Monmouth University’s location is one of the college’s greatest assets. Just drive a few minutes down the road and you’re at the beach. The beach access here is one of the best you can get on the East Coast. Although some Southern beach schools do beat us with warmer weather, the entertainment surrounding our school, in my opinion, shows out any of the competition.
The towns surrounding campus- like Asbury Park, Sea Bright, Ocean Grove, Avon, Belmar, Red Bank, and Manasquan- are all places students should check out and take advantage of considering our proximity. Whether it’s getting a bite to eat, checking out stores, seeing live music, going to the beach, getting coffee, or having a casual…casual… drink at the local bars with friends, exposing yourself to these activities throughout the local towns is a great way to familiarize yourself with the area.
The first two months of the school year are always the best time to attend some great events that surrounding towns have to offer while we can still go outside without a jacket. There are tons of neat and fun things to do, you just have to look around for them. Luckily enough, I am here to tell you about an event that is happening this weekend and it’s something you don’t want to miss. It’s a perfect concoction of variety that can appease every person’s taste.
This weekend is the start of a highly-rated festival in Red Bank called the Red Gables. Starting on Saturday, Sept. 23 and ending on Monday, Sept. 25, the Red Gables festival is a 3-day boutique festival on the Navesink River. Throughout the weekend you can see great live music from local bands, amazing art, and a neat local vendor market. The main event features a wood-fired kitchen manned by local top-tier restaurant professionals that provide a variety of gourmet options. Each day has a separate theme that the professional chefs derive inspiration, bringing nearly dozens of recipes from the Middle East, Europe, and South America for their guests to enjoy. The main stage music events will feature two bands per day, as well as music from local DJs. So, if you are looking for a good time with live music, great food, and drinks, I think you will score big at this festival. Whether you are a freshman or a seasoned Monmouth student, this event would be a great way to start your year here and familiarize yourself with some cool local venues and events. There is a lot of town life outside of campus, you just have to look for what you like. You can find information on the festival here on their website, https://www.redgablesnj.com/. So get out there, and immerse yourself into what this great area has to offer.
