Jersey Shore Fact of the Day 67: Lucy's Hurt. Again :-(

Poor Lucy! On Sunday morning, she got walloped by lightening during that big, bad storm that rolled through the area. The Press of AC reported on the damage - all the electrical systems are out, which means no AC and processing all transactions by hand.

But the good news is that after the LAST lightening strike, they'd installed lightening rods, and it seems to have prevented more damage than she'd have suffered otherwise.

Poor girl. Well, I know where the $315 I just mailed to her will go - that's how much was raised at my book launch party. So thank you to everyone who came out and chipped in to get Lucy back on track!

Jersey Shore Fact of the Day 61: Miss America is Missed by the Downbeach Community

In the July issue of New Jersey Monthly, I looked at what role if any Miss America still plays in the Atlantic City and Downbeach community (that's the catchall term for the towns of Ventnor, Margate and Longport, which share the island with Atlantic City). What I found surprised me. You can read about that here.

I've pitched this story three times. Maybe four. I forget since every time I get my shore pitches ready for magazines, this one is in it. I'd like to write a longer piece about this someday. I've been toying with pitching a book, but Frank Deford's There She Is: The Life and Times of Miss America is so good that I don't know if I could top it. Then again, it was written 40 years ago...hm.

Would you read a serious non-fiction book about Miss America?

Cape May, Atlantic City, and all the places in between

Just before I left for Cape May on Friday, my publisher's publicist emailed me to say that he was holding a copy of my book in his hand. My reaction? "GIVE IT TO MEEEEEEE" (we get along, if you can't tell). I should have a copy today (?) or tomorrow.

So it was fitting, then, that I hit most of the towns in the book this weekend.

The trip didn't start out on the best foot - literally. On Friday morning, the dude broke his toe. This meant, we thought, no running for him, and no real walking around. So instead of driving right down to Cape May, we stopped first in Sea Isle, and I took him on a short bar tour (where I did not drink, of course, since I drove).

First stop: Dead Dog Saloon. This is one of those old, worn in bars that's packed in season but a cozy place before the summer madness begins. The second floor was closed. The Phillies game was on. I think everyone at the bar were Sea Isle friends, most reuniting for the first time since they shut down their shore homes last year. Two of those groups asked us where our Phillies gear was from (Spring Training). Very chill and relaxed crowd, which will change soon as people pack both floors of the place. If you do eat there, get the nachos. I am sad to report, though, that the women's bathrooms no longer have ash trays in the stalls. No one smokes in there, and I don't support smoking (duh, I run), but it was one of those old throwback details I liked. Ah well.

Then we hit the OD, simply because the dude had never seen the place. It was pretty empty with a younger crowd around the bar. The bartender and I tried to explain what the place looked like during the weekly No Shower Happy Hour parties. A bit hard to do without jamming a couple hundred more people in there.

Next it was south through Avalon to the Concord Cafe, which sits right on the Avalon/Stone Harbor border. I thought it would be busy but not as jammed as it was. We had to wait 20 minutes for a table, but it was worth it for those buffalo cheese fries. Our bill with alcohol came to just over $25. Another reason this place is so popular. A very high recommendation.

Then it was onto our final destination: The Beach Shack in Cape May. Friday was the first night they were open for the summer season, so let's consider some of the oops to be first night jitters. They put us in a room next to the Rusty Nail, which is a great bar, but not exactly what you want to sleep next to if you have a 10k in the morning (if you book here, make sure you ask to stay in the building away from the bar if this is a concern). They were great in moving us, but the room we moved into was very musty and dank. Again, I imagine it's because it was the first night and not everything was up and running yet. I still think it's a great property, and it needed to stretch a bit to be really ready. I zonked out as soon as we got into the new room, so it served its purpose.

Then the 10k, the Great Cape May Footrace. When I came back from Wawa getting pre-race food (hash browns) and fuel (coffee and gatorade), I opened the room door to see the dude lacing up his running shoes. He was just going to test how it felt.

