New Jersey

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Stays|Vacation Rentals

This Budget-Friendly Guest House In New Jersey Is Perfect For An Affordable Vacation

Published Dec 13, 2023

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Ocean Grove is one of those New Jersey beach towns that's just a little more laid back than the big guns like Asbury Park or Point Pleasant Beach, while still having more than enough to do whether you're there for a day or a getaway. The charming town keeps people coming back year after year - but where to stay? The town is full of beautiful beach resorts, but some of them can really break the bank. If you're looking for an affordable getaway for a couple or small family, one unique place to stay in Ocean Grove, NJ has you covered. Welcome to The Cupcake, a tiny guest house that looks like it stepped right out of Wonderland. Not only is this place packed with whimsy, but it manages to fit a lot of comfort and amenities into a small space. Come along with us to discover why this is one of the most unique places to stay in NJ.

Look at that tiny house! From the outside, it looks like you're about to step into a fairy tale.

alt
Catherine/VRBO

Inside, the compact house feels intimate and full of light. There's even a gas fireplace for cold nights.

advertisement
alt
Catherine/VRBO

The house has a private kitchen, if you're looking to stay in and cook - but you're also only feet away from the city's restaurant scene.

alt
Catherine/VRBO

The small daybeds are brand new and incredibly comfortable - the whole place sleeps four guests.

alt
Catherine/VRBO

A little porch is the perfect place to watch the world go by - at least, until you're ready to join the fun.

alt
Catherine/VRBO

The best part is, Ocean Grove is a sleepy little town - walking distance from the shore's most hopping destination, Asbury Park!

Historic building in Asbury Park, NJ, with "Greetings from Asbury Park" sign, overlooking the ocean at dusk.
Acroterion/Wikipedia

A short walk away brings you to the boardwalk, where you'll find Stella Marina, a fantastic beachside restaurant.

advertisement
Outdoor dining area with wooden tables and orange umbrellas, overlooking a beach on a sunny day.
Mack Vismusic/Google Local

Open year-round, this is an amazing spot to take in the sights and indulge in some of the shore's best pizza.

A freshly baked pizza topped with tomatoes, basil, and melted cheese, served on a white plate.
Afterhours Fabrication/Google Local

Have you visited The Cupcake guest house? Let us know all about your stay at this unique place to stay in Ocean Grove, NJ in the comments section. You can book your own getaway on the official VRBO listing of The Cupcake, and make sure to check out the website of Stella Marina for the full menu. If you're planning to stick closer to Ocean Grove for your getaway, check out our past coverage on why it's the shore's best beach town! Looking for more one-of-a-kind getaways? Check out Only In Your State's guide to the most unique places to stay in New Jersey!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Stays|Vacation Rentals

There’s a Colorful Beachfront Airbnb in New Jersey and It’s the Perfect Little Hideout

Looking for a great place to stay in Lower Township, New Jersey? Check out the Octopus Cottage, a colorful beachfront getaway with its own hot tub!

Published Nov 1, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

Even for those of us who live near the beach and can visit whenever we want, it still feels like a pretty special destination. Something about feeling the sand between your toes and the cool breeze blowing over the water has the ability to make you feel immediately relaxed. Here in New Jersey, we've got no shortage of amazing spots to spend time on the water, whether you're looking for shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean or prefer to check out our multitude of lakes and rivers. No matter what season it is, many of us love being on the coast, because a walk along the waterfront is a tranquil experience that has no substitute. If you're looking for the perfect place to spend some time by the water, we think you'll love the charming Airbnb we're featuring today. The Octopus Cottage is an adorable, colorful cephalopod-themed hideout in East Township, New Jersey that's right by the water and offers up a great spot for a few nights away.

advertisement

This beachfront home is a 1940s Millman cottage that's been renovated with all the modern amenities you can't live without.

A coastal scene featuring two houses near the shore, with a colorful sunset and cloudy sky in the background.
Donna/Airbnb

One of the main draws to this place is its close proximity to the beach. It's only about 30 steps away from a private beach path. Several kayaks and life jackets are available for use during your stay, and the fishing is great here.

A sandy path leads to a calm sea, framed by wooden fences and grass under a bright blue sky.
Donna/Airbnb

You don't even have to go to the beach to have a fun time outdoors, though - the backyard hot tub is wonderful. You'll also find an assortment of yard games to enjoy.

A hot tub surrounded by greenery and flamingo decorations, with a clear blue sky in the background.
Donna/Airbnb

The huge couch is perfect for watching Netflix on the 50-inch 4K flat-screen TV, and with high-speed WiFi, you don't have to worry about buffering.

