👻 This Week in Ocean: Ghost Tours, Sweet Treats & Fall Fun!

👋 Welcome to this week’s Ocean Senior Scoop!
Crisp mornings, cozy sweaters, and just the right amount of spooky fun — fall is in full swing here in Ocean County! Whether you’re planning a day out with the grandkids, hunting for Halloween thrills, or craving a new autumn treat, this week’s lineup has you covered. Let’s dive in to all the ghost tours, park adventures, and delicious seasonal happenings lighting up our corner of the Garden State.

📚 Beyond the Books – Talks, tunes & spooky stories at the library
🍩 Tasty Treats – Paris Baguette’s boo-tiful new Halloween sweets
🎭 Events Around Town – Fests, music, markets & more close to home
📺 TV Time – What to watch this week (John Candy & more!)
✈️ Wanderlust Weekly – Florida escapes, Alaskan adventures & fall color trips
🍲 What’s Cookin’ – Cozy new McCormick recipes for chilly nights
🏡 Downsizing Dreams – 55+ Ocean County homes worth a peek
🎂 Birthday Wishes – Celebrating local readers & famous faces
🧶 One Last Thing – Dark academia goes senior chic

Up first…

🍸 Tru – The Life and Times of Truman Capote
📅 Oct. 8 | 2 PM | Surflight Theatre, Beach Haven
Broadway vet Don Stitt channels Truman Capote in this witty, bittersweet portrait of the writer’s final days. Inspired by Answered Prayers and the hit FX series Feud: Capote vs. the Swans.
🎟️ surflight.org | 609-492-9477

🎲 Toms River Elks Bingo
📅 Oct. 8 & Oct. 15 | 7–10 PM | 600 Washington St, Toms River
It’s bingo night! Doors open at 5 PM, games start at 7. $2 entry, plenty of snacks, and $2,200 in prizes. Open to the public — come hungry and lucky!

🚤 16th Annual Huddy Park In-Water Boat Show
📅 Oct. 9–12 | Huddy Park, 39 E Water St, Toms River
The only NJ boat show where you can actually ride the boats! Sea trials, top brands, and free admission. Thurs–Sun, hours vary.
📞 732-505-3002

🎃 Fall Festival at Argo’s Farm
📅 Thurs–Fri (Oct. 9–10) 2–6 PM | Sat–Sun 10–6 | 1250 Lacey Rd, Lacey Township
Corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, and more. A classic family fall outing!
🎟️ argosfarm.com

🎨 Sketchbookers Club
📅 Oct. 9 | 6–8 PM | Toms River Artist Community (TRAC)
Bring your sketchbook and join a friendly group of artists to practice, share tips, and inspire each other.
🎟️ $10 for non-members | trac732.org

🧟 Scarecrow Walk – Downtown Toms River
📅 Oct. 10–31
Vote for your favorite scarecrow displayed throughout downtown shops! Free to enter and open to all ages. Two winners: People’s Choice & Judge’s Choice.

🪁 11th Annual LBI Fly Invitational Kite Festival
📅 Oct. 10 | 10 AM–4 PM | 18th Ave, Ship Bottom
Kites fill the sky over the beach in this colorful celebration of flight — free and family-friendly!

🎹 Liana Paniyeva Piano Recital
📅 Oct. 10 | Bösendorfer Recital Room, Ocean County College
Acclaimed pianist performs works by Schumann and Brahms. Tickets $10.
🎟️ grunincenter.org | 732-255-0500

🍝 34th Annual Ocean County Italian Street Festival
📅 Oct. 10–12 | Grant Ave, Seaside Heights
Three days of music, food, and fun — plus Sunday’s Columbus Day Parade! Free admission.

🧶 Annual Fall Craft & Vendor Fair
📅 Oct. 11 | 9 AM–2 PM | Brick Township
Dozens of local crafters, handmade goods, and seasonal décor. A perfect stop for early holiday shopping!

🚗 Christ Lutheran Church Antique & Classic Car Show
📅 Oct. 11 | 10 AM–3 PM | 40 Schoolhouse Rd, Whiting
Food, music, raffles, and people’s choice awards — all to benefit the church.

