Happy weekend, Ocean County! In today’s happening-today edition: Bundt cake expansion, Boardwalk Nights, and Stars in My Backyard + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, is helping folks around Ocean County protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Sweet expansion across Jersey: Nothing Bundt Cakes will open soon in Manahawkin, bringing its S'mores and Hershey cakes, after a Ramsey shop opened June 19 and another opens June 27, with Toms River nearby -- see where the new shops are.
Summer events by the shore: Yoga at Island Beach State Park, today’s Lavallette food truck festival, Seaside Park’s kickoff party with live music, and crafts on the Seaside Heights Boardwalk highlight this Ocean County weekend -- see the full weekend lineup.
Summer entertainment lineup: Boardwalk Nights is now lighting up Six Flags Great Adventure’s Shoreline Pier on The Boardwalk, with live bands, roaming performers, immersive experiences and a nightly finale, running through August 2 -- see the Boardwalk Nights details.
Thoughtful Father's Day gifts, ready by Sunday. Father's Day is tomorrow, which makes shipping anything now a gamble you'll probably lose. Skip it entirely. A whole range of Father's Day gifts is ready for same-day pickup in hours, so something personal is well within reach by tomorrow. -- get it today.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold just posted its strongest run in decades...And the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, GoldCo has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Tonight’s dinner upgrade: Whether you're grilling or keeping it simple, Barnegat’s Best Seafood brings black sea bass, lobster and more straight off their own boats, so it actually tastes like the bay and not a road trip. Local owners Jamie and Andrew supply restaurants too, which is your cue to treat Tuesday like a holiday.
Pine Barrens reset: Sometimes you just need trees, a pool, and a fishing lake. Brookville Campgrounds tucks your weekend into oak-shaded sites with water and electric, walking trails, a playground, and easy hops to LBI, Barnegat Bay, and Island Beach, so you can be outdoors-y without trekking far.
Swing into the week: Local golf itch to scratch? LBI National Golf & Resort gives you a scenic, playable track that feels like a mini-escape without leaving Ocean County. Sneak in a round, breathe a little salt air, then ride that post-birdie glow through the rest of your to-do list.
|
04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
The real retirement risk isn't a bad year, it's a long life: 40 years of saving, and the hard part is making it stretch across 30 more. SmartAsset's free quiz matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who serve your area and are legally required to act in your best interests. The plan is built around you, not their commission. No obligation to hire anyone. *Start the quiz →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The conversation no man wants to have with his doctor: Turns out ~70% of men over 50 are avoiding the exact same one. The hesitation, the awkward throat-clear, the hoping it just sorts itself out… you're far from alone. The good news? You don't need the waiting room at all. What used to mean a face-to-face appointment and an uncomfortable pharmacy run now takes a few clicks from the couch — discreet online evaluation, personalized treatment shipped straight to your door. *No appointment, no awkward small talk →
Get cash back on your gas, groceries, and dining: This is real cash, not points you have to convert like credit card rewards. There are no coupons to clip and no deals to hunt down, you just claim an offer, pay with your linked card, and the cash back lands automatically. You can set it up in minutes and start earning on your very next purchase. *Start earning → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
|
05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
👨 Father's Day Workshop @ Campers Inn RV of Toms River | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Got a dad who can fix anything with zip ties and a prayer? Then this free Father's Day workshop hands him DIY build and paint fun, expert RV tips, live demos, and deals on parts, accessories, gadgets, while you browse and plot upgrades.
🌿 Closed Terrarium Workshop @ My Green House (Barnegat) | Saturday (6/20) at 3:00 PM – Trade your needy houseplants for a miniature, self-sufficient jungle. This workshop walks you through building a closed terrarium with moss, wood, stones, and plants in a 9-inch glass vessel with a cork top, all for $45 per person. Low effort, high bragging rights.
🌟 Stars In My Backyard @ Robert J. Novins Planetarium (Toms River) | Saturday (6/20) at 4:00 PM – Under the big dome, a live guide turns the night sky into backyard gossip, with sun, moon, constellations, planets, stories, songs, and even a rainstorm that does not soak your shoes. Perfect for grades 1-4, plus parents and grandparents who like learning served with fun.
☘ Irish Night @ BlueClaws Baseball Academy (Lakewood) | Saturday (6/20) at 6:00 PM – Break out your green, and hit ShoreTown Ballpark for Irish Heritage Night with the BlueClaws. Expect massed bands, Ed Russell of Ballyhaunis on the anthem, Irish vendors in left field, and the perfect combo of bagpipes, hot dogs, and a cut to local groups.
⚾ Jersey Shore BlueClaws X TSF @ Blue Claws Stadium (Lakewood) | Saturday (6/20) at 7:00 PM – Irish Heritage night at ShoreTown Ballpark has the BlueClaws suiting up as the Jersey Shore Locals, with the Turner Syndrome Foundation as community partner. Expect solid baseball against the Greenville Drive, a chance to connect, and free tickets for TS patients.
🎸 EagleMania @ The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts (Toms River) | Saturday (6/20) at 8:00 PM – If you still know every harmony on Hotel California, this one is your night. EagleMania nails The Eagles with uncanny vocals, lush guitars, and all the hits, so you can sing along, sip something decent, and be home before your knees complain.
👨 Father's Day Bash @ Lakewood Pine Park | Sunday (6/21) at 1:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to let Dad judge strangers’ cars like it’s Pebble Beach, this is it. Lakewood’s Pine Park becomes a Father’s Day car show with builds from classics to imports, music, food, awards, and Dad’s favorite beer. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Ocean County report Weather forecastToday — High: 83°F — Low: 64°F — Precip: 0% Sunny, with a high near 83. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 64. West wind 0 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 82°F — Low: 67°F — Precip: 5% Sunny, with a high near 82. West wind around 5 mph. Later: A chance of rain showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. This house is wildThis charming, meticulously cared-for colonial offers 4 spacious bedrooms, an upstairs office, and 2.5 baths across a layout built for both everyday ease and lively gatherings. Formal living and dining rooms add classic appeal, while the family room and kitchen coffee bar keep things relaxed. A fenced backyard, deck, in-ground pool, 2-car garage, and full basement complete the package.
Take a peek inside → | | |