AAA South Jersey July/August 2012 : Page 12

New Jersey Beaches By Rich Bradley Whether you’re going to the beach, the Boards or “da shore,” everyone seems to have a favorite destination to enjoy the sun, sand and surf in New Jersey. With over 130 miles of beaches in the Garden State, there is bound to be something to appeal to everyone no matter what their age, from the very young to the young at heart. We could spend this entire magazine detailing what makes each shore town a fantastic place, but we’d be sure to leave out something that makes each place unique. Instead, we’ll take a look at what makes the New Jersey shore such a popular place. calm of a Merry-Go-Round or the teacups to the stomach-churning excitement of the roller coasters and other thrill rides, it’s tough to match what the boardwalk offers. Even on a rainy day, there’s always something new and different to discover with each visit. “shoobie” may sometimes now be applied to tourists who are more likely to wear shoes on the beach, although this is not the original meaning. Between them, the teenagers, the families and everyone else, people watchers can get their fill of people gazing during any visit to the shore. The Food The Beaches For most people, this is the reason to come to the shore. Whether you’re there to swim, splash, surf, boogie board or sunbathe, there’s something special about that spot where land and sea connect. It could be the smell of the salt air and suntan lotion, the squawk of the seagulls, the sound of a nearby radio, the heat of the sun or the feel of sand under your feet, there are few places on earth that can match the beach. And of course, there are few more peaceful feelings than watching the sun set over the bay in the evening, or rise, seemingly from the ocean, the next day. We probably could have included this as part of what makes the boardwalks so great, but fantastic food goes well past what you find on the boards – not that there’s anything wrong with pizza, salt water taffy and fudge! Being at the shore means some of the best seafood restaurants in the country, and some of the best Italian restaurants, and some of the best Greek… anyway, you get the idea. Whether you’ choose to eat at a tiny, family-owned restaurant or big, “name” restaurant with a celebrity chef at one of the casinos, or anything in between, the Jersey shore is a great place to satisfy whatever food you’re craving. Everything Else The People The Boardwalks Whether it’s Asbury Park, Atlantic City, Ocean City or Wildwood, “the boards” provide a secondary source of entertainment away from the beach. From the droning repetitious sounds of “Watch the Tram Car Please” to the noises from arcade games, to the endless t-shirt shops and higher-end stores, to the rented bikes and the parade of joggers, the boardwalks are the best place at the shore to people watch. And don’t forget the rides! From the We already talked about people-watching on the boardwalk, but it’s so much fun it bears repeating. Outside of Mardi Gras and Philadelphia’s Mummer’s Parade, there aren’t a lot of places that will offer the variety of people who turn up at the shore each summer. Some of the “Shoobies”, as the locals refer to visitors, bring their own unique sense of style and summer attire (socks with sandals, anyone?) to the beach towns. According to Wikipedia, the term shoobie “originated in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, and it derives from the habit among daytrippers of bringing their lunch in a shoe box, thus depriving local businesses of the revenue the tourists would have spent on food”. The term AAA.com • SJ First • 12 • July/August We know what you’re thinking. There’s more to going to the shore than the beach and the boardwalk and the food. Of course there is! That’s what makes the shore such a fantastic destination. In addition to the activities listed above, you can also go sailing, surfing, scuba diving, boating and fishing. For the land lovers, there are quaint shopping villages, lighthouses, nature trails, and tons of other activities. And let’s not forget the numerous special events going on throughout the summer at the shore towns. And we’ve barely mentioned the casinos, and their gaming, top-flight entertainment, and incredible nightclubs (plus everything else!). The point is there are few places in the world that can compare to all that the shore has to offer. So, whether you’re planning to visit for a day (Shoobie!), a week, a month or the entire summer, it’s tough to find a more interesting, fun and unique location. And the best part is, it’s just an hour or so away! So get your sandals on and go…but please, leave those black socks at home. See you at the beach! For hotel information and reservations, contact a AAA Travel agent or visit www.AAA.com. about Tell us avorite your f on our beach k page! Faceboo www.facebook.com/AAASouthJersey

