Sara's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Explore the coastal birds and other wildlife of New Jersey. The refuge's most popular attraction is an 8-mile one-way wildlife drive. Day passes are required for purchase, and there are pull-offs to observe birds and other wildlife. The refuge also has several miles of walking/hiking trails. The migrating flocks of hundreds of snow geese are a special attraction in the winter months, and you can learn more about the refuge here: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Edwin_B_Forsythe/about.html
https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region_5/NWRS/North_Zone/Edwin_B_Forsythe/ForsytheBrochure.pdf
Refuge brochure to download here:
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Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
800 Great Creek RdExplore the coastal birds and other wildlife of New Jersey. The refuge's most popular attraction is an 8-mile one-way wildlife drive. Day passes are required for purchase, and there are pull-offs to observe birds and other wildlife. The refuge also has several miles of walking/hiking trails. The migrating flocks of hundreds of snow geese are a special attraction in the winter months, and you can learn more about the refuge here: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Edwin_B_Forsythe/about.html
https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region_5/NWRS/North_Zone/Edwin_B_Forsythe/ForsytheBrochure.pdf
Refuge brochure to download here:
Lucy is a kitschy, Jersey shore must-see destination. Built in 1881 as a tourist attraction, Lucy has gone through many iterations in her 140 years, and is the only one of three such structures still standing. With a "window in her buns" visitors can climb a stair case in Lucy's leg, have a guided tour of the inside and climb to the Howdah on good weather days for panoramic views of Margate, Ventnor, and Atlantic City.
More info here: https://lucytheelephant.org/
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Lucy
9200 Atlantic AveLucy is a kitschy, Jersey shore must-see destination. Built in 1881 as a tourist attraction, Lucy has gone through many iterations in her 140 years, and is the only one of three such structures still standing. With a "window in her buns" visitors can climb a stair case in Lucy's leg, have a guided tour of the inside and climb to the Howdah on good weather days for panoramic views of Margate, Ventnor, and Atlantic City.
More info here: https://lucytheelephant.org/
A super fun stop with kids, especially on a rainy day. Meet and greet real life saved marine mammals and turtles, and learn more about the Center's mission.
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Marine Mammal Stranding Center
3625 Atlantic Brigantine BlvdA super fun stop with kids, especially on a rainy day. Meet and greet real life saved marine mammals and turtles, and learn more about the Center's mission.
Food scene
Simple but great Mexi-Cali style food to eat in or take-out. You have to go there to order (no call-ins or online ordering), but you can find their menu online. Don't forget to ask for extra tiki sauce (it's my favorite!). Make sure you request which sauce, chocolate or caramel you want for your churro, and the chips and salsa are always on the house. *Closed October to May :(
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Tiki Taco
3312 W Brigantine AveSimple but great Mexi-Cali style food to eat in or take-out. You have to go there to order (no call-ins or online ordering), but you can find their menu online. Don't forget to ask for extra tiki sauce (it's my favorite!). Make sure you request which sauce, chocolate or caramel you want for your churro, and the chips and salsa are always on the house. *Closed October to May :(
Sandwiches, pizza, pastries, sweets, and a small selection of Italian prepared foods to-go. Definitely call-ahead during the high season, and check your order before you walk out. They've been known to forget to put something in the bag when they're slammed.
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Aversa's Italian Bakery
3101 Atlantic Brigantine BlvdSandwiches, pizza, pastries, sweets, and a small selection of Italian prepared foods to-go. Definitely call-ahead during the high season, and check your order before you walk out. They've been known to forget to put something in the bag when they're slammed.
Great Breakfast and lunch, with some fresh and healthy options.
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Yianni's Café
1213 W Brigantine AveGreat Breakfast and lunch, with some fresh and healthy options.
The only place to eat (literally) on the north end. The food isn's fancy but it's solid and you can't beat sitting outside and listening to the waves crash onto the seawall. The locals love it here!
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Pirates Den
1219 E Brigantine AveThe only place to eat (literally) on the north end. The food isn's fancy but it's solid and you can't beat sitting outside and listening to the waves crash onto the seawall. The locals love it here!
Great for sandwiches, or meats to cook at home. The staff are a little gruff but the cheese steaks are worth it.
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Ernest and Son
3305 W Brigantine AveGreat for sandwiches, or meats to cook at home. The staff are a little gruff but the cheese steaks are worth it.
Crab shack is a legitimate, old school seafood place. Call in your order early or be prepared to call back many times. If they get a wait much longer than 45 minutes they just take the phone off the hook till they clear the deck. Trust us, it’s worth the trouble. Our family & friends insist on crab shack lobster rolls every time they visit, and the coconut shrimp are another favorite. *Closed October to Spring :(
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Crab Shack Seafood Market/Restaurant Brigantine
1112 W Brigantine AveCrab shack is a legitimate, old school seafood place. Call in your order early or be prepared to call back many times. If they get a wait much longer than 45 minutes they just take the phone off the hook till they clear the deck. Trust us, it’s worth the trouble. Our family & friends insist on crab shack lobster rolls every time they visit, and the coconut shrimp are another favorite. *Closed October to Spring :(
Kook burger is new in town but really delicious, if you're looking for a fancy burger. It's definitely on the pricier side. Our family likes the onion rings, and they have vegan cheese, bun, etc for the veggie burger if that's your jam.
