Latest news with #beachtown
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Former grungy beach town with deep ties to Bruce Springsteen roars back to life as an ultra-luxury getaway
An East coast beach town is another one that has been transformed from crumbling boardwalks and punk bars to boutiques and luxury high-rise living — but this one's managing to hang on to a piece of its gritty history. It's long been loved by New Jersey residents seeking long beach days and barbeques in the sweltering summer months. Now, Asbury Park, New Jersey, the iconic, blue-collar getaway where Bruce Springsteen proudly started his career, has finally been discovered by developers. The once-grimy seaside area is making waves in the luxury real estate world with the arrival of Lido Asbury Park, an ultra-modern condominium development on the ocean where condos start at $825,000 that will redefine 'down the shore,' the Jersey-esque term used by locals who vacation there. The arrival of the condos has had an immediate ripple effect on the area. Property values in Asbury Park have surged — according to Zillow, the median home price year over year from June 2024 to June 2025 increased from $680,000 to $705,667. The building has also drawn high-end businesses who want their wealthy residents to spend money there. Nearby fine dining spot Pascal & Sabine now offers an $85 dover sole plate paired with a $25 glass of cabernet. While the kitschy beach shops selling T-shirts, aging arcades, and dive bars remain, the once neglected boardwalk is now also lined with boutique hotels, art galleries, indie retail offering curated designer clothing, and high-end salons with $100 haircuts. In addition to the local crab shacks that have so far survived the revitalization, fine dining like St. Laurent Social Club, from Top Chef alum and James Beard Award semi-finalist David Viana, and Judy and Harry's, a seasonal bar and restaurant, have also become local favorites. Still, Asbury Park remains true to its roots in many ways. It has a rich music history, with Springsteen and Bon Jovi both playing at the Stone Pony, easily considered a local institution, early in their careers. The club, which opened in 1974, remains amidst the changes to the area. Springsteen's debut studio album from 1973 is even titled Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ. He admittedly bleeds Asbury Park to this day. 'I'm in the Atlantic Ocean every summer,' Springsteen told Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast in May 'I still ride all these roads that I rode when I was a kid. 'I still love to go down and get a hot dog from Max's or the Wind Mill. 'I still love to spend a little time in the Asbury Park boardwalk when I can, and I live 10 minutes here from my hometown of Freehold. I'll be here till the angels come knocking.' The Boss also visited movie sets in Asbury Park when production was filming for the upcoming Springsteen biopic, Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, starring Jeremy Allen White. Asbury Park is also known for its creative community. The Asbury Park Arts District is a must see for artists and the area is known for its friendly LGBTQ+ vibes. The Asbury Park arts district and various public art installations in town have helped to cultivate the city as a destination for art lovers. The Lido promises to offer the ultimate in coastal living, with modern architecture on the beach that also preserves some of that grit Asbury Park is known for. 'Asbury Park has emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations along the East Coast. Lido is raising the bar even higher,' Ralph Zucker, CEO of Somerset Development, which designed the building, told 'The pre-sales have already been exceptional.' Somerset Development is the same team behind Bell Works in Holmdel, the famous office building from Severance that serves as the eerie backdrop for Lumon Industries. The building has already broken a record with the sale of its $7.6 million triplex penthouse — it's the most expensive condo ever sold in New Jersey. The four-bedroom, 3,626-square-foot penthouse has a private rooftop plunge pool, a 'summer kitchen' designed for outdoor grilling, double-height ceilings and sweeping ocean views. The eight-story waterfront complex located on Ocean Avenue will have interiors and art curated by award-winning Clodagh Design, which furnished the terraces of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The building will be finished in all natural materials like warm white oak, Taj Mahal stone, and custom designed cabinetry. A 50,000-square-foot amenity suite includes a saltwater swimming pool, Turkish hammam, and outdoor fire pits. Residents will have access to resort-style amenities like hot-cold plunge pools, saunas and a full-service fitness center overlooking the ocean. The 112 residences range from $825,000 to over $7 million. The building is a surprising addition to the area, which had fallen onto hard times in the 1970s after tourists began to explore other shore towns. Asbury Park, founded in 1871 by