Surf. Sip. Explore.
September is officially the sweetest season at the beach. Those lucky enough to live there year-round call it Locals Summer; the magical time when long work hours subside, weekly renters pack up and the beach is reserved for the hometown team.
With the launch of the LBI Surf & Sip Brew Trail, intrepid visitors have a new way to engage with the brewers, surfers and creatives who are bringing fresh energy to a classic destination— and now is the ideal time to explore. Launched in January by the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce's Southern Ocean Made program, the trail links taprooms with unique experiences, from water sports to indie arts.
Before cruising over the Causeway, check out the tasting room at Manafirkin Brewing Company. It's a surfer's fantasy, right down to the reclaimed boards on the serene blue walls. If that experience gets you going, hit up the nearby Jetty Flagship Store for new threads and dress the part. On LBI proper; a visit to Ship Bottom Brewery (technically in Beach Haven) might serve as a victory lap after your first successful stand-up paddleboard lesson at South end Surf‘N Paddle. Or keep it terrestrial as you take in the vision of surfer-photographer Ann Coen, who has a nearby gallery; Coen has a knack for capturing that salt-water magic.
Back on the mainland, head south to Pinelands Brewing Company for an oyster stout—but do save room for one more drink. At the Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen's Museum, where you can geek out on the shore's top sport at the on-site NJ Surf-Museum, Union Market & Gallery offers craft sips of the caffeinated variety paired with local art.
Just FYl, the trail is not a beer crawl. Rather; it connects curious imbibers with only-at-the-shore year-round experiences that add texture and dimension to your visit. Drop in once, meet some cool locals, pick up a trail map, and then head back and explore some more. As the folks at Southern Ocean Made put it: “Like good been this trail is meant to be enjoyed at your leisure.”
SOUTHERN OCEAN COUNTY SURF & SIP BREW TRAIL
southernoceanmade.com/brew-trail
