Every guidebook will outline the standard virtues of a Jersey Shore vacation. And every guidebook will be right. I just thought you might appreciate an insider's perspective. As someone who has spent at least part of the last . . . let's say many . . . .years at the Jersey Shore, I have my own reasons for returning to New Jersey.
Let me share my ten favorite things about the Jersey Shore:
10. Sand. A friend of my mine from another region (to remain nameless) told me that her little girl loves the beach. "Yes, she loves rocks." Rocks! Big rocks might make for great scenery but when it comes time for walking, playing or reclining on the beach, give me sand. Sand on the Jersey beaches varies from great to fantastic. Not only does it look good, it feels good. Don't worry about bringing beach shoes -- except to shield the soles of your feet from the heat of sand warmed by the summer sun.
9. Outlets. In the unlikely event that rain should fall during your beach vacation or should you simply need a break from the relentless sun, shopping opportunities abound. Although I, myself, am not much of a shopper anymore, when I need to stock up I include the outlet malls in my itinerary. Whether you need clothes, housewares, or gifts, the outlets have what you need. Let's face it. They also have what you don't need which is what really makes outlet shopping fun.
8. Farmstands. You've heard of Jersey tomatoes. Tomatoes are only the tip of the agricultural iceberg. New Jersey farmstands offer a full array of homegrown produce. And, this is my favorite part, home baked pies. I recommend the corn, the tomatoes, the peaches and the watermelon. And, did I mention the pies? Even on vacation, you can eat great fruit and vegetables. And, don't forget the pies. Peach pie is my favorite. If you time your visit correctly, you can get one while it's still warm.
7. The bays. Not only is New Jersey bordered by the huge Delaware Bay, it offers many bodies of water that are great for boating. Don't have a boat? You can still enjoy the bays. I haven't done one of my favorite activities in a while but I am thinking that I should try again. What I would is: 1) check the tide chart 2) assemble a group of friends with inner tubes 3) ride the tide in or out. If you decide this sounds like fun, be sure to stay close together and out of the way of larger craft.
6. Towns. The Jersey Shore is made up of towns -- each with its own personality. Pick a favorite and stick with it or move up and down the coast. There is a town for every mood and a town for every season. Once I thought the Shore was someplace you went in the summer. Not true. Many towns are hopping all year, but I appreciate the special winter beauty of the dwindling number of towns that are deserted off-season.
5. Fudge. I know what you're thinking. You can buy fudge in other locations. Could it possibly taste as good? To me, the Shore means fudge. To me, vanilla fudge. But the stores on the boardwalks and in the towns at the Shore offer a huge variety of flavors -- including innovative additions regularly. Live dangerously. Try the green fudge. (If fudge isn't your thing, there are loads of other specialties. Salt-water taffy is the traditional treat but you'll find lots of goodies to try on the boardwalks.)
4. Rest stops with history. I haven't done a systematic study of rest stops on the highways across the country but I do have an encyclopedic knowledge of the rest areas on the New Jersey Turnpike -- with the possible exception of Richard Stockton. The stops on the Jersey Turnpike aren't just for food and gas. They are educational experiences, each named for a prominent New Jersey citizen. My family never drove from our home in Philadelphia to New York without a stop at Joyce Kilmer. Only as an adult did I realize that the Joyce Kilmer rest stop was only forty-five minutes from our house. Maybe I didn't need the ice cream, but I did learn a lot about poetry.
3. Skeeball. I guess I could talk about the boardwalks in New Jersey. They do offer a wide array of amusements, but, frankly, I am only interested in one. I love Skeeball, a simple game that everyone in the family from the youngest to the oldest can play. Yes, you can find Skeeball in other locations but New Jersey is loaded with Skeeball opportunities. Bring lots of quarters and you, too, can be the proud owner of a yellow and purple rubber snake.
2. The ocean. Let's face it there are a limited number of states that are bordered by an ocean. In the movie Atlantic City, Burt Lancaster says (and I paraphrase), " The Atlantic Ocean really used to be something." To clarify, it still is. The ocean at the shore has many moods. The surf varies; the color changes. One thing remains constant. In summer, the water is warm enough for swimming. The Atlantic Ocean is really something. Enjoy it.
1. Full serve gas stations. I once stopped at a gas station in Connecticut and asked how far it was to New Jersey. When told eighty miles, I pumped three gallons and got back on the road to Jersey where someone else would pump my gas. You see, there is no self-serve in New Jersey. I know that bothers some of you. But for those who, like me, will use half a tank of gas searching for a full-serve gas station, it's heaven. I won't argue the virtues of self-serve versus full-serve in general but you're on vacation! Live a little. Let someone else pump your gas.
This is only my list; there are as many reasons as there are visitors. When you come to New Jersey, ask around.
Copyright 2001 Jane Kelly
