👋Hey, Monmouth friends!

The leaves are turning, the cider doughnuts are calling and Monmouth County’s fall calendar is filling up fast. Here’s what’s worth knowing this week.

📝 Plan With Purpose — Making wills less intimidating
🥙 Local Flavor — CAVA arrives in Eatontown
🎉 Weekend Plans — Festivals, music, theater and fall fun
🍽️ In the Kitchen — Cozy comfort food for cooler days
👧 Take the Grandkids — Friendly frights and Charlie Brown
🍎 Fall Treats — Monmouth County’s must-eat goodies
🍂 In the Parks — History, cider and music on the porch
✈️ Travel Briefs — Holiday cruises and fall getaways
📚 Beyond the Books — Games, wellness and library programs

Up first…

Planning ahead may not be the most cheerful item on your to-do list—but your family will be glad you tackled it.

Monmouth County Surrogate Maureen T. Raisch is helping residents better understand wills and estate planning through a new initiative called “I’m Just a Will.” Raisch introduced the program during a Sept. 18 presentation, Plan with Purpose: Creating Your Will, at the Eastern Branch of the Monmouth County Library in Shrewsbury.

The initiative walks residents through the process of creating a will, explains commonly used estate-planning terms and highlights the benefits of putting important decisions in writing. It also includes an activity book designed to make the process more approachable and easier to understand. “I understand what a heavy topic creating a will can be, so my goal is to find ways to make it as simple, and even as fun, as I possibly can,” Raisch said.

Residents may request the “I’m Just a Will” activity book through the Monmouth County Surrogate’s Office. Additional county information is available at VisitMonmouth.com.

First Eatontown, next Freehold—CAVA is making a flavorful dash across Monmouth County. The Mediterranean fast-casual chain opened Sept. 21 at Monmouth Square, part of the major redevelopment of the former Monmouth Mall. The restaurant is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

CAVA lets customers build their own grain bowls, salads and pitas with grilled meats, falafel, roasted vegetables, hummus, tzatziki, dressings and sauces. In other words, lunch comes with plenty of delicious decisions.

And CAVA isn’t finished with Monmouth County. A second location is expected to open this October at Freehold Marketplace, located at Route 33 and West Main Street. The developing restaurant lineup there also includes Paris Baguette, PopUp Bagels, Tacoria, Just Salad, honeygrow, Dave’s Hot Chicken and Nothing Bundt Cakes.

No firm opening day has been announced for the Freehold CAVA, but one thing seems certain: Monmouth County’s Mediterranean bowl era has officially begun.

🌻 Stop and smell the sunflowers: Wander through colorful fields, pick your own blooms and enjoy seasonal attractions at the Holland Ridge Farms U-Pick Sunflowers Fall Festival in Cream Ridge. Thursday, Oct. 1 through Monday, Oct. 12.

🌎 Take a trip without packing a suitcase: Culture Around the Corner fills Long Branch with music, dance, food and traditions from around the world. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 2–4.

🎸 Born to be in West Long Branch: Bruce Springsteen and Monmouth traces The Boss’s journey from Jersey Shore clubs to international fame through rare photographs, music and archival materials. Friday, Oct. 2, 6–8 p.m. at Powell Soundstage, Monmouth University, West Long Branch.

🎹 Two piano men, one big night: Yellow Brick Joel: The Tribute Concert brings the music of Billy Joel and Elton John together for an evening packed with ’70s and ’80s hits. Friday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank.

🛍️ Someone else’s attic could be your treasure chest: Browse antiques, collectibles, crafts and vintage finds at the Allaire Flea Market. Saturday, Oct. 3, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Historic Village at Allaire, Wall.

🎃 Pick your own fall adventure: Twin Pond Farm’s Fall Festival has a 9-acre corn maze, pumpkin and sunflower picking, hayrides, pedal cars, a bounce pad and Saturday live music. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 and 4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at Harvest at Howell Road, Freehold.

📚 Clear some shelf space: The Colts Neck Friends of the Library Book Sale offers two days of bargain browsing. Saturday begins with a 9–10 a.m. preview for $5, followed by free admission; Sunday features $5 bags of books. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 and 4, at Colts Neck Library.

🍺 Prost with the most: Raise a stein and enjoy German food, live music, dancing, contests and fall fun at the Annual Highlands Oktoberfest. Saturday, Oct. 3 in Highlands.

🧟 The Boardwalk gets a little more lively—or undead: Costumes, creativity and plenty of shambling take over the city during the Asbury Park Zombie Walk. Saturday, Oct. 3 in Asbury Park.

🎶 The porches are the stages: Stroll through town and catch musicians performing on neighborhood porches during Red Bank PorchFest. Saturday, Oct. 3 in Red Bank.

