I’ve never spent much time in New Jersey beyond a layover at the airport. Recently, however, I decided to visit my friends Adikus Sulpizi & David Chase for a few days and explore the famed Jersey Shore. It turned out to be a wonderful, fun, and unique experience—complete with casinos, drag queens, shopping, and even a parade!
I boarded my Spirit Airlines direct flight to Newark with ease. Yes, Spirit is known for charging extra for just about everything, but I discovered that you can purchase a package that includes free checked bags, cocktails, early boarding, and snacks. Surprisingly, the total cost wasn’t much different from other airline fares. From check-in to baggage claim, my Spirit experience was smooth and hassle-free.
Upon arrival, David & Adikus picked me up from the airport, and if you know me, our first stop won’t surprise you—The Mills at Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall, located near Newark Airport. As a Disney fanatic, I was especially excited to visit the Disney Outlet Store, which is becoming increasingly rare since most have shut down. In fact, there are no Disney stores at all in Louisiana, Mississippi, or Alabama—the closest ones are in Florida or Texas. That’s just tragic. But I digress.
After our shopping spree, we took a 35-minute drive to the charming town of Keansburg, located along the Jersey Shore. David & Adikus’ house is just a block from the beach in this adorable town of about 10,000 people. The neighborhood is picturesque, and their home has a rustic/nautical vibe that perfectly suits its seaside setting.
That evening, we dined at Half Moon, a fantastic restaurant overlooking Raritan Bay, with stunning views of New York City. The restaurant—one of Keansburg’s newest—was named after the ship that Henry Hudson sailed when he landed here in 1609. The creative menu featured standout dishes like whipped ricotta, lobster & short rib mac & cheese, and crispy Brussels sprouts. I opted for the fish and chips, which were cooked to perfection. Their craft cocktail menu was just as impressive. I tried the Dirty Jersey, and for dessert, I couldn’t resist the Tipsy Tiramisu—both were excellent. It was the perfect way to wrap up my first day in Jersey.
The following day, we packed up and headed to Adikus & David’s other beach house on Brigantine Beach. The drive took about two hours, and along the way, we made a pit stop for breakfast at the Rainbow Diner in Brick, New Jersey.
Now, let me tell you—Adikus and David are true connoisseurs of diner food. I’d even say they could give Guy Fieri a run for his money. Besides, any restaurant with a giant neon rainbow on the roof has to be magically delicious—and it was! The menu featured classic, old-fashioned diner fare, and the place was absolutely packed.
That’s when I got my first real taste of true New Jersey culture—tracksuits and sequins everywhere! Not just in the diner, but all along the Jersey Shore. The more bling, the better. It was camp, gaudy, ostentatiously fabulous—and I loved every minute of it. I always thought the characters on Jersey Shore were exaggerated for TV, but no—they are real, and they come in all ages. It was fantastic! The “yat” in me felt right at home.
We arrived at Adikus & David’s adorable, fully-renovated beach bungalow, just half a block from the pristine white sand. This upscale beach community is literally right outside Atlantic City—so close, you just cross a bridge and you’re there.
Brigantine Beach has an intriguing history. The Dutch were the first Europeans to explore this coastline in their search for a waterway to the Orient. The logbook from the Half Moon records the first sighting of Brigantine Beach on September 2, 1608, and legend has it that pirate Captain William Kidd buried treasure beneath Brigantine Beach’s sands. The island’s name comes from a type of 1600s ship, and during the American Revolution, American privateers (a.k.a. patriot pirates) used its inlets to ambush British ships. The island also played a role in shipbuilding, salt production, and whaling. Today, Brigantine’s Marine Mammal Stranding Center rescues sick and injured whales, dolphins, seals, and sea turtles, while the Brigantine Wildlife Refuge protects local wildlife like birds, rabbits, and foxes.
After dropping off our bags, we immediately headed to Atlantic City. By sheer luck, our visit coincided with the 37th Annual Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the longest-running tradition in Atlantic City, held along the world-famous Boardwalk.
The parade was a blast! While it wasn’t quite the same as the ones in New Orleans, they still threw goodies and had floats, decorated cars, carts, and marching bands. My favorite part? The String Bands, also known as Mummers, who typically perform in Philadelphia’s legendary New Year’s Day Parade. These bands wear elaborate, Mardi Gras Royalty-style costumes—feathers, rhinestones, glitter—the works. The music is just as unique because they’re not allowed to play brass instruments. Instead, they use saxophones, banjos, accordions, violins, percussion instruments (including glockenspiels), and bass violins. The whole spectacle was mesmerizing.
