Toms River is a large-scale township fit into a small town personality. It has both antiques and boutique stores and also one of the largest malls in the area. It is built on community involvement and family values. Money Magazine recently named it the "Third Best Place to Live in the Nation", Reader’s Digest said it’s the "23rd Best Place in the Country to Raise a Family", and Fortune Magazine declares it "One of the Five Best Places to Retire."

The historic downtown area hosts numerous community events, such as "Cruisin’ Downtown" on the second Wednesday of each of the summer months to view local car owner’s antique and nostalgic prides of joy, the Chili & Salsa Cook Off in May and the NJ State Ice Cream Festival in July, both held in Huddy Park. There is also the Annual Canoe and Kayak Race down the Tom’s River (hence the name of the town) and the Halloween Parade, which boasts the title of being the second-largest in the world.

Here you can also take a lunch or dinner time cruise on the elegant "River Lady" , an 83-foot paddle wheeler, visit one of our museums, get tipsy at Basil T’s or Joshua Huddy’s brew pubs or for the more sophisticated visit Bacchus School of Wine for wine tasting seminars.

We recently became home to the Ritacco Center". The 3,500-seat arena has hosted events such as professional and varsity sporting events, top name music concerts and trade shows. It has been open for less than 2 years and is a hit in the community. ${QuickSuggestions} If you are visiting this fine town, just 15 minutes and west right over the bridge from the infamous Seaside Heights boardwalk, I would suggest either the Quality Inn or Holiday Inn. Both are located right on the main highway, Route 37, and accessible to everything. If you prefer, we do have our first bed-and-breakfast, called Victoria on Main, located right in downtown Toms River. www.victoriaonmain.com

For a complete list of the events in the area, try the Chamber of Commerce website. www.oc-chamber.com This will also provide you with a list of the area hotels, events and points of interest. ${BestWay} The best way to travel in the area is by car. The highways are pretty busy, especially around rush hour. If you visit the downtown area, there is street parking, but I recommend the various free parking garages and lots. I would suggest you park and then walk the downtown area to experience the local shops, restaurants and museums.

There is also public bus transportation provided by NJ Transit into and out of the town. I believe you can also sail into the town and dock your boat at one of the local marinas. This is fairly popular when visiting the Lobster Shanty on Water Street for dinner.

From journal My Second Hometown - Toms River