Once upon a time I worked at a hotel in Ocean Grove. The best part of the job wasn’t the weirdo jerk who I worked for, it was getting to know the people who lived and owned other inns and hotels in Ocean Grove. They’re really nice folks over there (most of them). Anyway, a group of the innkeepers (not the jerk who I had the unfortunate displeasure of working for) got together and thought of a bunch of great ideas to get tourists to the town during the fall, winter, and early spring months. One of their new events is a “Wellness Weekend” that takes place all over the small, one-square mile town.

For the dudes out there - this might not be for you. However, it DEFINITELY is something that you want to tell your sister, mother, daughter, or girlfriend about. In fact, it might make a really great gift if you paid for the expenses for the weekend for one of the lovely ladies in your life…

Below is the latest update on the weekend from the folks over at the Ocean Grove Record:

On Saturday and Sunday, April 28th and 29th, the historic and beautiful seaside village of Ocean Grove, NJ will host its annual Wellness Weekend.

Sponsored by the Ocean Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, this public event brings together all aspects of the town - Camp Meeting (The Youth Temple), Inns, Restaurants, Merchants, and Francis Asbury Manor – to provide the most hospitable environment for our visitors’ total spiritual, physical and emotional well-being. The hours of the days’ activities are: Saturday from 9am to 6pm and Sunday from 12:30pm to 4:30pm. All events are open to the public.

An extremely wide range of lectures, medical information, screenings and “hands-on” workshops are all part of the weekend goal of offering the most cutting edge education in holistic and traditional care for the mind, body and spirit. We have chosen from among the most admired practitioners in their fields to present lectures on the following topics: “Why Wellness Doctoring”, “Adolescent Behavior Issues”, The Natural Process of Childbirth and Midwifery”, “Medical Weight Loss Techniques”, Breast Cancer Prevention and Care”, “Child Nutrition: Obesity and Diabetes”,” Infertility Questions” and “The Benefit of Natural Vitamins”.

Spinal Screenings, body composition analysis, and blood pressure readings will be among many free offerings. Representatives from a vast array of holistic and wellness practitioners, medical centers and retail products will be present at their tables to provide educational and contact information for both services and products.

“Natural” cooking and tea demonstrations will be fun as well as practical.

“Hands-on” classes will be provided in a myriad of modalities: yoga, reiki, reflexology, stretching, pilates, various types of massage, tai chi, zero-balancing, facial rejuvenation, and morning runs on the boardwalk are amongst activities planned.

Feng Shui for your home, hypnosis and aura readings are offered as well. Francis Asbury Manor will host a number of activities including the centering Labryinth walk. The Camp Meeting will lead individuals and small groups in traditional prayers. A beautiful flute concert is planned for the end of the day Saturday.

While all activities are open to the public, there is a suggested $5 donation per day during registration at the Youth Temple. This will cover all lectures, education and product information and the evening concert.

Complimentary bus service will be available from the Youth Temple to Francis Asbury Manor. Each workshop practitioner will have the right to charge a nominal fee for participation in their class. The fee will be posted.

Most of our Restaurants, Inns and Merchants have special activities or promotions planned, so look for these. Also as Sunday morning, April 28 is the New Jersey Marathon in Long Branch, a number of rooms in town have already been booked, so please plan accordingly.

Our full program, bios and schedule should be posted soon. Please note that changes can occur up to the last day. For more detailed information contact Nancy at The Sea Spray 732-897-0770 or nlbg@aol.com.