millionaire manufacturer James A. Bradley, was named after Francis Asbury, one of the first two bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church in North America. Private outdoor spaces are a key feature, with select homes having oversized terraces Bradley's vision for the town sprung to life with a boardwalk and a thriving business district that sat at water's edge. But with the expansion of New Jersey's highways, tourists began to flee. Now, it's coming back to life, much like neighboring Long Branch, a once-neglected shore town that Jared Kushner has reinvented as a playground for the wealthy. At the Lido, each condo is open-concept design that floods with natural light and has panoramic views of both the Atlantic and Asbury Park's bustling boardwalk. Private outdoor spaces for many of the units have private pools and oversized terraces. A grand lobby welcomes visitors with a sculptural bronze spiral staircase and seashell-inspired design elements. There's a library lounge with a fireplace, a parlor room, and a dedicated co-working suite tailor-made for remote workers. Residents share a private screening room, a game room, and even a private dining suite that comes complete with a catering kitchen. For pet lovers, there's an animal spa, and there's an interactive playroom for kids. Outside, there are landscaped pathways, private cabanas, a barbecue area, and a sculpture garden. There's also an alfresco dining suite with an outdoor kitchen for seaside dinner parties. The development of the Lido has kickstarted the luxury market in Asbury Park. 'What truly sets LIDO apart is the range of residences available, from spacious one-bedrooms to expansive multi-floor penthouses,' said Jodi Stasse, Senior Managing Director at Corcoran Sunshine, which is selling the units.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-lead-image-FL30ATOWN0725-f56228dc42164dc6af4a339175af7fa5.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
22-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This Florida Spot Was Just Named the Best U.S. Beach Town by Vrbo—Thanks to Its Turquoise Waters, White Sand, and Charming Coastal Communities
Vrbo has named its top U.S. beach towns to visit in summer 2025, with Florida's scenic 30A region taking the top spot for its charming coastal communities, white-sand beaches, and diverse local experiences. Few things capture the spirit of summer quite like a day—or an entire week—spent in a beach town. These are places where the salty air has softened the edges of buildings, the ocean is never more than a short walk away, and quaint shops overflow with seashell souvenirs. Depending on where you live, a particular beach town might already come to mind. But some destinations are more quintessential than others. Vrbo released its selection of the Top Beach Towns for Summer Vacations for 2025 including a selection of five can't miss domestic locations. In the top spot is 30A, Florida. This is technically a collection of beach towns, not just one. Known as one of the best scenic highways in the state, 30A features a handful of picturesque towns on the Florida Panhandle. Situated directly on the gulf, each town offers the same white sand beaches and turquoise waters. But while each beach might be similarly perfect, part of the appeal of 30A is that each town offers its own distinct personality. At no more than five to 20 minute drives apart from each other, you'll find everything from sleepy windswept towns with a dive bar to planned luxury communities boasting boutiques stocked with glass sculptures. 'Notable towns include Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, Alys Beach, and Water Color,' Vrbo's report states. 'These towns feature charming accommodations, local food options, diverse shopping and family-friendly activities.' You can find a vacation rental in Seaside, and spend the evening wandering through Water Color. The next morning, you could bike over to Rosemary Beach for breakfast before spending the day at the beach or one of the area's trails or nature preserves. It feels like a place where you can have cinematic summer experience, rife with fresh seafood, trips to beachy record shops, and days lounging in the Florida sun. 'The region has grown in popularity among Northern travelers and remains a hot spot with Southern travelers looking for a quick getaway from nearby cities like Atlanta,' Vrbo reports. If you're looking for even more travel inspiration for other parts of the country, don't worry. Vrbo's top beach towns to visit in 2025 can be found below. 1. 30A, Florida 2. Wilmington, North Carolina 3. The Hamptons, New York, 4. Hilton Head, South Carolina 5. San Diego, California 6. Gulf Shores, Alabama
CBC
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
15 summer films perfect for outdoor movie nights
