Green City Guide: Red Bank

Hop in your EV and head towards the Jersey coast to visit the 3^rd best small town in America, as picked by the Smithsonian.

Just an hour outside NYC and a short drive from the coast sits Red Bank, New Jersey, a lively, walkable town perfect for an EV-friendly day trip or weekend getaway. With natural beauty, historic architecture, diverse retail, waterfront scenery, entertainment, and dining, Red Bank has it all. In fact, Red Bank was recognized by Smithsonian as the 3^rd best small town in America.

But you may not know that Red Bank is also dedicated to a green future and is a Sustainable Jersey certified community. The town currently has public EV chargers in two convenient downtown parking areas with plans to add more in the coming year. Plug in and explore all that Red Bank has to offer. In addition to its EV infrastructure, Red Bank has received grants to add solar panels in town, has a plastic bag ban in effect, and is in the process of rewriting its master plan to include climate change and environmental justice programs, making Red Bank the perfect Green City destination!

Have we piqued your interest yet? If so, here’s your one-stop guide to exploring this quaint New Jersey town tucked along the banks of the Navesink river, complete with restaurant, hotel and shopping recommendations all conveniently located near public EV charging stations.

Editor’s Note: We understand that travel can be complicated right now and restrictions vary state to state. Check out the New Jersey COVID-19 information hub for up-to-date New Jersey guidelines. If you plan on visiting any of the below destinations, we recommend wearing a mask and checking their official websites for possible closures, limited access announcements, and general safety guidelines.

Friday:

7 P.M.
Dinner

26 West on the Navesink

Established in 2017, 26 West on the Navesink is a premium casual restaurant specializing in exceptional service, coastal cuisine, and craft cocktails. They also offer a children’s menu and various accommodations to ensure that families can enjoy their experience!

9 P.M.
Walk

Riverside Gardens Park

After dinner, stroll through Riverside Gardens Park for views of the Navesink River and read your way through the “Story Walk” presented by The Red Bank Public Library.

10 P.M.
Rest

The Oyster Point Hotel

Locally owned and operated, the Oyster Point Hotel is a situated on the Navesink River and the perfect place to spend your weekend. The hotel exudes a contemporary luxury feel, with high end dining and cocktail options located in the Pearl dining room and Pearl Lounge. Enjoy a gorgeous view of the Navesink River and the Oyster Point Marina from your room as you unwind from your first day in town.

Saturday:

9 A.M.
Breakfast

The Pearl at The Oyster Point Hotel

Wake up and head downstairs to the Pearl restaurant at The Oyster Point hotel, where you can find classics like eggs benedict or something new like Strawberry Stuffed French Toast. Dine on the deck and look out at the sailboats on the river.

11 A.M.
Shop

Castello Boutique

Castello Boutique offers a one-stop shopping experience of expertly curated styles. Luxury, designer and contemporary ready-to-wear are merchandised together in a sleek shopping environment.

Red Bank Chocolate Shoppe

Amy Berry Healy, owner of Red Bank Chocolate Shoppe has been serving up sweet treats since 2000. Everyone’s sweet tooth craves something a little different, but you can never go wrong with their best-selling saltwater taffy and truffles. Thank goodness for assortment boxes!

Earth Spirit New Age

Located in beautiful and historic downtown Red Bank, Earth Spirit New Age Center offers one of the largest selections of metaphysical and esoteric books. Come explore their music, crystals, incense, and a wealth of devotional items including tarot cards, pendulums, singing bowls, statues, and altar objects.

1:30 P.M.
Lunch

Monmouth Meats

Stew has the meats for you! His selection of high-quality meats is what makes this full-service, old fashioned butcher shop and meat market a winner of Monmouth Health & Life Magazine Reader’s Choice awards 5 years in a row. You won’t MEAT anyone more dedicated to their decades of family tradition. And while you’re there, try the Bird & Beef Club, you won’t regret it.

3:00 P.M
Additional Shopping

Downtown Red Bank has a great cluster of stores for all your shopping day needs. If you’re in town for longer, you may be interested in getting a cut and color at L Studio, a sustainable salon ready to help you achieve your perfect look, or head over to Fin and Feathers, your one stop pet shop. Walking through Red Bank, you’ll get a quaint small-town feel, but with the amenities of a big city. Locally owned Down to the Felt can help you furnish your game room or fill up your bookshelves at Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash comic bookstore

Take a stroll through town and explore all that this Destination Electric Green City has to offer!

5 P.M.
Activity

Catch a show at the Count Basie Center for the Arts

The Count Basie Center for the Arts is New Jersey’s premier center for the cultural arts and presents a wide range of arts and education programs. The Center opened as the Carlton Theatre way back in 1926. Today, the Count Basie Center for the Arts is a nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire, educate and entertain through their diverse programming and arts education opportunities. Catch a play, concert, or musical at this Red Bank cultural center.

6:30 P.M.
Dinner

The Dublin House

Visit this beautiful Irish Pub and Restaurant located in the heart of Red Bank. Fill up on tasty Irish food that takes you back to the homeland. Their specials menu is sure to satisfy any appetite.

Sunday:

10 A.M.
Brunch

Molly Pitcher Inn

The Inn is a serene, riverfront retreat where visitors can stay and enjoy the surrounding Red Bank community. Molly Pitcher’s famed Sunday Brunch has been the proud recipient of the Asbury Park Press, Readers’ Choice Award for Best Brunch since 1996. Try their brunch classics like Cinnamon-Vanilla French Toast.