Well, testing lead to actually running the race, and he swears he felt fine. The 10k course is flat with a lot of twists and turns through the more residential area of Cape May with a trip through Coast Guard housing. It doesn't go through the heart of Cape May, so if you're looking for a scenic run, this is not it. But after recent obscenely crowded races (Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, Broad Street Run), hilly races (Bird-in-Hand Half Marathon) and insanely windy races (Asbury Park Half Marathon), this course was a nice change. Kudos to John Cooke, president of the Cape May Chamber of Commerce, for asking for my feedback after the race (I do this now, so I guess I'm an expert). Next year, expect paper instead of plastic cups at the water stop.

I finished with a 49:45, which is not bad and inching closer to my pre-injury times. I finished 5th woman and 3rd in my age group - but that's out of 210 runners, so take that with a giant shaker of salt.

Post race food (burger and boardwalk fries) and drink (extra spicy bloody mary) was back at the Rusty Nail. I'm glad to see they got the bonfire issues figured out - last time I was there, the city had said they didn't want bonfires at the outdoor bar, but it was lit and running on Saturday. It was nice eating at outdoor picnic table, even if the weather wasn't exactly cooperating.

Then it was up to Atlantic City. Now, I hate shopping. Hate it with a passion that boils my soul, but we stopped at the Atlantic City outlets anyway to visit the Nike store. My haul:

Two pairs of short tights, two singlets, and eight pairs of socks.

I only do this once or twice a year. Last year, the woman working at the counter couldn't believe how much money I spend on socks. But they're running socks!

Well, if you're a runner, you'll get it. If you're not, consider them my version of a fancy purse, but actually practical.

We hit Adidas and Puma with less luck, though I'll be testing out new Adidas running shoes tonight (Mizuno, why did you make the Waverider heavier, huh?) - another running thing that most of you probably don't get.

ANYWAY.

Then it was to the Borgata, which was a zoo. I didn't know what I expected. It is, after all, a Saturday in May. People everywhere, including the New Yorker who cut us off in line to check out at 3pm.

The first night, we stayed in the original Borgata tower, which was nice, but didn't have a flat screen TV. I don't say that to sound like a snob. *I* don't have a flat screen TV, but it seemed like a bit of a disconnect.

We were there for the AtlantiCare Foundation Gala, which was, of course, lovely. Pre-event, I got a blow out at the Borgata salon. Despite the price ($75), I'd say it was worth it. Sue, the very nice woman who did my hair, took my head of tangles and made it into a smooth, bouncy sleek style.

Not the best picture, but it's all I've got.

For those who are curious, this was the dress, which I bought at Lord & Taylor. His tuxedo and tie/pocket square are from Boyds.

The next morning, we moved over to the Water Club, Borgata's new tower. If you can stay here, STAY HERE. The room was gorgeous, and the new tower wasn't as crowded or loud as the main one. There isn't a casino in this tower, and, yes, the rooms did have flat screen TVs. But you must book directly with the Water Club. We had to check out and check back in because they operate on two different systems.

It was pretty funny watching hung over bachelor and bachelorette parties scramble to check out by 11am. Their hangovers looked epic.

We did a whole lot of nothing on Sunday, most of it at the Water Club's pool. Now, there are two pools: the free one (to registered guests of course), and the spa pool, which you can get into for free if you're using the spa, or for $30 if not. The free one was more than fine, though I imagine it gets pretty crowded in season.

Dinner Sunday night was at Izakaya, which bills itself as a modern Japanese pub.

This is how I know it's good: the dude is Japanese-American and a former chef. He is critical of Japanese restaurants. He loved it. Absolutely loved it and wants to know when we can go back again. I loved it, too, but I'm not as picky as he is. We tested the sweet corn ice cream that will go on the menu this summer. It's divine. A high recommend.

For fun, we headed to mixx after. I didn't know what to expect on a Sunday night. At first, a group of 40 and 50 something women in what looked like a bachelorette party were tearing up the dance floor. They were having so much fun, and they were fun to watch. Later, though, it started to turn over into a more typical nightclub experience. We stayed off to the side (that toe was still broken) and watched mini dramas unfold: the young Catherine Zeta Jones look alike swat off potential suitors, the three guys in bottle service who looked like they didn't know what they were doing, the two girls who tried to crash and then got kicked out of bottle service, and then one of those girls immediately sucking face with one of the bottle service guys. The music was good, though at the start what I'd describe as "Bar Tampa 1999." Bar Tampa was "the" bar to go to when I was in college, and they played a lot of the same songs as mixx did that night. A lot of Biggie Smalls.

