NEW JERSEY

NEW JERSEY | THE SHORE

Atlantic City

By Fiona Soltes

SALTWATER TAFFY, AMUSEMENT PIERS and boardwalks: Could there be anything more New Jersey?

David G. Schwartz , Atlantic City native and author of Boardwalk Playground: The Making, Unmaking, & Remaking of Atlantic City, tells the tale of the first boardwalk, opened in 1870 to keep guests from tracking sand into hotel lobbies. But he also has his own story , of spending a season dressed as Mr. Peanut for the Boardwalk Peanut Shoppe .

“It was a different summer job, to say the least,” Schwartz admits.

Scaled for walking and bathed in ocean breezes, the boardwalks of New Jersey — almost 20 in all — offer memories for the taking.

Most discussions on the topic begin with Atlantic City. “From an early-morning bike ride, to afternoon shopping in souvenir shops, a midafternoon snack of funnel cakes and saltwater taffy to an early alfresco dinner, the Atlantic City Boardwalk

CASINO REINVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

has something for everyone,” says Larry Sieg , director of communications and marketing for the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority . “You can top off the evening with a 220-foot ride on the Steel Pier Observation Wheel , ride go-karts at Central Pier or practice your axe-throwing skills at the AC Axe and Pub .”

Absecon Lighthouse , the third-tallest lighthouse in the U.S., is nearby.

Seeking a less ostentatious experience? Head south to Cape May County.

At Ocean City, the Music Pier dates back to 1928 , offering beach views and a variety of entertainment — including an annual Ocean City Pops series .

The Wildwoods , meanwhile, has 38 blocks of boardwalk including eateries, amusement piers, water parks and a state-of-the-art entertainment venue overlooking the water that hosts concerts, car shows, competitions and a Fabulous ’50s & Beyond Weekend every NEW JERSEY | THE SHORE

October. There’s Breakfast in the Sky at Morey’s Piers and Water Parks, with four-person gondolas on a Ferris wheel that rises 150 feet above sea level. The Wildwoods is home to artBOX , too, a bright mini village crafted from shipping containers that allows visitors to see artists in action.

Neighboring North Wildwood shares some amenities, but is a bit calmer overall.

At the Shore’s far northern end, Monmouth County has wooden boardwalks in seven different towns, each with its own personality and identity: Asbury Park, Avon-by-the-Sea, Belmar, Long Branch, Ocean Grove, Sea Girt and Spring Lake. Tom Arnone , Monmouth County freeholder director (akin to a county

— TOM ARNONE, Monmouth County freeholder director

commissioner), notes that Long Branch is modern and has a Caribbean vibe; Asbury Park is family oriented; Sea Girt and Spring Lake are a bit more remote; Belmar appeals to active young folks and has a vibrant bar scene; Avon-by-the-Sea is great for groups and setting up camp on the beach; and Ocean Grove offers peaceful walks and beautiful views.

“Each one is extremely enjoyable,” Arnone says. “But out of all of them, my heart will always be with Asbury, because I was raised on that beach. It’s really special to see it flourishing like it is now.”

Not far from Asbury Park, Bradley Beach , with its stone boardwalk and Fifth Avenue gazebo, also presents a relaxed pace.

Then there’s Seaside Heights (the original setting for the Jersey Shore TV show), complete with a Ferris wheel, sky ride and arcade. Point Pleasant Beach offers Jenkinson’s Boardwalk , which features a fun house and numerous arcades.

Want to take in a bit of it all? NJ.com notes that those who begin on the “sleepy boards” at Spring Lake could “walk/jog/ run all the way to the top of Asbury Park,” journeying through six beach towns and nearly 7 miles of mostly continuous boardwalk.

The Wildwoods

Bradley Beach

Spring Lake Asbury Park

MONMOUTH COUNTY TOURISM (3); THE WILDWOODS