Memorial Day. It’s the unofficial start to summer. The weekend where we bring out our summer whites, break out our flip flops, and dust off our beach chairs. For me, Memorial Day also commemorates the time of year when all thoughts turn to the Jersey Shore. Not the MTV show, folks. Although I wouldn’t mind spending some quality time with “The Situation” and Snooki.
Around the Vault, you’ll frequently find me discussing my many jaunts to the Jersey Shore. And while I love a winter and spring visit, there’s nothing quite the same as that very first summer stroll down the AC Expressway. Anticipation. Excitement. Thoughts of sun, sand, shops and scrumptious treats. It’s all waiting at the Jersey Shore.
Allow me to elaborate and paint the perfect picture of what I like to call “Tour de Shore.” If you can swing it, try to accomplish this entire agenda in one weekend. I promise, you won’t regret it!
Friday afternoon: Leave work a little early (I promise, I won’t tell the boss). First stop – Atlantic City outlets. Not only will you grab some great bargains at Banana Republic, Polo, J.Crew and Lacoste, but you’ll work up an appetite for the next stop on your tour – White House Subs. I kid you not when I say that this tiny corner shop of Cheesesteak and Italian hoagie goodness will have you hooked at first bite. Next, check in at the new Waterfront Tower at Harrah’s Casino & Resort. With a luxurious pool by day, and club by night, you’ll feel miles away and oh so tropical. If you’re hungry for a midnight snack, don’t worry. Harrah’s “Taste of the Shore” food court won’t disappoint. Finally, enjoy some shut-eye to close out a fantastic day. After all, you have a big weekend ahead.
Saturday morning/afternoon: Let’s depart Atlantic City, as you have some other shore towns to visit. Where else but Ocean City for your next stop on the “Tour de Shore?" If you get there early enough, you can rent and ride bicycles on the boardwalk. For groups of two or more, go "old school" and rent a red and white surrey. Don’t forget to check into your Ocean City motel when you can, and then immediately hit up the beach and boardwalk. Pizza (Mack and Manco’s, of course), fudge (Shriver’s), popcorn (Johnson’s), custard (Kohr Brothers), and funnel cake (the Promenade Food Court). Don’t forget the arcade games, rides and mini golf. And if this parade of food and fun sounds like a buffet of seashore goodness, that’s because it is!
Saturday night: After cleaning off the sand, get ready to depart for Sea Isle City (home of the “No Shower Happy Hour,” a favorite pasttime for many ladies of the Vault!). On my list is dinner at Mike’s Seafood, a “must-do” popular shore spot on the back bay. Winner of Best of Philadelphia, Mike’s offers something for everyone. It’s a laid back BYOB paradise with no shortage of crab legs, fried shrimp, grilled shrimp, oysters, clams and more. Roll up your sleeves and come hungry! The portions are quite large.
Saturday late night: Hang around Sea Isle if you’re into the collegiate scene, or drive back to Ocean City to take in a nighttime stroll on the boardwalk. To satisfy a late night sweet tooth, visit Hobby Horse, the best ice cream parlor in Ocean City (located at 9th and Ocean). Soft ice cream, double dips of hard ice cream, milkshakes, Chipwiches, root beer floats and chocolate-covered strawberries. Sugar rush indeed. How ever will you fall asleep?
Sunday morning: A pre-sunrise walk on the boardwalk is just the trick to jumpstart your Sunday. Walk down the numbered streets towards 1st Street to get a fantastic view of the untouched sand and calm waves. If you’re a photography buff, this is always a great photo opp. Finally, make a pit stop at Brown's for donuts, but don’t say I didn’t warn you about the long lines of people waiting for their cinnamon-sugar, powdered or honey dipped bites of heaven. “Shore” tip: Enjoy while hot.
Sunday afternoon: Kick off those flip flops and veg out on the beach. What’s a beach vacation if not to relax?
Sunday night: It’s time for “Reggae Sundays” at The Inlet in Somers Point. Right on the waterfront in this tiny inland town near Ocean City, The Inlet offers a wide variety of seafood and steaks sure to please any crowd and any appetite. Dance the night away to live entertainment and enjoy a classy yet laid back atmosphere. At this point, you should already be looking forward to your next weekend escape to the shore.
Monday morning: Early wake up call. You better make it to work by 9 a.m.!
A final note to my fellow shore-goers:
Enjoy responsibly and repeat on multiple weekends this summer. I’ll see you there!