I'm guessing this was industry night when a lot of people who work in the area have off after a long weekend. We left just as the featured dancers started tearing up the bars. Hey, we're not 21 anymore, and - again - the broken toe.

Monday morning we headed down to Downbeach Deli for breakfast and then meet up with my girl. Her tail's getting fixed!

I haven't been in Lucy in a while, and the dude had never made the trip. It was informative, and just cool to be inside a 60 foot wooden elephant. Make sure you go up to her howdah if you make the trip. Even though it was very foggy on Monday, the view was still worth seeing.

If you REALLY like Lucy, you should come to my book launch party, which is a fundraiser for Lucy, too. Details here.

Then it was south to Ocean City to pick up some salt water taffy from Shriver's. I'm doing a book signing next Tuesday at Book Expo America, a major book publishing conference, and will be giving out salt water taffy, too. The conference is a jumbled, lovely mess of book people, so I need to do what I can to stand out. Salt water taffy usually helps.

Our final stop, of course, was Mack & Mancos. I wasn't really hungry, but how could I resist?

Despite the cruddy weather, I had a great time. Staying over on Sunday night was a great idea because we could relax all day without that Saturday crowd.

It's nice seeing almost everything open again. Oh, summer, can you please hurry up?

News from Around the South Jersey Shore

Lucy's getting a new tail!

Surprise surprise: once again, Gov. Christie skips out on the GOVERNOR'S Conference on Tourism. I already ranted once this week. Don't have another one in me.

Do it for the turtles: like this group on Facebook.

Not to knock Stone Harbor, but isn't mid-March a little late for a polar plunge?

Revel in Atlantic City is moving along.

A little out of my blog range, but it's too funny not to share: it's no longer illegal to build sand castles in Belmar. Phew. I was worried.

Lucy the Elephant becomes an inn - for one night

Wow. I just got notice that a couple is going to be celebrating their 23rd wedding anniversary at Lucy the Elephant in Margate. "At" is not quite accurate. They're going to be staying in Lucy. Yes, overnight.

The lucky couple are Peter Guttman and Lori Greene. Guttman is a travel author and journalist. Greene is an executive producer of BBCAmerica.com.

Pretty cool. Now, can they do anything about her broken tail?

Poor Lucy!

Poor Lucy! Due to an errant wedding tent, Lucy's tail is busted, as I reported on the blog before. Problem is, this pachyderm doesn't have a lot of money and a very high "wind deductible" (no, I am NOT making it up), she hasn't been able to have her tail repaired. I give her handlers props. That white thing on her tail? It's a bandage. Pretty funny, though still sad.

What can you do?

1 Visit. Your entrance fee will help.
2. Eat at Bella Luna, a restaurant that has been set up SOLEY TO HELP LUCY.
3. Help me plan a fundraiser. Seriously. I think I can do this. When the second edition of my book comes out in the spring, maybe I can do a fundraiser at Lucy where all proceeds from book sales will be donated to our favorite wooden elephant. Maybe then we can add something onto that - buy the book and you get 10% off in the Lucy store (those sales ALSO help Lucy). And then maybe a local business (hey casinos! I know you do this!) will match the money raised from book sales. So if I raise $50 from selling books, they'll donate another $50 on top of that.

Do you think that could work? It would sell books and maybe get some more people to Lucy. I have a very Judy Garland/Mickey Rooney "we're going to save the farm" vibe going on here. Maybe it's because I did a whirlwind shore tour this afternoon. Maybe it's because I'm tired from working a day job and writing the book at night. But maybe it could work.

But...c'mon. Doesn't it look fun?

News from Around the South Jersey Shore

OH NO! LUCY'S HURT! Lucy the Elephant has been wind damaged. Unfortunately, she has a 25,000 wind damage deductible. No word on her healthcare policy.

I've got to get to the Schiavo Library, the new Strathmere Library, next time I'm in town.

The New York Post takes a look at casino deals.

The Walk in Atlantic City is expanding.

