Down the Shore

If you are from NJ, NY, PA – you know how to say “at the beach” correctly (down the shore).  Where I grew up in PA most people choose to go to Jersey beaches, and my favorite is Ocean City, New Jersey, “America’s Greatest Family Resort”.  I would say it is definitely one of the greatest.  There are no bars in OC, almost all two lane streets with lots of bicyclists, a very large boardwalk and tons of activities for the whole family.  It is clean, there is very safe and has tons of great shopping.

If you really want adult fun there are lots of great bars a 5 minute drive in Somers Point, and Atlantic City is about a 25 minute drive (can’t speed, all lights are timed :-0).  I have been going for years but never really as a local.

I planned a trip to the Jersey Shore for a long Memorial weekend.  I already had a place to stay – my Dad’s in Somers Point, New Jersey, but I really don’t know many people even after coming over 20 some years.  It was just me and my three year old so I thought I would take my own advice and Couchsurf for friends in Ocean City, New Jersey.  I thought it would be nice to actually have a local friend.

I found a lady, slightly older than me and I emailed her a week or so ago.  I let her know that I was coming to the area and wanted to meet people.  We agreed to make contact when I arrived in town.  Thursday the weather was just awful so we agreed to meet for coffee Friday morning at the local hangout Ocean City Coffee Company on Asbury.  That’s my favorite – finding the local coffee shop (for tea of course).

Julie was fantastic, really.  We chatted for a bit then she offered to let us park at her house and go play at the nearby park.  She gave us some delicious fruit and we shared our stories of a love for travel.  She showed us her studio in the garage where she refinishes furniture into great shabby chic finds.  She even pulled out a box of kids books and gave them to Ellie.

Later we went by the thrift store Second Chance where Julie volunteers and happened upon some great finds.  She also recommended a great local bakery across the street – Wards Pastry on Asbury Street – for a quick afternoon treat.  She was right, it was packed with locals and I never knew about it.

It was really great finding a new friend in a place I have been visiting for years.  Ellie says she really likes Julie and I hope we get to come back and visit her again soon… or maybe she’ll come visit us in Annapolis.