After the parade, we stopped for drinks at the Mad Bunny Bar, a fabulous pop-up inside Resorts Casino. The vibe was electric, thanks to a killer DJ keeping the energy high–even in the middle of the day. The décor was a playful mix of Easter and St. Patrick’s Day—but mostly Easter-themed. The highlight? Their seasonal craft cocktails, with fun names like Good Hare Day, Easter Egg Hunt, and Cuddle Bunny Cosmo, all garnished with different flavored Peeps. Since I couldn’t decide which to try… I had them all. No regrets!
Afterwards, we did a little tipsy shopping at the Tanger Outlets in Atlantic City. Let me just say—drunk shopping is a blast, and I walked away with several fabulous and thrifty finds.
That evening, for dinner and a taste of Atlantic City’s nightlife, we headed to ByrdCage—the city’s one and only gay-owned restaurant and bar. Yes, seriously—there’s only one gay bar in all of Atlantic City, but trust me, it more than holds its own. The atmosphere was everything: The Birdcage (yes, the movie) was playing on an endless loop, and iconic gay dance anthems blasted joyfully in the background. The energy was high, the vibe festive, and the gay fun was in full swing.
We stayed for dinner, and not only was the food absolutely delicious, the menu names were hilariously inspired. We started with appetizers like Lady Fingers, Bottoms Up, and Bang Cock Chicken—all divine. For our next course, we had the House Bitch Salad, followed by entrees with names like Big Daddy Smash, Tantalizing Balls, and Seoul Mate Sizzle.
And let’s talk about their craft cocktails—just as clever and just as fabulous. I sampled creations like the Twinkletini, Jizz Fizz, Queen Bee, and the Flaming Fabulous. Unable to choose just one, I tried them all (in the name of research, of course). By the end of dinner, I was definitely in my happy place.
We capped off the night upstairs at their dance bar, where a DJ kept the party going strong. The dance floor was packed, the music was on point, and we danced, laughed, and sipped our way into the night. Sure, the boys of summer may not have been around—but the bears of Jersey certainly were, and let me tell you—I was more than okay with that.
The next morning was all about relaxation. We spent it walking along the beach, watching surfers ride the waves, lounging around the house, and enjoying a classic Wawa breakfast. I wish New Orleans had a Wawa convenience store—it’s such a game-changer for a quick, delicious bite.
Later that day, we headed back into Atlantic City to catch a show at Caesars Palace called The Hook. The Hook is an adults-only spectacle that pays cheeky homage to Atlantic City’s glorious (and notorious) golden age. Held inside the beautifully restored Warner Theater, this show is like nothing you’ve seen before—uproariously funny, irresistibly sexy, and packed with jaw-dropping acrobatics.
The cast? Gorgeous. The energy? Pure fire. And the emcee? Hilarious, keeping the show moving at a rapid, no-holds-barred pace. There wasn’t a single dull moment—it was all sass, spice, and spectacle. If you go (and you should), make sure to stop by The Horse Dive Bar either before or after the show. This quirky little gem serves up some of the best cocktails in town, with a kitschy-meets-cool vibe that’s totally unforgettable. Think boutique beers, curated wines, and handcrafted drinks with a playful twist. So saddle up and ride—or rather, dive—into one of the most charming spots in the city.
Gambling in Atlantic City is one of the city’s biggest draws—and I love it. I spent some time at Caesars Palace, but my new favorite? The Borgata. The Borgata is the epitome of luxury and refined elegance. With its gorgeous Asian-inspired décor, world-class dining, top-tier entertainment, thrilling gaming options, and even a bit of upscale shopping, I completely fell in love with the place. It has a whole vibe that just screams sophistication while still being approachable and fun.
For dinner that evening, we went full-on Old School Italian at Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern, located in the Ducktown neighborhood of Atlantic City. Stepping into Angelo’s is like stepping back in time. Family-owned for three generations since 1935, this spot is a true Atlantic City institution. The atmosphere is nostalgic, cozy, and full of character—and the food and service were absolutely impeccable.We started with the garlic bread, their fried sampler platter (which included spicy ravioli, Shrimp Jammers, and fried mozzarella sticks), and Angelo’s Salad—all delicious.For my entrée, I had one of their steak dishes, cooked to absolute perfection and very reasonably priced. The rest of the table went the more traditional Italian route, and their dishes were just as mouthwatering.
After dinner, we headed back to the beach house, got comfy, and spent the rest of the night watching cheesy horror movies. It was the perfect way to wind down after a day of fun, food, and fortune.
The next day, we packed up from Brigantine Beach and made our way back to Keansburg. It was another wonderfully relaxing day—browsing local shops, spending time on the beach, and just unwinding around the house. That evening, we took a drive to Sandy Hook, one of the three units of the Gateway National Recreation Area. This scenic peninsula is also home to Historic Fort Hancock, and boasts over seven miles of beaches that attract visitors year-round. It’s especially peaceful in the cooler months, when it becomes a hub for outdoor activities and beach walks.
