The month of February may be short, but there’s no shortage of things to do this month in Downtown Toms River. Celebrate the month of love (remember Valentine’s Day is the 14th!) with the help of the businesses in Downtown. From florists, to restaurants, retail shops, and spas, you can find everything you need to make your sweetheart feel extra special this year. (For a full listing of events visit Downtown Toms River’s event page).

Dine out with your date or your closest group of friends at one of Downtown Toms River’s restaurants or do some shopping at stores including the Downtown Shops @ 53 Main and a number of antique stores that will have your recipient reminiscing. No matter how you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day, know that Cupid is close by.

This month, Downtown Toms River is all about spreading the love. Learn more about the antique shops of Downtown Toms River including Yesterday & Todays and The Main Street Antique Center as well as Toms River’s newest councilman, Terrance Turnbach.

Business Spotlight: Antique Shops of Downtown Toms River

In the mood for a little antiquing? Look no further than Downtown Toms River where you’ll find local shops that have everything you’re looking for. Located on Main Street and featuring over 10,000 sq. ft. of showroom, Yesterday & Todays (812 Main Street, Toms River 732-608-0413) is home to quality furniture, home décor, collectibles, military items, and vintage action figures. Customers tend to linger, ambling along the lacquered wood-plank floors, eventually leaving with something that peaked their interest or was the perfect gift. Whether you’re shopping or looking to consign some of your own items, Yesterday and Todays is a must visit all year long. Open Monday through Saturday, 10am – 6pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm.

Also located on Main Street, The Main Street Antique Center (251 Main St, Toms River 732-349-5764) has become a fixture in Downtown Toms River since opening almost 49 years ago. Owned and operated by Dick Clayton (who you’ll still find behind the counter seven days a week), The Main Street Antique Center will not disappoint. Much bigger than it looks, the store houses an ever changing array of items offered by many dealers, making it a fabulous trip down Memory Lane. Peruse for a while and you’re most likely to find a long lost treasure. Open Monday through Friday 10am – 3:30pm, Saturday 10am – 4:30pm, and Sunday 12pm – 4:30pm. Dealers for Booth and Showcase availability can stop by or call Dick at the store.

10 Questions for Incoming Councilman Terrance Turnbach

Downtown Toms River caught up with incoming Councilman Terrance Turnbach to learn a bit more about who he is, why he loves Downtown Toms River, and why he decided to run for office.

Where are you from?  Grew up in Brick, NJ.  Lived in Toms River for the past 10 years and currently resides in the Village of Toms River, just outside downtown.

What do you do?  Attorney, office is located on the corner of Hooper Avenue and Water Street in downtown.

Family?  Married to wife, Sarah, who is a lifelong TR resident.  3 kids, ages 3, 5, and 8.

Hobbies?  Coaching youth soccer for TRFC; spending time with family; running.

Why did you run for the council?  Right place, right time …while initially assisting in the search for a candidate, found passion in the causes brought up in conversations with local residents.

What do you like about downtown?  Genuine community feel of the district, rarely found in neighboring towns.

What are some opportunities you see in downtown?  The waterfront has a great deal of untapped potential.  The locals are rooting for downtown to provide additional high-quality dining options and avenues for social engagement.

What do you dislike about downtown?  Troubled areas…specifically the hotel which has had numerous legal issues and has been a poor representation of the area businesses.

What is a threat to downtown?  Businesses that are not ethical and conscious of the community.

Final thoughts, message for the community?  Receptive leaders that are passionate about making improvements will be the difference makers.  Looking forward to community input that will contribute to making the area more business friendly, safe, and enjoyable.

Looking Ahead to March…

Next month we’ll feature Downtown Toms River’s event spaces and delicious breakfast spots as well as recap the Annual General Meeting of The Business Improvement District for Downtown Toms River.