© Maggie Huber / The Courier Journal
Mapping out a Real 'Jersey Shore' Tour for Aaron Rodgers
We have all seen the clips by now.
Aaron Rodgers is a big "Jersey Shore" guy.
"That’s one of the greatest shows back when MTV used to actually have content on it.’ It’s phenomenal. I’m a fan of all of them. I actually went to Pauly D’s set back in Vegas back when I used to go there a few times a year back in 2011 or something," said Rodgers.
Although Mike Sorrentino, more famously known as “The Situation” wants to meet up with him, and show him the ropes in the Garden State, I think I have a more tailored itinerary for his personality that can show him what the real Jersey Shore is all about.
After all, TSwift’s Folklore album is also my favorite, so that alone pretty much makes us best friends with the same taste.
Although I would love to send the New York Jets' new quarterback to all of the “Jersey Shore”-esque spots that the show cast frequented, I'm not sure it would be the best use of his time. Plus, according to people I know in NYC, Rodgers has made his share of appearances at dive bars and is usually up for a game of beer pong.
I want to make sure the future Hall-of-Famer gets the full, well-rounded shore experience.
Encouraging a return prior to training camp, because let’s be real, he could have spent his entire summer break in Jersey and still not have had enough time hit all the good spots, I have carefully curated a specific list of destinations that I know he would thoroughly enjoy. These things could easily be peppered in on preseason off-days, allowing Rodgers to experience the real taste of a Jersey summer.
Day 1
The journey begins with a golf outing at one of the state's best-kept secrets, Due Process Golf & Stables in Colts Neck, NJ. This private course is one of the most prestigious and expensive courses in the country where members and guests are treated like royalty. The staff have the utmost attention to detail in all aspects of the experience. It is a great way to kick off the trip, but you will need an invite, so if you’re interested, I’ve got a guy, my friend.
After your unparalleled round of golf, I would then head a few miles over for one of the best steak dinners he can have at the shore. I will provide two options here, because I think the more popular and expected recommendation would be The Block in Long Branch, but I would argue that Gabriella’s in Red Bank is on the same level of excellence with some of the best appetizer and entrée specials to offer. The Block offers more in terms of ambiance and experience, but he seriously cannot go wrong with either.
Day 2
I would head over to Monmouth Racetrack which has been a shore tradition since 1870. With it’s beautiful landscaping, frequenting food truck vendors and Caesars Sportsbook (although I would advise Rodgers to refrain from partaking in this space), there is something for everyone to appreciate and enjoy. This track has featured some of the greatest horses and jockeys in history, inclusive of triple crown winner, American Pharoah who was the first triple crown at the shore.
Rodgers has already been to Churchill Downs, and Monmouth Park should be next on his list
After visiting the track, I would head east up to Donovan’s for a drink right on the beach in Sea Bright before a late dinner reservation at one of the most premiere family owned and operated Italian restaurants, Anjelica’s. It is highly touted and very hard to get in, but again, I know a guy (girl) so hit me up.
I don’t know if Rodgers is a craft beer guy but regardless, he needs to stop by one of the most poplar craft beer breweries at the shore in Kane Brewing. The brewery offers tastings of its American- & Belgian-style beers & self-guided tours. From there, I would suggest a trip to Porta in Asbury Park for some of the best Neapolitan pizza, meatballs and espresso martini’s at the jersey shore. Asbury Park, known for its long history of famous musicians, including Bruce Springsteen, you have to experience the musical culture this city has to offer. After dinner, walk over to the storied Stone Pony Summer Stage to catch any of the incredible artists still left to perform this summer.
Day 3
As we head further south, a must-do at some point is a fishing trip aboard the Royal Miss Belmar for fluke and sea bass, and / or catch one of their whale watching excursions that typically depart around 4pm out of the Belmar Marina. There is no shortage of whales and dolphins just a mile or so off the shore and the thrill of capturing these fun and beautiful creatures is one of the most exciting things to experience at the shore.
Off the boat, I would take the free golf cart shuttle a few blocks to country night at Bar Anticipation on Wednesday night. Anyone that has ever been to “Bar A” is likely wondering why I wouldn’t suggest a Tuesday “Beat the Clock”, but that’s exactly why I wouldn’t – it would be a bit overwhelming for someone with the star power of Rodgers to navigate that crowd. I am trying to set this trip up for success, and I have heard country night is awesome, and right up Rodgers's alley.
READ Rodgers Celebrates End of Jets OTAs at Ed Sheeran Concert
Day 4
The last day will touch a few areas but will be the most epic of all. I would start down at the Jenks boardwalk, perhaps playing a little mini golf and boardwalk games. He can see the legend of Martell’s Tiki Bar but I would recommend, he walk down to Point Pleasant’s best kept secret, Jenks Inlet Bar. Situated right on the beach, they feature some of the coolest bands to accompany the views. From there, you know there was no way I could allow him to skip over God’s Basement. Rodgers would be shuffled to the Parker House, Sea Girt and forced to buy a Spring Laker, even if he didn’t drink it. He would simply have to have a lobster roll and a cheeseburger on the side porch to complete the visit.
After satiating his appetite, the "Cabs are hereeaa" to head to DJais where The Situation can then show Rodgers first-hand the real experience of the Jersey Shore. Jets' running back Breece Hall has already been there this year and appeared to enjoy the situation, which entails grails and teaching the art of fist-pumping and slapping the iconic walls to the beat of your heart as it pumps just as hard as your neighbor's fist.
I would be curious as to which bar Rodgers would choose to post-up at, but something tells me he would hit all, east, west and ocean. Who better to toss napkins in the air as the beat drops, amiright?
Having been born and raised at the shore, I feel confident in saying that this trip would change the shore and the shore would change him – both in the best ways possible.
It is hard to capture all that the shore has to offer in the few days the busy QB has off, and I know the Jets' faithful wants him to really focus on the upcoming season and preparation. I would argue that having a healthy work/life balance could enhance performance on the field. We have all seen how much Rodgers capitalized on all NJ and NY had to offer during OTAs and we want to continue to watch him thrive on and off the field.
Stay tuned for the next neighborhood that Mr. Rodgers will be coming to near you.
Follow Amanda Shinn on Instagram (@jets_nashinn)
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