildings remain preserved on site. Further along is Chatsworth, where the historic cranberry bogs are on full display.

The New Jersey State Forestry Service gives some great clues as to where else to go, and what the fall foliage looks like. Their sites and social media pages are chock full of up-to-date information each season on when each region of the Garden State is in fall foliage zone, whether near peak, peak or post-peak fall color. Enjoy more of the season and check that out here: https://www.facebook.com/NewJerseyForests.

It all started in 1764 when the 103-foot-high white lighthouse was built on Sandy Hook, now part of Gateway National Recreation Area in Highlands. It was one of only 11 lighthouses in the original 13 colonies and today remains the oldest still operating lighthouse in the country. Although the building is maintained by the National Park Service, the light itself is under the direction of the Coast Guard and the light remains a beacon for ships entering and leaving New York Harbor. The lighthouse closed for visitors in September for intense repairs, rehabilitation and renovations, all of which is expected to be completed by April of 2018. During the renovation, the adjacent Visitor Center and gift shop remain open.

A few miles away, across the Shrewsbury River and situated on one of the highest points along the East Coast waterways, is the Twin Lights, once the brightest beacon on the East Coast with its Fresnel lens, and itself a historic landmark for a variety of reasons. It is the site where the Pledge of Allegiance was officially first said publicly; it is also the site where Guglielmo Marconi sent his first wireless message, and eventually became the first lighthouse electrically powered. In the 1930s, the Army’s Mystery Ray, what we now know as radar, was tested at the site.

Officially known as the Navesink Light Station, the two lights separated by keeper’s quarters, were designed to avoid confusion for seamen with the Sandy Hook Light and are not identical twins because of the differences in their shape and operation. Maintained by the State of New Jersey, and home to both the Friends of the Twin Lights and the Highlands Historical Society, the Twin Lights are open for visiting and climbing several days a week, and house a magnificent maritime collection in the Museum located between the towers.

Barnegat Lighthouse, Old Barney to friends, at 171 feet in height, joins the Absecon lighthouse as being the two tallest lighthouses in the state. Located on the north end of Long Beach Island, Old Barney’s striking red and white exterior is a familiar sight for summer visitors. The lighthouse was built in 1859 on what has been identified as one of the most crucial change of course points for ships, with swift currents, shifting sandbars and shoals extending from the shore offering unique and dangerous challenges for sea vessels along the New Jersey coastline. The Lighthouse is on the NJ Coastal Heritage Trail.

In addition to Sandy Hook the Twin Lights and Barnegat lighthouses, visitors seeking to discover the uniqueness of the structures can visit the Absecon Lighthouse, the 157 foot high Cape May lighthouse, as well as Hereford in Wildwood, Sea Girt, decommissioned since 1945 but a charming Victorian building constructed in 1896 and boasting a square red-brick tower.

Tucker’s Island, a reconstructed lighthouse built about six miles from the original building, East Point in Heislerville on Delaware Bay, a two-story white building with a bright red roof, Finns Point Rear Range, an 1876 wrought iron structure in Pennsville, built in Buffalo and moved to its site by rail and wagon, and Tinicum Rear Range Lighthouse in Paulsboro, built in connection with Tinicum Front Range Light to guide ships along the Delaware River to ports in Philadelphia and Camden.

https://www.visitnj.org/nj-attractions/sandy-hook-lighthouse