Pugapalooza
Pugapalooza is probably of the most exciting weekends that I look forward to attending every year. Not only is it a pug lovers dream, but it also happens to be hosted at The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
I remember three years ago when I first heard about Pugapalooza at our monthly Jersey Shore Pug Meetup. I had no idea there was such a huge annual event existed filled with hundreds of pugs, pug lovers, and volunteers.
If you are a pug lover and beach lover than you should definitely come to the next Pugapalooza weekend which will be May 4-6, 2018. All the money raised goes into helping our curly tail friends in need. Plus it is a great place to meet fellow pug lovers who all share the love and obsession of the majestic pug. All types of dogs are welcomed for Yappy Hour so really it is a win-win because there is nothing better than seeing hundreds of pugs take over Asbury Park.
Jersey Shore’s Asbury Park
For anyone who isn’t familiar with the Jersey Shore or the iconic Asbury Park, I’ll explain a little of the magic and charm of the town. Even though I have resided in the Jersey Shore area my whole life, I still have moments where I find myself thinking how is it possible that this is my home?
New Jersey is probably not on people’s list of top destinations to travel to but I really think it should be. I’m probably going to regret saying this because I like when it’s not crowded especial in the summer. However I am willing to share this hidden gem because the real Jersey Shore is nothing like what MTV portrayed on the show “The Jersey Shore.”
Asbury Park has a rich history filled with salt water taffy, film, and most commonly known for its music scene.
The Sopranos
One of my favorite TV shows of all time, The Sopranos, filmed some local scenes in Sea Bright and Asbury Park. Every time I’m on the Asbury Park boardwalk by Convention Hall I can vividly seeTony Soprano walking around. Season 2’s episode titled “Funhouse” is filled with scenes shot in Asbury Park. Even now I can close my eyes and I can still see him there walking around. I like to believe that James Gandolfini is up there watching us though the old beach binoculars like in his character Tony’s dream.
The Boss Bruce Springsteen
The one person I think of the most when I think of Asbury Park is Bruce Springsteen or as we call him “The Boss.” He got his start singing in Asbury Park in places like The Stone Pony and The Wonder Bar and references it in his music. His first studio album is called “Greetings from Asbury Park” so I think it’s safe to say that if Asbury Park had a present king, he would be the ruler.
Growing up everyone I know that lives in Monmouth County has a Bruce Springsteen story or Bon Jovi story. There is the classic my dad saw Bruce when he first started playing at the Stone Pony (my dad and everyone growing up that era). A new favorite of mine was when my best friend told me a few months ago that her grandfather actually inspired a few of the Boss’s lyrics! How cool is that?
My Bruce Memories
One of my top Bruce memories would be going Trick or treating at the Boss’s house with my friends when we were younger. It was amazing because his house was elaborately decorated and he had a huge trunk of candy being passed out by the handfuls from a man that worked for him.
My most magical Bruce story so far, would be was when I was out in Asbury Park with my friends on a Saturday night and some guy comes up to us and says, “The Boss is playing at The Wonder Bar!!!” So we went to check it out and sure enough it was true. Growing up I always heard stories about how the Boss still has surprise shows in Asbury Park.
I have never gone to a Bruce Springsteen concert, but on that beautiful summer night I got to hear the Boss play from outside on the sidewalk of the Wonder Bar as the bouncer held the doors open for us. It was magical and I knew that even if I go to see him in concert, I would never be that close or have that special moment at the place where we both call home.
Visit Asbury Park
From far away a little town like Asbury Park resembles your typical beach town but the real beauty of the Jersey Shore is in its history and the people. I don’t know why after living here my whole life, I’m still surprised that I have “pinch me… is this real moments.”
So if you haven’t already made a trip to Asbury Park then I suggest considering planning a weekend down at the Shore. If you love pugs then I would block off any weekend plans for May 4-6, 2018 because Pugapalooza is the ultimate pug and beach lovers dream.
For more information like the Pugapalooza Facebook Page Event.
Travel to Asbury Park For Pugapalooza Pugapalooza Pugapalooza is probably of the most exciting weekends that I look forward to attending every year.
