Growing up in New Jersey shapes you, has a lasting effect that’s hard to deny. You were likely raised on terrifying tales of the Jersey Devil, spent many a night at a diner, and have some serious bagel bias. These are a few things that ring true for most New Jerseyans but your exact location in the Garden State also has an impact. Life in rural Sussex County, for example, is very different from life in bustling Hudson County and the charming riverfront town of Lambertville is a stark contrast to the major riverfront city of Camden. From the Skylands to the Gateway Region, every area of our state offers something special. But there may be something extra special about growing up near the Jersey Shore. A place like no other, here are 11 things that you will only understand if you grew up near the beach.
- The beach is a year-round destination.
Flickr/Doug Davey Whatever the weather, you’re up to relax on the sand. You may need to bring blankets, but there’s little more peaceful than the beach without crowds. This sunrise shot was snapped in Belmar this past December.
- Bennies/Shoobies are the worst. But they’re also not so bad.
Flickr/Billy Bob Bain Whatever you call non-natives, they can be a pain. They flood our shores every summer, but we have to admit that they bring business (and tourist dollars) to our neighborhoods. Pictured is Atlantic City in 1906 - the Jersey Shore has always brought in crowds.
- Summer traffic should always be factored into travel time.
Flickr/Doug Kerr Don’t expect a scene like this on the Parkway when the temperature rises above 75 degrees. This can be a major pain when commuting, or even just trying to get to your local convenience store.
- Speaking of local convenience stores, Wawa is a way of life.
Flickr/Louis Dallara It’s not just a gas station, it’s a place to meet up, grab coffee, pick up snacks, or even an entire meal.
- It’s pork roll.
Flickr/Krista Not taylor ham. The marvelous meat goes by both names but it’s almost always pork roll along the shore.
- Surf Taco > Taco Bell
Facebook/Surf Taco This New Jersey taco chain has locations in Belmar, Long Branch, Manasquan, Point Pleasant Beach, Red Bank, Seaside Park, and more. Your meal is always made fresh, and it’s hard not to love the seafood options (like mango shrimp tacos and buffalo calamari).
- It’s nothing like the MTV show, most of the time.
Flickr/Matthew and Heather Things can get wild and crazy and anything can happen at the shore, but MTV’s Jersey Shore certainly does not represent the best of what we have to offer. Let’s also keep in mind that most of the cast was from New York.
- We will judge you based on your preferred beach town.
Flickr/Peter Miller It’s not necessarily a bad thing, it’s just that Stone Harbor and Seaside Park are very different. Are you more laid back or ready to party? We can probably guess depending on where you spend your summer.
- The life of a life guard.
Flickr/James Loesch If you grew up along the shore, you probably were one or knew one.
- Similarly, working on the boardwalk was a rite of passage.
Flickr/SurferGirl30 Your first summer job was likely operating carnival rides or selling cheese fries to tourists. It’s something you’ll never forget.
- It’s always worth it to watch the sun rise over the ocean.
Flickr/Nosha Whether you’re waking up early or staying up all night, it’s an essential Jersey Shore experience that never grows old.
Were you lucky enough to grow up along the Jersey Shore? What would you add to this list? If you didn’t grow up by the beach but were raised in the Garden State, this list of New Jersey life lessons should ring true for you.
Flickr/Doug Davey
Whatever the weather, you’re up to relax on the sand. You may need to bring blankets, but there’s little more peaceful than the beach without crowds. This sunrise shot was snapped in Belmar this past December.
Flickr/Billy Bob Bain
Whatever you call non-natives, they can be a pain. They flood our shores every summer, but we have to admit that they bring business (and tourist dollars) to our neighborhoods. Pictured is Atlantic City in 1906 - the Jersey Shore has always brought in crowds.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Don’t expect a scene like this on the Parkway when the temperature rises above 75 degrees. This can be a major pain when commuting, or even just trying to get to your local convenience store.
Flickr/Louis Dallara
It’s not just a gas station, it’s a place to meet up, grab coffee, pick up snacks, or even an entire meal.
Flickr/Krista
Not taylor ham. The marvelous meat goes by both names but it’s almost always pork roll along the shore.
Facebook/Surf Taco
This New Jersey taco chain has locations in Belmar, Long Branch, Manasquan, Point Pleasant Beach, Red Bank, Seaside Park, and more. Your meal is always made fresh, and it’s hard not to love the seafood options (like mango shrimp tacos and buffalo calamari).
Flickr/Matthew and Heather
Things can get wild and crazy and anything can happen at the shore, but MTV’s Jersey Shore certainly does not represent the best of what we have to offer. Let’s also keep in mind that most of the cast was from New York.
Flickr/Peter Miller
It’s not necessarily a bad thing, it’s just that Stone Harbor and Seaside Park are very different. Are you more laid back or ready to party? We can probably guess depending on where you spend your summer.
Flickr/James Loesch
If you grew up along the shore, you probably were one or knew one.
Flickr/SurferGirl30
Your first summer job was likely operating carnival rides or selling cheese fries to tourists. It’s something you’ll never forget.
Flickr/Nosha
Whether you’re waking up early or staying up all night, it’s an essential Jersey Shore experience that never grows old.
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