Brielle, NJ

The Native American Indian tribe the Lenape were said to have inhabited the area before it was settled by colonists. At the turning point of the Revolutionary War, the Union Saltworks company opened in Brielle as one of the first like it in the area.

The Manasquan Art Gallery provides residents and visitors the chance to see local artists' work. The art scene in the area seems to be concentrated in surrounding towns so this tends to be where most locals go. Admission is free, and the gallery takes donations.

The neighborhood holds an Annual Brielle Day every year in early September. Activities such as face painting and balloon-animal making provide fun for children, and local restaurants feature foods for patrons to try as they stroll the grounds of Green Acres Park. The annual event attracts thousands of people every year including tourists. Admission is free.

Due Amici located on Higgins Avenue provides great authentic Italian flare. The restaurant offers a wide selection of wines and alcohol for regular and specialty cocktails as well as a full beer selection. Classic dishes such as tortellini bolognese and lobster-stuffed ravioli are crowd favorites. Specialty coffees and deserts such as homemade tiramisu keep patrons enjoying the elegant atmosphere even after dinner. The lighting in the restaurant and low music give it a nice ambiance.

Seafood at the Jersey shore is a must-have, and Shipwreck Grill on Ashley Avenue happens to be one of the best places to go. The restaurant serves only dinner and prepares dishes such as seared jumbo sea scallops and roasted octopus. Poached lobster and filet mignon with scallops are a few of the more popular plates available on the menu. The bar provides many different wines, beers and cocktails to go with dinner. The restaurant also serves homemade deserts.

Many of the happening bars and nightclubs are located just outside of Brielle on the boardwalk. Jenk's Club happens to be one of the oldest and most famous clubs on the lower end of the Jersey shore, located on Jenkinson's Boardwalk. Drink specials run all night, as do deejays and even live music in the summer. Concerts and local cover bands also play here. The club draws in a large crowd every night in the summer. The club features two outside bars, the Pavilion Beach Bar and the Northern Inlet Bar, where drinks pour till late in the night. Cover charges vary depending on the music being played and start at $10 per person.

Brielle is situated only a few blocks from the Point Pleasant boardwalk along the Atlantic ocean. Route 35 provides easy access for drivers and buses in and out of the neighborhood. This major Jersey-shore highway takes people north to New York City very easily.

Uber car services can be used in and around Brielle. Many choose to call for a taxi instead because that seems to be a cheaper option, starting at $8 per ride one way. This also provides an easy and safe solution for those wanting to go out to the many clubs and bars on the boardwalk near Brielle.

Many residents like to walk or bike their neighborhood because of the beautiful views all around on the shores of the Manasquan River. The boardwalk sits so close to Brielle that many can bike there. No designated bike lanes in the roadways exist, so bikers should be careful when traveling on the road. Brielle provides a safe and family-friendly environment making it fine for people to walk around at night.

The closest park to Brielle is the Fisherman's Cove Conservation area a few minutes to the southeast of the center of the neighborhood. Residents come to this area to fish and lay out on the beach as well as go hiking and biking on the trails. The park does not have a playground, but provides a kid-friendly atmosphere. The park stays open all year around and dogs are allowed if leashed.

Most residents venture down to the beach, which can be walked or biked to. The boardwalk provides ample fun and has many games and arcades for children to enjoy. The beach itself proves to be close to a park allowing for picnicking and sports. Dogs are not allowed on the beaches though.

The cost of living in Brielle averages a little higher than the surrounding neighborhoods that are situated farther from the beach. Because the neighborhood finds itself so close to the attractions of the Jersey shore, housing can be a bit more costly. The average one-bedroom apartment costs $1,889.32 per month.

Getting around can be easy and costs vary. To use the Uber car service a person should expect to pay at least $10 to go one mile. Many choose to use a cab service for around $8 for a ride to the next town.

The main mode of transportation in Brielle happens to be driving. The cost of gas in Brielle runs about $2.30 per gallon, parallel to the average cost in all of New Jersey State and about 5 percent below the national average.

A regular beer at a local bar or restaurant on special can start at around $3 and specialty or imported craft brews can start at around $8 or $9, depending on the establishment. Drinks at places on the river or closer to the boardwalk and beach areas are more expensive.

There are no specialty boutiques in Brielle, so patrons venture outside the neighborhood. Not far away, at about four miles and located on Broad Street, residents and visitors can shop at White Bliss Boutique. The boutique features gifts and home decor for all areas of the home. Wedding gifts and favors as well as accessories can also be found here. The small quiet shop provides a pleasant shopping experience with affordable prices.

Katherine's Boutique can also be found only a few minutes from the center of the Brielle neighborhood. Here, shoppers can find trendy shoes and clothing as well as unique handbags jewelry for the ladies. The boutique also features gifts and home decor.

ShopRite located on the north side of the neighborhood acts as the main grocery shopping center and caters to visitors and residents. Patrons can find regular foods as well as a convenient pharmacy department.

Nature's Reward on Higgins Avenue in Brielle provides the neighborhood's favorite farmer's market. Residents enjoy shopping for organically grown fruits and vegetables as well as beautiful plants and homemade goods. Peanut butter and sauces made by locals can be bought here as well. Most farmer's markets are only open during the warmer seasons, but Nature's Reward conveniently stays open through the winter for the residents of and visitors to Brielle.