McFly’s on Sandy Hook

There is so much more to see and do at Sandy Hook besides being part of the thousands who crowd the ocean beaches there.

There are some great quiet, beautiful, and easy to access beaches on the river side and on a day like today, there were lots of folks taking advantage of them as well.

There are kayaks to rent, and paths to walk under cooling trees.

Loved the couple who simply enjoyed sitting under the shade of one of the roadside trees on a bench watching the boats go by on the river, picnic basket in hand.

The Lighthouse is always fascinating to visit, the B&Bs that are happily booked and busy look so attractive and inviting. It’s enough to take your mind off how the park service has allowed those wonderful Officers’ Row houses to deteriorate to such an awful condition.

Difficult to see the remains of the barracks that will one day be the new PT center for that spectacular NJROTC program at MAST, but on the other hand, great to see the work being done to rehabilitate the smaller building in front of it, which will also be part of the MAST scene, thanks to Monmouth County dollars and cooperative efforts with the Park Service.

Then there’s always McFly’s on the Hook, and no matter where you go on Sandy Hook, it’s worth a stop in there. It’s a convenience store like no other and of course the only one for miles around when you’re that far out on the Hook.

It’s worth the visit just to hear the spirited brogue of Barney Sheridan, who owns McFly’s and is eager to make everyone who comes through those doors happy. Barney offers a conglomeration of MUST HAVE items at McFly’s, from bags of ice to ice coffee and ice cream, to say nothing of the ready made sandwiches and selection of cooling beverages or books to read on the beach or bring home as souvenirs or gifts.

Barney is open Wednesdays through Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 4 and he’s located right across from the Lighthouse with parking right smack in front of the place.