🎻 31st Annual Pine Barrens Jamboree
📅 Oct. 11 | 10 AM–4:30 PM | Wells Mills County Park, Waretown
Folk music, crafts, nature walks, and good old-fashioned fun — free admission!

🛍️ Iron in the Pines Vintage Fest
📅 Oct. 11–12 | 8 AM–2 PM | New Egypt Flea Market Village
100+ vendors featuring vintage cast iron, retro fashion, antiques, food trucks & music. Free event!

🏃 53rd Annual 18-Mile Run & 12K
📅 Oct. 12 | 10 AM | St. Francis Community Center, Long Beach Township
A coastal tradition! Runners hit the scenic LBI route in this commemorative community race.

💃 Calpulli Mexican Dance Company – Día de los Muertos
📅 Oct. 15 | 7 PM | Grunin Center, Toms River
An enchanting dance performance blending folk and classical Mexican traditions in a moving story of love beyond the grave. Tickets $39.
🎟️ grunincenter.org

🎲 Toms River Elks Bingo (Encore!)
📅 Oct. 15 | 7–10 PM | Toms River Elks Lodge, 600 Washington St
Back by popular demand — another night of bingo, burgers, and big prizes!

Links to the latest news on aging from trusted media sources.

Heart Attack, Stroke Almost Always Foreshadowed: Nearly everyone who suffers a heart attack, stroke or heart failure had at least one warning sign that cropped up years before. HealthDay News, Sept. 30.

How Medicare Is Affected by a Government Shutdown: A look at how Medicare is affected by a government shutdown, as well as other government-related health care. Kiplinger, Oct. 1.

3 of the Biggest Financial Surprises in Retirement: The following list of the most common financial surprises in retirement won't prevent bad things from happening, but they can help you prepare. Motley Fool, Sept. 30.

Age 62, 67 or 70? Here's the best time to claim Social Security: There are pros and cons to (claiming Social Security at) each age. USA Today, Oct. 5.

The books are just the beginning! From art and opera to health, ghosts, and good conversation — here’s your guide to what’s happening this week across Ocean County’s libraries.

✅ Bonus Picks

Halloween just leveled up at Paris Baguette. They’ve launched a lineup of spooky desserts that make your sweet tooth do a little dance.

Sink your fangs into:

Bonus: PB Rewards members can score extra points and even free pastries on special days. Peek the full spooky menu at parisbaguette.com.

Here’s something worth saluting 👏 — Ocean County has launched a brand-new Veterans in Nature program, designed to help local veterans reconnect with the outdoors while boosting health and wellbeing.

🌳 Why it matters: Spending time in nature has proven benefits for body and mind, and research shows that outdoor activities can be especially helpful for veterans managing injuries or PTSD.

Commissioner Robert S. Arace, who serves as liaison to both the Parks & Recreation and Veterans Services departments, said it best: “We are excited to provide this opportunity specifically for our veterans who may not have the chance to get out in nature otherwise.”

🍃 The first series includes beginner-friendly sessions in stand-up paddleboarding, birdwatching, photography, and kayaking, with plans to expand seasonally. Veterans can bring one guest for just $5 per person, and representatives from the Department of Veterans Services will be on-site to share resources and support.

🪖 Ocean County is home to New Jersey’s largest veteran population, and this program is a meaningful way to honor that community — through connection, movement, and fresh air.

📍 To register or learn more, visit oceancountyparks.org or call 732-506-9090.

Got old bills or paperwork piling up? Ocean County’s free Residential Document Shredding Program is back for fall — your chance to safely dispose of personal documents and protect against identity theft.

Now in its 15th year, this popular program lets residents bring up to 4 boxes or clear bags (max 100 lbs) of confidential documents — no need to remove paper clips or staples!

Here’s where to go this fall:
📍 Oct. 18 — 1 Sports Complex Dr., Little Egg Harbor Township
📍 Oct. 25 — 1600 Pinewald Rd., Beachwood

🕘 All events run 9 AM–Noon or until the truck fills.
No registration needed — just stay in your car and staff will handle the rest.

♻️ Bonus tip: If you shred at home, drop off your bagged shredded paper at the Northern Recycling Center (Lakewood) or Southern Recycling Center (Stafford Township), open Mon–Sat, 7:30 AM–3 PM.

