September by the Shore: Point Pleasant

I spent half of the holiday weekend at Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, where, every summer as a kid I would visit the Boardwalk with my parents to get ice cream, ride the Himalaya or play in the arcade.

This weekend I returned to Point Pleasant (exit 98 on the Garden State Parkway) to enjoy some of my favorite summer activities. As a child, I rarely stayed at a hotel near the shore, since we usually rented a house. So it did feel a bit odd to check in to The White Sands on Ocean Avenue. The place was a bargain, clean, and conveniently located two blocks from the southernmost end of the Boardwalk. Guests of the hotel can use their private beach, but we walked north, covering the length of the entire Pt. Pleasant Beach (owned and operated by Jenkinsons) to visit friends at the far northernmost point, known as the Inlet. It was pleasantly less crowded than the center beaches near the concessions.

In the evening we dined at The Ark, a great pub with good food and friendly atmosphere at the opposite end of Ocean Ave., where it meets Rt. 35. We also ate at Martell's Tiki Bar, a true oasis at Pt. Pleasant, smack in the middle of the Jenks monopoly. The Lido Cafe at the White Sands has a limited but decent breakfast menu too, with outdoor seating overlooking the ocean. On Saturday night, we attempted to remember our college years at the Jenkinsons restaurant/dance club, but it was insanely crowded. The people-watching (always good for a laugh at the shore) would have been fantastic if it was not so jammed inside.

For me, the highlight of shore life was — and still is — eating Kohrs Bros. soft ice cream for lunch while walking the boardwalk. (Be sure to try their famous original frozen custard.) So, if you haven't yet been, you must go visit just for that experience alone. How about on Sept. 17th, for the 28th annual Festival of the Sea? Fall is a perfect time to visit. I was there once in late October and it was great then too, although much quieter, of course. NJ Transit can take you there by train from NYC, or by bus from Philly.

[Last Week: Sea Isle City; Next Week: Bay Head]

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