Cosy movie nights take on a whole new meaning in summer. Rather than being cooped up indoors, why not watch something under the stars? Once you get the set up right, it can be a magical experience. The first step is to consider your space and your audience. Keep in mind that it gets dark later in the evening, so be mindful of noise levels, movie ratings and your neighbours. Most importantly, have fun choosing your movie. Creature features, vampire flicks and slashers are ideal for outdoor screenings. They encompass the feeling of the gruelling heat and ignite a fear of what's lurking outside on a balmy night. Then there's the summer romance; whether you're in the mood for a seasonal fling, life-long commitment or a journey of friendship and finding yourself, this is the perfect time for love stories. With all that in mind, here are 15 movies that will spark your passion for the season. Jaws and other creature features Jaws (1975) What better time to press play on the original summer blockbuster than on the 50th anniversary of its release? Steven Spielberg's cult classic takes place in the idyllic beach town of Amity Island, which brings in swarms of people over the summer. This creates the perfect scenario for a great white shark on the hunt for swimmers, so police chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider), oceanographer Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and local fisherman Quint (Robert Shaw) join forces to take the creature down. It's amid this madness that Brody's iconic line, "You're gonna need a bigger boat" is born. And while there isn't a ton of gore, Jaws lays the groundwork for the killer-shark movie trope we've come to know and love. If you want a movie that'll have you on edge all night (and maybe a little scared of your next beach day), this is the one. Crawl (2019) When we think of creature features, we tend to think about sharks, but we can't forget about their fellow predators lurking in the water. In the 2019 film Crawl, Haley Keller (Kaya Scodelario) is trying to escape a Florida hurricane — and a bunch of alligators. After she rescues her dad (Barry Pepper), they both get trapped in the crawl space of his house as water levels, and tensions, rise. This movie will have you jumping out of your seat. Beast (2022) This action-packed film is a story of man versus beast. Dr. Nate Samuels (Idris Elba) and his two daughters, Meredith (Iyana Halley) and Norah (Leah Sava Jeffries), visit a game reserve in South Africa to spend time together after the loss of the girls' mother (Naledi Mogadime), but chaos ensues as a lion — the only surviving member of its pride after a poacher attack — stalks them. This survival flick will have you clutching your popcorn while also admiring the beauty of the landscape and its wildlife. However, at its core, it's a thrilling revenge tale for the creature that lost its family. Sinners and other vampire flicks Sinners (2025) Ryan Coogler's Sinners is a genre-defying take on the vampire horror film. Set in Mississippi in 1932 and taking place over the course of a single day, the movie stars Michael B. Jordan as twin brothers Stack and Smoke, who have returned from Chicago with a dream and an infamous reputation. The twins open up a juke joint where the Black community and other people of colour can let loose with soulful music and plenty of dancing. Irish vampire Remmick (Jack O'Connell) is moved by the music and wants to bring everyone there over to the dark side. What ensues is a night of spicy love scenes, addictive musical numbers and, of course, bloody murder. Hot tip: watch through the credits for two additional scenes! The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (2011) Although watching the entire Twilight series would make for a fun movie night, let me make a case for its fourth installment. In The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1, Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) have defied all odds to be together. They finally tie the knot and head off on their honeymoon to a small island off the coast of Brazil where the weather isn't the only thing that gets steamy. Bella finds herself pregnant and they head back to Forks, Washington, to deal with the impact of their half-vampire baby. In addition to romance and vampires, this is the perfect summer watch because it opens with a beautiful outdoor wedding — ideal inspo for wedding season. Abigail (2024) Starring Alisha Weir in the titular role, Abigail is about a most unexpected kind of vampire: a young ballerina. A group of criminals is tasked with kidnapping a rich little girl and holding her for ransom overnight in an abandoned building, but they have no idea who they are actually trapped with. This film puts a fun and creepy twist on the classic vampire flick. It features an ensemble cast including Melissa Barrera, Kathryn Newton and Angus Cloud, who provide comic relief in contrast to the creepy vampire who enjoys dancing as much as draining blood. Add this to your watchlist if you enjoy a horror movie that doesn't take itself too seriously. Friday the 13th and other summer slashers Friday the 13th (1980) For horror fans, nothing screams quintessential summer viewing like Friday the 13th. The cult movie is set in 1979 at Camp Crystal Lake, which has reopened after being shut