Scott Hall
Jul 20, 2026
Trivia Question❓Asbury Park's iconic "Tillie" mural was originally painted in the winter of 1955–56 on the side of a beloved indoor amusement arcade. What was the name of that building, when did it close for good, and what happened to the original Tillie mural after the building was demolished in 2004? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Asbury Park, New Jersey, has transformed its image with a vibrant surge of public art, reshaping its downtown identity.
Visionaries like Jenn Hampton fueled this movement, seeing potential in the early 2000s where others saw neglect.
Hampton’s energy helped revive the storied Asbury Lanes and brought creative nights of music, artistry, and alternative culture to the city. Read More... |
Upcoming Events |
Every summer, 3rd Avenue in New Jersey bursts with excitement as it transforms into a vibrant community hub.
For four consecutive Wednesdays, families gather for lively evenings filled with family night activities and diverse local food vendors.
From 5 pm to 9 pm, the stretch between Washington and Passaic Avenues closes to traffic, welcoming neighbors and visitors to enjoy live music beneath the summer sky. Read More... |
Brick SummerFest Night 4: Suit & Mai Tai — Yacht Rock FinaleDate: July 23
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Wall Township Farmers MarketDate: July 23
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Summer sparks a spirit of adventure in New Jersey as Eatontown’s beloved animal rescue camp welcomes young animal enthusiasts once again.
Children eager to help animals get hands-on experience at this summer camp for kids, learning directly from passionate shelter staff.
The recently upgraded Eatontown campus sets the stage for a lively, interactive program emphasizing compassion and responsibility. Read More... |
Business Spotlight |
The excitement around new restaurants New Jersey is palpable as 2026 nears, with residents eager to sample the fresh wave of eateries set to debut across the state.
Downtowns are buzzing as coffee shops and gourmet restaurants prepare to open from bustling city corners to the scenic Jersey Shore.
Among the highlights is an anticipated vegan Ethiopian restaurant in Asbury Park, drawing the attention of plant-based diners and adventurous eaters alike. Read More... |
Photo of the Week |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The building was Palace Amusements — an indoor amusement complex built in 1888 at the corner of Lake Avenue and Kingsley Street in Asbury Park. It closed for good in 1988 after decades as a beloved boardwalk institution, and the building fell into disrepair over the following years.
When Palace Amusements was demolished in 2004, activists including Bob Crane (founder of the Save Tillie group) fought to preserve the iconic mural. They succeeded in rescuing the original Tillie — along with bumper car panels and 21 metal letters spelling "Palace Amusements." However, the original mural was crated and stored for years at Asbury Park's wastewater treatment plant, where it deteriorated significantly. It was briefly brought out of storage on September 28, 2021, for the first time in 17 years.
Today, a replica of Tillie graces the exterior of the Wonder Bar at Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park, keeping the icon visible to visitors. The campaign to find a permanent public home for the original mural continues. |