Freehold, NJ

Turkey Swamp Park is a 1,180-acre park on the edge of the Pine Barrens that is home to several diverse habitats, including the extensive Metedeconk, Manasquan, and Toms River systems, the Millstone River, and the Assunpink Creek. The park features an array of outdoor recreation, including eight miles of hiking trails, two soccer fields, several picnic grounds and children’s playgrounds, and an archery range. During the summer, the surrounding waterways are great for canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boating, and row boating, and the winter season offers ice-skating on the lake. There is a seasonal campground with 64 pull-through campsites for tent campers and travel trailers, laundry facilities, and bathrooms with hot showers, and two overnight log cabins.

200 Georgia Rd, Freehold, NJ 07728, Phone: 732-462-7286

The Freehold Raceway Mall is a large, light-filled super-regional mall with familiar anchor stores such as Primark, Macy’s, JCPenney, as well as a food court with an array of popular restaurant chains, cafés, and fast-food joints, and a movie theater. Amenities and services at the Mall include complimentary wireless Internet throughout the Mall, 24-hour security, family restrooms on all levels, a nursing room, a children’s play area, and ATMs at various locations around the shopping center.

3710 U.S. 9, Freehold Township, NJ 07728, Phone: 732-577-1144

The Monmouth County Historical Association Museum is the home of the Monmouth County Historical Association’s headquarters, as well as an extensive research library and archives. Designed by J. Hallam Conover and built in the early 1900s, the building is an elegant colonial revival structure that reflects the architectural style of Mt. Vernon. The museum houses a rich permanent collection of artworks, historical and genealogical materials, and prints that are exhibited on a permanent and rotating basis, including ‘The Battle of Monmouth’ and the magnificent work by Leutze Washington at Monmouth. The museum also has a family-centric Discovery Room where children all ages can learn about the history of Monmouth County.

70 Court St, Freehold, NJ 07728, Phone: 732-462-1466

Attractions for Couples

Covenhoven House is a historic site in Freehold Borough that was built in the mid-1700s by William A. Covenhoven and wife, Elizabeth Van Cleaf. Constructed by the man who built the landmark Old Tennent Church, the impressive house is a standing example of how a prosperous local farmer lived during the American Revolution era. The home features beautiful architectural elements such as ornate fireplaces with ornate paneling, intricately painted woodwork, and cupboards with glazed doors and carved shell bonnets. British General Henry Clinton occupied Covenhoven House just before the Battle of Monmouth in 1778, and today is open for the public to explore with open-hearth cooking demonstrations available by appointment.

150 W. Main St., Freehold, NJ 07728, Phone: 732-431-7310 ext.7476

The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich and unique history of the County’s Jewish heritage. Based in an old barn dating back to the 1800s that was once part of the Levi Solomon farm in Freehold Township, the museum features an array of exciting exhibits telling the story of the Jewish religion in Monmouth County and the role it played in the development of the area. The museum also hosts a variety of educational programs, workshops and presents several publications throughout the year.

310 Mounts Corner Dr, Freehold, NJ 07728, Phone: 732-252-6990

Freehold Raceway is a half-mile racetrack in Freehold Borough that has been hosting horseracing since the 1830s, making it the oldest racecourse in the country. The first annual fair with harness racing was held in 1853 by the Monmouth County Agricultural Society, and the track has been drawing crowds to enjoy a variety of horse racing ever since. Popular events over the years have included the annual Cane Pace, a harness race run since 1955, which became the first leg in the Triple Crown of Harness Racing for Pacers. Today, the Freehold Raceway has two distinct racing seasons from January through May and September through December, and host two major events per year.

130 Park Ave, Freehold, NJ 07728, Phone: 732-462-3800

Located in Historic Downtown Freehold Borough, Freehold Art Gallery exhibits the works of both emerging and established local New Jersey artists in a variety of mediums ranging from paintings, prints, and photographs to maps and documents. Based on the second floor of the former J.J. Newbury Co. Department Store, the gallery features three exhibition spaces, namely the Main and the Central Gallery and the Reception Hall. The galleries are decorated in traditional 19th-century salon-style, creating an elegant and stylish atmosphere and can be rented for private events and functions. The Freehold Art Gallery also consigns and sells artworks such as paintings, ceramics, glassworks, photographs, and sculptures by talented local, regional, and international artists and hosts art shows, book readings, and symposiums.

Freehold Art Gallery, 7 W Main St, Freehold, NJ 07728, Phone: 908-614-6195

Where to Eat

618 is a contemporary restaurant with a modern rustic ambiance that offers an unforgettable dining experience. The stylish, sophisticated eatery has elegant décor with soft lighting that creates a romantic atmosphere and serves a farm-to-table menu of signature Pat LaFrieda steaks, fresh seafood, organic chicken and pork, and a range of salads and vegetarian options. The full-service bar has an extensive menu of fine wines from around the world, craft beers on tap or by the bottle, handcrafted cocktails, and a selection of high-end spirits. 618 is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

618 Park Ave, Freehold, NJ 07728, Phone: 732-577-0001

La Cipollina is a classy BYOB Italian restaurant with a warm, brick-walled dining space that brings the taste and flavors of Old-World Italy to the heart of Freehold. Boasting elegant décor and a smart tuxedoed team of wait staff, the family-friendly restaurant serves a menu of classic Italian and Mediterranean fare such as starters of antipasti, bruschetta, fresh salads, and home-baked focaccia. Hearty entrées range from fresh seafood, prime grass-fed beef and veal, chicken, and house-made pasta like lasagna and spaghetti Bolognese, and decadents desserts of panna cotta, and tiramisu. The full-service bar has an extensive menu of fine wines from around the world, which can be enjoyed by the glass or bottle, craft and draft beers, and handcrafted cocktails made with high-end spirits. La Cipollina is open for dinner only, Tuesday through Sunday.

16 W Main St A, Freehold, NJ 07728, Phone: 732-308-3830

Located in the Pond Road Shopping Center, Fred & Murry's Kosher Delicatessen is a small, old-fashioned kosher deli with vintage décor, poster-adorned walls, and comfortable seating that serves a variety gourmet deli fare. Established in 1960 on Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn, New York by brothers Fred and Murry Chalnick, the famous deli Fred & Murry's continues to provide the quality and tradition they are renowned for. The kosher deli serves housemade pickled corn beef, hand-cut French fried potatoes, matzo ball soup, and gourmet sandwiches. Fred & Murry's Kosher Delicatessen is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week.

4345 U.S. 9, Freehold, NJ 07728, Phone: 732-462-3343