down decades prior due to the drowning of a boy named Jason Vorhees in 1957 and the murder of camp counselors a year later. What starts as a fun, lust-filled summer for a bunch of teens ends with them getting picked off one by one. This film is a summer camp classic — and spawned a franchise with one of the most iconic villains of all time. With plenty of gory scenes, this slasher might have you rethinking your next visit to the lake. Hell of a Summer (2023) Canadians take the lead in this independent horror-comedy starring and co-directed by Billy Bryk and Finn Wolfhard. Filmed in Ontario, Hell of a Summer takes on the classic formula of a summer-camp slasher, but leans heavily into comedy. Camp counselors get taken out by a mysterious figure in a devil mask, and through gory kills — and big laughs — the audience is left guessing who the culprit is until the very end. I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) There's nothing like summer fun with friends, and for these teens, that means covering up a murder. I Know What You Did Last Summer popularized the slasher trope you've come to know: being stalked by an unknown figure who knows your deepest, darkest secrets. In addition to its summertime setting, and cast of icons such as Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr. and Ryan Phillippe, it's the ideal time to watch this 1997 film because a sequel is being released on July 18. 50 First Dates and other summer romances 50 First Dates (2004) There's nothing more romantic than a love story that defies all odds — and takes place somewhere breathtaking. Both of these describe the beloved rom-com 50 First Dates. On Oahu, Hawaii, Henry (Adam Sandler) decides to give up his playboy ways when he hits it off with Lucy (Drew Barrymore), only to find out she has short-term memory loss and will forget him every morning. What follows is a hilarious but endearing story where he fights for her love each day. This pick will have you laughing out loud and tearing up all in the same night. The Last Song (2010) Based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks, the king of romantic drama, this 2010 film is a story about family and first loves. Ronnie Miller (Miley Cyrus) is sent to a small beach town for the summer to stay with her father, Steve (Greg Kinnear). There she meets Will Blakelee (Liam Hemsworth), who reignites her passion for music — an interest that also helps her to reconnect with her dad. Grab some tissues and prepare for a night of tears, an occasional "aww" and the inevitable heartbreak that stories by Sparks are known for. Wedding Season (2022) A classic fake-relationship rom-com with a fresh take (this interpretation factors in the characters' South Asian backgrounds), Wedding Season was shot in Toronto and features no fewer than 15 nuptials. Asha (Pallavi Sharda) and Ravi's (Suraj Sharma) immigrant parents are hounding them about when it's their turn to get married, so they pretend to date to get them off their backs. Take inspiration from the beautiful outdoor wedding scenes and maybe even add your own open bar to your outdoor screening! Mamma Mia! and other summer travel tales Mamma Mia! (2008) If any movie could inspire you to take that summer trip, attend a destination wedding or live vicariously through unforgettable summer adventures, it's this one. Starring icons such as Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Colin Firth and Pierce Brosnan, Mamma Mia! uses Abba songs and the beautiful backdrop of a fictional Greek island to tell its story. Sophie, who is about to get married, hopes to find out who her father truly is by inviting three of her mother's former partners to her wedding. No matter the audience, this jukebox musical will have your guests laughing, singing and dancing the night away. Best to save this for a weekend screening! The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005) Perfect for girls' night, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is as much about the beauty of friendship as it is about summer romance. Starring Y2K queens Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera and Amber Tamblyn, this film is fun, flirty and tugs at the heartstrings. Four best friends are separated for the summer by jobs and vacations, but keep in touch with a pair of magical pants that happen to fit each one of them perfectly, even though they're all different sizes and shapes. Plus, there's a dreamy meet-cute and plenty of inspo for your next European getaway. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) After an unexpected divorce, Frances (Diane Lane) heads to Tuscany with her best friend Patti, played by Canadian icon Sandra Oh. She hopes to get over her writer's block and her ex on this trip, but instead buys herself a rundown villa to restart her life. Even if we can't all afford an Italian villa, this film reminds us of the beauty of travel and friendship. Whether it gets you to step out of your comfort zone, block your ex or book an Italian getaway, this film is the perfect pick for a summer movie night.
