How Not To Be A Benny
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

How Not To Be A Benny

If you don't know what a "benny" is, you probably are one.

667
How Not To Be A Benny
Erika Szumel

I love living at the Jersey Shore. I love it because I can experience it during the off season, and living by the ocean is quite possibly the best form of meditation there is. But there are some things that can get a tad bit frustrating. For example, Bennies. A "benny" is someone that comes to the Jersey Shore for a week or two during the summer and wreaks havoc on the locals. Basically, a "benny" is another name for a tourist. But believe me, I've experienced some pretty bad bennies, and I am only 20 years old. So if you don't know what a "benny" is, then you probably are one. Of course, we can not perform surgery to fix this or drink some magic potion. You do not live here, so you are not a local. But, what we can do is do our best to blend in. So here I have compiled some ideas to help you not to be a benny.

When it comes to beach etiquette, don’t sit on top of anyone. Make sure there’s a decent amount of space. A few days ago my mother and I were sitting on the beach, and it wasn't too crowded. A large family sat almost two feet away from us. It killed our beach day. We just wanted some space! So please, be courteous.

For the love of God, please do the speed limit. Nothing says benny like someone who is going 20 mph in a 35 mph zone. Jersey is known for fast and crazy drivers, so don't drive slow. All it will do will make them mad, they'll blow their horn, and things will get ugly. Just at least do the speed limit.

Don’t wear socks and sandals to the beach. This is some age-old stereotype of a tourist and yet I still see people doing it. I don't understand it. It makes me uncomfortable. Just let your toes and feet be free! If you wear socks, chances are you will get sand in them anyways.

If you’re on the boardwalk or walking anywhere where there is a lot of people, walk on the right side and walk kind of close together, don’t be animals. There is no set lanes on the boardwalk, but try to use your best judgement. Many locals walk the boardwalk for exercise or just the breathe in the night sea air. So see if you can walk in some sort of a compact formation with your family rather than in a long line across the boards.

Don’t come to the Jersey Shore thinking you will get the TV show. I don't think this needs an explanation. The show was ages ago and yet people still come looking for the shows characters who don't live here.

Don’t litter on our beach or our boardwalk or our town because we are the ones that work to keep it clean and nice for you. Littering is not cool anywhere, anytime, no matter what. But people seem to be open to littering on the beach when they don't feel like chasing after their candy bar wrappers. Just pick it up! Otherwise, there's a good chance it will end up in the water in some poor animals mouth.

If you’re coming anywhere under Exit 100 on the Parkway, do not ask for taylor ham. It’s pork roll. PORK ROLL. That’s it. Northern New Jersey believes the fallacy that pork roll is actually called Taylor Ham. But it's not. It's pork roll, it will always be pork roll. If you want to look like you know what you're doing, ask for a pork roll egg and cheese next time you come down, not Taylor Ham.

With that, I send you off into the world! Just remember that being a benny isn't the greatest thing. Maybe these tips will help you out.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

17801
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

946515
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

123150
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments