The premier of MTV’s, The Jersey Shore, in 2009 changed the nature of reality television forever. Casting calls united young Italian Americans who embodied the exact stereotypes and party personalities the producers wanted to portray to their viewers. These carefully selected characters put the New Jersey shore on the map. But is the Jersey Shore featured on the popular show every week an accurate portrayal of what this celebrated coastline has to offer?

I won't lie and say that I haven't enjoyed this type of entertainment before. The cast has been the focus of university classes, news documentaries and popular satire programs. Even Barbara Walters gave them a shout out on her “10 Most Fascinating People” list.  However the residents of Jersey Shore towns claim this reality TV show is not reality at all, and gives the entire Jersey Shore a bad rep.

With Mike "The Situation” Sorrentino’s recent sentence to anger management, what a great time to explore the true reality of the real Jersey Shore. After the unique pilot episode of The Jersey Shore series, the expressions I receive when I tell friends I regularly vacation in the state have never been the same. Words like trashy, orange, and meat heads all came up in the conversation. After vacationing in a quaint New Jersey, Victorian beach town for the past 15 years, I knew better than to buy into the stereotypes. Unfortunately, the Jersey Shore typology spread so quickly because of how wide a range the audience was. Not everyone has had the pleasure of seeing what the incredible New Jersey beach towns have to offer. 

Time magazine and The Washington Post recognize specific, charming beach towns that will leave the juice head junkies and Guidette goddesses scratching their generously gelled heads.

Cape May. Only 93 miles stand between this charismatic city and the border of the suggestive Seaside Heights. Cape May is a class act. With all of its history, ghost legends, and elegant Victorian style, this relaxed beach town, located at exit zero, oozes entertainment. The nightlife isn’t just for the 21 and over crowd. Charming carriage rides, late night ice cream, and thrilling ghost tours cater to all ages. The establishments open for the older crowds look absolutely nothing like those featured on The Jersey Shore. Local restaurants transform into beach bars full of live music and friendly patrons. During the day, you can find most tourists on the beach. Beach patrons must purchase “beach tags” to enter, ensuring the cleanliness and family friendly atmosphere. Another beach bonus is that observing the attractive lifeguards is free. 

Stone Harbor. The seven-mile long island of Stone Harbor radiates small town appeal. The quiet town lies about 85 miles from Seaside Heights. The to-do list must include shopping on 96th Street, eating original James Salt Water Taffy, and grabbing a drink at Jack’s Shack. For those professional mini golf travelers, you have come to the right place. Tee Time Golf is one of the rare courses recognized by the Minigolf Federation. The island lies between the intercostal waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, serving as a prime location for family fishing, water sports and more lifeguard watching, of course. 

Ocean City. Ocean City lies about 65 miles from the infamous Seaside Heights, and still offers just about everything The Jersey Shore cast’s home does. Both have boardwalks, beaches and traditional satirical t-shirt shops. So what makes this town so much classier than the ill-famed Seaside Heights? That would be the citywide alcohol ban. This ban has been in effect since its original founding as a Christian retreat camp in 1879. The Official Tourism Website of New Jersey praises Ocean City’s bold law by claiming that it adds “to Ocean City’s family image.” However residents and vacationers go out of their way to neighboring towns to get their fix. It is safe to say, The Jersey Shore cast will not be visiting Ocean City. 

These are only a few of the many family oriented beach towns in New Jersey that so many proud locals call home. However, if you find yourself in search of juiceheads and self-tanner you are never too far from a Seaside Heights style boardwalk. After all, what’s a little vacation TLC without some GTL?