Wanamassa - Ocean, NJ

Wanamassa, named after a Native American chief, has transformed from a small residential area to a budding commercial district within Ocean Township. Though residents of Wanamassa were once concerned with the commercialization of their town, the local stores that have popped up in its history have proved to be a benefit to Wanamassa's character. After World War II, Wanamassa saw a surge from veterans coming home looking for a community to begin a family, Wanamassa continues to grow steadily within Ocean Township as a tight-knit community.

Wanamassa itself doesn't have an art scene, but nearby Asbury Park has many. Indorato Studio of Art, Main Avenue Galleria and Parlor Gallery lie within one mile of each other off of route 71. These galleries feature both world-renowned and local artists with work for purchase. Asbury Park has a growing art scene and many different styles and mediums of art and creation.

The area of Wanamassa has many food options along Sunset Ave., a main street accessible to and from route 35. Danny's Place is a great small-town restaurant with loyal patrons. Run by a husband and wife team, Danny's dishes out homemade breakfast and lunch in a casual diner setting with vintage photos of Ocean Township and Wanamassa lining the walls. While Danny cooks your breakfast, his wife serves it up for a genuinely home-cooked atmosphere. In South New Jersey, the pork roll, egg and cheese are a hit - and the prices and portions are incredible. Danny's quickly turns into a Saturday-morning tradition with its ease of access and charming feel. Antonio's Gourmet Salumeria, also on Sunset Ave., proffers a specialty lunch and catering menu. Antonio's serves Wanamassa and Ocean Township with market options like Italian sausage and homemade sauces and pasta. The lunch menu is especially impressive, with all meats made on premise. The Spicy Italian sandwich stands among the best in Antonio's, but it's definitely spicy, so take heed. For events, the catering menu features more traditional Italian dishes, never sacrificing quality for quantity. The Juice Theory on Wickapecko Drive, makes a healthy alternative to restaurant desserts. This modern juice bar features a strong menu of fruit-and-vegetable mixtures such as romaine-cucumber-pineapple-apple-ginger - all kid tested and approved. A great addition to Wanamassa, this city-feel shop serves body cleanses in addition to the drink menu. With its positive philosophy and thoughtful menu, The Juice Theory is worth a try before or after dinner, working out or as a healthy snack on your way to Ocean Township. Wanamassa doesn't have quite the nightlife of Ocean Township, so most evenings out require a short trip up route 35. Otto's Bar and Grill near Dave Dahrouge Park is a small sports bar with meal options. Everything here is inexpensive, but for the best value try the Jersey Burger, a hamburger topped with two slices of decadent pork roll. Otto's features weekly drink specials and attentive bartenders, but it caters to large crowds on the weekends, so come expecting to party. For local brews, Otto's has the best deals within minutes of the Wanamassa area.

Wanamassa has many restaurants and local attractions within walking distance, perfect for weekend errands and strolls around Deal Lake. Trips into Ocean Township, Asbury Park or elsewhere in the state require a car as most of the roads around Wanamassa lead to major highways. Most bus transfers in the area occur at Asbury Park, so mass transit in the area is optional, but not optimal. Taxi services are available from Ocean Township and Belmar, but because they're not within Wanamassa, they can get expensive. Uber drivers are just beginning to find a home in Ocean Township and Wanamassa.

Residential streets are great for biking though there aren't any biking lanes. The main roads such as Sunset Ave. can be more difficult to navigate, especially when merging with major highways. Parking in Wanahassa is easily available, while finding a highway only takes a 5- to 10-minute drive. Wanamassa sits near routes 35 and 18 towards northwestern New Jersey and the Garden State Parkway.

Wanamassa is close to Sunset Park in Asbury Park. Green fields surround a large lake with walking paths, while most other area fields around Wanamassa are golf courses. Sunset Park is kid- and dog-friendly, ensuring a satisfying outing for your entire family. Further north, the Joe Palaia Park Addition in the Oakhurst area features tennis courts, small nature trails and fields for free public use.

The recently opened Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park in the Seaview Mall offers group exercise courses, activities and open jumps with varying prices. The classes are fast-paced, fun and inventive with the use of trampolines, making it a great alternative to traditional exercise.

Living in Wanamassa costs the same as other areas of Ocean Township. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is likewise similar throughout the Township, with monthly rates beginning at $1,000. Traveling through Ocean Township costs $1.50 via public transportation, a meal at Danny's usually runs under $10 and a beer at Coach's sets you back around $3. While living in Wanamassa might be a bit more expensive than other New Jersey residences, the local prices are a great value for the area. Drivers appreciate gas prices typically 9 percent lower than the national average.

Wanamassa is close to the Seaview Square Mall in Ocean Township, a recently renovated location with new stores popping up continuously, such as Express and fine jewelry retailers. This retail area is still up-and-coming, but has recently added a Costco, Lowe's and Target.

Wanamassa's own Swagger & Blade is a local barber parlor and shave shop. Focusing on the art of shaving, Swagger & Blade has put together a great local experience for a shave and a haircut as well as tools to make your own shave perfect. Antic Hay Rare Books on Chestnut Ave. has everything a book lover could need from a local shop: a great collection of rarities, signed books and first editions.

From Dean's Natural Food to ShopRite, the Wanamassa area has grocery options for all eaters in close relation to the area. Ocean Township hosts many farmer's markets within a 10-minute drive of Wanamassa, such as Evergreen Farm Market on Route 35 South. Other farmer's markets are sprouting in the area that are closer to Wanamassa and worth the trip for fresh produce.