We are at that point of the year where we don't know whether to wear a parka or a sundress. Seriously, mother nature you can't give me 65-degree weather one day and then plummet back down to 20 degrees two days later. I need consistency in my life, but the weather in February, March, and April is completely unpredictable. So what's a girl who loves warm weather to do in these months of forever changing temperatures? Fantasize about summer of course.
Being from New Jersey, my summer consists of several trips down to the beloved Jersey Shore. From Stone Harbor to Long Beach Island, you can't go wrong with visiting a shore town in the blissful days of summer. Here are 11 things my fellow New Jersey friends and I can't wait to do this summer at the Jersey Shore.
1. Walk On The Boardwalk
Whether your shore town has a simple boardwalk along the beach meant for running or a three pier one filled with roller coasters and carnival games, you can't have the Jersey shore without some kind of wooden pathway along the sand. A walk on a boardwalk is essential in the summer and the Jersey Shore boardwalks are the best to explore during sunrise, sunset, and every time in-between.
2. Have Breakfast At Uncle Bill's Pancake House
If you've ever been to Stone Harbor, Avalon, Wildwood, Ocean City or Cape May, you've probably been lucky enough to enjoy breakfast at this delicious restaurant. The wait to get a table on the weekends is always long, but the moment you have your first bite into one of these pancakes, all your troubles fade away.
3. Get Ice Cream From Your Favorite Ice Cream Shop
Whether it's Skipper Dipper or Springer's, every Jersey Shore town has their own famous Ice Cream Shop. On a warm summer night, there is usually a mile long line to get a scoop of these homemade ice creams. While the prices may be high, you really can't put a price on this summer tradition.
4. Walk Around Town
Every Jersey Shore Town has their own unique town square. One of the best activities to partake in when down the shore is to walk around town and shop at all of the boutiques. Shore towns are known for having streets decorated with lights that everyone likes to walk along, both during the day and also at night.
5. Play Mini Golf
The Jersey shore is famous for its insane and elaborate mini golf courses. Finding a course that is both fun and challenging is no problem when down the shore and it's a summer tradition. It may be frustrating when your ball lands in the cave water or bounces back off of the Pirate Ship, but mini golf is a great way to engage in some "friendly" competition.
6. Go On A Bike Ride
Whether you are going to bike for miles or just do a casual bike ride around town, the flat terrain down the shore makes this activity perfect for any individual. In the summer you'll find that people are walking a lot more than they are driving. Whenever a distance my be a little too far for a walk, a bike ride is always the next option.
7. Rock A Hair Wrap
You are never too old to get a hair wrap when your are down the shore in the summer. Most Jersey shore towns will have stores that will give you a decorative hair wrap to wear all summer. A hair wrap is a classic summer accessory and you will see it most often at the Jersey Shore.
8. Go On A Roller Coaster
Whether you love Seaside, Wildwood, or a smaller amusement boardwalk, there is nothing better than going on a roller coaster on a warm summer night. The Jersey Shore has some great theme parks that provide rides, games, and carnival food for all kinds of people. You really can't beat going to the top of Ferris Wheel and seeing the entire beach and boardwalk below you.
9. Get A Henna
For those who aren't willing to commit to any real ink, a henna tattoo is a great why to accessorize during the summer. Many shore towns and boardwalks provide Henna shops and there are some incredible designs that can be done pretty quickly.
10. Walk Barefoot Everywhere
Most New Jersey shore towns are very clean and safe to walk around with no shoes on. While the pavement might get hot, walking to and from the beach with sand on your feet is a summer tradition.
11. Go To The Beach
You didn't think I would forget the best part of the Jersey Shore, did you? There is nothing better in the summer than waking up and spending the day on the beach. Whether you love to tan all day or swim in the ocean, the beach is a go-to activity in every shore town. The beach is also the best place to go to see the sunrise, sunset, or to go for a long walk or run. Can it be summer yet?
