Nobody knows where the word “benny” actually comes from.
Train tickets that never existed. Doctors who prescribed the beach. Hundred dollar bills. A rental umbrella stand where only the tourists sat down.
The word first appeared in print in 1974. Locals say they’ve been using it since the 1940s.
Four theories. No answer.
Welcome to the Shore.
Every school kid in America has said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Almost none of them know it started here.
April 25, 1893. A rainy morning at Twin Lights in Highlands, NJ — 246 feet above the sea. A crowd gathers to dedicate a 135-foot Liberty Pole. Ellis Island had just opened the year before. Thousands of immigrants were sailing past this hill every week on their way into New York Harbor.
Francis Bellamy — the man who wrote the Pledge — chose this spot for its first official public recitation. Because this hilltop in Highlands was the first thing America looked like from the ocean.
Twenty-two words. No “under God.” No “United States of America.” Just a promise:
“I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands — one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
The first pledge. On a hilltop in Highlands. Looking out at every ship coming home.
📍 Twin Lights Historic Site, Highlands, NJ
Fifty tall ships from thirty nations are about to sail into New York Harbor for America’s 250th birthday.
But before any of them reach the Statue of Liberty — every one of them will anchor in Sandy Hook Bay.
Off the shore of Highlands, New Jersey.
The official staging area for the largest peacetime maritime gathering in American history.
Same water where 400 British warships staged in 1776. Same bay the Sandy Hook Pilots have guarded for three centuries.
And the first light the fleet will see — the oldest working lighthouse in the United States, burning since 1764.
This is The Gateway — a new series telling the Sail4th 250 story from the place where it begins.
Chapter 1 is live on YouTube. Link in bio.
@sail4th250@america250
🌊 Sandy Hook needs you — but spots are limited.
We’re teaming up with @makingwavescoalition , the National Park Service, and Monmouth County for a World Oceans Day beach cleanup at Plum Island — one of the most beautiful stretches of the Hook.
📍 Lot B Pavilion, Sandy Hook NJ
📅 Sunday, June 7th · 6:30–8:30PM
🪣 Bring a bucket. Bring a friend.
RSVP is required and space is limited — this isn’t one you can just show up to. If you’ve been looking for a reason to get out on the sand and give something back to this shoreline, this is it.
Link in bio to save your spot. See you on the beach. 🪸
We got engaged at lot c bayside yesterday. At a spot we can always see from our slice of paradise above the hook.
Now that spot feels even more like home. 🤍
📸 Captain Ryan @ryan.treks
I’m also a poet 📝⛵️ a reminder to romanticize your life 🪄 it’s the only one we have 🥹 @abbymiggins_art should I keep writing / sharing my words?! 🤍 lmk 😘
Drone credit to @breckenridgevisuals & @abovethehook 🫡🫡 thank you guys 📸🙏 be sure to follow these local legends!!
Sandy Hook in spring.
Horseshoe crabs emerging, herons standing watch, ducks doing their thing… and Mary, absolutely losing her mind over an oyster shell.
The bay has a way of bringing out the best in people.
🦀🦪
And honestly? This place deserves to be taken care of and needs a little spring cleaning.
Something’s coming later this week… follow @makingwavescoalition if you want to be the first to know.
👀🌊
Sandy Hook Bay. The harbor. The skyline beyond.
For centuries, this stretch of water has been the threshold between ocean and island, between open sea and the greatest land on earth. The first sight of home our ancestors saw on the horizon. We call it the gateway to the world because thats exactly what it’s always been.
@seastreak charts it daily @sail4th250 is paying a visit this summer and @sailing.everyday calls it home.
This land was made for you and me.
🎥 Footage: Matt @mattgibsonpics
The closest to outer space I ever want to be;
Sailing in the open sea 🚀🌊⛵️👽🛸💫
Thanks to @ryan.treks for this drone shot of us sailing into Sandy Hook, New Jersey 🤍 our homeport 📍
May is HERE and so is our latest issue! 🌊☀️
This month we are so proud to feature the incredible Brattole family on our cover. Their story of service, resilience, and building something beautiful together at Purple Heart Fabrication Shop is one you will not want to miss.
Inside you will find:
Our travel expert Pam Johnson taking us to the Galápagos Islands and honestly making us want to book a trip immediately. Where wonder lives is right.
Melina Bradley breaking down exactly what Atlantic Highlands sellers need to know about the market RIGHT NOW.
A gorgeous spotlight on Dovetail Vintage Rentals, the hidden treasure tucked right here in Atlantic Highlands that will make your next event unforgettable.
The fascinating story of Above the Hook, Highlands’ creative studio blending storytelling, art, and coastal culture in the most beautiful way.
A Student Corner piece on our oldest neighbors, horseshoe crabs, and how YOU can help this season.
And a shoutout to River Rangers, heading into their 22nd year of getting kids on the water this summer!
This community never stops amazing us. Thank you for letting us tell your stories. 🤍
Tag someone who needs to grab their copy and drop a comment if your business or family is inside this month!
📸 Christie O’Connor Photography
📖 @coastal.living.magazine
Jersey Shore Wind & Waves Expo May 15th, 16th & 17th! 128 Ocean Ave Monmouth Beach Cultural Center hosted by @green_hat_kiteboarding #kiteboarding #duotonekiteboarding