New Jersey Beaches

Rich Bradley

Whether you’re going to the beach, the Boards or “da shore,” everyone seems to have a favorite destination to enjoy the sun, sand and surf in New Jersey. With over 130 miles of beaches in the Garden State, there is bound to be something to appeal to everyone no matter what their age, from the very young to the young at heart. We could spend this entire magazine detailing what makes each shore town a fantastic place, but we’d be sure to leave out something that makes each place unique. Instead, we’ll take a look at what makes the New Jersey shore such a popular place. The Beaches For most people, this is the reason to come to the shore. Whether you’re there to swim, splash, surf, boogie board or sunbathe, there’s something special about that spot where land and sea connect. It could be the smell of the salt air and suntan lotion, the squawk of the seagulls, the sound of a nearby radio, the heat of the sun or the feel of sand under your feet, there are few places on earth that can match the beach. And of course, there are few more peaceful feelings than watching the sun set over the bay in the evening, or rise, seemingly from the ocean, the next day. The Boardwalks Whether it’s Asbury Park, Atlantic City, Ocean City or Wildwood, “the boards” provide a secondary source of entertainment away from the beach. From the droning repetitious sounds of “Watch the Tram Car Please” to the noises from arcade games, to the endless t-shirt shops and higher-end stores, to the rented bikes and the parade of joggers, the boardwalks are the best place at the shore to people watch. And don’t forget the rides! From the Calm of a Merry-Go-Round or the teacups to the stomach-churning excitement of the roller coasters and other thrill rides, it’s tough to match what the boardwalk offers. Even on a rainy day, there’s always something new and different to discover with each visit. The Food We probably could have included this as part of what makes the boardwalks so great, but fantastic food goes well past what you find on the boards – not that there’s anything wrong with pizza, salt water taffy and fudge! Being at the shore means some of the best seafood restaurants in the country, and some of the best Italian restaurants, and some of the best Greek… anyway, you get the idea. Whether you’ choose to eat at a tiny, family-owned restaurant or big, “name” restaurant with a celebrity chef at one of the casinos, or anything in between, the Jersey shore is a great place to satisfy whatever food you’re craving. The People We already talked about people-watching on the boardwalk, but it’s so much fun it bears repeating. Outside of Mardi Gras and Philadelphia’s Mummer’s Parade, there aren’t a lot of places that will offer the variety of people who turn up at the shore each summer. Some of the “Shoobies”, as the locals refer to visitors, bring their own unique sense of style and summer attire (socks with sandals, anyone?) To the beach towns. According to Wikipedia, the term shoobie “originated in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, and it derives from the habit among daytrippers of bringing their lunch in a shoe box, thus depriving local businesses of the revenue the tourists would have spent on food”. The term “shoobie” may sometimes now be applied to tourists who are more likely to wear shoes on the beach, although this is not the original meaning. Between them, the teenagers, the families and everyone else, people watchers can get their fill of people gazing during any visit to the shore. Everything Else We know what you’re thinking. There’s more to going to the shore than the beach and the boardwalk and the food. Of course there is! That’s what makes the shore such a fantastic destination. In addition to the activities listed above, you can also go sailing, surfing, scuba diving, boating and fishing. For the land lovers, there are quaint shopping villages, lighthouses, nature trails, and tons of other activities. And let’s not forget the numerous special events going on throughout the summer at the shore towns. And we’ve barely mentioned the casinos, and their gaming, top-flight entertainment, and incredible nightclubs (plus everything else!). The point is there are few places in the world that can compare to all that the shore has to offer. So, whether you’re planning to visit for a day (Shoobie!), a week, a month or the entire summer, it’s tough to find a more interesting, fun and unique location. And the best part is, it’s just an hour or so away! So get your sandals on and go…but please, leave those black socks at home. See you at the beach! For hotel information and reservations, contact a AAA Travel agent or visit www.AAA.com.

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