Michael Politz

Correspondent

The holidays always seem to come and go faster than we expect them to. With all the celebration on the back-burner after the festivities, January can seem to be slow month in terms of things to do in New Jersey.

Fortunately, from Cape May County to Somerset County, this state rocks when it comes to adult-friendly activities that allow you to unwind with a drink in hand. If you are looking to stay local this month, here are some of the best activities that one can do post-holiday season.

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Barrel Aged Beer Dinner at Stirling Hotel, Stirling

The Stirling Hotel, a local destination for craft beer lovers, will host a barrel aged beer dinner at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, with five courses of eats created by Chef Corey Berger, paired with rare and vintage beers. The price is for $100 per person (which includes tax and gratuity).

All of the beers at the dinner have been aged in barrels, ranging from bourbon to wine barrels, with selections including Hermit Thrush Gin Barrel Saison and Firestone Walker Dark and Stormy. Seating will be limited to 50 people, so make sure you make your reservations early.

Drink away: 227 Main Ave., Stirling; 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15

Sunday music at Terhune Orchards, Princeton

Every Sunday from Jan. 6 to May 26 at Terhune Orchards, there's magic happening at the new wine production barn. Here, from 1 to 4 p.m., you can sit back and relax with a glass of wine while enjoying light fare such as cheeses and chips and salsa while listening to local artists.

The artists change each week and so do the styles of music, ranging from jazz to blues to folk and rock.

Drink away: 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton on Sundays from Jan. 6 to May 26; free entry; facebook.com/events/1206238409539495/

Asbury Park Beer Fest, Asbury Park

The Asbury Park Beer Fest will be conducted at the Asbury Park Convention Hall on Jan. 27 and 28, and is an awesome place to start your 2019 festivities. On Saturday, Jan. 27, there will be two sessions to enjoy craft and retro beers while eating boardwalk bites from 12 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m.

On Sunday, Jan. 28 there will be only one session available from 12 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door. Plus, Asbury Park has tons of great bars and restaurants and you can make a full day of exploring the city before or after the beer festival.

Drink away: Asbury Park Convention Hall on Saturday, Jan. 27, and Sunday, Jan. 28 for $40 to $45 per person, purchase at ticketmaster.com/Convention-Hall-tickets-Asbury-Park/venue/216

Fire Pit Fridays at Willow Creek Farm and Winery, West Cape May

Down in the lower part of Jersey? Willow Creek Farm and Winery is one of those places that one can get lost in on a Friday afternoon. Here, the farm will host its weekly Fire Pit Fridays, where visitors can listen to live music next to their vineyard while sipping on local wines.

Fire Pit Fridays will take place through March 29 from 5 to 9 p.m. Check its website to find out whose performing on your chosen date and to also make a reservation, as space as limited.

Drink away: 168 Stevens St., West Cape May; Fridays through March 29 from 5 to 9 p.m.; free but reservations recommended; facebook.com/events/183913855823404/

Michael Politz, a lifelong New Jersey resident, has worked in the restaurant and bar industry for 20 years. He currently bartends at Water and Wine Ristorante, an upscale Italian eatery and bar in Watchung. His beer, wine and liquor column, Spirits of N.J., appears Wednesdays.