This story is so bizarre that I'm going to leave it to the expert to tell you about it.

Yikes, Sea Isle.

Is Resorts being taken over soon?

This looks like fun: wine train.

Seven Shore Rainy Day Activities

Anyone got an ark? Because it's STILL raining here in New Jersey.

If you're down the shore this week, I feel for you. Really. I still remember being stuck inside during what should have been a fun, sunny trip. So here's seven places to go until the weather clears up:

1. Ripley's Believe it or Not in Atlantic City. Yes, it's cheesy and weird, but it's a fun thing to do with the kiddo-s.
2. Water show at the Pier Shops at Caesars. Another cheesy thing to do, but pretty. Plus, you can start scoring summer clearance deals. Yes, already -- throw together a recession and those "transition" fashions that came out around Easter, and you can get yourself a deal (and a drink if you head up the third floor).
3. Lucy the Elephant in Margate. How could a wooden elephant NOT cheer you up?
4. Ocean City Bayside Center. A big ol' home turned into an education center with plenty of things for the kids, including displays on shore ecosystems and ships. Head to the third floor for a knock out view.
5. Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about turtles -- key now since it's turtle season! There's lots of other things to do, of course. It's a complex ecosystem out there.
6. 3J's Wildwood Bowl. Who doesn't love bowling on a rainy day? This is why you should call ahead -- no point getting ready to knock things down with a heavy ball if the place is mobbed.
7. Beach Theatre in Cape May. Yes, it's old. No, it's not going to have the latest movie technology, but it'll be a throwback day for those of us who remember what it was like for a theatre to only have two or three offerings instead of twenty.

Of course, you can also try out that restaurant you've been dying to get to. I plan on parking myself by the fireplace at the Brown Room in Congress Hall this afternoon (working down there today and tomorrow). Who thought I'd be writing about fireplaces in June?

For the Love of Lucy

I was going to post about this next week when I give y'all a guide of what to do down the shore whether you love cupid or want to stab him with his own arrow -- but since the deadline for reservations is this Friday, I have to share now.

Want to impress your sweetheart in pachyderm proportions this Valentine's Day? You can have dinner inside Lucy the Elephant.

That's right -- Margate's big wooden elephant, which literally has a window in her butt (they call it a "pane in her butt," which I think is hysterical), is host to a mega luxe, mega romantic Valentine's Day dinner deal. They offer two seatings with spots for 20 couples at each seating. Dinner includes appetizer, salad, soup, choice of entree, starch and vegetable, plus dessert and coffee. Ladies are given a long stem rose, and the gents get a bag of peanuts and, if the weather's good, each couple can do a champagne toast from Lucy's howdah (that thing on her back where you can look over the island).

The catch? It ain't cheap. The per couple cost is $245 plus $40 gratuity plus $17.15 for taxes -- but part of the cost is tax deductible since this is a Lucy fundraiser.

For all the details, plus a menu and spot to make your reservation, go to www.lucytheelephant.org.

I will have a more detailed "Your Shore Weekend" in regards to Valentine's day next week, so stay tuned...

End of Summer Signings

There's part of me that still -- STILL -- can't believe we only have two summer shore weekends left. Time flies when you're having fun, eh?

I'll be doing two more signings this summer, one on each weekend:

1. August 23 in Sea Isle City. I'll be doing the signing through Dalrymple's. I *think* it's going to be at their boardwalk location from 6-8pm. I'll let you know when I confirm that location and time.

2. August 30 at Sun Rose Words & Music in Ocean City (756 Asbury Ave). The ladies at Sun Rose have been a big champion of this book, and this is my third signing with them. I'll signing from 11am to 1pm.

And that'll be it for my signings at the Jersey Shore this summer. Still hard to believe that it's almost over.

Well, not quite. The shore doesn't just disappear after Labor Day. That's when I'll be on vacation, after all. Plus, I've already lined up assignments and events for summer 2009 (I need a killer dress for a photo shoot that'll be done this September to run for Summer 2009 -- suggestions?)

I've got some things cooking this fall, too. The big event is that I'm part of the Ocean County Library Bookfest on September 27. Look at the lineup! I'm so excited to meet Aliza Green. Her food books are staples in my kitchen. And hopefully I'm going to be part of the Collingswood Book Festival on October 4. I have the paperwork...somewhere. Hopefully the home town gal can still squeak in her entry form on time.

