Sandy Hook

Con and I took the afternoon off work and headed to the Jersey Shore for the weekend. We stayed at Grace and Phil's condo in Highlands, and went to our favorite beach, Sandy Hook. The 7 mile peninsular of natural beach is owned by the federal government and consists of public beaches (including Gunnison Beach, the state's only nude beach), fishing areas, a windsurfing beach and at the north end, the now-defunct Fort Hancock and the country's oldest light house. We love Sandy Hook for it's beautiful, natural, boardwalk-free beaches, and biking trails.

Afterwards, we relaxed with a drink at The Sea Gulls Nest, an open air restaurant 25 feet above the ground with 360 degree panoramic views. Every summer eve, the owner and founder, Ed Segall, plays the national anthem as the sun sets across the bay and the ocean darkens in the east.

Later that night we dined at Off the Hook, a local restaurant with excellent fresh seafood.