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Monmouth County Sunsets
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Category Archives: Wandering
Keyport: Gateway to Bayshore Antiques
You may be familiar with the water tower emblazoned with the name of this small historic town as you leave the Parkway at Exit 117. Most of us just hurry on by as we choose to follow Routes 35 or 36 to other places. But by taking the time to actually visit Keyport, you may be surprised to find a number of antique shops and eateries adjacent to a revitalized waterfront.
Organized as a town in 1870, Keyport was once famous for its oyster industry and a walk through town is a reminder of a rich maritime history. Since 2011, the municipal government and the Keyport Bayfront Business Cooperative have created a promenade on the water and encouraged new businesses and music venues.
Keyport is definitely worth a visit. If antiquing isn’t your thing, come for the music or the food. McDonagh’s Pub, the Keyport Fishery, and the award-winning Broad Street Diner won’t disappoint you.
Alpacas Await in Howell and Wall Township
Alpaca Farm
Alpacas are domesticated members of the camel family native to South America and raised for their exquisite wool-like fiber coats. Smaller than llamas, alpacas are grazing herd animals that use body language to communicate.
New Jersey boasts a number of alpaca farms with three located right here in Monmouth County. Cedar Lane Alpacas in Howell, and Arrow Acres Farm and Edel Haus Farm in Wall Township offer tours, educational seminars, special events, in some cases beautiful apparel made from alpaca yarn. Check the websites at the links above for visiting hours and other information.
Turtle Beach
Warmer weather and sunshine lure more than people to Thompson Park. An afternoon walk along the banks of the Swimming River reveals a thriving turtle population. Here are a few competing for a spot on fallen logs at water’s edge. The snapper feeding in the shallows is huge!
The Monmouth Muse 