🎆 Avon knows how to throw a block party: Avon Day features live music by Spare Parts, food, drinks, children’s entertainment, face painting and fireworks at dusk. Saturday, Oct. 3, 2–6 p.m. on Main Street in Avon-by-the-Sea. Free; rain or shine.

🐴 Heads may roll—figuratively, we hope: Professional actor Neill Hartley brings Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow to life with a dramatic, audience-friendly performance. Saturday, Oct. 3 at 6 and 7:30 p.m. in the Allaire Chapel, Wall. Advance registration required.

🍽️ Dinner with a side of history: The fourth annual Farm to Fork dinner dance serves up local food, spirits and live music while supporting Monmouth County historic preservation. Saturday, Oct. 3, 6:30–10:30 p.m. at the Barn at Laird, Colts Neck.

☮️ All you need is Lennon: Imagine: A John Lennon Birthday Celebration revisits the Beatles years, Lennon’s solo career and beyond. Saturday, Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. at Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Deal.

👟 Walk with purpose: CARC’s Walkathon Against Domestic Violence raises awareness and supports services that help survivors rebuild their lives. Sunday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m.–noon at the Ocean Grove Boardwalk Pavilion.

🎨 Craftiness encouraged: More than 150 crafters, artisans and exhibitors take over the Historic Village at Allaire during the Fall Craft and Vendor Show, with demonstrations in the Carpenter, Blacksmith and Tinsmith shops. Sunday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Wall.

🥨 West Main Street goes wunderbar: Downtown Freehold’s Oktoberfest features an expanded beer garden, live music, food, crafts, games and vendors. Sunday, Oct. 4, noon–5 p.m. in Downtown Freehold.

🎇 Middletown goes big for America’s 250th: Middletown Day brings together food, live music, inflatables, games, community groups and crafts, followed by an evening performance and fireworks. Sunday, Oct. 4, 1–7 p.m. at 900 Leonardville Road, Leonardo. Fireworks at 6:30 p.m.; rain date Oct. 18.

👻 New costume, no scary price tag: Bring a gently used children’s, adult’s or pet costume and trade it for something new-to-you at the Eek-O-Fabulous Costume Swap. Costumes must be dropped off in advance at Huber Woods or Thompson Park. Sunday, Oct. 4, 2–3:30 p.m. at Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen.

Sweater weather has entered the kitchen. When the temperature drops, it’s time for slow-cooked beef, creamy gravy and golden crusts—the delicious comfort-food trifecta.

🥩 Let dinner cook itself: Mississippi Pot Roast brings tender beef, savory seasonings and plenty of rich juices to the table. Spoon it over mashed potatoes, noodles or couscous—and graciously accept the compliments.

🍳 Gravy makes everything better: Classic Country-Fried Steaks & Gravy delivers crispy, golden steaks blanketed in creamy gravy. It’s old-fashioned Southern comfort with absolutely no interest in counting calories.

🥧 Put a lid on it: Beef Pot Pie tucks tender beef and vegetables beneath a flaky, golden crust. It’s hearty enough for a hungry crowd—although sharing remains optional.

Find more cool-weather recipes at BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

🌙 Things go bump—in a perfectly friendly way: Climb aboard a wagon for the Monmouth County Park System’s Creatures of the Night at Huber Woods Park. This year’s “Unlocking Nature’s Magic” adventure features lighthearted, educational skits along the trail, followed by a snack. No chainsaws, no jump scares—just family-friendly fun. Friday and Saturday evenings, Oct. 9–24, with staggered departures between 4 and 7:30 p.m. at Huber Woods Park, Middletown. Tickets are $16 per person; lap children younger than 2 are free with a paying adult. Advance registration is required.

🐶 Happiness is a musical with Snoopy: Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Sally, Schroeder and everyone’s favorite beagle tackle homework, baseball, crushes and life’s great mysteries in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. It’s sweet, funny and packed with songs celebrating friendship—and probably why watching the Peanuts gang never gets old.

Showtimes are Friday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 3 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Thompson Park Theater Barn, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors 55 and older, and $10 for children 12 and younger. Purchase tickets at MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000, ext. 1. Tickets may also be available at the door if space permits.

Monmouth County’s bakeries and farm markets are piling on the apples, pumpkin and cinnamon—and we’ve found a few treats worth every crumb.

🍩 It’s cider doughnut season. Delicious Orchards in Colts Neck has been turning out plain, powdered and cinnamon apple-cider doughnuts for generations. Grab a dozen, then swing by the truck outside for hot apple fritters and an apple cider slushy topped with vanilla soft serve. The apples can wait until your next trip!

🍏 The doughnuts with a fan club: Battleview Orchards in Freehold makes its apple-cider doughnuts fresh daily and opens a special hot-doughnut window on select September and October weekends. Pair them with the farm’s own pressed cider, or choose a pumpkin, pecan, Dutch apple or apple-cranberry pie from the bakery. Bonus: Mondays and Thursdays are senior discount days.

