Learning a little Spanish might benefit
by matt1168
Although there is only one "primary" language in New Jersey and the USA (English), the city of Freehold really has two "primary" languages; English and Spanish. About half of the population, if not more, of Freehold is Hispanic, and many don't speak English, so in order to communicate with some local residents, and in some neighborhoods even with waiters, waitresses, and salespeople, it would benefit you greatly if you would learn a little bit of Spanish before going to Freehold. Along the main streets, most businesses are bilingual (people that work there speak English and Spanish, and all signs are in Spanish and English), however some restaurants and shops with Hispanic owners won't understand most English if any.
Figure out the Bus Terminal
by matt1168
A trip to Freehold will problably mean you will have to figure out how the bus terminal works, which to many people is very confusing. First of all, the bus terminal is located on Broad St. across the street from the 6-12 convenience store, just past the light at Throckmorton St., located in the old train station.
The bus station is located along a 1 block long busway, which is restricted to taxi and bus traffic. On one side of the busway, is the old train station, where a covered waiting area is provided. Inside the train station building, you can buy tickets, wait on cold days, and buy a snack for the bus ride. Across the busway from the train station is also a small waiting area, but it is not covered.
What confuses most people is what bus lines in what directions come in on which side; basically wher should they wait. For a guide as to where you should wait for your specific bus, please scroll down to the next comment.
Figure out the bus terminal (cont)
by matt1168
Here is a guide to which buses stop where at the Freehold Bus Terminal, so that you know where to stand to not miss your bus. The number represents the bus route number. Also, do not follow the signs at the bus terminal, because many are outdated and incorrect. Abbreviations: TO- Ticket office side (covered side); OS- side opposite ticket office/train station (uncovered side)
64
Northbound to Hoboken/Jersey City - TO
Southbound to Lakewood/Howell - OS
67
Northbound to Airport/Newark/Jersey City - TO
Southbound to Lakewood/Toms River - OS
135
Northbound to New York - OS
139
Northbound to Old Bridge/New York/ - TO
Southbound to Howell/Lakewood - OS
307
Westbound to Jackon/Great Adventure - OS
833
Eastbound to Red Bank - TO
Westbound to Freehold Raceway Mall - OS
836
Eastbound to Asbury Park/Neptune - OS
Westbound to Freehold Raceway Mall/Centrastate Hospital - TO
I hope this can help you in your travels!
Biking in and around Monmouth
by novillero
There are some bike trails in the area.
A rail trail starting off of 537, near the Shell Station - this is the southern section of the Henry Hudson rail trail; and there is a "monmouth Battlefield" ride (see below), and of course other nearby parks. If you go to the Freehold Library check out a book called 30 NJ bike rides (or something like that), it has other rides in the area.
If you stop off at the Monmouth County Tourism office at 31 East Main Street, Freehold, there is a map of Monmouth County which rates roads as being more or less biker friendly. Here are some helpful websiites:
http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/commuter/bike/bikemaps.shtm (Monmouth Battlefield listed)
http://www.geocities.com/womgene/
http://www.traillink.com/TL_Active_Pages/TrailSearch/default.asp (searchable database)
http://www.pedaling.com/searchRides/searchRides.asp (searchable database)
Small town, USA!
by matt1168
Only about a half hour east of Freehold lies Allentown, which with a mesely population of only 1882, is the typical stereotype of "Small Town, USA". Allentown has a quiet Main St. lined with locally owned shops and restaurants. DiMattio's Italian restaurant and Black Forest are two places which always have struck me as particularly good. You can sit by the lake and just relax in this little town, where parking is always abundant and the locals are always welcoming. A trip only about 1/2 mile off Main St. will lead you into endless farms along narrow, winding roads.
Sign in with Facebook
Spinach artichoke dip
Quesadilla
Buffallo strips
Old timbered structure