And in case you were wondering...I was in Margate this weekend. Lovely beach, lovely town, but it carried that "end of summer" air. The cooler temps added to that, too, I think. I'd be a happy camper if the humidity stayed away until next summer -- or at least takes a break when I'm on vacation!

I've been thinking about the end of summer a lot over the last few days, especially on my drive home yesterday. I'm tempted to watch sunset on Sunset Beach in Cape May on Labor Day, but I think I'd be too sad. As much as I say that I'm looking forward to the fall -- and I really am -- it's another summer gone and tucked away in the memory books. But this summer was something else. In reading back over the blog, I can't believe how much has happened in the last three months. It's one of those things that I'll remember, and that will have affects on me, both personally and professionally, for a long time.

I'll write more about that later -- probably when I flip over to September on my calendar. Until then, enjoy what we've got left!

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.

I Like the Nightlife

Over the last few weeks, I've jumped into the nightlife scene of the South Jersey Shore (which could explain why I've been missing chunks of sleep as of late). I'm not too much of a partier, but, hey, when in Rome...

So here's my round up of nightlife spots I've check out, starting in Atlantic City and going south:

The Beach Bar at Trump Plaza. Atlantic City's got a beach, so of course there should be bars on it. The amazing thing about the Beach Bar is how different the crowds can be on two different nights: the Friday crowd is, on average, 15 to 20 years older than the Saturday crowd, with matching music (KC and the Sunshine band is good about once a summer, FYI). Could be because Saturday nights are packed with bachelor and bachelorette parties, which gives the whole place a festive vibe. I always said if I were a single guy, I'd hang where the bachelorette parties are. My tip: Do not, under any circumstances, wear stilettos. I kept getting my shoes stuck in the boardwalk slats. A bum laughed at me, as he should have.

Providence at the Tropicana. I was there late night after the Beach Bar, and it was mobbed. Lots of girls dancing in cages, and people imitating the dance moves on the floor. Big meat market, too, but fun to watch. My tip: Friends don't let friends get bottle service, especially at 3am.

Tomatoes. The sushi here is amazing. It might not seem like a beach bar, but my friends were doing saki bombs at the dinner table and bar. Follow it up with a night at Maynard's down the street, and you've got quite a night set up for you.

Ocean City. Just kidding. It's a dry town ;-)

The Princeton. This place never changes -- loud music, expensive beers, and where everyone goes by the end of the night. That's why I have a love/hate relationship with the place. I think texting has changed the vibe. Lots of people staring at their phones trying to meet up with people (and sometimes when they probably shouldn't be)! My tip: Ladies, wear closed toe shoes. Otherwise, you'll end up with gunk all over your feet. Also, the Circle Tavern portion is a good lunch spot in the winter.

Brown Room/Boiler Room at Congress Hall. I haven't been down to these wonderful Cape May bars in season, but if the crowds in May are any indication, they're still bumping. The Brown Room is a chill, vintage 20s setting for drinks and conversation with an occasional band. The Boiler Room, which used to be where the boiler was, has great jazz on Saturday nights.

This is by no means a comprehensive list, just where I've been hanging out of late. I still want to get down to the Princeton when they do live karaoke (e.g. you sing karaoke but with a backup band); wing night at the Winddrift; and maybe, if someone can drag me out, the No Shower Happy Hour at the OD in Sea Isle -- all in the name of research, of course!

Jen vs. Beach Tag Checkers

I know I'm supposed to be on a quick vacation this week. But NBC10 called and wants to do a segment next week, so back at work I am (tentative air date is 2-3pm on Wednesday, July 9).

But I'm glad to say I made it onto the beach yesterday even if it wasn't exactly as I hoped.

My friend was moving from Atlantic City to Margate, so my plan was to sit on the beach for an hour before the moving van arrived. To make things easier, I chose to sit on the beach in Margate. It's a nice beach. I enjoyed my time there last week. So I parked my car, slung on my backpack, grabbed my beach chair and was ready to hit the beach until some 12 year old at the beach entrance told me that a day pass would be $10.