🥧 Come for the pie; leave with more doughnuts: Wemrock Orchards fills its bakery with homemade pies, pie tarts, fresh breads and apple-cider doughnuts made that morning. Pumpkin doughnuts join the lineup seasonally—because apparently one delicious fall doughnut is never enough.

🍎 Fall with a French accent: Red Bank’s Antoinette Boulangerie gives apple season a très chic twist with its buttery apple tart — flaky, elegant and simply delicious.

🎃 Cheesecake counts as seasonal produce, right? Brownstone Pancake Factory in Freehold is serving pumpkin cheesecake along with Dutch apple cheesecake and apple pie à la mode. As if the pancakes weren’t enough of a draw already!

How The MIND Diet Protects Aging Brains: A new study found that people who followed the MIND diet had healthier blood vessels in their brains, which was linked to larger brain sizes and better cognitive function. The findings suggest that what you eat may help protect your brain as you age. HealthDay News, Sept. 25.

Can You Retire at 65 With $0 Saved? Here's how to retire at age 65 with nothing in your savings account. U.S. News & World Report, Sept. 24.

How to Better Protect Your Social Security Number: Think a credit freeze fully protects your Social Security number? Think again. Here are two little-known tools that can provide an extra layer of protection. Savvy Senior, Sept. 21.

The 7-Month Deadline That Determines Your Lifetime Medicare Premiums: Understanding Medicare enrollment is crucial, as missing deadlines can lead to permanent late enrollment penalties and gaps in coverage. Kiplinger, Sept. 23.

October is serving up a little living history in Monmouth County Parks. Watch corn become meal, see what’s simmering on an 1890s cookstove and enjoy live music on the porch—all without spending a dime.

🔥 What’s cooking, 1890s style? Watch food being prepared on a wood-burning stove and discover how recipes, kitchens and cooking techniques have changed during the Cookstove Demonstration. Saturdays, Oct. 3, 17 and 31, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. Free.

🌽 Meet the original food processor: See Historic Walnford’s 19th-century gristmill grind corn into meal during its Milling Demonstrations. Each demonstration lasts about 15 minutes. Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 3–4, 10–11, 17–18, 24–25 and Oct. 31–Nov. 1. Demonstrations begin at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold. Free.

🍎 How do you like them apples? Find out how cider was produced during the 19th century at this old-fashioned Cider Making Demonstration. It’s strictly a look-and-learn event—no samples, unfortunately. Sunday, Oct. 4, noon–2 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. Free.

🎶 Porch weather, perfected: Add a lively soundtrack to your autumn visit as an acoustic duo performs toe-tapping favorites during Music on the Porch. Sunday, Oct. 4, 1–3 p.m. at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold. Free.

Whether you’re dreaming of Mexico, Christmas in the Caribbean or a foliage-filled weekend close to home, we’ve found three good reasons to start packing.

🎢 Theme parks are getting the five-star treatment: Beauty of Nature—better known as BON—begins its soft opening Oct. 24 at VidantaWorld Vallarta–Nuevo Nayarit in Mexico. Designed for children, parents and grandparents, the $1.5 billion luxury park blends thrill rides, immersive worlds, upscale dining, roomy gathering spaces and nightly entertainment. When completed, BON will have more than 20 attractions across seven themed worlds. Five areas will debut during the soft opening, along with rides that fly above the jungle, drop 40 meters and spin the whole family through an adventure. The resort also features LUDÕ, a resident Cirque du Soleil production with more than 40 international performers. BON is scheduled to open to the general public in April 2027.

🚢 All we want for Christmas is a balcony at sea: Princess Cruises is dressing up its ships for the holidays with sparkling trees, garlands, festive menus and enough seasonal cheer to make you forget about untangling the lights at home. Holiday activities vary by ship but may include tree-lighting celebrations, “snow” in the Piazza, festive sweater parties, candlelight concerts, gingerbread-house decorating, holiday movies and family pajama nights. Remaining 2026 options include sailings to the Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal, Eastern Caribbean and Hawaiian Islands between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Space is limited, and 2027 holiday cruises are already on sale.

🍂 How much fall can you fit into one weekend? Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley is daring visitors to find out. With peak foliage typically arriving in mid- to late October, the region offers scenic drives and historic covered bridges, pumpkin picking, wineries, farm distilleries and plenty of festivals celebrating the finer things in life—namely beer, garlic and bacon. Raise a stein at Oktoberfest at SteelStacks Oct. 2–4 and 9–11, sample boldly seasoned creations at the Easton Garlic Fest Oct. 3–4, or save room for the PA Bacon Fest Nov. 7–8.

This week, Monmouth County libraries are dealing out games, good health and some serious buzz.

