Travel Blog #1

Fair Haven, New Jersey

    Hello, my name is Margot White. I was born in New York City but was raised in the little town of Fair Haven, New Jersey. I will be studying in Budapest, Hungary from February to June, 2023. Until then, I will be writing my first few blog posts about my hometown. While New Jersey often has negative connotations due to the industrial corridor surrounding Newark, the state has some of the world's best beaches and hundreds of beautiful towns.

     One of these towns is Fair Haven, a hidden gem on the northern part of the coast in Monmouth County. This coastal county has many beautiful beaches and historic towns, but Fair Haven is unique, and I am proud to call it home. Located an hour south of New York City and 10 minutes from the beach, Fair Haven is a 1 square mile town located between two rivers and an ocean. 

     This town has many homes with character and rich history behind them. The speed limit is 25 mph to protect all the people that walk, bike, and stroll with their children. Fair Haven has many generations of families who have contributed to this beautiful little community. My great-grandfather, grandfather, and father were all raised in Fair Haven. It is rare to find towns where families don't want to leave. 

    Many homes were built in the 1800s, and most are well preserved. Many of these preserved homes exist in what is known as "the historic part of town" along the Navesink River.  People often stroll down the streets and admire the beautiful old homes on their way to the river and the town dock.  Families pushing strollers and children riding bikes follow alongside them. People sitting outside the local coffee store Booskerdoo or kids hanging out across the street at Fairwinds Deli. Drive down any street, and you are bound to see someone that you know. In the summer, children are fishing, and in the winter you will catch the whole town ice skating on quaint McCarter's Pond. 

    Fair Haven is 10 minutes from the beach, 10 minutes from hiking woods, and less than an hour away from New York City. It is a very special place location-wise. Many people think of getting to New York City by driving, plane, or train. Where I am located, we have the ferry. The Seastreak ferry is favored by many to travel to the City for a day trip or by commuters. It is clean and safe, and you get a beautiful ocean view the entire ride. Additionally, within 10 minutes away, people can travel by rail and still enjoy the scenery and water views on the way to the city. 

    There are two preschools, one elementary school, and one middle school for the entire town. Something special about Fair Haven is that there are no school buses because the town is so small. Instead, they close cross-town Third Street to use a main thoroughfare for students during school hours. Kids ride their bikes, walk, or even get pushed in a stroller when they are little. All day long kids and families travel back and forth on Third Street.  After school, groups of kids will be gathered outside of Fairwinds Deli, and bikes are thrown all over. 

    The town has one grocery store, and fewer than 10 restaurants, yet many places to gather. Many of the businesses and restaurants in Fair Haven are family owned. Passed down to younger generations, these stores have made it through my parent's and grandparent's generations. So many families growing up here and then raising their families here too. Everybody knows the familiar faces at all the coffee shops and restaurants. Everybody who works at the cafes and restaurants is local people who also share a love for Fair Haven. 

    The seashore is lined with private beach clubs that were established long ago. These large buildings are home to hundreds of families in the summer. Even in the off months, you can admire the beautiful Jersey Shore. Walking your dog along the beach or just going for a stroll with friends and family, there are always people at the beach. Out on the Navesink River, you can admire all the boats that are in the mooring yard for the winter months. When the river freezes over you can find ice boaters sharing the water with ice skaters. 

    Fair Haven, the town I call home, is a very special town. The town is built on history and the progression of new families who will watch their future generations grow up. There is a fond appreciation for all the town has to offer. Amazing school systems, the teachers who really care, and all the small businesses. Despite not being in Budapest, Hungary yet, home, has a ton of things to keep me busy.