This Saturday, we got our first 75 degree sunny day of the year - and the only place I wanted to be was down the shore. I woke up early, gathered my things (camera, water, you know… the essentials 😉) and was on my way as soon as possible to maximize the day’s fun in the sun. Nothing like some good weather to channel that ✨carpe diem✨ energy!
I grew up going to Point Pleasant as a kid, and over the years have visited multiple other points along the New Jersey coastline (Cape May, Asbury Park, Long Branch, Atlantic City, Stone Harbor, Wildwood, and of course my most frequented… Sandy Hook). I’ve also spent time exploring Coney Island, the Rockaways, and a handful of beaches on Long Island. Somehow, I’ve never made it to Seaside Heights, though (until now). It had been on my list, but always got back-burned (and it doesn’t help that they aren’t a dog friendly beach community, either). So when the opportunity presented itself this weekend to go - and go solo (without the dogs) - I took it (even though it’s always so hard to leave them behind). 😅
As an artist / designer, I’ve always loved the vibrant colors and bold signage of a boardwalk. From the arcades (and their carpets), to the carnival games and prizes and rides, to the candy shops, and the public art — it’s like everything happy all in one place. It’s such a visual feast for me. 😍 Even when there isn’t a boardwalk to explore - I love seeing the pastel houses, motel signs, vintage cars, etc. There’s just something about walking around a beach town. Visiting this time of year is also always a special treat because it’s still off season, admission / parking is free, and not everything is open for business quite yet. When I arrived in the morning, it was still pretty quiet and sleepy - but by the afternoon it was bustling and busy! It was kinda a fun surprise to see which gates rose and who opened up!
For lunch, I got a slice of pizza from 3 Brothers Pizza. A woman in line kept raving about it - telling me she comes down to the beach just for *this* pizza and that it was comparable to pizza she’s eaten in Brooklyn. It was definitely the biggest slice I’ve ever eaten (2 plates was definitely necessary)… it was like 2 slices in one, and it was good! $7.75 for one slice was a little yikes, but it was worth it. I was also delighted to see Kohr’s open up, and was happy to stand in the long line and get an orange and vanilla twist. Pizza and ice cream on the boardwalk? The best. 🌞
After I finished frolicking in Seaside, I drove over to Island Beach State Park (which is right next door). I had also never been here before, and was fascinated by the sight of people riding horses and driving their cars directly onto the beach. Apparently you need a permit (for your car) - and it’s pretty competitive to get one. Not sure about the horses - but I’m sure that requires a permit, too. 😅
I wish I had allotted more time to explore here - but enjoyed the couple hours I did have. I collected seashells, and it reminded me a lot of Sandy Hook - but it was also different. Isn’t it cool how a brand new place can remind you of a familiar one, but also delight you in a way that you’ve never been delighted before?
Anyways, I really enjoyed this day to myself - and can’t encourage “solo dates” more. Whether it’s to some place new or a familiar favorite - it is truly such a rejuvenating thing. I try to regularly make room in my calendar for days like this, and it always is such a good reset. 🥰
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