The media’s exemplification of an area always seems to emanate from a culturally enriched history. The Jersey Shore is pervasively known as a television reality series that has permeated households, while creating a viewership dichotomy; a sensationalistic appeal vs an oversimplification of stereotypes. Human drama driven by romance and conflicts, it has spiraled the show into the history of reality-entertainment. A show serving no social significance yet embarking on a niche-audience is truly ironic. But beyond the show’s appeal, the geographical location encompasses over 120 miles of the New Jersey coastal area.
The Jersey Shore borough is on the West Branch Susquehanna River in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, the borough was incorporated into the County in 1826. Originally called “Waynesburg” by two brothers, Jeremiah and Reuben Manning; the name-change derived after rivalry developed between settlers on both eastern and western shores of the West Branch Susquehanna Bank. Eventually the western side became referred to as the “Jersey side” or “Jersey Shore,” by the eastern-side rivalry.
The Jersey Shore chain of coastline communities includes Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Spring Lake, Belmar, Long Branch, Cape May, Stone Harbor, Atlantic City, Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Seaside Heights, and Point Pleasant Beach. A conglomeration of attractions is what gives the coastal area its distinctive characteristics; amusement parks, water-parks and a variety of touristic attractions. It’s the vacation pinnacle for Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers and tourists across the globe.
The perennial boardwalk is sparkled with day and nighttime activities; Bookstores, Campgrounds, Ferries, Fishing, Boating and Whale watching. There’s Golfing, Lighthouses and an array of marine life to encapsulate your vacation experience, and if Hotels and Motels feels to much like a commercialized accommodation, you can immerse yourself in the traditional overnight self-catering lodge (Bed and Breakfast), a cultural and historical trademark.
Historically, New Jersey has always been a progressive state, by opposing the enumeration of citizen rights and becoming advocates of defining the limitations of the federal government. In 1787, they were the third state to ratify the United States Constitution, and in 1789, they were the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights, (First 10 amendments) of the 12 proposed. How the Bill of Rights were implemented in the Constitution has to do with the Federalist and Anti-Federalist rivalry over fear of a strong centralized government. There’s no denying New Jersey played a major role in the political and economical stability of today’s civil liberties and system of government.
Recently a surge of great white sharks flocking to the Jersey Shore has sparked interest by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a scientific agency that studies atmospheric and oceanic conditions by researching, improving and understanding marine ecosystems. Fishermen have encountered great-whites off Cape May, and Long Beach Island. Beachgoers are not hindered by the proclaimed sightings, unfazed in anticipation to the 4th of July’s summer celebration. Commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence seems far more imperative than the immortalization of “Jaws.” And although shark-attacks are a rarity, here’s some intriguing alternatives to appease to your anxiety.
Long Island Beaches gained their worldwide prominence for its long stretches of white sand and moderate surfing; labelled the most superb beaches in America and across the world. The fine white sand that permeates your feet, while immersing yourself in a game of volleyball, or the building of sand-castles. Long Island beaches stretch approximately 400 miles of the coastline, and its ironic predicament is truly phenomenal. Most beaches on the east-coast face the east; however, Long Island Beaches face South, which makes your tanning exposure a left to right experience.
Long Island Beaches are filled with activities such as golf, softball, hiking, cycling, fishing and most importantly concerts, primarily the Jones Beach Theatre, an open-air venue with over 15,000 seats and considered to be Long-Island’s summer Mecca for concerts. Take a meditative stroll down the Long-island beach coast and experience the unparalleled beauty, and venture to the Montauk Point Lighthouse and the Fire Island Lighthouse in Robert Moses State Park. Fire Island is truly amazing, spanning over 25 miles long with just a few hundred feet in width.
You can partition Long Island beaches into the North shore and South shore; along the south-shore you’ll find Jones Beach, Fire Island, Montauk Point, The Hamptons and Robert Moses State Park. The Jersey Shore and the Long Island Beaches share a common denominator, they’re very appealing, and the experience is unparalleled. There’s a strong correlation between these two places geographically and aesthetically, and incorporating the experience into your summer vacation should not be optional, but paramount. Pick up a catalog at your nearest vacation center, and you’ll see that this article is a mere introduction to the hidden gems in these places, which are above and beyond spectacular!