Many people enjoy going to the boardwalk in the summer, whether it be Wildwood in New Jersey or Ocean City, Maryland, Seaside or whatever your preference is. I live at the boardwalk in the summer! No it’s not just because I work there, but I love it so much that I work there! Usually you first go to the boardwalk as a child, maybe with friends or family. Most people come from far away to visit them, usually between the months of June and August. As children, we tend to think that it is an amazing place, I mean, until we go to Disney and then Disney is the most magical place on Earth! But we never seem to stop going to the boardwalk. If you grow up going as a child with your family, then you tend to go with friends when we get “too cool” to go with mom and dad, and then even as adults you restart the process by bringing your children. So why do we keep going? A question I always get asked is, "Doesn’t it get old?"
No! It never will and here is why!
1. The Rides
As children, we go to the boardwalk and go right for the rides! Why? Because they are awesome!! Especially the ones that make you feel like you are flying. Although they may not seem like wild rides to the adults, to the kids they are scary and awesome. They will always love them, even when they start to get too big for them.
2. The Food
Ugh! The food! Fried Oreos, funnel cake, cheese fries, ice cream and pizza - all so bad for your healthy diet but it tastes so good! Especially the Kohr's soft-serve! Everything is so bad for you but when you are there in the moment it never seems to matter, because you know deep down it isn’t something you get every day. So enjoy it while you can!
3. The Arcades
I can remember as a child going into the arcades my parents would give me $5 in quarters and I would play as many games as I could. I would always try and win the prizes in the crane machines. You know the one that are like impossible to win! But you try anyway because that puppy looks really fluffy, or you really just want to win an iPod. Or maybe you play the games to win tickets to save up to get one of the big prizes. But let’s be honest, you save and save your tickets but do you ever actually go back with like 30 or 40,000 tickets to claim a prize? Probably not.
4. People Watching…
Yes you read that right… it might sound weird, but if you have been to the board walk you understand. If you have never done this, just find a nice bench or table or even just get an ice cream cone and walk but watch the people around you. You’d be amazed at what people think is okay to not only wear but do in public. It’s actually quite interesting.
5. FIREWORKS!!
Who doesn’t love fireworks? They honestly just seem to be extra amazing at the boardwalk. Especially when you can watch them on the beach. It’s always an amazing finish to a night of fun. Just grab an ice cream cone and then go relax and watch them - a perfect ending to the night.
Whether it’s going on rides, or eating as much boardwalk food as you can, you will never forget how special the boardwalk is. It’s not just a place to hang out, it’s a place to make memories! Spend time with your family and enjoy a nice summer day. The people may not always be the happiest all the time but deep down they are having fun, and they wouldn’t change it for the world!