Daily Mail
06-07-2025
- Daily Mail
How South Carolina town shed its 'Dirty Myrtle' reputation to become a hot spot for retirees
A South Carolina town once known as 'Dirty Myrtle' after its infamous strip clubs and boozy bars has been transformed into a retirement haven. Myrtle Beach, situated along a 60-mile string of beaches, has become home to America's fastest growing population of retirees. The number of over-65s living in the seaside town rose by 6.3 per cent last year, according to the latest Census Bureau data, and the senior population's grown by over 22 per cent since 2020 - the fastest rate for a U.S. town this decade. While the vacation hotspot got over 18 million tourists every year, the senior population made up over a quarter of around 413,000 year-round residents. The beachfront town's known for its mile-long boardwalk and iconic 200ft Ferris wheel. Where once there were biker rallies, noise, traffic, and ensuing rowdiness led the city to take measures to end such events in the late 2000s. The streets since were more likely to be lined with seniors playing pickleball and enjoying food quietly outdoors. The pandemic accelerated the town's senior boom, because many longtime visitors from Ohio and NYC decided to take the opportunity to relocate. Many guests chose to retire early, while others who were freed by homeworking decided to relocate with their families. Longtime resident Mark Kruea, who's running for mayor, told the Associated Press: 'Many people converted that thought into action. The climate's great, taxes are low, there's a wealth of opportunities for recreation, dining and shopping.' Myrtle Beach's located roughly halfway between NYC and Miami, which appealed to older people who wanted to retire at the beach location but did not want to go all the way down to Florida or other Southern states. The relatively small Myrtle Beach International Airport had direct flights to many locations across the States. The local weather's also ideal for retirees as the seasons were not too extreme.
Daily Mail
06-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Southern town becomes hotspot for retirees
By The South Carolina town once known as 'Dirty Myrtle' after its infamous strip clubs and boozy bars has transformed into a retirement haven. Myrtle Beach, situated along a 60-mile string of beaches, is home to the fastest growing population of retirees in the US. The number of over 65s living in the seaside town rose 6.3 percent last year alone, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data. The senior population has grown by more than 22 percent since 2020, the fastest rate for a US town this decade. While the vacation hotspot is still visited by more than 18 million tourists every year the senior population now makes up more than a quarter of the roughly 413,000 year-round residents. The beachfront town is known for its mile-long boardwalk and iconic 200-foot Ferris wheel. The town used to bring in biker rallies, but the noise, traffic and ensuing rowdiness led the city to take measures to end the events in the late 2000s. Now the streets are more likely to be lined with seniors playing pickleball and quiet outdoor diners. The pandemic accelerated the town's senior boom, as many longtime visitors from Ohio and New York decided to take the opportunity to relocate. Many chose to retire early, while others freed by homeworking decided to relocate their families. 'Many people converted that thought into action,' longtime resident Mark Kruea told the Associated Press. The weather in Myrtle Beach is also ideal for retirees as there are seasons, but they are not extreme. July tends to be the hottest month, with an average temperature of 87.6 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Weather Service. The coldest month, meanwhile, is January, when temperatures drop down to around 55.7 degrees Fahrenheit. Myrtle Beach also has all the attractions and amenities of vacation destination, which means there is plenty for retirees to do. There is the 60-mile stretch of beaches, known as the Grand Strand, as well as world-class golf courses, restaurants and shops. While Myrtle Beach has become a retirement boomtown, an aging population has meant the entire over 65 population in the US shot up by 3.1 percent last year. In the past two decades, seniors have increased from 12.4 percent to 18 percent of the US population. The share of children, meanwhile, has dropped from 25 percent to 21.5 percent, according to population estimates reported by AP. Maine, Vermont, and Florida were the only three states where older adults outnumbered children as recently as 2020. But four years later, those states were joined by Delaware, Hawaii, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia.
