WELCOME TO... Treasures the Jersey Shore

“The Intelligent Whale” at the Military Museum FollowWreck Pond bridge into the beautiful and historic borough of Sea Girt. This one-square-mile town includes the area between Stockton Lake and Wreck Pond. Though modest in size, the quaint beach town incorporated in 1917 is packed with history, dining and 1.75 miles of beach.

Travel down Ocean Avenue to take a trip back in time as you learn the history and enchanting stories of the Sea Girt Lighthouse.

Aone-hour tour will take you through the keeper’s office into the living quarters and finally up into the tower, or lantern room. Along the way, your tour guide will explain the significance of each room, what happened there and what rare artifacts and photos make up bygone Sea Girt.

The lighthouse features an extensive collection of material from the cruise ship Morro Castle, which caught fire off the Jersey shore in 1934. The lighthouse provided light for the crew of the burning ship to help them reach the shore. You will also learn the stories of past keepers and their families, unusual occurrences, and the milestones and accomplishments of the landmark structure.

Sea Girt Lighthouse Guided tours, led by lighthouse docents, are conducted 2- 4 p.m. Sundays from May 1 through Nov. 20, except holiday weekends. For more information, call 732-974-0514 or visit the website at www.seagirtlighthouse.com. Group tours are available by prior arrangement.

The lighthouse hosts many events during the year, including an art show that has taken place since the mid-1980s. This year’s show will take place July 9 and will feature artwork from 15 to 20 artists who capture seascapes, beach scenes, beach wildflowers, shore homes, and local landmarks through watercolors, pastels, oils, and pencil and ink. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To experience a true history lesson, visit the National Guard Militia Museum on the corner of Sea Girt Avenue and Camp Drive.

The museum is home to a sizeable military vehicle and aircraft collection, the only Civil War cannon mounted on a carriage on museum display in New Jersey, a Civil War-era submarine and a 20th-century small-arms collection, according to its website. The museum also contains an extensive photograph collection, featuring original and copy material pertaining to military history. The largest collection of New Jersey-related Civil War research material in the country can be found here, including copies of diaries, letters, newspaper clippings, memoirs, regimental histories and articles.

The museum collects, preserves and displays artifacts, documents and memorabilia with specific historical significance to the Army National Guard, the Air National Guard, and the Naval Militia of New Jersey.

General admission is free. For more information and hours of operation, call 732-974-5966 or visit the website at www.state.nj.us/military//museum/index.html.

Make your way to Washington Boulevard for a turn-ofthe century saloon atmosphere at Rod’s Tavern.

Open year-round, this Sea Girt landmark is home to an “American Contemporary Casual Dining” experience.

Right down the way is Fratello’s Restaurant and Lounge, which offers Italian cuisine in a comfortable atmosphere located on the corner of Washington and The Plaza.

Visitors may also be drawn to the outdoor shopping experience at the Brook 35 Plaza that features popular stores, salons and cafes located on Route 35.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Sea Girt 5K race, which is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 7. Participation benefits Sea Girt’s Recreation Department. This year, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Wounded Warrior Project, whose mission is to honor and empower wounded U.S. veterans. For more information visit www.seagirt5k.com.

Sea Girt is also home to accommodations that offer a relaxing getaway. The Beacon House located on Beacon Boulevard is just a short block from the ocean and features an ambiance reminiscent of a Victorian seaside inn. Dating back to 1879, this unique house sits on the corner of the residential neighborhood.

As the summer season quickly approaches, Sea Girt invites you to swim and sunbathe on its clean, safe, sandy white beaches. Take a leisurely walk across the boardwalk that offers a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Begin your stroll at the Sea Girt Lighthouse and meander down to the southern end of the inviting town.

Beginning Memorial Day weekend, lifeguards are on duty every Saturday and Sunday. Full-time lifeguards are on duty from June 20 through Labor Day.

While enjoying some fun in the sun, participate in the Sea Girt Chamber of Commerce’s annual Sand Castle Contest, which will be held Thursday, July 21.

According to Sea Girt’s website, the general public may partake in beach activities, including fishing, surfing and sunbathing, on designated beaches only. Daily or seasonal beach badges can be purchased at the Main Pavilion and other designated areas along the beachfront. Parking is free for all beachgoers.

Kayaks may be used and launched on North Beach and north of the Trenton Beach bathing area daily, subject to safe surf conditions. For more information visit www.seagirtnj.com/.

Abit of history, a taste of community and plenty of outdoor fun are what make this Jersey Shore town a real treasure.