Of course, we had to check out Gunnison Beach, affectionately known as Area G—Sandy Hook’s clothing-optional gay beach. It’s the most popular among LGBTQ+ visitors, and its southernmost section (just past the fishermen and the straight crowd) is where the party tends to be. On clear days, you can even see the NYC skyline in the distance, making it a uniquely beautiful spot for sightseeing and sunbathing.
We also visited the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, which has an incredible history. First lit in 1764, it once stood just 500 feet from the tip of Sandy Hook. As ocean currents shifted the coastline, however, by 1864 the lighthouse was 4,000 feet inland, and today it stands about 1.5 miles from the northern end. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1964 on its 200th anniversary and still operates, its white light shining up to nineteen miles on a clear night. The U.S. Coast Guard now maintains it, and it continues its faithful watch 24/7. Sandy Hook is also full of wildlife—you might spot foxes, harbor seals, raccoons, and white-tailed deer, which we saw everywhere and were absolutely adorable!
That night, we dined at Off the Hook in the Atlantic Highlands, a charming seafood restaurant with gorgeous waterfront views and a laid-back vibe. The food was stellar—especially their lobster roll, which was divine.
After dinner, we stopped at J & M Italian Bakery in Keansburg—and oh my god, it was a dessert lover’s dream. The place was packed with colorful, mouthwatering pastries, cakes, pies, and sweets that looked almost too pretty to eat. We picked up a variety of treats, especially their signature lobster tail pastry (aka sfogliatella). This traditional Italian pastry hails from the Campania region, made of layered, crisp dough filled with a sweet ricotta mixture. No lobsters involved—just a name inspired by its shape.
And just when you think the night couldn’t get any better—we popped into Bottle King next door, which might just be one of the most amazing wine stores I’ve ever been in. I felt like a kid in a candy store with the endless selection. We grabbed a few bottles, headed home, and ended the evening with a dessert and wine-fueled movie marathon.
The next day, we spent the day exploring Red Bank, a charming borough in Monmouth County. Founded in 1908 and named for the distinctive red soil along the Navesink River, Red Bank originally served as a transportation hub thanks to its river access, connecting the area to the ocean and nearby ports. It was first established as a town on March 17, 1870, from parts of Shrewsbury Township.
Today, Red Bank is a vibrant social and commercial destination, known for its boutiques, designer shops, home stores, parks, and a bustling restaurant scene. The town is also considered a hub for artistic activity—home to the Monmouth County Arts Council and a number of art and photography galleries. Live performances, plays, and film screenings happen year-round.
One of Red Bank’s cultural gems is the Count Basie Center for the Arts, named after the jazz legend who was born in the town. The theater has hosted an impressive lineup of performers, including Kevin Smith, Ariana Grande, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, The Beach Boys, David Sedaris, Tracy Morgan, Bob Newhart, Foreigner, Andy Williams, and B.B. King.
Speaking of Kevin Smith—a Red Bank native—we made a stop at his legendary store, Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash. It’s an awesome comic book and collectibles shop, and an absolute must-see for fans of his movies or pop culture in general.
For lunch, we ate at Elli’s Backyard, a quirky diner-style restaurant that brings the outdoors in with its faux greenery walls, twinkling lights, and hedged decor. It felt like dining in a magical little garden. The food was tasty and reasonably priced, making it a perfect midday stop.
We then filled the day with leisurely shopping, sightseeing, and taking in the beautiful views of the river. Red Bank has a special kind of charm that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem—and I’m so glad we included it in the trip.
That night, we headed to Bradley Beach for pizza at Vic’s Italian Restaurant. A local institution since 1947, Vic’s delivered on all fronts—delicious food, excellent service, and a warm atmosphere. From there, it was off to Asbury Park for a fabulous night out.
Asbury Park boasts a charming boardwalk and LGBTQIA-friendly shops and bars. While there are not that many exclusively gay bars in Asbury Park, most are gay-friendly. We went to Paradise, located inside the Empress Hotel and the largest queer nightclub in Asbury Park with its own pool.
On this Tuesday night, we were lucky to catch Drag Bingo hosted by Jolina Jasmine with special guest Freeda Kulo. Bingo was fun and each of the performers did several numbers between games. The bar was crowded and the bartender was a hot bear dressed in a Bunny Rabbit onesie. I love all the gay Easter vibes I got from this trip. Asbury Park’s gay scene, at least at the Paradise, did not disappoint. And it was a great way to spend my last evening at the Jersey shore.
On my way home the next day, we made one final stop—at IKEA! Located right by the airport, it was perfect for last-minute shopping. Lunch in the store’s cafe (with great views of the runway) wrapped it all up. TSA PreCheck sped me through security, and my return flight on Spirit was smooth and uneventful. I was full of great memories, amazing meals, and warm feelings from the Jersey Shore. I’ll definitely be back!
