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.
