Little Beach Big Adventures: August 9 – August 16

Week 8 - August 9 - August 16

Hi, I’m Kezi! Proud wife, mom of four, and longtime local here on the beautiful stretch of Long Beach Island. Whether it’s your first visit or you've lost count, I’m here to help make your family trip unforgettable. From kid-approved activities to can’t-miss local eats, consider me your go-to guide for making the most of your time on LBI.

Welcome back to another summer on Long Beach Island!

Can you believe we are already into August!?

The island is glowing with late-summer magic. The ocean’s warmer, the sunsets are putting on their best show, and the pace has that perfect mix of slow mornings and adventure-packed afternoons. It’s that sweet spot in the season when you feel like a local—even if you’re just here for the week.

Whether you’ve been here all season or just rolled over the Causeway for the first time this summer, this is your invitation to slow down, savor, and explore. Here’s what we’re loving this week:

 

😎 The Lineup

🎣 Hooked on Fishing Tournament
Saturday, August 9 | 8:00 AM
Harvey Cedars / Sunset Park

🧮  STEAM Class
Monday, August 11 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Beach Haven / LBI 
Historical Museum

🧸 Kids Corner Ages 5-8
Monday, August 11 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Holgate / Field Station

🖍️ Drop In Craft
Monday, August 11 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Surf City Library

🍅 Surf City Farmers Market
Monday, August 11 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Surf City

🪄 Family Night / Ken The Magician
Monday, August 11 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Brant Beach / Bayview Park

🎉 Mix Up Monday Vendor Village
Monday, August 11 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Brant Beach/Bayview Park

🐟 White Marlin Invitational
Tuesday, August 12 – Saturday August 16| 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Beach Haven/

🍳 Breakfast with SpongeBob
Tuesday, August 12 | 7:30 AM
Beach Haven/Queen City Kitchen

🎨 Krafty Kids Tuesdays/ Next Level Kids
Tuesday, August 12 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Brant Beach/Bayview Park

 🐚 Teen Tuesday Ages 10-14/ Silent Disco
Tuesday, August 12 | 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Brant Beach/Bayview Park

🐢 Terrapin Tuesday
Tuesday, August 12 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Holgate / Field Station

🐠 Bay Day 
Tuesday, August 12
 |  9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Surf City Bay beach 

👧 Parachute Play Ages 1-4
Tuesday, August 12 | 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Surf City Library

🦀 Critter Round Up
Tuesday, August 12 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Ship Bottom Bay Beach

💦 Make Waves Wednesday
Wednesday, August 13 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Holgate / Field Station

🎊 PJ Party In The Park
Wednesday, August 13 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Surf City Library @ Bayveiw
Park

⛳️  Mini Golf Tournament
Wednesday, August 13 | 10:00 AM 
Surf City / Island Golf

🍓 Farmers Market
Wednesday, August 13 | 9:00 AM
Beach Haven

📸 Seas The Day Thursday
Thursday, August 14 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Holgate / Field Station

🎶 Songs with Miss Summer
Thursday, August 14 | 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Surf City Library

🌊 Bay Day
Thursday, August 14 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Brant Beach / Bayveiw Park

☀️ Field Station Friday
Friday, August 15 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Holgate / Field Station

🥖 Artisian Market
Friday, August 15 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Beach Haven

🥁 Bucket Drumming
Friday, August 15 | 10:00 AM
Beach Haven / Bay Village Playgroun

🥁 Blue Crab Craft Show
Saturday, August 16 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Harvey Cedars / Sunset Park

 

🍔 Family Restaurant of the Week

Buckalew's Restaurant and Tavern

Credit: Image by Buckalew's

Located in the heart of Beach Haven, Buckalew’s Restaurant & Tavern is a true Long Beach Island staple. With its charming Victorian-style exterior, lively tavern atmosphere, and a menu that covers everything from fresh seafood to gourmet burgers and creative cocktails, Buckalew’s delivers classic shore vibes with a polished twist

Whether you’re a local looking for your favorite seat at the bar or a family seeking a fun, flavorful dinner after a long beach day, Buckalew’s checks all the boxes.

Photo by Buckalew's

🏡 A Little Local History

Buckalew’s isn’t just another restaurant—it’s part of Beach Haven’s charm and character. The building dates back to the 1870s, originally a Victorian boarding house. Today, it blends that rich history with a bustling modern dining experience that’s beloved by generations of island-goers.

🍴 What’s on the Menu?

Buckalew’s menu is broad but thoughtfully crafted. You’ll find elevated pub fare, fresh seafood, crisp salads, sushi, and some of the best burgers on the island.

🍔 Fan Favorites:

    •    The Buckalew Burger – half-pound Angus beef, perfectly cooked, with your choice of cheese and toppings.

    •    Pizza– a classic pie you can’t miss

    •    Blackened Tuna – with coconut rice

There’s also a sushi bar tucked into the back, so if you’re craving a spicy tuna roll with your fries, you’re in the right place.

🍸 Don’t Skip the Drinks

Buckalew’s has a full-service bar with an impressive cocktail list and rotating seasonal beers on tap. From classic crushes and frozen margaritas to local craft brews, it’s a great spot to unwind—especially during happy hour.

🎶 Live Music & Laid-Back Vibes

In the summer, Buckalew’s comes alive with live music and late-night energy. It’s family-friendly by day and a go-to hangout by night, making it one of the few LBI spots that truly transitions from casual lunch to lively nightlife.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for Groups & Families

With a huge dining area, outdoor seating, and a friendly staff that’s used to big summer crowds, Buckalew’s is perfect for families, big groups, or casual date nights. Bonus: it’s right across from Fantasy Island—a perfect post-dinner adventure for the kids!

🏖️ Plan Your Visit

📍 101 N Bay Ave, Beach Haven, NJ

🕕 Open daily for lunch, dinner, and one of the only restaurants open year round!

🎵 Check their socials for music schedules and specials

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Buckalew’s regular, there’s always something comforting—and delicious—about returning to this Beach Haven classic. It’s a must-do stop on your LBI food adventure.

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Buckalew’s

🌊 Vibe: Laid-back, lively, and local

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best For: Family dinners, casual dates, group hangs, late-night eats

🍹 Bonus: Great cocktails + live music = summer magic

Credit: Image by Buckalew's Restaurant and Tavern

🗺️ Adventure of the Week

bri shell
Photo by: Brielle's Shell

This week’s Adventure of the Week is a little different – it’s not about finding shells on the sand… it’s about turning them into something magical! Welcome to Brielle Shells, one of LBI’s most unique and creative beachside shops, where your love of shells turns into hands-on fun and unforgettable memories.

Located right in the heart of Ship Bottom, Brielle Shells is a dreamy little store where beach treasures become art. You can put shells in your hair or pick out the perfect coastal accessory to take a piece of the beach home with you

Brielle Shells isn’t just a store – it’s an experience. Whether you’re making memories with your little one or finding a peaceful moment to get creative, it’s the kind of stop that makes a summer day on LBI even more magical.

 

About Me

Screenshot

Hello! I’m a proud wife and mother of four living on the beautiful seaside stretch of Long Beach Island, NJ—where the days are full of sand (a lot of it!), saltwater, and just enough chaos to keep life interesting.

My life is a blend of beach days, dance recitals, grocery runs and baseball games. I’m passionate about making memories with my crew, mornings by the ocean, Sunday dinners (that are normally a little loud), enjoying coastal sunsets, planning adventures, solo target runs, strong coffee and I find joy in the beautiful, messy moments of motherhood.

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