The Wildwoods may only cover a few miles of New Jersey coastline, but they are the place countless families return to each summer for vacation. Like so many other people, an important part of my childhood was our family tradition of staying at the beach for a week. We've been vacationing in Wildwood Crest for years, and certain parts of the area seem to never change. These places occupy a special place in our memory.
1. The Boardwalk
Where else can you find the best roller coasters, people watching, junk food and incredible pizza?
2. "Watch the tram car, please."
If you've ever stepped foot on the boardwalk you've undoubtedly heard it. Over and over. And over.
3. The beaches
The Wildwood beaches sometimes seem forever long, especially when you're hauling beach chairs and coolers or forgot your shoes. Nonetheless, the sand is always powdery and the waves are usually pretty good.
4. The surf shops
Over the years, the local surf shops have expanded and new ones have been added. My favorite is Wild Ocean, but the other classics include Kona, Ocean Outfitters and Sand Jamm.
5. Rambler Road.
Ramber Road is where the lifeguard station is located, but also where the designated surfing section of the beach is. Ocean Outfitters hosts surf camp there most weekdays, and it's always fun to stop and watch the surfers (and the wipe outs).
6. The ice cream
It's always hard to choose where to get your ice cream, because there's so many great options. There's Kohr Bros on the boardwalk, Banana's Ice Cream Cafe, Sea Shell Ice Cream or Duffer's. Or my personal favorite, Polish Water Ice on the boardwalk.
7. The mini golf
What's a beach town without mini golf? There are several mini golf courses throughout the Wildwoods and on the boardwalk.
8. The Wildwood sign
This is the classic tourist photo op, and marks the beginning of the boardwalk. Kids can climb on the beach balls surrounding the sign and they even used to have a live recording of the area on the website. People get really creative with their pictures, apparently.
9. Mack's Pizza
According to some, this is up for debate. I'm a big fan of Mack's pizza and have the shirt to prove it. As far as boardwalk pizza is concerned, it's as good as it gets.
10. The plane advertisements that fly over the beach
You'll see everything written on the white banners that fly behind the planes. I've seen everything from from drink specials to 20 percent off bathing suits. There's even been marriage proposals.
11. The fireworks
Every Friday night, the boardwalk puts on a great firework show that can be seen from pretty much everywhere on the beach. It's a great way to end (or start) a beach vacation.
