Now that school is over and summer has just about started, it's time to put your sunblock and sunglasses on and get those beach bags packed, ready for the shore. The term “going down the shore” is what us New Jerseyans say simply because all of our beaches are in South Jersey. So, living in North Jersey means we have to travel down south, or as we say it, “down the shore." Yes, this is where “The Jersey Shore” originated, and no, it is not full of "Guidos" and "Guidettes."
For me, going down the shore in the summer gives me pure happiness and excitement. It is where you go to have some summer fun or even to kick back and relax. Simple activities like going on the Himalaya on the boardwalk, putting down five dollars on a silly boardwalk game that is designed for you to lose, tanning on the beach with your feet dug into the warm sand on an unbearable 95 degree day and even barbecuing with your family on the last night of your stay are just little things that can make your summer one to remember. The Jersey Shore can be associated with being vulgar, loud, trashy, and a money eater, but it can also be associated with being joyful, peaceful, unique and fostering family bonding. It’s whatever you make of it, though.
Going down the shore is a special feeling for me. I know I don’t have to worry about school or work being that I am more than an hour away from home. I basically use the shore as an excuse to push all of my problems and worries aside.
You can use this time to enjoy being with your friends, family and even yourself. You can also take this time to challenge yourself, take action and be proactive in the limitless opportunities. Do something you have never done before like hiking, fishing or attempting to surf even if you might be bad at it. Step outside of your comfort zone, be adventurous and go parasailing. Take a walk on the beach and listen to the soothing sound of the ocean waves hitting the shore, go play mini golf with your friends but don’t keep score because it doesn’t matter who wins; it’s the fun that matters. Try transferring your dollars into coins and go play skee-ball at an arcade, grab a bite at “Surf Taco” and wrap up your summer night with Khors trademark orange and vanilla twist. These are just a few things of many that you can partake in for your summer bucket list.
I can go on and on about the unlimited activities you can do down the shore. I can also talk about how special the shore can be; it is an escape, a release from our everyday lives in the winter and fall. Even though you may be stuck in loads of traffic with people who don’t know how to drive, there is merely no freer feeling than the drive down to the Jersey Shore.