Um, what? $10 for the day? THE DAY?!

If you're not familiar with the Jersey Shore (you read this blog because you think I'm funny, right?), some beaches require a pass during peak times. I'm actually a fan of this because it helps keep the beaches clean. My family always had Avalon season passes. This year, an Avalon season pass runs $24, and a day pass is $6. That doesn't sound too unreasonable to me. But $10 for an hour of beach time?

So I turned on my flip flop heel and headed a town down to Longport. There was a sign posted about tags, but no checker. I kept an eye open for roving checkers and was ready to jump into the water should one come my way. It's not that I don't want to support the beaches (I mean, I did write a book about the area), but I couldn't stomach the idea of paying $10 for an hour of beach time.

I didn't get run over by a wandering beach tag checker, but I did go into the water. I don't know how Polar Plunge people do it. Yesterday was cold enough, though it did wake me right up.

Speaking of Margate, I had dinner last night at Tomatoes, a wonderful restaurant with amazing sushi. Dinner was followed by drinks at Maynard's, which is your typical shore bar. Too bad my group got there late to sign up for a Quizzo team -- I had a leg up on shore trivia ;-)

Down the Shore with...Joseph Czachowski

Remember that adage your English teach told you about showing and not telling? I try to apply that to my writing, especially about the Jersey Shore. Joseph Czachowski shows the shore's history -- literally -- in Historic Photos of Jersey Shore, a step back in Jersey Shore time through pictures. So here's his thoughts on the shore, then and now.

1. You're connected to a lot of shore towns. If I had to twist your arm and ask for your favorite, what would it be?
Spring Lake. It has a great boardwalk to walk on passing great houses to look at as well as The Breakers and the retirement "spa". I wish I could spend my golden years there -- lots of sentimental attachments since my wife loved it so much. It has really nice clean beach with jettys that you can't walk on anymore and is a relaxing part of the shore and great for sitting on the boardwalk and people watching.

2. What's your favorite shore thing that's no longer around?
Barney's was an outdoor eatery in Seaside Heights where you could get a fantastic breakfast for a couple of bucks. When you're 17, 18, 19 and only have limited funds after party-ing all night long, it was just a great place to go.

3. A lot of people go to the shore to eat eat eat. Where's a must stop?
I think Doris and Ed's in Atlantic Highlands is tops for seafood. It's pricey and I usually save it for special events, its far and away a great meal and a great time. Not to be chauvinistic but its an impressive place to take a date.

4. Where did the idea for this book come from?
The book idea is explained, but I might add that in doing the Shore and then a Hoboken book, the words flowed a lot easier for the Shore. I might add also that my editor asked why I kept capitalizing the word Shore. Being from the south I had to explain to him that in Jersey, Shore is always capitalized :-)

5. Where did you find the pictures?
The picture acquisition question stands as is. The Trenton Archives is amazing in the amount of pictures they have. Tons of photos were taken by the Depression era Works Progress Administration (WPA) photographers, which is a history lesson in itself.

6. Any interesting research stories you'd like to share?
I can add to the interesting research part in that it is very rewarding to dig into "things" from a couple or more sources and find cross referencing facts or a fact or two from one place that you had already given up hope of finding in a different place. It's sometimes like working on a jigsaw puzzle, always fun, sometimes frustrating.

7. What do you think is one thing the shore lost that could have been saved?
What "hasn't" happened to Asbury is a sin. Whenever I drive through I can't help but shake my head in amazement and ask out loud, "what happened here"? I simply can't understand why it still isn't a vibrant community.

8. And what's the best thing that should have been saved that has been saved?
I just think that grass roots people's activism has made the state sit up and take notice as to what a real natural resource the beaches and water are. Agencies have to keep pushing visitors to respect the Shore. We also need to realize that while you might be able to fight city hall you can't always stop mother nature and that needs to be realized and respected as well. The beaches are cleaner. Also...Lucy the elephant. :-)

News from Around the South Jersey Shore

Hey, look, it's Steve Chernoski in the Press of Atlantic City!

More on the Margate farmer's market dust up.

More vandilism of Sea Isle City houses. When you think about it, it makes sense that they'd be targets -- most of them are lavishly furnished and decorated...and empty most of the year. Not condoning it...just saying.

