Helen Kho

Discovering New Jersey’s natural beauty surrounding Applewood. While we never tire of touting the attributes and amenities here at Applewood, we felt readers would also enjoy hearing from our residents who call our community home. Beginning with a wonderful commentary below by Helen Kho, we look forward to sharing “My Life at Applewood” essays written by our residents. All photos shown below were also provided by Mrs. Kho).

I have lived at Applewood in Freehold since the summer of 2010. I came here from up near the Canadian border, just outside the Adirondack Park. I loved it up there. Taking a cup of coffee out to the banks of Lake Champlain in the early morning was an absolute delight.

Life changes. Sometimes slowly, and sometimes very quickly. My children moved to the four corners of the United States; my husband passed and is resting in the mountains, forever.

I was at an age where it was time to look for companionship,

warmer weather, and some help in self-care.

Time for a New Start in a New Location

I was diligent in my search for my next home for the next phase of life–I looked in New York, Vermont, Pennsylvania and Florida. There were attractive things about each of these locations which spoke to my needs. I initially chose Pennsylvania, where cousins and old friends still live. But then I saw Applewood and my plans changed.

I am an outdoor nature lover; I need access to that environment. I also require easy access to an airport. And I had a nearby friend in dire need of help. I think the one thing that intrigued me at Applewood was that every apartment had access to the outdoors with a good-sized balcony and lots of sunshine streaming into the windows.

Another big draw was quick and easy access to Monmouth County’s 17 parks and Jersey Shore beaches were less than 30 minutes away. There are many activities in Applewood, but when the sun shines, it calls me to the outdoors.

I Have 17 Parks to Enjoy in Monmouth County

Just outside Freehold’s boundaries are two parks that I visit every chance I get. One holds significant reminders of American history, Battlefield Park, along with its impressive museum featuring weapons, uniforms, personal items of soldiers who fought in the Revolution.

I love walking the extensive grounds of the field. Even in winter, it is peaceful, beautiful and bird watchers love it.  Here I am in February, talking with a birder from Cape May County.

Sometimes I park the car on the grounds and walk on the peaceful walkways and roads. I also love to spend time at Turkey Swamp Park in Holmdel. This is a place to walk, sit and enjoy shooting bow and arrows at targets set-up by the Park Service, a fun afternoon with a friend. Sometimes, it’s pleasant to take a book and just sit on a bench and read.

Enjoying Horse Country and the Jersey Shore

I travel to church through some beautiful horse country in nearby Colts Neck. This picture is a walking trail in Colt’s Neck.

A beautiful little spot, with a pond, and trees, and walking paths.  There is another park, Thompson Park, where I have walked one mile down to the water’s edge.

Winter has its own charm at the beach. The quiet without summer tourists

makes the boardwalk a pleasant place to stroll.

To venture outside Applewood is to discover a changing variety of nature’s beauty. There are so many places to explore during the day and into the evening hours.

On top of the variety of activities within the walls of Applewood, I enjoy a life of continual inspiration and appreciation.

In fact, I can say that it is equal to having my morning cup of coffee as the sun rises on the banks of Lake Champlain.