Things to do in and around Freehold

Experience the best of Monmouth County, NJ

Experience Freehold – Steps from the Shores, Moments from the City

Located in Freehold, the Monmouth County seat, Applewood Village is moments away from a whole host of life and activities. Experience a bustling downtown area and access to restaurants, cafes, farmers markets, a famous raceway, and one of the state’s best shopping centers: The Freehold Raceway Mall. If the city doesn’t hold your attention, Monmouth County is host to five light houses and a number of different museums, cultural, and historic sites that are sure to keep you interested. It’s easy to take day trips into New York City for the museums, shopping, shows, and to try your luck in Atlantic City. With so much nearby, you really can’t beat Applewood’s location.

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Looking for something more peaceful? Applewood Village in Freehold is also nearby to several parks and beaches that are perfect to bring the family for the day. From Seven Presidents Park in Monmouth County to the Monmouth Battlefield State Park, the whole family will find something they’ll enjoy.

The Applewood Village retirement community is also conveniently located nearby some of the best medical centers in the whole of the Monmouth County region. The CentraState Medical center, as well as Surgical, Cancer, Maternity, Neuroscience, and Family Medical centers are all within moments of the Applewood facility.

Use the interactive map below to see some of the most popular local points of interest in the Freehold and the greater Monmouth County area. This should be a helpful resource for those interested in local dining, shopping, visiting local historic sites and parks, as well as cultural, medical, educational, and entertainment options in close proximity to Applewood Village.

Cultural & Historic Sites

Court House

The Freehold Township Municipal Office are located at the corner of Stillwells Corner and Schanck Roads. The Courthouse is open Monday – Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm Click for Directions!

Georgia Road School House

One of the only two remaining original schoolhouses found in the Freehold Township. This school was in continuous operation from 1735 to 1956
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Freedom Trail

Part of an eventual 10 mile path that connects the parks and open spaces in northern New Jersey, the Freehold portion of the Freedom trail is currently a paved 1.4 mile pathway.
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Durand Arboretum

A 100-acre portion of the original Durand Farm now plays home for a 33-acre Memorial Arboretum. Here you’ll find 546 trees dedicated by individuals in the memory of their loved ones, as well as a 20 acre Butterfly Meadow
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Center Players Theatre

A community theatre group dedicated to bringing the performing arts to the diverse community found in the Monmouth County area.
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Paramount Theatre

One of the premier venues for live performances in the area. This particular theatre features incredible acoustics and nearly unparalleled stage visibility, providing both a grand and intimate experience.
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Algonquin Theatre

Founded in 1992, the Algonquin theatre brings high quality performances and programs in music, film, and dance, to the Jersey Shore.
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George Street Theatre

Founded in 1974 by a former Rutgers faculty member, the George Street Playhouse moved to this location from their original repurposed supermarket in 1985.
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McCarter Theatre

This theatre first opened its doors in 1930, and has played to countless dancers, musicians, and plays
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Count Basie Red Bank

Opened in 1926 as the Carlton theatre, it was renamed in 1984 to honor the great Red Bank native William “Count” Basie. As a non profit organization, the Count Basie Theater strives to be a community asset — not just another theatre.
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Lighthouses

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Built in 1764 by Isaac Conro, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse is the oldest working lighthouse in the United States. Originally the building stood at only 500m from the tip of Sandy Hook, but over the years has grown to almost 1.5 miles inland from the tip, due to a littoral drift.
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Fort Hancock

A former United States Army fort, this coastal artillery base defend the Atlantic Coast and the entrance of the New York harbor until it was decommissioned from active duty in 1974. Keep an eye out for the Nubian Goats introduced by the Park Service to clear away poison ivy on the grounds
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Navesink Twin Lighthouse

A non-operational lighthouse and museum in Highlands, Monmouth County, New Jersey. This lighthouse overlooks the Sandy Hook bay. As the name may imply, this the Twin Lights are a pair of beacons located approximately 245 feet above sea level on the headlands of the Navesink Highlands.
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Sea Girt Lighthouse

Located in Sea Girt, New Jersey, this lighthouse marks the inlet which leads to Wreck Pond in Monmouth County. This lighthouse is notable due to it having played host to the first radio beacon mounted in a shore installation in the United States.
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Museums

Allaire Village

The Allaire Village is a living history museum found within the Allaire State Park in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Currently, workers are rebuilding the Allaire Village and all its existing buildings using period tools and equipment. Click for Directions!

