Only 40 minutes from Manhattan along the southern edge of the Navesink River, Red Bank offers gourmet shops and coffeehouses, delightful cafes, specialty shops and a lively nightlife. The name 'Red Bank' is attributed to the red soil throughout the area. In the 19th century, the town served as a popular port for the shell fishing industry and for local farmers transporting their crops.

Contrary to popular belief, Red Bank is not just an antiquers and shoppers town - although if shopping is your bag youll be in heaven! Music is a big part of the community as evident by the plentitude of record shops and live music venues. There are plenty of other activities as well.

The entire town is very walkable. From the train station, go right on Monmouth to Broad Street (approximately 10 blocks). There you will find modern gift shops, cafes, clothing and record stores. Charming brick buildings, old-fashioned lampposts and benches line the curbs giving you the feeling you have stepped back in time. Pop into Jay & Silent Bob's Secret Stash Comics or vintage clothes shops like Funk & Standard Variety . On the way to Broad St., youll pass Monmouth Music and the historic Count Basie Theatre . The Count Basie hosts big-name concerts throughout the year.

Relax on the beautiful Navesink River by heading for the Sea-Land Marina (up Bridge Ave. from the train station and left on Front St. under the bridge) where you can buy a cheap rod for fishing (or bring your own) and rent a canoe or a rowboat for $7.50 an hour through mid-October. Monica, the owner, jokes that rowboats are popular with ladies because they 'must, must, must increase the bust'.

Take the kids canoeing for the day and then take them to A Time to Kiln on Broad St., where they can paint their own pottery. For more indoor fun, go ice skating on the weekends at the Red Bank Armory , catty corner to the train station.

At the end of Broad St., take a right on Front st.. and then left on Wharf Ave. At the base of the hill, youll find Marine Park. This is a lovely waterside park with boat slips, public tennis courts and a playground.

If you are here for the shopping, proceed down Bridge Ave. from the train station to the historic antique district and the Antiques Center at Front St. This section is considered as 'the outskirts' of town. After a day of hard-core shopping, youll need to pamper yourself at Manifique with a relaxing massage ($65/1 hour, call ahead). Find them by just walking across the way on Bridge Ave. to the Galleria a mall of modern shops and restaurants. Through mid-October, check out the Farmers Market and kids petting zoo on Saturdays behind the Galleria .

If you are staying overnight, continue three blocks down Bridge Avenue to Riverside Drive and turn right. There you will find the historic Molly Pitcher Inn . Rates start at $100.00 per night but occasionally they have specials. Ask for waterside rooms because the view of the Navesink River is spectacular. Relax by their pool and take a swim before you conquer the town. Next door, on Bodman Place, youll also find the luxurious Oyster Point Hotel and Conference Center starting at $110/night.

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