Happy Tuesday, Monmouth County! I’m still in “long weekend mode,” half relaxed, half pretending to be productive, but I’ve rounded up the best stuff happening in Monmouth County so we can ease back together.

On the docket:

• Pier Village Restaurant Week Is Back (Come Hungry)

• Sunday Morning Craft Club

• Hops & HIIT at Tall Oaks

• Kids Cookie Monster Workshop at The Proving Ground

• Live Music Lowdown

Pier Village Restaurant Week Is Back (Come Hungry)

If you needed an excuse to book the reservation, this is it. Pier Village Restaurant Week runs February 24th through March 1st at Pier Village in Long Branch, and the lineup is stacked. For one delicious week, participating restaurants are offering special prix-fixe menus, chef features, and limited-time promotions you won’t find any other time of year.

Translation? It’s your chance to try that spot you always walk past, revisit your favorite table with a view, or plan a midweek dinner that feels a little less routine and a little more worth getting dressed up for. Date night, girls night, family night, or just an excuse to order dessert without sharing, all acceptable.

More info on participating restaurants and promotions in the link below. Pro tip: reservations will go fast, so get booking!

Sunday Morning Craft Club

Looking for an easy, creative Sunday morning plan? On Sunday, Feb 22nd from 9:30 to 11:00 AM, bring the kiddos to Fleur de Mer Flower Bar and Boutique in Ocean Township for a fun, hands-on craft session. Little artists will decorate their own wooden picture frames with playful pasta shapes, creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake to take home. Bonus: each child also gets to pick out a flower stem to bring home, too.

It’s the perfect laid-back activity for ages 3 to 7 (with a grown-up nearby), and a great way to spend a cozy winter morning getting creative.

Reserve your spot in the link below before it fills up!

Hops & HIIT at Tall Oaks

Ready to brew up a sweat? On Sunday, February 22nd from 10:30 to 11:30 AM, join Fit for Adventure Coaching for a high-energy Hops & HIIT workout at Tall Oaks Farm + Brewery in Farmingdale.

For $30, you’ll get a one-hour circuit training session led by Bryant Edwards, plus a well-earned 10 oz drink from Tall Oaks to sip and savor after you crush it. Sweat first, sip second. That’s the deal.

Bring a mat, a towel, and your game face. Stay after to relax, connect, and toast to your fitness era with your fellow workout crew.

Spots are limited, so grab yours in the link below.

Kids Cookie Monster Workshop at The Proving Ground

Calling all little bakers. On Thursday, February 26th at 6:00 PM, head to The Proving Ground in Highlands for a sweet night out that the kids will love and the parents will definitely appreciate.

For $10 per child, Chef Bonnie will help the kiddos make three types of cookie dough to bring home and bake. Mix-ins are provided, messes are encouraged, and creativity is basically guaranteed. It’s hands-on, a little messy, and a whole lot of fun.

Think of it as the perfect way to elevate your family dinner plans. The kids stay entertained, learn a few kitchen skills, and you get fresh-baked cookies at home later. Everyone wins.

Reserve your spot in the link below and note “Kids Cookies.”

Live Music Lowdown

Friday, February 20
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Guns 4 Hire | 8:30 PM
Reef & Barrel, Manasquan | Blake Breaux | 6 PM
Bar A, Belmar | Pat Roddy Band | 6 PM

Saturday, February 21
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Big Hix | 9 PM
Stone Pony, Asbury Park | Suit & Mai Tai | 7 PM
Spring Lake Tap House, Spring Lake | Pat Roddy Band | 9 PM
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | The Aguilar Family Band | 7:30 PM

Sunday, February 22
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Jazz Supper Sunday | 5 PM
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Sandy Mack’s Wonder Jam | 2:30 PM