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Kook Burger Co.
3101 Revere BoulevardKook burger is new in town but really delicious, if you're looking for a fancy burger. It's definitely on the pricier side. Our family likes the onion rings, and they have vegan cheese, bun, etc for the veggie burger if that's your jam.
*TEMPORARILY CLOSED* Soon to reopen as LaScalas Brigantine. They were not open by Memorial Day as planned, so check their website to see when they officially open.
Laguna has good food, fun drinks, and great live music all summer long (May-September). Music starts at 12 or 1 on weekends and 5 pm weeknights. The location at 14th and the beach is picture-perfect. If you want to order food, see a hostess for a table on the deck. Or just grab a high top in the sand, a drink from the bar, and listen to the waves and music. A word of advice: watch out for the seagulls. They’re aggressive and will take advantage of unattended food.
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Laguna Grill & Rum Bar
1400 Ocean Ave*TEMPORARILY CLOSED* Soon to reopen as LaScalas Brigantine. They were not open by Memorial Day as planned, so check their website to see when they officially open.
Laguna has good food, fun drinks, and great live music all summer long (May-September). Music starts at 12 or 1 on weekends and 5 pm weeknights. The location at 14th and the beach is picture-perfect. If you want to order food, see a hostess for a table on the deck. Or just grab a high top in the sand, a drink from the bar, and listen to the waves and music. A word of advice: watch out for the seagulls. They’re aggressive and will take advantage of unattended food.
Shopping
We love this fun, kitschy store on the main retail strip in town. It's packed full of one-of-a-kind finds that aren't your typical tourist souvenirs. The owner and staff are super friendly and love to chat about Brig history while you browse.
Island Items
1214 West Brigantine AvenueWe love this fun, kitschy store on the main retail strip in town. It's packed full of one-of-a-kind finds that aren't your typical tourist souvenirs. The owner and staff are super friendly and love to chat about Brig history while you browse.
Like the DiBruno's of the Jersey shore! This hidden gem has heavy Italian Market, South Philly vibes. It's part Italian coffee bar and part specialty foods store. They import all their products from fresh pasta and cheese to sweets. They make a great espresso or latte, and they can even put together a lovely cheese plate for a beach picnic or happy hour on the deck with a day or two of advance notice. This is a favorite of our family's- we hope you enjoy it too!
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Casale al Mare
3100 Atlantic Brigantine BlvdLike the DiBruno's of the Jersey shore! This hidden gem has heavy Italian Market, South Philly vibes. It's part Italian coffee bar and part specialty foods store. They import all their products from fresh pasta and cheese to sweets. They make a great espresso or latte, and they can even put together a lovely cheese plate for a beach picnic or happy hour on the deck with a day or two of advance notice. This is a favorite of our family's- we hope you enjoy it too!
Activities
These guys are great- they do the maintenance on our family bikes every year. But why worry about what salt water will do to your wheels when you can rent a set from them during your stay? Call ahead, their hours do vary from what's listed on line: (609) 264-9111
All About Bikes
1301 W Brigantine AveThese guys are great- they do the maintenance on our family bikes every year. But why worry about what salt water will do to your wheels when you can rent a set from them during your stay? Call ahead, their hours do vary from what's listed on line: (609) 264-9111
From sunscreen to surfboards, Primal surf is our family's first stop for any watersports needs. They rent some surfboards, and do lessons but be sure to book well in advance during the high season. They've got great surf gear, clothes, accessories, and all the sunscreen you could want. The owners are super friendly and welcoming, so stop by and check them out!
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Primal Surf
3106 Revere BlvdFrom sunscreen to surfboards, Primal surf is our family's first stop for any watersports needs. They rent some surfboards, and do lessons but be sure to book well in advance during the high season. They've got great surf gear, clothes, accessories, and all the sunscreen you could want. The owners are super friendly and welcoming, so stop by and check them out!
We're not big golfers but guests have stayed with us just to golf here. Call ahead and reserve tee times in advance of your trip. https://www.brigantinegolf.com/
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Brigantine Golf Links
1075 N Shore DrWe're not big golfers but guests have stayed with us just to golf here. Call ahead and reserve tee times in advance of your trip. https://www.brigantinegolf.com/
Every Saturday Memorial Day to Labor day and 2 fall markets. One of the best farmer's markets we've ever been to (and we've seen our fair share). They open at 8 a.m. Get there early to beat the heat, and the crowd. Dozens of vendors from coffee to produce, to pastries, crafts, and even Tony Baloney's pizza truck.
The Farmer's Market really is a staple of summer time in Brigantine. Bonus: It's located at the Elementary school parking lot, which is walking distance from the Beach Shacky!
Brigantine Farmers Market
Every Saturday Memorial Day to Labor day and 2 fall markets. One of the best farmer's markets we've ever been to (and we've seen our fair share). They open at 8 a.m. Get there early to beat the heat, and the crowd. Dozens of vendors from coffee to produce, to pastries, crafts, and even Tony Baloney's pizza truck.
The Farmer's Market really is a staple of summer time in Brigantine. Bonus: It's located at the Elementary school parking lot, which is walking distance from the Beach Shacky!