Hey, everyone! If you’re anything like me, after a busy work week the last thing you want to think about is having concrete plans. Therefore, I try to keep my weekends open to allow myself flexibility. I have compiled a simple list of 5 fun activities to do in New Jersey on a whim.

1. Visit Vintage Vinyl in Fords, NJ

If you’re a music lover who lives in New Jersey and have not visited Vintage Vinyl, bless your heart, child. Whatever genre, platform, new or used versions, etc., you’re looking for, this store probably has it in stock. If not, which is unlikely, they can order it for you. In one visit, I once walked out with music from Janos Starker, Adam Ant, and Norah Jones.

Better yet, keep an eye out on their website. Famous bands sometime stop by and perform some hits on their small stage. Circa Survive just visited the store this past September, and All Time Low visited in June.

2. $5 Friday at the Cheese Cave in Red Bank, NJ

Every Friday from 5:00-8:30 the Cheese Cave in Red Bank offers a sampling of their artisan cheeses for just 5 bucks. The event is also BYOB and if you bring a bottle they’ll supply the glasses.

The atmosphere is very cozy and the cheeses are fantastic. The time of the event, too, is ideal because Red Bank is a fun little town with great restaurants and shops. Sampling some cheese with friends before catching a movie at the Bow Tie Cinema is a pretty cool way to spend a Friday night.

3. Poetry and Open Mic Nights 

I did not offer a specific date and time for open mic and poetry readings because they are scattered throughout NJ and are happening quite frequently. My favorite open mic nights used to take place at Espresso Joe’s in Keyport every other Thursday. I’m a huge fan of local arts and it was great to see flourishing creativity in my hometown.

A quick Google search of open mic nights in your area will be your best friend if you’re interested in these events. Cafe Enigma in Toms River hosts a weekly open mic on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Capitoline in Asbury Park hosts an open mic every other Thursday. Check out these events!

4. Visit Fox Hollow Vineyards in Holmdel, NJ

Once again, my fiancé and I love wine. When we heard about this local vineyard we were very excited to visit. The grounds are beautiful, the wine is great, and the staff is very friendly.

For 12 bucks, you get 5 samples of various wines and a souvenir glass. For 20 bucks, enjoy 5 wines paired with 5 chocolates that compliment the wines, and a souvenir glass. This is another venue with a website you should check out. This past Friday the vineyard hosted a local music guest during their tastings.

The vineyard is an awesome local experience. If you have friends coming in from out of town, chatting over a glass of wine while overlooking the vineyard grounds is a great way to catch up.

5. Friday Nite Specials’ “Rocky Horror Picture Show” in Aberdeen, NJ

Every Friday at midnight the Bow Tie Cinema in Aberdeen hosts a traditional screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show (RHPS).” If you’re interested or curious about what the RHPS was like at the 8th Street Playhouse in Manhattan, this event hosted by Friday Nite Specials might give you a good snapshot.

So bring your newspaper and rice (or purchase prop bags from the cast), and enjoy a late Friday night out!

I’m always looking for new and fun events in the area. If anyone has any suggestions or questions, feel free to contact me at antoinette@yoururbansuburban.com