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NEW JERSEY
NEW JERSEY | THE SHORE
Walking the Boards
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From serene seascapes to thrill rides, N.J. boardwalks have something for everyone
USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION
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
USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION
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