👉 More info: OceanCountyParks.org

Oct. 14–20, the skies above Cape May fill with migrating birds by the thousands. It’s one of the best fall migration spectacles in the U.S.—and you don’t even need a passport! Visit the Cape May Bird Observatory for prime viewing.

If you’re looking for a Halloween outing that mixes history, haunts, and just the right amount of spooky fun, the Historic Village at Allaire has you (and the grandkids!) covered. This year, they’re rolling out three different Halloween adventures — all family-friendly, all memorable.

👻 Allaire Ghost Tours
Sunday, Oct. 12 & Sunday, Oct. 19 | 6 PM & 8 PM
Step behind the velvet rope and into the off-limits corners of Allaire Village to hear tales of ghostly encounters. Perfect for older grandkids (ages 12+). Limited tickets — and they go fast!
💵 $50 per person

🧛 Night of Frights
Fridays & Saturdays: Oct. 10–11, Oct. 17–18, Oct. 24–25 | 6–9 PM
Monsters, ghouls, and things that go bump in the night… wander the historic village under the moonlight if you dare! Great for teens and brave grandparents alike.
💵 $20 adults | $15 kids (ages 4–12)

🍬 All Hallows’ Eve Trick-or-Treating
Sunday, Oct. 26 | 11 AM–4 PM
Bring the little ones in costume for old-fashioned trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, scavenger hunts, a bubble magician, and more! A sweet, not-too-scary way to enjoy Halloween traditions together.
💵 $10 adults | $5 kids (ages 4–12)

📍 All events at Historic Village at Allaire, 4263 Atlantic Ave, Farmingdale, inside Allaire State Park.

🎟️ Tickets & details: allairevillage.org

Grab your popcorn and remote — there’s plenty of new entertainment to stream this week, from heartfelt documentaries to mystery thrillers and a touch of Hollywood nostalgia. 🍿✨

🎬 A Tribute to John Candy
More than 30 years after his passing, comedy legend John Candy is getting a well-deserved love letter in John Candy: I Like Me (Friday, Oct. 10, Prime Video). Directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, the film celebrates the beloved star of Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Uncle Buck, and Stripes. Expect laughs, tears, and cameos from Bill Murray, Mel Brooks, and more. ❤️

🛥️ The Woman in Cabin 10
Set sail on a luxury yacht where nothing is as it seems. In this stylish thriller based on Ruth Ware’s bestselling novel, Keira Knightley plays a journalist who witnesses a woman go overboard — but no one believes her. Directed by Simon Stone (The Dig), it streams Friday, Oct. 10 on Netflix. Mystery, suspense, and a touch of glamour? Yes, please. 🚢🔍

👻 The Master of Movie Mayhem: John Carpenter Collection
If you love a good October scare, skip the remakes and head straight to the classics. The Criterion Channel’s new collection, Directed by John Carpenter, gathers the filmmaker’s greatest chills — including The Fog, Escape from New York, and They Live. Perfect for a weekend fright night marathon. 🎃

👑 Victoria Beckham: The Docuseries
After her husband’s Emmy-winning docuseries last year, it’s Posh Spice’s turn in the spotlight. Victoria Beckham (Thursday, Netflix) is a three-part series following the pop-star-turned-designer as she opens up about fame, fashion, and family. We’ll see if David makes a cameo — but the real star here is Victoria herself. ✨

⚖️ Kathy Bates Returns in Matlock
She may not have taken home the Emmy this time, but Kathy Bates is back in fine form for Season 2 of Matlock (Friday, Oct. 10, Paramount+). The legal drama that reimagined the beloved series continues with sharp wit and courtroom intrigue. Also streaming the same day: Season 3 of Elsbeth — another favorite for mystery lovers. 👩‍⚖️

🎤 Always, Lady London
New voice, new vision. Rising rapper Lady London gets the spotlight in a new Tubi docuseries debuting Friday, Oct. 10. Always, Lady London follows her as she records her first album and preps for tour life — a peek behind the curtain of the next big thing in hip-hop. 🎶

If you’re packing up for Florida this winter, The Palm Beaches have rolled out plenty of reasons to get excited. Known as Florida’s Most Stylish Vacation Destination®, this stretch from Jupiter to Boca Raton is buzzing with new hotels, hot restaurants, spa indulgences, and cultural happenings.

