Summers at the Beach

When I look back at my childhood, I have so many wonderful memories and some of the best were during the summer. My earliest memories are of me at the beach playing in the sand, learning how to swim with my Dad and giving my Mom, who was and still is terrified of water, a heart attack. I remember bringing our green cooler with the white top and silver handle filled with fried chicken, potato salad and lemonade. All homemade and absolutely delicious!

I love the beach. I love everything about it. The early morning walks on the beach as the sun rises, collecting stones and shells to add to my already immense collection and listening to the waves as they crash on the shore. I could spend the entire day at the beach and never get bored of it. It is definitely my happy place.

At the age of 10, we moved to Howell, NJ which when driving backroads, meant we could be at the beach in about 15 minutes!! I was thrilled. We primarily went to Manasquan, Point Pleasant and Belmar and the best part of being so close… we could go year-round!! Yes, year-round!! There’s nothing like going to the beach when it snows. But I digress, let’s get back to summer.

The boardwalk offered so much to do. We had rides, arcades and many cool places to shop for beach jewelry. Every summer, I had to get my standard shell necklace, bracelet and anklet that I would wear every day. It also has some of the best places to get saltwater taffy, funnel cakes and frozen custard. It’s not summer until you’ve had all three. And the music, all 80’s, all the time!!

As an adult, I still continue to vacation at the Jersey Shore. I look forward to getting my New Jersey Monthly Shore Guide each year and read it from cover to cover. Some of my regular vacation spots now are LBI, Cape May and Wildwood and my husband and I take many day trips to Sandy Hook.

The beach is a place full of happy memories, wonderful music from my childhood and the place where I’m most at peace.

Thanks for reading!!