It’s no secret: MTV’s Jersey Shore has eternally trashed the reputation of the incredible area we call home. One of the first things people say when I tell them I live at the shore is, “Wow, you don’t look like you’re from the Jersey Shore!” After holding back the world’s biggest eye-roll, I quickly explain that anyone who associates the Jersey Shore with people who are 4’8” and orange has no idea what they’re missing, like:
The Beaches
Down the shore, we live for the beach. We live for long days spent in the water, surfing until the sun goes down. We live for skinny-dipping in the moonlit ocean at 3 a.m. with your best friends, THE all important golden hour, and the feeling of sun-kissed skin and salty hair. Nothing screams “summer” quite like a late day on the beach with friends as the sun goes down and turns the sand an indescribable golden color and perfectly reflects off the water. Also, down the shore, it's not a crazy idea to text your friends saying, “Sunrise. Tomorrow. Be there,” because what better way is there to start your day than by watching the sun come up over the ocean? (Shameless self-plug: According to CoastalLiving.com, NJ has 3 of the country’s 20 most beautiful beaches)
The Food
The best pizza. The best bagels. The only place in the world where pork roll exists. Let’s just set the record straight: New York claims to have the best bagels and pizza, but do they have pork roll? Do I hear a no? In that case, NJ-1, NY-0. Any other state that would like to make a run at having the best food can do so once you’re able to get a pork roll, egg, and cheese at a diner at 2 a.m.
... Also, if your tastebuds haven't experienced the ice cream-greatness that is Hoffman's, Strollo's, or Ryan's, you are seriously missing out.
All the places to explore
With hundreds of miles of shoreline, state parks, and trails, it’s impossible to get bored outside at the shore. Summer days spent paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing, running, and hiking are a way of life that we’re all proud of. For me, I know I’m home when I drive down the street and see at least three cars driving by with surfboards on their roofs.
Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen is the Jersey Shore. Half of his songs are about life down here, and it's no coincidence that they're awesome. Let’s face it, if Bruce Springsteen knocked on your door, your mom would drop everything and leave your dad faster than you can get a bomb meatball sub at Wawa. Bruce is just a staple in life at the Jersey Shore. Any time I’m homesick at college, a little Bruce instantly brings me back to the boardwalk and late nights with my friends. The best part about The Boss? He’s totally normal and it’s not rare to see him around town. *Cue selfie of my mother struggling to maintain composure in line at Urban Outfitters with an unassuming Bruce Springsteen in the background*
Weird NJ Antics
Late night boredom can lead to some pretty weird stuff. When you’ve got Weird NJ to guide you, nights can get really freaky, really fast. Everyone has stories of driving down Whipporwill Valley Road, screaming bloody murder and praying that their car doesn’t break down.
Summer concerts at PNC
Summer concerts at PNCSummer concerts at PNC Bank Arts Center are a rite of passage at the Shore. If you haven’t sat on the lawn crammed onto a blanket with a bunch of your friends, looking up at the stars on a warm summer night while being serenaded by your favorite artist, you haven’t lived.
While some people consider us to be “the armpit of America,” we know that our corner of this world is the closest thing to Heaven there is and there’s simply no place we’d rather be.
