Asbury Park, New Jersey

I can’t help but imagine if cities were people with personalities and quirks all their own. In the case of Asbury Park, New Jersey, a shore town with undeniable music cred, a sad past, and a bright future, it carries itself like a lonesome showman who has long perished in the sea and resurrected as an urban, cold-brew-drinking, tattoo-covered mermaid with a plan. When I return to Asbury each summer there's always a new treasure to uncover, and an old one to bury beneath the sand. From restored swan boats to boarded-up punk sanctuaries to local distilleries, it’s hard to imagine a time when this city wasn’t one of the most relevant cultural gems in the area.  

Rook Coffee

The I-can’t-believe-this-stuff-is-legal class of coffee with just the right amount zip to fuel your adventure through Asbury. Rook is easily one of New Jersey’s greatest exports (I first spotted it at Black Gold Records in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn) alongs with blueberries, corn, and Saves The Day. 

Try: New Orleans-style cold brew with coconut milk for a particularly gnarly buzz before hitting the beach. (2005 Route 35, www.rookcoffee.com)

Talula’s

Fresh, made-to-order, made-to-share mini pizzas paired with deceiving strong cocktails in a sun-flooded industrial space.

Try: Zoey Bechamel: a brunch-minded white pizza with house mozzarella, diced new potatoes, Jersey corn, fresh oregano, bacon*, and of course béchamel sauce. Gin + Jam: a genius concoction of Dorothy Park gin, lemongrass simple syrup, lime, and a generous teaspoon of seasonal jam.  (550 Cookman Avenue, www.talulaspizza.com)

*Note: Since the pies are made-to-order, customizing isn't a biggie. Vegetarians like myself shouldn't be ashamed to opt out of meat toppings, even if it does smell enticing. 

Flux Modern

No budget is without spoils in this floor to ceiling treasure trove of mid-century modern decor. From candy-colored pyrex bakeware to the Eames chairs of your dreams, it’s a true test of willpower to leave without one, absolutely necessary, new addition to your home. (658 Cookman Avenue, www.fluxmodern.net)

Paranormal Books & Curiosities

A quirky, local-obsessed bookstore specializing in folklore, ghost tours, and spiritual readings. A must-stop for any self-proclaimed beach goth looking to channel something more than a wicked sunburn.  (627 Cookman Avenue, www.paranormalbooksnj.com)

Pedal Boats

Twenty bucks will get you half an hour out on Wesley Lake, plus a bit of a workout—if that's your thing. Pick from a classic swan boat or go wild with a dragon, blue heron, or pink flamingo (Wesley Lake between Heck Street & Grand Avenue, www.asburyparkpedalboats.com)

Silverball Museum

Get dizzy with history and pinging balls at this niche museum and pinball arcade, located smack dab in the middle of the boardwalk. 

Convention Hall

The climax of the boardwalk, this event center houses dozens of independently owned shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as the beloved Paramount Theatre. Duck  into the hall if only to take respite in its shade and alternative view of the Atlantic. 

Try: The all-natural watermelon-lime ice pops at Betty’s Icebox are a slight sweet and simple way to stay hydrated while worshipping the sun. (1300 Ocean Avenue, www.apboardwalk.com)

Wonder Bar

Quite literally the face of Asbury, Wonder Bar is just as iconic from the outside as it is inside. Twin “Tillie” murals greet you as you approach and remind you of the brotherhood of boardwalk communities from Asbury to Coney Island and beyond. (5th & Ocean Avenues, www.wonderbarasburypark.com)

Asbury Lanes

While the legendary bowling alley turned show venue may have closed its doors indefinitely back in October 2015, no tour of Asbury would be complete without paying homage to this punk rock landmark. I personally have only had the privilege of admiring the structure from the outside, but my boyfriend and other Jersey kids are quick to wax nostalgic when remembering all of the great acts the Lanes drew to the area. While Stone Pony has Springsteen, Asbury Lanes had a major hand in cultivating a following for bands like the Bouncing Souls and other local punk bands.  ( 209 4th Avenue, www.asburylanes.com)

Cleveland, Ohio

Rising Star Roasters

I’m not sure what will attract you more to this local coffee chain: the copious amounts of caffeine, the seven-foot #2 pencil on the front law, the shop’s ultra cool old firehouse location, or the fact Rising Star’s is a neighbor to the Cleveland Vibrator Factory. Okay, okay,  that last one isn’t as risqué as it sounds, CVC supplies industrial equipment to factories around the world, and is a testament to the city’s roots in the coal mining industry, rather than its sexual prowess.  (1455 West 59th Street, www.risingstarcoffee.com)

Try: The Cardamom bomb is a chai lover’s wildest dream come true. Sub dairy for almond milk to get down right spiritual, and prepare yourself to meet the Guardians of Traffic. 