Here's an update on that whole Atlantic City smoking ban thing.

Champagne Island is officially closed -- unless you're a bird.

Cape May's having a spring festival -- April 25 to May 4.

Here's a write up about a few boardwalks.

Looks like the Washington Street Mall renovations in Cape May are going well.

And remember -- post your shore memory here and enter to win a free copy of my book!

Down the Shore with...Steve Chernoski

Back in October, I wrote about how Steve Chernoski interviewed me for a documentary he was filming about where is the middle of New Jersey. Good news, folks: the movie's done. Check out the website here. If you're from New Jersey and ever at a loss about something to talk to about with other New Jersey people, bring up this topic. I guarantee that it'll get people gabbing.

Chernoski also has interesting ties of the shore which, of course, makes him perfect for the "Down the Shore with..." series.

1. What do you consider 'your' shore town and why?
Well, I own a home in Somers Point, so even though it’s a “Bay” town, I’d say that one. It’s got some great restaurants and taverns and a “shore town feel” because of Ocean City vacationers wanting to have a great dinner with some drinks at night. Ocean City has too many kiddies running around and Margate isn’t what it used to be. Longport is my favorite beach.

2. Most people go down the shore to eat eat eat. What's your favorite shore spot?
Too many! I love Buschs for seafood in Sea Isle. Nothing beats wing night at the Windrift in Avalon. My favorite pizza is All Natural Pizza in Ocean City. In Somers Point, the Anchorage and Charlie’s are staples of locals. The best kept secret at the south shore and possibly ranking as some of the best Italian food that I’ve ever had is on Route 9 in Seaville at Mama Mia’s, not far from Ocean City or Sea Isle.

3. Where did the idea of this documentary come from?
Well, I grew up near Trenton in Mercer County and people in Mercer talk about this “identity complex” all the time. We’re right in the middle of the NYC and Philly media markets. After college, I lived in Margate/Somers Point for a total of six years and now I’m in Hoboken. It is like three different states!

4. What's the most surprising thing you found?
That in North Jersey, when you buy a house, you traditionally hold the closing settlement meeting in a lawyer’s office. In South Jersey, you have closing
done in the offices of a title company...and from what we’ve heard, this may or may not be the result of New Jersey being split into East & West Jersey in Colonial Times.

5. So where do you think the middle of NJ is?
You’ll have to see the film...but there is a town that claims to be “The State’s Center.” I have a feeling people who think they live in Central NJ may need to redefine their opinion after seeing where it is.

6. What's the next step for the film?
Well, we are showing a shortened version at Stockton College this April and from there we are entering in many regional film festivals.

7. When can our readers hope to see it?
Well, we’ll post the festival dates on our blog nsjersey.blogspot.com and if a company or investor likes it and buys it, then hopefully it will go to DVD. Right now, my co-producer is predicting late summer – early fall of 2008 for the festivals.

8. What's your next project?
I am writing a script for a documentary, which involves me working with some out-of-shape, aging former HS and college soccer stars to fly them out to Italy to compete in a calchetto (mini-soccer) tournament in the mountains of Emilia-Romanga where my maternal grandparents are from. If it moves forward, it will be a story of “getting your groove back,” soccer (of course) and rich cultural interactions, not to mention the spectacular scenery we’d be filming. Working on a grant to finance it is the next step.

Read more at nsjersey.blogspot.com

January at the Jersey Shore

I started working on my book in April 2007. Sure, I'd been doing research at home since January, but my on-the-ground work started when the temperatures started to heat up, and spring brought tourists back to the South Jersey shore.

But, as far as I can remember, I'd never been down the shore in the absolute dead of winter. I had no idea what to expect except cold.

My first stop was in Ocean City for a meeting with Michele Gillian, Communications Manager for Ocean City. I've made this drive so many times that I actually missed the Ocean City exit and wound up in Sea Isle and had to turn around and head back north via Ocean Drive. Most of the summer hot spots were closed -- the OD in Sea Isle looked downright sad (though they will be open for St. Patrick's Day it seems). But once I got to around 13th street along Asbury Avenue in Ocean City, I found life -- both people and businesses. It's easy to forget that people live in Ocean City, and they still need to go out for breakfast, go shopping, and go about their daily lives as if they were living near downtown Collingswood, which is active all year long (I know -- I live two blocks away from that one).