Information Age Learning Center

The Information Age Learning Center has a very distinct mission that sets it apart from most science centers. For one, the site at Camp Evans, NJ, is on the National Register of Historic Places, as it was a black history site and it saw the development of radar and the space age take place right here.
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New Jersey Museum of Transportation

This museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and operation of historic railroad equipment. Established in the Allaire State Park, this museum is run independently from the Allaire Village.
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National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey

Headquartered in Sea Girt, this not-for-profit is dedicated to preserving and explaining New Jersey’s military heritage by way of collecting and displaying artifacts with historical significance to the New Jersey armed forces
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Golf Courses

Knob Hill Golf Course

A semi-private golf club found in Manalapan in Monmouth County. Featuring a Mark McCumber designed course, Knob Hill offers an exceptional experience for both members and the public.
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Raintree Golf Course

First opened in 1979, Raintree is a private golf course featuring 1,000 yards of golf from the longest tees and 9 executive holes.
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Colts Neck Golf Club

A premier semi-private golf facility in Monmouth County, featuring a well conditioned driving range, practice area with bunker, and even a chipping green. As well as featuring Pegasus Terrace for fine dining and events, Colts Neck offers an instruction program that combines the fundamentals of golf, body, and mind that is sure to help your skills.
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Charleston Springs Golf Course

Designed by the noted golf course architect Mark Mungeam, the Charleston Springs Golf Course in Millstone, NJ, offers players 36 holes of high quality golf. Tee times are available on a first come first served basis.
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Pebble Creek Golf Club

Designed by the legendary course architect Hal Purdy, the Pebble Creek Golf Club provides a unique challenge through differing landscapes at each hole. Experienced players will find this a challenge, while newcomers will still find the green to be player friendly.
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Hominy Hill Golf Course

Hominy Hill is widely considered to be one of the best golf courses in the Monmouth County park system. It frequently receives the ranking of “New Jersey’s #1 public golf course”. With 7,049 yards of golf, Hominy Hills presents a challenge to experienced players, and a delight to newcomers.
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Howell Park Golf Course

Howell Park is frequently ranked as one of the top 50 public golf courses across the national. With a large warm up range, and an immaculate practice green, Howell offers 6,964 yards of golf, rated at a par 72.
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Cruz Farm Golf Club

Located in Farmingdale, NJ, Cruz Golf Country Club offers 18 holes of joy. Dubbed ‘the best kept golf secret in Monmouth County, this public course offers golfers a challenging 5,000 yards of course designed by Evaristo Cruz, Sr
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Spring Meadow Golf Course

Spring Meadow is a public course that offers 18 holes, an expansive driving range, and 3 courses to be played. Developed in two stages, starting in the 1940’s, Spring Meadow is now operated by Atlantic Golf Management.
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Twin Brook Golf Center

Twin Brook offers a one stop shop for all your golf needs — even the family. Experience the tricky 9 hole golf course, designed to be a challenge for even pro golfers, and then wind down with the family playing mini golf at one of the best miniature golf courses in all of New Jersey.
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Parks & Beaches

Monmouth Racetrack - Oceanport

Established in 1870 and located in Oceanport, NJ, the Monmouth Park Racetrack is one of the best places in the state to watch thoroughbred horse racing.
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Monmouth Battlefield State Park

This New Jersey state park is found on the border of Manalapan and Freehold Township, in Monmouth County. The Monmouth Battlefield State Park was established to preserve the historical battlefield on which the American Revolutionary War’s Battle of Monmouth was held.
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Turkey Swamp Park

Offering family camping and activities for individuals of all ages, the Turkey Swamp Park features a sprawling park with a playground, archery range, and even a lake for boating and fishing.
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Michael J. Tighe Park

Home to 11 different baseball fields, 2 Lacrosse fields, an activity center, and more, then Michael J. Tighe park offers plenty of space for all kinds of activities.
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Six Flags Great Adventure

