Make a Trip of It
The Northeast in Autumn
For anyone visiting from abroad, early October in New Jersey is one of the quietly beautiful times of year. The light turns golden, the air gets crisp, and the shore softens into its off-season. A few things worth doing while you're here: Apple picking and cider mills — Orchards like Delicious Orchards in Colts Neck (about 40 minutes from the venue) are in full harvest. Fresh-pressed cider, warm donuts, and apple varieties you won't find at home. Pumpkin patches and corn mazes — Open across the state. A quintessentially American afternoon, especially lovely with kids. The first wave of fall color — Early October is just the beginning of foliage season. For a proper leaf-peeping drive, head inland an hour to the rolling countryside of Hunterdon or Morris County. A classic Jersey diner — We're the diner capital of the world. Every local has one they'd defend with their life. Ask us — we'll send you to ours.
New York
If you've never been, this is the weekend to go. October in New York is peak — fall foliage in Central Park, crisp air, Broadway in full swing, and the city at its most photogenic. Consider building in a full day or two for: Central Park at peak fall color (usually mid-to-late October) The Met, MoMA, or the Whitney A Broadway show — book a few weeks out The High Line + Chelsea Market Greenwich Village for an evening walk and dinner NJ Transit from Belmar, Bradley Beach, or Asbury will get you into Penn Station comfortably.
Asbury Park
30 minutes north of the venue, and where we spend most of our real life. This is the heartbeat of the Jersey Shore music scene — Bruce Springsteen country, Bon Jovi country, and the home of more vinyl, live sets, and indie bookstores than a town this size has any right to have. If the vibe of our wedding night resonates with you, Asbury Park will too. A few spots we love: The Stone Pony — the legendary music venue where Springsteen came up. Check their October lineup; there's almost always something worth catching. The Paramount Theatre & Convention Hall — gorgeous old bones, right on the boardwalk. Silverball Retro Arcade — hundreds of pinball machines across the decades. Surprisingly romantic. Porta, Talula's, Reyla, Cardinal Provisions — a few of our favorite places to eat. Asbury Park Boardwalk — yes, even in October. Bring a sweater, get a coffee, walk it slowly. The off-season is when it feels most like itself.
Local Towns With Charm
For those who want to stay local, there's plenty of charm within a short drive: Manasquan — the bride's home town filled with boutiques and coffee shops, perfect for a sunny day of walking Spring Lake — a walkable Victorian town along a quiet stretch of coast. The kind of place you'll want to photograph. Red Bank — one of our favorite small downtowns. Antique shops, independent boutiques, the Count Basie Center for the Arts, and excellent restaurants. Ocean Grove — a historic seaside village with gingerbread cottages and a slower pace. Sandy Hook & the Twin Lights Lighthouse — sweeping views of the Atlantic and the NYC skyline on a clear day. Point Pleasant & Jenkinson's Aquarium — a sweet stop if you're traveling with little ones. New Hope — a little farther of a drive but one of Cara + Naji's fall traditions to spend a day exploring, snacking, and shopping in New Hope!