I have seen a few lists and articles circulate about Avalon, N.J., that mention many of the more popular tourist attractions of the island. Unfortunately, many of the publications missed certain points that make Avalon memorable and different from other Jersey Shore beach towns. I am not a local of Avalon, but I have spent summers there since I was born. If you are in a similar situation—that is, you spend all school year waiting to go down the shore—then you will probably agree with the following.
1. Bike cops are your biggest worry.
Bike cops are a very confusing species, and getting pulled over by one is a huge blow. No, I do not have a light on my bike, and yes, I do realize Hoy's Five and Ten sells them. I also realize that it is two in the afternoon and a bike light seems pretty unnecessary to me at this point in time.
2. Bridge jumping is a rite of passage.
High tide and warm water are the perfect combination for bridge jumping.
3. Bay floating is your go-to activity.
It's like a lazy river, but with more elbow room and salt water.
4. Seafood Pizza (or anything else from ShoreBreak) cravings are a regular occurrence.
I casually inhale a seafood pizza almost every time I eat here. I am also semi-obsessed with their quesadillas.
5. You most likely worked at a breakfast or ice cream place.
My first job was at the Pudgie Pelican Cafe. Yes, there is indeed a giant, "pudgie" pelican outside of the establishment, and yes, its attire changes according to the weather, holiday and sports season.
6. People watching is a (bad) habit of yours.
You are so used to staring at people as they pass you on the beach that you forget it is not socially acceptable to gape at strangers on a regular basis.
7. You run to the inlet and back as your daily workout.
No matter the distance, I incorporate the inlet into my run. It's a nice place to pause and stretch, especially at sunset.
8. You don't get grossed out being barefoot in Wawa.
Or anywhere else on the island for that matter.
9. You avoid Circle Pizza once you have passed the age of 14.
This place is always packed with young teenagers, and it is never a fun experience to get stuck in the middle of them.
10. Rainy days are spent in the off-island T.J. Maxx.
No day is a wasted day down the shore. The T.J. Maxx, off-island, is the best T.J. Maxx I have ever shopped at. I guess everything is better down the shore.
11. The Windrift's wing night is the only one that truly matters.
Even if you do not like wings, the atmosphere of wing night at the Windrift is enough to make you want to come back every week.
12. Your senior week house was here.
This is a real life picture of my senior week house on 9th and Dune. 189 is still one of my favorite places.
13. You go through skee ball withdrawal.
The arcade in Avalon has a happy hour—only 10 cents to play during happy hour times. That is something that is hard to beat or replace, making the colder months seem that much longer.
I officially started my summer countdown when the temperature dipped below 60 degrees. The more I think about being in Avalon, the longer it appears I have to wait.
