Everyone thinks that the fall foliage colors are best seen when sitting on a mountain side cabin porch in Vermont but the Jersey Shore has a great season for fall colors. LOL! We have trees too! No where are fall colors more vibrant than along the banks of the beautiful Navesink River in Monmouth County. But how does one get to see them without buying a million dollar estate in Middletown? A great idea is a fall foliage boat tour on one of the many boats operated by Classic Boat Rides.
Classic Boat Rides is based in Atlantic Highlands. The owners of Classic Boat Rides is a long-time friend of WRAT-FM. Captain Dan Shade was a co-worker for years before he turned his passion for classic boats into a local family business. Classic Boat Rides has grown over the years to offer sunset cruises, live music cruises, beer tasting cruises and cruises to enjoy the fall colors. Keep an eye on their website for the upcoming schedules and the opportunity to do a private charter.
The Classic Boat Ride fleet is impressive. There’s an all-electric powered boat called, “Watts Up”. “The Mariner” looks like a well kept fishing boat. And then there’s the totally amazing riverboat paddle wheel called, “The Navesink Queen”. The Queen is a truly remarkable sight from shore; gliding gracefully along. But she’s that much more impressive when you’re on board. The sound of the paddlewheel lapping the water and the breeze in your hair adds to the cool experience.
If fall leaf peepin’ is your thing, a fall boat tour on any of their vessels makes for a great afternoon when your favorite football team isn’t playing. And you don’t have to drive to Vermont for it!
Have a look and listen to the Navesink Queen paddlewheel in action:
