From funnel cake to funk

ASBURY PARK'S SUMMER LINEUP IS A FEAST FOR THE SENSES

- By Bill Bodkin

The Asbury Park Boardwalk has loaded up the summer of 2025 like a hot plate of funnel cake. Just replace the powdered sugar and fried dough with sumptuous Southern cooking, fresh off the boat seafood, barbecue on the beach, new shops, and, of course, music.

Before you start shopping, eating, or catching live music, take a second to look at the breathtaking art that abounds on the boards. Massive murals can be found adorning numerous buildings. These colorful reminders of Asbury's artistic soul are brought to you by the non-profit group Wooden Walls. The group returns to the Art House Carousel Building for a Sunday gallery featuring local artists including Porkchop and works from international artists.

Shopping along the Asbury Park Boardwalk varies from buying beach sundries to crafting your next fit for a night on the town. The 4th Avenue Pavilion has a number of pop-up stores from local creatives and artists.

A shining example is La Lune, which sells “eccentric feminine, high-quality clothing and products either handmade in New Jersey, designed by owner Marceline or curated from small boutique wholesalers.”

Designer Chris Turk unveiled his new shop Chris Turk Swim at the 4th Avenue pop-up. Chris Turk Swim is a “fully inclusive clothing store” that sells swimwear for “people of every shape, size, and race” to feel comfortable in.

Salt of the Earth (formerly Wanderlust) sells sweatshirts, T-shirts and beach sundries and is the quintessential “oh no, we got caught in the rain/cold and need something cozy" spot.

Other 4th Avenue Pavilion shops include The Art Spot, Promised Land, and the massive candy store known as Sweet Tooth, which will satiate your need for salt water taffy, chocolates and gummies.

The main Wanderlust location in The Grand Arcade of Convention Hall is a "beach boutique” that is home to hip brands such as Jetty and Fair Harbor.