With over 500 acres of land to explore, Six Flags Great Adventure is the second largest theme park in the world. With 11 themed rides and a 350 acre wild safari animal park, the Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park is perfect for the whole family.
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Manasquan

A small borough located in Monmouth County, Manasquan borders Brielle, Sea Girt, and Wall Township in Monmouth County. Due to its proximity to Atlantic City, Manasquan’s population tends to explode during the summer months and shrink significantly once the season switches.
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Avon by the Sea NJ

Sometimes simply referred to as Avon, this is is a small borough located in Monmouth County and borders Belmar, Bradley Beach, Neptune City, and Neptune Township.
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Sea Girt

Sea Girt, a borough found in Monmouth County, is a one square mile area between Stockton Lake and Wreck Pond with a unique history. Sea Girt is the home to the Sea Girt Lighthouse, which marks the inlet leading to Wreck Pond.
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Spring Lake

Named for the clear spring fed lake, Spring Lake is a borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Spring Lake is notably for its large population of Irish-Americans. It has the highest percentage of Irish-Americans of any municipality throughout the United States.
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Seven Presidents Park

An oceanfront park found in Long Branch, New Jersey, Seven Presidents Park is named after former Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Chester A. Arthur, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, and Woodrow Wilson, who all spent time at the area’s resorts. This public beach allows swimming, surfing, and much more.
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Horse Park of New Jersey

Opened in 1988, the Horse Park of New Jersey has become a world-class equestrian destination. The park features 185 acres of land, with 276 horse stalls, two show rings, and much more. For equestrians, this is a top tier destination.
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Gateway National Recreation Area

The New Jersey unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area is found in Sandy Hook, Monmouth County. Here you will find two park sites Fort Hancock, which served as part of the harbors coastal defense system beginning in 1895 to 1974. This park contains over 100 historic buildings and fortifications. The other is the Sandy Hook section, which contains seven beaches — including a nude beach by custom.
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Kingda Ka

Opened in 2005, Kingda Ka is a steel roller coaster found in the Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park. This particular roller coaster holds two claims to fame. It is the world’s tallest roller coaster, and it is the second faster roller coaster in the world.
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Wreck Pond

A beautiful coastal freshwater tidal pond found in Monmouth County. This coastal lake covers around 12 square miles and is an important spawning ground for anadromous fish.
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Shopping

Freehold Raceway Mall

Opened in 1990, the Freehold Raceway Mall is the second largest shopping mall in New Jersey. Here you’ll find everything from Nordstroms to Toys R Us, a movie theater, and even sporting goods stores.
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Downtown Freehold

Located less than 30 minutes from the Jersey Shore in Monmouth County, the Downtown Freehold area plays host to a variety of events all year long, as well as a diverse mix of businesses and dining attractions.
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Jackson Outlets

Located in Jackson, Central NJ, the Jackson Outlet is one of the smaller sized outlets in New Jersey. An outdoor shopping mall, Jackson Outlet features around 70 stores and a restaurants
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Mounts Corner on Solomon's Shopping Way

This shopping plaza was once the site of the Levi Solomon Farm, the first Jewish farm settlement in Monmouth County. Nowadays, Mounts Corner plays host to a number of shops and restaurants.
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Education

Princeton University

Applewood is located roughly 45 minutes away from Princeton University, one of the original 13 chartered institutions for higher education in the original colonies. Princeton is one of the most elite universities in the world.
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Rider University

Roughly 40 minutes from the Applewood community from Rider University. It is a private college found in Lawrence Township. Rider University offers 5 different academic units, ranging from business school to the school of continuing studies
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Rutgers at Brookdale Community College - Freehold

Found immediately in the area, Rutgers at Brookdale offers students an opportunity to earn an associate’s degree from an accredited community college, as well as the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University.
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Georgian Court University

This private Roman Catholic university was founded in 1908 by the SIster of Mercy in Lakewood , New Jersey. For the first 100 years of its existence, GEorgian Court University operated solely as a woman’s college, before opening its doors to students of all faiths.
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Monmouth University