Jack Flaps 

Thick, syrupy stacks are the early bird’s reward at this Ohio City pancake and waffle house. Jack Flaps opens its doors at 7am, long before the sleepy brunch spots even think about dragging out their sandwich boards, making it the true urban breakfast shoppe it claims to be. (3900 Lorain Avenue, www.jack-flaps.com)

Try: The lemon curd jackflaps are like an alarm clock on a plate. Fluffy pancakes smothered in fresh lemon curd, seasonal berries, topped with graham cracker crumbs, are one sweet pay-off for getting up and moving before noon. 

Barrio

A taco bar in every sense, you really can’t go wrong with build-your-own tacos and mas tequila at this Gateway location. Barrio’s fill-in-the-bubble style menus may have you flashing back to standardized testing, but I assure you there is no failing combination. (503 Prospect Avenue East,  www.barrio-tacos.com)

Try: If you suffer from guac-coma like me, and can’t see straight until you’ve had your daily dose of avocado dip, I hiiiighly recommend checking out the Guacamole of the dia.  We were lucky enough to indulge in a generous heaping of edamame guac gone wild with crunchy sriracha peas. 

Toast

Farm stand meets vineyard in this cozy, local wine bar, nestled on the residential side of Cleveland’s Gordon Square neighborhood. A charming combo of exposed brick, thoughtful lighting, and local eats are the perfect pairing with Toasts impressive wine offerings. (1365 W 65th Street, www.toastcleveland.com)

Try: If you, like I did, came expecting crunchy bread and not fermented grapes, you might be pleased to know Toast has you covered in all departments. Treat yourself to a Trio of Toasts, selected daily, along with an inventive menu of handcrafted cocktails. 

Playhouse Square

Best viewed at night, the theater district is the shimmering crown jewel of downtown Cleveland. Like many of its Rust Belt kin, Cleveland has seen the decline and resurrection of its local arts, particularly in the area of performing arts.  Even if you find yourself too short on time to snag show tickets, Playhouse Square’s twinkling marquees and chill vibe make for an enchanting evening stroll.  (Euclid Avenue and E 14th Street, www.playhousesquare.org)

Try: The colossal, crystal chandelier at the intersection of Euclid Avenue and E 14th Street is a beacon in the night, and a sight for weary motorists’ eyes. At an impressive 20-feet tall, composed of 4,200 crystals, the Playhouse Square chandelier is claimed to be the largest in the world.

Big Fun

Imagine this: every toy you ever asked for and never got jam packed into one Cleveland Heights location. Complete with funhouse mirrors, Zoltar, and photo booth, Big Fun is equal parts acid trip and toy museum. (1816 Coventry Road, www.bigfuntoystore.com)

Try: Peek inside the dusty drawers of the old library card catalog cabinets found throughout the shop. Each compartment houses its own set of treasures from vintage stickers to rubber mice to fortune fish, there really is no telling what you will find.

Rocket Fizz

What Big Fun is for toys and games, Rocket Fizz is for candy and chocolate. Expect floor-to-ceiling shelves of you, your parents, and your grandparents' favorite sweet treats, as well imported candies you've never laid eyes on. 

Try:  Scoop up a fat sack of saltwater taffy in unexpected flavors like PB&J, Mexican Hot Chocolate, and Blueberry Muffin. Extra points for the first one to locate an Abba-Zaba bar. (530 Euclid Avenue, ww.rocketfizz.com)

Hope Memorial Bridge 

Even if you are lucky enough to catch the bridge at a quiet, carless hour, you’ll never quite be alone with the Guardians of Traffic looming overhead. Equal parts eerie and magnificent, the towering art deco carvings are a tribute to the city’s earl role in the automotive industry. Be sure to pay the guardians a visit before embarking on your next road trip, or else suffer the gridlock! 

Try: Early weekend mornings are the perfect time to see the guardians in all of their sandstone glory. You know they are satisfied when traffic is just sparse enough to jump out and take a picture. (Carnegie Avenue, www.clevelandhistorical.org)

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

More than just a bunch of signatures on a wall, the Rock Hall is a time capsule to be opened yearly and enjoyed. Much like your mother’s attic, the Rock Hall contains both seminal, such as Les Paul prototypes, as well as the comical and the trivial, like John Lennon’s grade school report cards. No artifact is without value when it comes to Rock and Roll. 

Try: In 2015 Alternative Press turned the big 3-0, so to celebrate the Rock Hall threw it a party in the form of its very own exhibit. Pop in the dorm room-sized shrine to all-things AP, including the Macintosh SE founder Mike Shea used to crank out the magazine’s first issue in his actual bedroom, as well as the covers of every issue ever to hit the press. (1100 E. 9th Street, www.rockhall.com)