Today, I tie together modern hippie values, a love for community-focused towns, and a bit of cultural history through hippie hero Woody Guthrie’s iconic lyrics.
There’s a thread running through it all: a desire for authenticity, simplicity, and connection, whether it’s with the earth, with others, or with oneself.
Still today, Asbury Park truly embodies this vibe, with its blend of artsy charm, welcoming locals, and an emphasis on music and community. It's easy to call it New Jersey’s ultimate hippie town. The image of cozy coffee shops, murals, and live acoustic sets offers a vivid picture of a place where slowing down is part of the culture, not the exception.
Bruce Springsteen began his musical journey in New Jersey, starting with local bands in the 1960s before forming his own band and eventually signing with Columbia Records. He honed his skills playing the bar circuit in Asbury Park and surrounding areas, a vibrant music scene at the time. Years earlier, we would gather at Max Weinberg’s parents house (Bruce’s drummer) to play rock music.
Asbury Park makes a strong case for a North Eastern hippie hub.. It's less about checking boxes and more about the feel of a place, the energy, the spirit, and how it brings people together. And the Guthrie verse is a powerful reminder that being a modern hippie isn’t just about peaceful vibes, it can also mean staying awake to injustice and holding space for compassion and change.