🏨 Hotels making headlines: The historic Gulfstream Hotel in Lake Worth Beach is getting a glamorous revival, while Palm Beach welcomes the chic new Vineta Hotel with Mediterranean dining at Coco’s. West Palm Beach’s trendy Nora District is adding The Nora Hotel, complete with a Parisian-style brasserie. Plus, the Four Seasons Palm Beach now has pickleball courts, bocce, and family-friendly fun in its new Palm Pavilion.

🍴 Foodie delights: This winter brings the highly anticipated Eataly West Palm Beach, along with Nobu Manalapan opening at Eau Palm Beach Resort. Already open: Tex-Mex at Austin Republic, creative fusion at Pubbelly Sushi, and tiki-inspired fun at Roka Hula in Delray Beach.

💆 Spa escapes: Treat yourself at the Eau Palm Beach Resort’s Eau Spa with the brand-new Psammo Quartz Ritual (think warm quartz, sound bowls, and ancient healing), or try the luxe HydraLuxe Facial at the Four Seasons.

🎭 Culture & events: From the Festival of the Arts BOCA and Broadway hits at the Kravis Center, to polo season in Wellington and LagoonFest on Nov. 1, the calendar is jam-packed. And don’t miss the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival (Dec. 12–15) for celebrity chefs and unforgettable tastings.

Whether you’re into fine dining, seaside spa days, or just a sunset stroll, The Palm Beaches are ready to welcome snowbirds in style. ✨ Plan your season at ThePalmBeaches.com

Here’s what’s new in the world of travel — whether you’re planning a trip soon or just love to dream:

🍂 Montana’s Golden Glow
Peak fall foliage is sweeping Montana, from golden larches in the Rocky Mountain Front to striking grasslands in the east. Top spots include Seeley Lake, Bannack State Park, and Jewel Basin. The annual elk rut is also underway — listen for the bugling males at Yellowstone and the Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge. As nights grow longer, stargazing shines at Medicine Rocks State Park and Makoshika State Park, both International Dark Sky destinations. Plan your trip at visitmt.com.

🌌 Auroras, Ice & Adventure in Fairbanks
Explore Fairbanks just dropped its 2025–26 Winter Guide — a free 32-page booklet spotlighting the best of Alaska in winter. Expect bucket-list adventures like chasing the aurora borealis, dog mushing, and ice sculpture festivals, plus indoor finds like museums, cozy cafés, and breweries. The guide also features nearby escapes like Denali and the Arctic Circle. Download it at explorefairbanks.com/guide.

🐺🎃 Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge
Every Great Wolf Lodge across the U.S. is in full Halloween mode through Oct. 31. Families can hit the Trick-or-Treat Trail, join a Monster Bash Dance Party, and get crafty with pumpkin origami and seasonal beads. New this year: Poconos, Grapevine (TX), and Naples (FL) locations feature the bubbly™ Spookeasy, where kids make sparkling “potions” and parents sip themed cocktails. Seasonal eats include the Howlin’ Wagyu Burger and a Pumpkin Pie Caramel Swirl Shake. Info

💀🌸 San Antonio’s Spirit Season
San Antonio is declaring October its “Spirit Season”—a month-plus celebration of Día de los Muertos running Oct. 3–Nov. 14. Highlights include the Day of the Dead River Parade (Oct. 24), Muertos Fest at Hemisfair (Oct. 24–26), and the Altares y Ofrendas altar exhibit at Centro Cultural Aztlán (Nov. 2–13). The season also overlaps with the monarch butterfly migration, honored during the Oct. 18 Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival. Info

💆‍♀️ Spa Escape in Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, VA (yes, the “Dirty Dancing” filming site!) has opened its brand-new Spa at Mountain Lake. Nestled in a 2,600-acre preserve, the spa offers mountain-inspired massages, aromatherapy, halotherapy, facials, and pedicures with natural polish. Guests can book special spa-day packages or overnight retreats that mix treatments with farm-to-table dining and live mountain music. This fall, the lodge also hosts its Magical Christmas Village & Marketplace from Nov. 22–Jan. 3. Info

