R-FH Patch Places and Events of 2012

There were a lot of places and events that marked major milestones in 2012. Which is most dear to you?

The year 2012 in the Rumson-Fair Haven area was packed with events and places where milestones were met and change or tradition was either jeered or cheered. From the traditional to the innovative and new, the people of these two small peninsula towns marked many celebrations, sad days and unique places together throughout the year. Take a trip through the important places and events of the year with Patch and remember ... Milestone Fetes and Traditional Events • Fair Haven turned 100 in 2012 and the borough's centennial celebration was marked by events all year long, not the least of which were a parade and gala picnic at Fair Haven Fields. A good time was had by all before, during and after. And speaking of old and time-honored ... • The…

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Barnacle Bill's Tradition: Is it 'Peanuts'?

The longtime tradition at the Rumson bar and grill of peanuts and good company has come to an end over lawsuits and allergies. Has society become overly litigious and hyper-cautious?

For decades, the comforting crunch of peanut shells underfoot, a table with a riverfront view and a standing appetizer of mindless shelling, munching and good company is what many people in the Rumson-Fair Haven area have counted on from Barnacle Bill’s. Going through those auto-pilot motions of walking in to a place where old friends meet, scooping up those peanuts, cracking and catching up is something that has been known to soothe the local soul like hot chicken soup on a cold day. Granted, some people don’t even like chicken soup, but if it’s what’s been passed on to them as a staple comfort, it’s what brings them back to that good, warm feeling inside — like those peanuts at Barnacle Bill’s. It’s pretty simple. It’s a tradition. Call …

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Erica Melone

3:42 pm on Thursday, October 18, 2012

Wait.....they let lefties sit at the bar????   more ›

Down the Shore: Fireman's Fair, Beach Bash, Surf Art

What to do at the beach this weekend

Heading down the Shore? Check out this weekend's best bets:  Hall of Fame rider Ron Turcotte will sign memorabilia at Monmouth Park in Oceanport starting at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. The famed rider of Triple Crown winner Secretariat will be raising money for jockeys' charities. For more information, call the park at 732-222-5100 or visit www.monmouthpark.com/. The annual Fireman's Fair continues from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Mallard Park in Manasquan. Rides, games, food and music will be available. Call 732-223-3501 or visit www.manasquanfair.com/ for more information. The Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation sponsors a Beach Bash from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday at Berkeley Island County Park, Bayville. There will be fun for …

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Down the Shore: Jazz & Blues, Boston in AC, Ice Cream Fest

What to do at the beach this weekend

Heading down the Shore? Check out this weekend's best bets: Monmouth Park continues its Family Day from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday with music, clowns, face painters, bounce houses and more. Admission is $3, and children younger than 12 are free. For more information, click here. New Jersey bluesman Billy Hector will headline the Point Pleasant Jazz and Blues Festival Saturday at Riverfront Park in Point Borough. The music starts at noon, and there will be food, crafters, and a beer and wine garden until 8 p.m. Organizers remind attendees to bring their own lawn chairs; leashed dogs are welcome. For more information, write info@JSJBF.org. Classic rockers Boston will play their hits, including "More Than a Feeling" and "Amanda," when they come to…

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(PHOTOS) Pirates, Princesses and Prisoners Fill the House at Barnacle Bill’s

Local pub celebrates Halloween with 29th annual costume party and contest.

It may have been a work night, but that didn’t stop the die-hard Halloween crew from attending the 29th annual Halloween Costume Contest and Party Oct. 31 at Barnacle Bill’s in Rumson. It was standing-room only at the party complete with pirates, prisoners, princesses and other costumes including an enormous wolf man who howled – indoors and out – most of the evening. “This is our 29th party, and they have all been fun! We have prizes for the employees, and cash prizes for the patrons,” said Todd Sherman, owner of Barnacle’s. There were dozens of diners not in costume, but they were outnumbered by the attendees – even waiters and waitresses – in their Halloween best. The duo of Pat Guadagno and Richard Blackwell – along with the games on …

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Bites Nearby: Barnacle Bill's Grog Shop

Ship-shaped restaurant serves up juicy patties of beef with crispy steak fries and provides a homey, casual family dining experience.

As a lover of traditional American food, I’ve had my share of burgers. If you are from the area you most likely know that one of the best places to get a generously sized piece of the best quality beef is at Barnacle Bill’s in Rumson.  Juicy and sinful, you really must treat yourself to Barnacle’s when you are craving it.  Located on First Street by the river, the restaurant looks like a ship sitting on the water, with lifesavers and anchors decorating the inside. They have unlimited amount of peanuts, allowing the shells to scatter the floor. It has a truly homey and casual feel and a great place to bring your family. My family and I have been going there for years, and every time we have been there, it has been packed. The signature …

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Bites Nearby

Apps, Apps and More Apps...

A small obsession with restaurant appetizers

I’ve always been the type of girl who goes to dinner and gets the three-course meal of an appetizer, entrée and dessert. I can’t just eat dessert without dinner and I can’t eat dinner without an appetizer, it’s just not in my genes. It’s been like this forever so I decided to go on an ‘app-teaser’ to some of my favorite Rumson spots. I started off at Val’s Tavern. Val’s is the perfect place to grab a beer and a burger with some friends on game night and it’s also known for its old-fashioned menu and décor. Walking into Val’s is like visiting my father back in 1961, but with better hair and flashier televisions. I sat down in time for the lunch menu (served daily from 11-3) and made the difficult decision of deciding what to eat. The …

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