An Alternate Route to Monmouth Mall

When I want to go to Monmouth Mall in Eatontown, I typically take the Garden State Parkway from Exit 117A to Exit 105. Simple enough. But when there is beach traffic and I need to avoid the GSP, or when I simply want a leisurely ride, I take the back roads. Here's my route. You may know others.

From Aberdeen, take Holmdel Road south to Crawfords Corner Road, where you begin to parallel the GSP just to the south of it. You'll pass Holmdel government buildings, Holmdel High School, and the back way into the PNC Arts Center. (If you turned right you'd soon be at Monmouth County's Holmdel Park, its Longstreet Farm and arboretum.) The road turns into Everett Road before you pass the big water tower and office park that signifies Lucent/Bell Labs (or whatever it happens to be today). Bamm Hollow Country Club is off to the left. After you pass the Lincroft Presbyterian Church you are almost to Newman Springs Road (Route 520). Across the street is Monmouth County's Thompson Park. Turn left. You'll soon pass Brookdale Community College in Lincroft.

Turn right at the Lincroft Inn onto Swimming River Road, which roughly parallels the GSP a bit to the west. Monmouth Reservoir passes on your right and then you're soon surrounded by the beautiful horse country of Colts Neck. When you reach Route 537, cross at the relatively busy intersection and proceed left onto Tinton Avenue. Wend your way through what apparently is the hamlet of Cooks Mills. Soon Tinton Avenue goes off to the left, but continue straight on what becomes a somewhat desolate Wayside Road. The Monmouth County Mosquito Commission has its office down here. Soon you're at the Wayside Road entrance to Route 18. Off on your right in the woods is US Naval Weapons Station Earle. Turn left onto Shafto Road (Route 547), which becomes Wyckoff Road once you cross Hope Road. The mall is down Wyckoff Rd a ways on your right.