🛫 JFK’s New Terminal 6 Welcomes Icelandair
Icelandair has become the 15th airline to sign on for JFK’s brand-new Terminal 6, opening in 2026. The $19 billion airport overhaul promises a boutique, digital-first experience with NYC-inspired shopping, public art, and short walks to all gates. Info

🚢Star Princess Sets Sail!
All aboard! 🚢 Princess Cruises has just launched its newest Sphere-Class ship — the Star Princess — and she’s already dazzling guests on her maiden voyage from Barcelona through the Western Mediterranean. The ship is the 17th in the Princess fleet and one of the largest ever built, designed to blend high-seas adventure with all the comfort and sparkle of a luxury resort. After a transatlantic trip, she’ll debut in Fort Lauderdale this November for her official naming ceremony — just in time for her first Caribbean season. Next summer? She heads to Alaska for breathtaking Inside Passage cruises. Learn more or book your voyage at princess.com.

Thinking about downsizing, finding your forever home, or just curious what’s on the market? Here’s a peek at a few cozy ranch-style homes for sale this week in some of Ocean County’s most sought-after 55+ communities.

💲 $375,000 · 🛏️ 2 beds · 🛁 2 baths · 📐 1,520 sq. ft.
Taxes: $6,012/yr · HOA: $265/mo
Built in 2002, this charming ranch sits on a manageable lot (about 4,800 sq. ft.) in one of Ocean County’s premier active adult communities. Enjoy open-concept living, a two-car garage, and resort-style amenities — from indoor/outdoor pools to a golf course, clubhouse, and tennis courts. Info

💲 $349,000 · 🛏️ 2 beds · 🛁 2 baths · 📐 1,412 sq. ft.
Taxes: $4,734/yr · HOA: $242/mo
This well-kept 1992 ranch offers bright, airy rooms and plenty of storage. Set on a 7,400 sq. ft. lot, it’s tucked into a quiet cul-de-sac near the golf course. The gated Greenbriar Woodlands community features a clubhouse, fitness center, and walking trails — perfect for active retirees. Info

💲 $369,000 · 🛏️ 2 beds · 🛁 2 baths · 📐 1,327 sq. ft.
Taxes: $3,566/yr · HOA: $462/yr
Built in 1982, this cozy ranch combines comfort and convenience. Enjoy a sunny living room, eat-in kitchen, and peaceful backyard. The Silver Ridge Park community offers a welcoming clubhouse, organized activities, and friendly neighbors who make it feel like home. Info

✨ House-Hunting Tip: Ocean County’s 55+ developments often include perks like lawn care, snow removal, and social clubs — so you can spend less time on chores and more time enjoying life.

🕷️ Creepy Crawly Crafts – Pinecone Wolf Spiders
📅 Oct. 13 | 2–3 PM | Cedar Bridge Tavern Historic Site, Barnegat
Turn pinecones into (friendly!) wolf spiders in this free hands-on craft for all ages.

👑 Princess Tea Party at the Mathis House
📅 Oct. 15 | 6:30 PM | 600 Main St, Toms River
Join the Snow Princess for stories, songs, and tea time in a beautifully decorated Victorian setting. $20 adults / $10 kids.
📞 732-818-7580 | mathishouse600main.com

Sending the happiest of birthday wishes to three wonderful Ocean County residents: Ellen R. of Barnegat and Estelle M. of Toms River, 85. ✨ May your week be filled with love, laughter, and plenty of cake! A few other famous people celebrating birthdays this week include:

🎉 If it’s your birthday too, we hope it’s a sweet one!

Turns out you don’t need to brood on a college quad to rock this trending look.

🧶 Irish fisherman sweater? Check.
🧥 Peacoat? Still hanging by the door.
👞 Oxford shoes? Perfectly broken in.
👟 Mary Janes? Ask for them back from your granddaughter.

Congratulations — you were dark academia before it was cool!

⁉️Questions, comments or news to share? Email us at [email protected]

👀First time reading? Join thousands of Ocean County seniors. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter here.

🙂See you next week!

The Better With Age New Jersey team