Five Foodie Things to Do in Ocean County This June

This is a feature that we’d like to run each month to give you all some ideas for food fun in Ocean County.  On our own blog, we keep a running list of food events all over South Jersey.  For Jersey Bites, we’re looking just at Ocean County, and we’re narrowing it down to just five really good things.

1. Begin with Strawberries, and End with Blueberries

Strawberry season started a little early this year, but it looks to be hanging around for a little while longer.  Check out Silverton Farms on Silverton Road in Toms River, where they expect to have about two more weeks of strawberries available.  If you’ve never had a real just-picked Jersey strawberry, you’re in for a treat.  You’ll have a lot of difficulty going back to the ones in the store.

At the end of the month, expect the blueberries to arrive.  And when we think of blueberries, we think of the blueberry pies at Emery’s Organic Blueberry Farm in New Egypt.  Oh so good.  Or, maybe you just want to go and pick some yourself.  It’s a win-win situation.

2. The Farmer’s Markets Are Here!

Finally!  Many of the local farmer’s markets in Ocean County do not open until June.  Here’s a rundown of which ones are opening this month:

Manahawkin (June)

657 East Bay Avenue.

Fridays from 9AM to 3PM.

Point Pleasant Beach (June 6th)

Route 35 North and Arnold Avenue.

Sundays from 9AM to 1PM.

Waretown (June 8th)

Route 532.

Tuesdays from 12PM to 5PM.

Toms River (June 9th)

Huddy Park on Water Street.

Wednesdays from 11AM to 5PM.

Seaside Park (June 22nd)

J Street and Central Avenue.

Mondays from 11AM to 5PM.

Barnegat (June 24th)

East Bay Avenue and Route 9.

Thursdays from 12PM to 5PM.

3. Baymen’s Seafood and Music Festival

The festival has become a regular fixture on the schedule at the Tuckerton Seaport.  This year, not only do you get to enjoy the bounty from the sea, but you get topenjoy the sounds of local faves Shorty Long and the Jersey Horns!  The festivities begin on June 19th.

4. Summer Solstice Festival at Laurita Winery

When the weather gets warm, this winery becomes absolutely beautiful.  On the 19th and 20th, join the folks at Laurita Winery in New Egypt for their Summer Solstice Festival.  And while you enjoy a tasting from their full range of wines, take in the sounds of live music and the sights and smells of many different local vendors.  While you’re there, say hello to Michele at the Funky Chunks Soap Company table.

5. Summerbrew at Island Heights

Over two dozen beers on tap.  All you can eat barbecue and fresh clams.  Live music.  All this and more can be yours on June 26th, thanks to the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company #1.

John and Lisa Howard-Fusco are the Jersey Bites Regional Editors for Ocean County.  Although they and their two kids call Ocean County home, their John and Lisa Are Eating in South Jersey food blog has them traveling all over the southern region of New Jersey.  They and their blog have been mentioned in articles by the New York Times, Courier-Post, nj.com and njmonthly.com.  Lisa has written articles and reviews for South Jersey magazine as well as for Ed Hitzel’s Restaurant Newsletter and Hitzel’s Restaurant Magazine.  And John could use a Gaetano’s cheesesteak right about now.