Cozy living room with a gray sofa, colorful pillows, a coffee table, and natural light from large windows.
Donna/Airbnb

The bedroom features another smart TV, and between the primary bedroom's queen-sized bed and the sleeper sofa's queen-sized pullout mattress, up to four guests can stay in this cozy cottage.

A modern bedroom with a white bed, wooden furniture, octopus artwork, and a TV on the wall, featuring light curtains.
Donna/Airbnb

Whether you're a family looking for a beachfront getaway or you're seeking a romantic couple's retreat (or even a solo adventure!), the Octopus Cottage is an adorable spot that's perfect for just about any sort of traveler who wants comfort and a fun vibe with proximity to the water.

Charming black house with a turquoise door, surrounded by colorful flowers and a white picket fence under a blue sky.
Donna/Airbnb

For more information about this delightful beachfront cottage in Lower Township, New Jersey, or to book a stay for yourself, check out the Octopus Cottage Airbnb listing.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Stays|Vacation Rentals

The Unique Getaway Where You Can View the Best Fall Foliage in New Jersey

Looking for a unique place to see the leaves change? This unique Airbnb in Somers Point is a Jersey Shore tropical getaway!

Published Sep 6, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

We might be a small, heavily urban state here in New Jersey, but when the leaves start to change, we all love to head to the country! New Jersey's fall foliage season is amazing, and it'll be coming up soon, which is why the rush is on to find the perfect leaf-peeping trip - and some top locations might get pretty crowded. That's why I went looking for hidden gems - and I found an incredible one on the Jersey Shore. This unique Airbnb in Somers Point is called Leenie's Garden Hideaway, and it's an amazing retreat for a couple - an intimate mother-in-law suite connected to a house with a gorgeous private garden and some truly unique amenities. There's no better place to take in New Jersey's wonder in your own little getaway!

advertisement
A modern house with a landscaped garden, featuring an American flag and decorative shrubs under a blue sky.
Eileen/Airbnb

Flanked by trees in the middle of a quiet shore town, Leenie's Garden Hideaway is an under-the-radar destination hiding a big surprise - one of the most unique Airbnbs in the entire Garden State. Step inside with us to discover its secrets.

Cozy living room with a skylight, comfortable seating, a TV, and decorative fish on the walls.
Eileen/Airbnb

With a whimsical nautical vibe, this small mother-in-law suite comes fully furnished with wifi, a TV, and a dining area with microwave, making it an ideal spot for a quick getaway.

Cozy bedroom with a striped red and gray bedspread, wooden furniture, and a window with blinds.
Eileen/Airbnb

The suite sleeps two people, with most guests likely to be couples - but in case you're traveling with a friend, it comes with two bedrooms so everyone gets their personal space. Keep in mind that due to the shared access, this is an 18-and-up getaway.

A whimsical backyard scene featuring a pool, wooden structures, and lush greenery, with a rubber duck floating in the water.
Eileen/Airbnb

But the real magic in Leenie's Garden Hideaway comes when you enter the backyard, where you'll find a tropical-themed garden complete with a pool and countless beautiful spots and shady hiding places for when you want to relax and bask in nature.

A wooden deck surrounded by vibrant flowers, featuring a bench and lush greenery in the background.
Eileen/Airbnb

This place is truly stunning, almost like a little park hidden in a private home, and that makes it an incredible spot to come when the leaves are changing. We suppose the secret is out now - so come join us in the hideaway!

Have you stayed at Leenie's Garden Hideaway before? We want to know all about your stay at this charming Airbnb in Somers Point in the comments section! Make sure to head to the official Airbnb listing to book your own stay - there are plenty of spots open in the fall right now! While you're in Somers Point, you'll definitely want to make time to eat some of New Jersey's best wings at the iconic Charlie's Bar, one of the Jersey Shore's best hidden gems.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Food

The New Louisville Location of Locals Food Hub and Pizza Pub Brings Fresh, Local Eats to a Food Desert

by Kelly Carroll
on Nov 14
Pizzas from a Louisville restaurant called Locals Food Hub and Pizza Pub.
Food
Bars & Nightlife

This Family-Owned Cidery in Lexington Is the Place to Be on a Chilly Evening

by Kelly Carroll
on Nov 14
Three glasses of Wise Bird Cider Co. apple cider on a wooden surface.
Food
Bakeries & Dessert

The Decadent Treats at This Dairy-Free Ice Cream Parlor in New Jersey Are My New Favorite Indulgence

by Raymond Goldfield
on Nov 14
alt
Experiences

My Sunset Cruise on the James River Swept Us Back in Time

by Beth Copenhaver
on Nov 14
alt
Nature
Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Colorado Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

by Lisa Sammons
on Nov 14
alt