Tuesday, August 12, 2008

The End is Near

If you don't live in the NJ area, you missed a beautiful day yesterday. It was sunny and warm without the humidity that usually bathes this part of the country every August. I had a nice drive down the Margate last night, too -- I had to wear a cardigan over my summer top to stay warm, and I'm glad I had it as I ate dinner on the deck at Greenhouse last night.

It got me thinking about fall, and how my views of the Jersey Shore have changed over the last year and a half. It used to be that special summer place, and it still is. As I wrote the book last summer over an intense three and a half month period, I steeped myself in that vacation culture, trying to put into book form why the area was so popular, and what specific things are on the must-see list.

Then, after I turned in my manuscript the day after Labor Day, I figured my shore time was over -- until the book came out at least. But I kept going back, whether it was to research articles, do advance PR work or because I wanted to. Those fall/winter/spring months gave me an entirely different view of the shore. I had the time and space to really appreciate a special area of the country. Those repeat trips back and forth forced me to realize something else, too: the shore isn't that far away. It took me 45 minutes to get there last night -- that's a quicker drive than getting out to King of Prussia.

I thought of this as I rolled down the Atlantic City expressway, no traffic, a slight clip in the air. I do admit that I felt sad that the summer was coming to a close (Labor Day is three weeks away), but anticipation for my favorite time at the shore.

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4 comments:

ZoeyBella said...

My whole life was spent 'down the shore' experiencing all four seasons and all 12 months. And even though I've been gone since 1995, I still miss it and enjoy it no matter when I go back. :)

John and Lisa Howard-Fusco said...

Fall is definitely our favorite time of the year. But you're giving away the secret, Jen! ;)

Anonymous said...

Friends from college and I are thinking about coming to Atlantic City or Cape May in the fall -- glad to hear it's nice, like it is in Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks of North Carolina, which I'm closer to. Which do you think -- Atlantic City or Cape May -- would be better? I remember going to Wildwood as a child and loving it so I'm looking forward to returning to the area. I know where I can find all my trip info now!

Jen A. Miller said...

Zoey & John & Lisa - I'm starting to get that feeling...I loved Cape May in January. The silence did me good.

Kristen - HOW FUN! Depends on what you're looking for...I like AC for some things, Cape May for others. Gut says Cape May, though, depending on time, you could see both. Feel free to email me and ask more!