As someone who has lived in Toms River for a large portion of my life, driving to Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights was a must do every year. Every summer was a never-ending beach party, and every winter was an open playground on the boardwalk. If anyone else has grown up in or around the Jersey Shore, you'll completely understand these 10 things.
Everyone assumes you know the cast of Jersey Shore.
If you ask anyone who grew up here, there's a good chance that they don't know anyone who was involved with the show. It's not like we were rubbing elbows with Snooki or anything. Also, we were kind of young when the show premiered, so it's not like they'd be hanging out with a bunch of middle schoolers.
It's essential that you avoid the beaches at all cost in the summer...
The beaches in the summer hold one-word horror stories: Bennies. Bennies are anyone from North Jersey, New York, and anywhere not near a beach. They will take up more room than necessary and are exceptionally rude. They take over, and we complain, but...
You still go anyway.
Let's be honest, nothing will keep us from the beach. Since we know our beaches, we know exactly how much room to take up and how to take care of everything. It's a home away from home, and a perfect escape.
The winters are an absolute paradise.
It's kind of contradictory, but having no one on the island is amazing in the winter. The roads are clear, the people are nicer, and if I'm being 100% honest, everything is cheaper. It's just a much nicer environment.
You've most likely been inside an arcade at one point.
No matter what, whenever you go to a boardwalk, you will end up inside an arcade. You may not spend any money, but the sound of whirring machines and music playing will welcome anyone walking alongside one. You may have even worked in one. Speaking of...
Your first job was probably on the boardwalk.
For many near the Jersey Shore, our first job was most likely on the boardwalk. Since they'll hire as young as 14 years old, having a paycheck at such a young age is such an unimaginable concept for some. However, we don't mind, because we most likely leave once we are in college.
You miss the food when you're away.
Nothing is better than boardwalk pizza and fries. Even those who are on a diet can't resist the think crust pieces that cover multiple plates and fries that are salted to perfection. I know that whenever I make my way over to Seaside, I always need to get a slice of pizza to feel at home.
You probably took your prom pictures on a boardwalk.
The background of the beach is one that is breathtaking on a normal day but add your best dressed and you've got a picture worth sharing for years. It's nice because you get to showcase where you grew up and create memories for years to come.
You don't got to Seaside or Point Pleasant for prom weekend.
These places are reserved for our friends to the south of us. In exchange, our high school prom crowds will travel to Wildwood, Atlantic City, or Ocean City. I do have to say, I enjoy seeing the prom crowds in Seaside because they always are in a good mood.
We wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
We may complain all the time, but we love our lives on the shore. All of our memories were made here. No matter when we leave, we always make our way back to the shore.
man running in forestPhoto by 
