A Night to Remember – “The Lanes”
Last month I celebrated the first anniversary of my decision to open a business in Asbury Park. It all happened rather suddenly. In fact, it was a whirlwind romance that went from first blush to marriage in a little over a month. Most relationships like that tend to be rocky at best and burn out quickly.
I remember the night I decided to start my second life in Asbury park. It was a balmy soft March evening. I could hear the ocean and smell it, but the fog was settling low enough along Ocean Avenue that from my vantage point on 4th avenue I could not see it. It was enough to know it was there. My team was doing an investigation at Asbury Lanes and I had never been there before. I was excited, I always am, at the prospect of new evidence of the Paranormal. I also was excited because the location was so interesting, unique, uncharted. Jenn Hampton was beyond welcoming. She invited us in, made us at home and joined in our investigation without judgement.
And it was that night, in a vintage bowling alley with the lights off and the dust settling that I decided that Asbury Park was the place for me and my dream. It was simple. If a place like the Asbury Lanes could still exist and grow and invite all types of people in, then maybe the city itself had room enough for a new kind of business, an “experience boutique”.
Since that night so much has changed in my life, new friends, new opportunities, new frustrations, but always new experiences. I have a theory and I am sure it isn’t unique to me. Asbury Lanes and the people who make it special, like Layney and Jenn is the engine of Asbury Park. I wanted to say the heart, but that is too sloppy. It is the hub, the nerve center, the juice, the vibe that makes Asbury Park relevant again and not just for nostalgic restaurant goers or weekend browsers, but for the eclectic new bohemians looking for a place to slip into and stay awhile. Last night I saw the only true organized Freak Show (999 Eyes) in the U.S. A few weeks ago I saw a heavy metal Bee Gees cover band called Tragedy.
Based n these experiences, when deciding where to have a pretty significant “party” for family and friends, I instantly thought of “the Lanes”. It is that place for me. I think it is ‘that’ place for lot of people.
Asbury Lanes is the starting point for my Asbury Park Odyssey. In the next couple of weeks I hope to introduce yu to a few of the people that keep it moving. In the mean time. why not check it out for yourself. I promise you will feel better just knowing it is there if you do.
http://www.asburylanes.com/
The Lanes has a special place in my heart as well. When I heard that this guy I kinda knew was renovating the bowling alley to be a venue and bar, I ran over to offer my help. Then, a year later, when we were planning our wedding, I knew that Asbury Lanes was the place for our reception. Everyone bowled, ate, drank, loved it. Many of my fondest memories of our lives in Asbury Park re at the lanes. Of course none of the people that made it special then are there anymore. You should know that politics and people have changed the lanes through the years. It’s latest incarnation is still example of what makes me proud to live in this crazy town. It reminds me of the early days at the Brooklyn Brewery or FS1 in NY on nights like the Yard Dogs Road Show or 999 Eyes. In fact I believe I remember seeing the same bearded lady at the BB years ago. Vive La Lanes!