Monmouth University, in West Long Branch,offers students an intimate academic environment, with a student-teacher ratio of 14
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Monmouth County Library

Just 5 miles away from the Applewood community, the Monmouth County library offers free library cards too all residents of Monmouth County.
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Dining

Moore's Tavern

Founded by Moses Mount, a former aide to George Washington during the Revolutionary War, Moore’s Tavern has been the center of good times for over two centuries.
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Metropolitan Café

hint of Pacific Rim flair. This hip, yet casual atmosphere, is perfect for an exquisite cocktail or sushi
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Federicis

Established in 1921, Federicis has been family owned for over 90 years. Serving delicious signature Northern Italian dishes and homemade desserts, Federicis is perfect to bring the whole family for a nice meal, or to celebrate any occasion.
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The American Hotel Market

Open 7 days a week, The Market Yard Grille is an American Bistro style bar and restaurant, located in the American Hotel.
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Peking Pavilion

The first Peking Pavilion was originally founded in 1975 in Richmond, Virginia, where it ran very successfully for 8 years before the owners, Mike & Corrina Kuo, decided to reopen the restaurant in Monmouth County. At Peking Pavilion you’ll find the finest gourmet Chinese food in all of Monmouth County
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Fred & Murry's Kosher Deli

Conveniently located in the Pond Road Shopping Center, Fred & Murry’s was established in 1960 by brothers Fred & Murry Chalnick with their brother in-law Morty Lupowitz. Fred & Murry’s offers a unique experience with their kosher deli that focuses on quality and tradition.
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All Seasons Diner

Opened in 1988, All Seasons Restaurant offers a fully seasonal menu that is sure to delight everyone in the family. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or a surf and turf dinner, All Seasons Diner has a great selection offered all year round.
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Jersey Freeze

Established in 1952, Jersey Freeze has come to represent some of the best ice cream that you can find in New Jersey, and elsewhere! Don’t be fooled though — the rest of the menu, which features burgers, salads, sandwiches, and more, is just as delicious as the home made ice cream.
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That's Amore

Founded in 2007 and located in Englishtown, New Jersey, Thats Amore serves traditional italian fare like ravioli and veal parmigiana in a relaxed setting.
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Lemon Mediterranean Restaurant

This sophisticated mainstay is tucked into a shopping center and showcases globally inspired Mediterranean meals & more.
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Solo Trattoria

This cozy restaurant serves old-world Italian cooking in a warm, relaxed dining room.
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Aarzu Modern Indian Bistro

Opened in 2016, Aarzu chefs work hard live up to the English translation of the name (which means “to wish” or “desire”) by fulfilling diner’s desires for upscale, innovative, and welcoming Indian cuisine.
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Medical

CentraState Medical Center

Located moments from the Applewood center, the CentraState Medical center is a non-for-profit community health organization that consists of an acute-care hospital, an ambulatory care campus, 3 senior living communities, and more.
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CentraState Family Medical Center

The CentraState Family Medicine Center has provided primary healthcare to families in Monmouth County since the early 1990s. It is an integral part of the CentraState Healthcare System, and provides high quality medical care to members of the Freehold Community.
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CentraState Cancer Center

Commonly known as the Statesir Cancer Center at CentraState, the CentraState Cancer Center focuses on preventing and treating cancer. With an array of comprehensive and advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment options, the CentraState Cancer provides advanced treatment options close to home.
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CentraState Maternity Center

The first Impressions Maternity Center at CentraState offers every mother, baby, and family unique and specialized treatment. At CentraState, you’ll find help every step of the way — from delivery to postpartum care.
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CentraState Neuroscience Center

Through the Neuroscience & Neurosurgery Program in Central Jersey, the CentraState Medical Center in NJ offers exceptional neurological treatment through a personalized approach that covers all aspects of a person’s well being.
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CentraState Surgical Services

This state-of-the-art facility offers comprehensive surgical support, ranging from diagnostic, therapeutic, and palliative intervention for a variety of ailments. Through the advances of modern technology, many procedures performed here do not require an overnight stay for recovery.
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For more information about Applewood or the Freehold area, call (908) 580-3800 to schedule a visit or attend an event for future residents.

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