Fall at its finest in the northeast
Thank you to Bonnie Cranmer for contributing this post to GoGirlfriend. We’re a community-based travel blog and we welcome submissions from everyone. Whether you’re a budget-baller or a first class only kinda traveler, we’d love to hear from you. Visit our Writer’s Guidelines and learn how you can share your travel advice, stories and adventures!
What makes a vacation destination exotic? Distance? Tiki huts? At GoGirlfriend, we believe exotic is in the eye of the traveler. If you've never dove deep and explored a place, consider it exotic, thrilling and your next great adventure.
Long Beach IslandBonnie Cranmer, our newest travel girl, wants to introduce us to Long Beach Island. She's got the 411 on everything you need to get out there and have fun - this weekend!
When planning an October getaway, the Jersey shore may not come to mind but it should.
- It's just a few short hours from New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
- It's located on the central coast, across the Barnegat Bay, 6 miles at sea.
- Only a few blocks across at its widest point, LBI is a residential beach community full of history, fun and relaxation.
Chowderfest
The first weekend of October is always a winner with the annual Chowderfest in Beach Haven, October 2 and 3. Known for some of the best sales of the season from local merchants, the 2-day festival is overflowing with beautiful art, home décor, jewelry, fashions, food and music. Sunday is the chowder competition, with unlimited tasting for event go-ers.
Surf Fishing Classic
Surf FishingThe Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic begins in October and runs through December for local and visiting fishing enthusiasts of all ages. From one end of LBI to the other, the soft, white sand is dotted with fishing poles and dreams of catching the "big" one!
18-Mile Run
The 38th annual 18-mile Run kicks off on October 10 (registration up to October 9), giving runners a chance to see LBI from a unique perspective. Beginning at Holgate in the south, the run ends in Barnegat Light and shuttles transport runners back to a buffet lunch and awards ceremony at St. Francis Community Center in Brant Beach.
On the north end of Long Beach Island, the historic Barnegat Lighthouse National Park is just one of the locations included in the New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge, October 16 and 17. Lighthouses and museums across New Jersey will be participating.
Sweet places to sleep
Magnolia HouseMake your visit even more memorable by staying in one of the historic Victorian bed and breakfasts scattered around LBI.
One of the oldest "guest houses" is the Magnolia House on Center Street in Beach Haven. Hosts Cheryl and Tony Curinga have 12 guest rooms, each with an authentic Victorian décor. They provide a full, gourmet, cooked-to-order breakfast each morning and have bikes available for a leisurely tour around town plus many other amenities. The Surflight Theatre is around the block, with live "Broadway at the Beach" theatre throughout October.
Magolia House VerandaLong Beach Island is a treasure at sea, and a place not too far away for a weekend adventure. Visit for the beach, fishing, shopping, arts, food or just to relax, with moderate temperatures all month. Long Beach Island is a respite from reality, just a step away from the every day.
Get to know Bonnie:
Bonnie Cranmer is a new media strategist and green living enthusiast. Her family has been going to Long Beach Island for more than 70 years. It's even where her parents met! Get to know her better online:
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