♠️ Play your cards right: Intermediate bridge players can enjoy two hours of friendly competition at Bridge at West Long Branch Library. Seating is first come, first served—and saving seats is strictly off the table. Wednesdays, Sept. 30 and Oct. 7, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at the West Long Branch Library.

💉 Roll up your sleeve: The Monmouth County Health Department will offer free flu vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older. Vaccinations are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Wednesday, Sept. 30, 1–3 p.m. at the Allentown Branch.

🐝 Here’s the latest buzz: Master Gardener and beekeeper Angela Juffey presents Honey Bees: A Powerful Pollinator, a look at the important role these busy little overachievers play in our gardens and food supply. Wednesday, Sept. 30, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Library Headquarters, Manalapan.

🀄 Thursday is officially Game Day: Pull up a chair for player-led Mahjongg or bridge at Holmdel’s Thursday Game Day. The library has five tables and the supplies; you bring your game face. Thursday, Oct. 1, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at the Holmdel Branch.

🀄 More Mahjongg, because one session is never enough: Experienced players are invited to a friendly, casual afternoon at the Holmdel Mah Jongg Club. Sets and tables are provided, but this is open play rather than instruction. Thursday, Oct. 1, 1–4 p.m. at the Holmdel Branch.

💉 Another chance to fight the flu: The Freehold Area Health Department will hold a free community flu vaccine clinic. Monday, Oct. 5, 1–3 p.m. in the Lower Gallery at Library Headquarters, Manalapan.

❤️ Know the signs before every second counts: Preventing Stroke Before It Strikes explains stroke warning signs, symptoms and risk factors—and what you can do to reduce your risk. Monday, Oct. 5, 2–3 p.m. at the Hazlet Township Branch. In-person registration required.

🩺 Medicare questions? Ask away: Meet one-on-one with a trained SHIP counselor for free, confidential and unbiased Medicare information during SHIP Q&A. Walk-ins are welcome, and assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Monday, Oct. 5, 2:30–4:30 p.m. at Library Headquarters, Manalapan.

🧘 Take a seat—and stretch: Instructor Lisa Broad leads Chair Yoga, an accessible practice designed to improve flexibility, strength and body awareness. No yoga experience or floor work required. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 10–10:45 a.m. in the Lower Gallery at Library Headquarters, Manalapan.

🩸 No pressure—except the kind worth checking: Stop by for a free blood pressure screening offered with the Monmouth County Office of Public Health. Tuesday, Oct. 6, noon–1:45 p.m. in the Lower Gallery at Library Headquarters, Manalapan.

🎲 Move over, Monopoly: Learn beginner-friendly modern games including Ticket to Ride, Splendor and Sushi Go! at Modern Board Game Night. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6–8 p.m. in Rooms 4 and 5 at Library Headquarters, Manalapan.

See what’s new on TV this week.

🏔️ A climb that will make your couch feel especially cozy: The Last First: Winter K2 follows mountaineers attempting a winter ascent of the world’s second-highest peak. Amir Bar-Lev’s documentary takes us into the perilous 2021 expedition. Friday, Oct. 2, on Apple TV.

📚 Steinbeck is back, and Cathy Ames is trouble: Florence Pugh stars in East of Eden, a seven-episode adaptation written by Zoe Kazan. Her grandfather, Elia Kazan, directed the 1955 film starring James Dean. Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist play the Trask brothers, whose lives Cathy upends. Thursday, Oct. 1, on Netflix.

🖼️ The art dealer has a past—and it’s catching up with her: Catherine Zeta-Jones stars in Kill Jackie as a former drug smuggler who has spent 20 years hiding in plain sight. Then she learns assassins are after her. The eight-episode thriller comes from creatives behind Killing Eve. Friday, Oct. 2, on AMC+.

🎃 This festival is shaping up to be a real glass act: Meet 150 talented artisans and browse handcrafted jewelry, pottery, paintings, home décor and more at the WheatonArts Festival of Fine Craft. Watch artists at work, try hands-on creative activities and enjoy live music, food trucks and the Beer and Wine Garden. And don’t miss the signature Glass Pumpkin Fundraiser—these pumpkins are guaranteed to survive well past Halloween. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3–4 at WheatonArts in Millville.

👻 Cape May is dying to tell you a story: Spend October exploring the spirits of this historic seaside town during Cape May Halloween Happenings. The monthlong celebration includes ghost walks, haunted trolley tours, murder-mystery dinners and chilling stories from Cape Island’s past. For lighter fun, stroll the Physick Estate’s Scarecrow Alley and vote for your favorite creation. Oct. 1–31 throughout Cape May. Prices vary by event.

Enjoy the crisp air, the busy calendar and perhaps a cider doughnut—or two!

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Until next week,
😎The Monmouth Senior Scoop team

Disclaimer: The Monmouth Senior Scoop does not offer medical, financial or legal advice. Always check with a professional when making important decisions.