Asbury Park, New Jersey is a small seaside town known mostly as a quaint vacation spot with a dreamy sandy shore and a boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants. But there are two museums in town that appeal to niche interests: Paranormal Books & Curiosities, where you can research and learn about paranormal activity and maybe experience some of it yourself, and Silverball Retro Arcade where you can play all the retro video games you loved as a child.
Owner Kathy Kelly established Paranormal Books & Curiosities as a way to bring enthusiasts together in a community that could discuss and explore the paranormal together. They carry a large amount of merchandise, including equipment for identifying the paranormal.
Facebook / Paranormal Books & Curiosities
But the spot also hosts experiences such as filmmaker talks, ghost hunting classes, seances, lectures, and full on paranormal investigations. Not to mention art exhibits of art inspired by the paranormal. They’re a busy group.
Facebook / Paranormal Books & Curiosities
Since opening, the shop has held more than 50 investigations, some of which have been fruitful. Their initial investigation of the restaurant Plan B in Asbury Park caused the show The Dead Files to visit the site on 3 separate occasions for their own investigation. Proceed with caution at this tourist stop, you never know what spirits you might disturb.
Facebook / Paranormal Books & Curiosities
If hauntings aren’t your thing, at least not unless they involve a pixelated ghost controlled by a joystick, head to Silverball Arcade for a selection of games dating back to the 1930s and spanning all the way to present day.
Facebook / Silverball Retro Arcade Asbury
Pinball, Skee Ball, Air Hockey, this arcade has hundreds of games reaching into practically every interest. You can also enjoy typical boardwalk eats in the Silverball Cafe after a rigorous gaming session.
Facebook / Silverball Retro Arcade Asbury
All games are free to play with the admission price so you don’t have to worry about carrying coins or tokens or about getting lost in your favorite fantasy world.
Facebook / Silverball Retro Arcade Asbury
After a few days of sunning on the glorious beaches of Asbury Park, New Jersey, you may find yourself looking for additional stimulation. These two quirky museums provide a fun and unique experience for your vacation. Where else can you go home from a trip and say you learned how to hunt a ghost?
Facebook / Paranormal Books & Curiosities
Facebook / Silverball Retro Arcade Asbury
For the most up-to-date hours and admission prices, check out the Silverball Retro Arcade website and Facebook Page. And the Paranormal Books & Curiosities website and Facebook Page.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Paranormal Books & Curiosities/The Paranormal Museum, 621 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USAAddress: Silverball Retro Arcade, 1000 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