I worked with Michele throughout the summer -- she sent me pictures to be used in the book, and information about Ocean City events (there's about 150 in all). Plus, she's a real shore gal. She grew up in Margate, her mom was a Miss America chaperon, and she married into the Gillian family e.g. the folks behind Wonderland Pier and then some.

We talked about what I do, what she does, and how we might be able to promote the book together. She's the one who suggested that I do my first signing on May 3 at the Ocean City block party, and when I walked over to Sun Rose Words and Music with that suggestion, they were game. One email to my publisher, and that was set (I'm also going to be a judge at Ocean City's Miss Crustian beauty padgent -- BIG HONOR!) Then I stopped at Java Jake's to get something warm to drink (and asked if the guy behind the counter was Jake, figuring the owner would work the drinks in the winter -- and, yes, it was Jake), checked my email, and then stopped in Colette Boutique to ooo and ahhh at the sparkly dresses before heading south down Ocean Drive.

Most of the street traffic and people traffic were those involved in construction -- either renovating buildings or building new ones. The Avalon Wawa parking lot was packed with pick up trucks, and the shop filled with a lot of guys in overalls.

I stopped and had lunch at the Princeton in Avalon and was shocked to see both Circle Pizza and the Real Enchilada -- two spots that are known as post-bar stops -- open and doing business. Even Brian's Waffle House was open. I don't think of Avalon as a year round town, but someone's got to feed all the folks working for a living. I had to stop and take the picture to the left before I drove south -- check out the last line.

I didn't get down to Cape May until about 2pm, and my 'call time' was at 3pm. I had just enough time to check into Congress Hall and flop on the big, comfy white bed. My only regret of my entire trip was that I could only stay one night. I could have bunkered down in that big, beautiful room for a week. Instead of napping, though, I hooked up my laptop, sat in a squishy red chair and answered some emails with the ocean right outside my window before putting on 'photo shoot makeup' which, for me translates into 'regular makeup' since I don't usually wear any.

And after my freezing trip to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse, which you can read about here, and a walk on the beach, I did the same (e.g. worked) before drinks at the Brown Room and dinner at the Blue Pig Tavern -- both within Congress Hall, no coat required.

I'm going to write a longer piece about Congress Hall in the future, but if you can't wait for that, check out Tommy's Folly: Through Fires, Hurricanes and War, the Story of Congress Hall, Cape May, America's Oldest Seaside Hotel, the book about the building that was written by Jack Wright, the guy who took my picture yesterday. Fascinating stuff.

Then yesterday, after sleeping in, I had to hunt down breakfast -- not an easy task in the middle of the week. Dock Mike's was open, and after a big, fat breakfast, I soaked in the tub in my Congress Hall room, cleaned up and did a bit of shopping in Cape May. Washington Street Mall is torn up right now, and they couldn't pick a better time. The town was pretty sleepy, and not many shoppers are out on the street. I headed up to Antique Emporium to check out the vendor that sells vintage t-shirts and picked up one for Sea Isle and Atlantic City (my goal is to have one vintage tee for every shore town in my book -- if you have any suggestions, let me know!). Then it was back up the Garden State Parkway and to the 'real world.'

I understand now why people choose to live at the shore year round. I could have stayed longer, that's for sure, and I bet I'd get a lot more writing done when surrounded by that tranquility. Maybe I'd feel different if I actually tried it, though.

Even though the towns were quiet in the middle of this week, expect more people for the the Martin Luthur King Jr. weekend. Most closed shops posted signs saying they'd be open this weekend. I'll be at home, writing, so enjoy!

News from Around the Jersey Shore

Short news round up today:

Police caught the guy who they believed stabbed a British tourist in Margate.

Drug bust...in CAPE MAY?!

More kudos for the Borgata.

This story caught my eye because it's a follow up to an article I posted before about Trump poo pooing Atlantic City's partial smoking ban. But, at least in this case, the comments are priceless.

What I'm Listening to: Preston and Steve on WMMR.