Find Local Activities for the Jersey Shore this Weekend, July 16-18.

The town of Long Branch, is one of the largest cities on the Jersey Shore. From the period of the 1860’s through the First World War, it was also the most glamorous. Long Branch’s early years as a resort town was a virtual “Who’s Who” of society, including such names as Astor, Fisk, & Drexel – and even more notorious names such as Diamond Jim Brady and Lily Langtree. First Lady Mary Lincoln visited in 1861, but it was in 1869 that Long Branch had it’s first presidential visit by President Grant. The President continued to visit every summer that he was president, and continued for many years after that.

This week’s city feature in the Jersey Shore is Long Branch, NJ. Long Branch was a beach resort town in the late 1700s. In the 1800s it was a “Hollywood” of the east, where some of the greatest theatrical and other performers of the day gathered and performed. It was visited by presidents Chester A. Arthur, James A. Garfield, Ulysses S. Grant, Benjamin Harrison, Rutherford B. Hayes, William McKinley, and Woodrow Wilson. Seven Presidents Park, a park near the beach, is named in honor of their visits. The Church of the Presidents, where all seven worshiped, is the only structure left in Long Branch associated with them.

Whether you are a local foodie or traveling connoisseur, the Jersey Shore continues to produce a number of world class dining institutions. Today we will feature a Long Branch favorite, the Sirena Bar and Ristorante. Located at 27 Ocean Avenue, this charming dining destination combines authentic Italian cuisine with local favorites.