New Jersey getaway

 Pictures in reverse order- oops. Start at the bottom!

It was a lovely escape for Brian and I. We needed a little escape together, exploring new things and reconnecting with family. 

Clan McCullough with the bride and groom

Brian, Uncle Bob, Cousin Denny and Cousin Rob

I had such a blast with Brian's two cousins- Gwen and Jessica. I'd met them both once at a family reunion but we just didn't sync- likely because of babies!

Brian and favorite Uncle Bob.

Brian packed a suit and tie- I packed nothing appropriate for a wedding! Thanks to Sara for the necklace and my landlord Kelly for the dress!

We’ve missed a lot of family events being overseas the last 5 years, so we were delighted to RSVP YES to Brian’s cousin Denny’s wedding. It was crazy fun and really gorgeous- from the brides shimmering veil and their thoughtful vows to the location of the resort at the base of a ski resort and just a stones throw from the Appalachian Trail- a memory making night for sure.

Our balcony overlooked the wedding venue. We were able to give a shout down and say hello, and watch the pre-wedding fun from above!

The gorgeous and historic convention hall is at the end of the beach boardwalk and is said to be where Bruce watched music shows as a kid and found his inspiration.

Crazy enough, as I type this Bruce is playing at the gigantic music fest that is in Asbury Park tonight. If only we’d timed our trip better! Apparently he hasn’t played there in decades. Brian and I felt pretty special just being there walking where he once walked so frequently and also knowing how excited everyone will be to welcome him back/home at his show tonight!

The ticket window

The stage

Next up- to see where Bruce Springsteen got his start in Asbury Park- at The Stone Pony.

Our waitress said on any given day about 50% of their patrons are community members who can not pay. What a gift these restaurants are to ALL!

She also said that Jon & Dorothea Bon Jovi are incredibly gracious and generous- and she meets them once at year at least. Lucky!

All the waitstaff are volunteers, so no tipping. It’s a non-profit, so no taxes. The suggested donation for your meal is $30. The 3 course meal was excellent. Where else can you get a 3 course meal, with beverages and cloth napkins- for only 30 bucks?

And if you can’t pay it- you can volunteer, or the cost of your meal will be covered by other patrons who have paid it forward for you so you too can enjoy a home-cooked, healthy meal. Amazing!

Since learning of Bon Jovi’s 4 NJ restaurants where anyone can have a meal for free, I’ve always wanted to go to support this amazing endeavor. 

This is the original restaurant, in lovely Red Bank, NJ, which sits next to the train station- very convenient if you need a free meal. They turned the parking lot into giant vegetable gardens.

This weekend we traveled down to New Jersey to find a couple bucket list items for Brian and I- lunch at Jon Bon Jovi’s Soul Kitchen restaurant and then sightseeing in Asbury Park- followed by a McCullough family wedding in the beautiful north Jersey mountains!