Going places with Dina Guzzardo
Downtown Wildwood is THE place to visit this summer. The downtown area is enjoying quite a renaissance and is perfect for anyone looking for a one-stop destination with live entertainment, one of a kind shopping, great eats, and even daily fitness classes this summer.
Downtown Wildwood used to be the hustling and bustling center of nightlife many years ago; however, as people became more mobile, it went from being the “it” place to being just another stop over. Former Mayor, Ernie Troiano Jr. said, “We were called the little Las Vegas of the east coast and that equated to many dollars being spent in the area and tax revenue for the state.”
Unfortunately, as more people had access to cars, they started to venture elsewhere. The appeal of the big cities was drawing people away from areas like Wildwood and businesses starting to feel the impact, and eventually many were forced to close. Importantly, locals did not lose faith in this seaside treasure, and in recent years plans were put in place to bring back the reputation that it once had and make it better than ever by catering to today’s crowd.
After a tremendous effort by the amazing rejuvenation team at The Wildwood Business Improvement District, Management Corporation, AKA ‘BID’, Downtown Wildwood is back and each year it just keeps getting better. The Downtown Wildwood rejuvenation has been a huge success which has benefitted not only Wildwood, but the entire state. Troiano Jr. said that the team behind the rejuvenation recognized that although there was room for building on past success, their mentality would have to shift. “People’s tastes have changed as well as their shopping methods. Also, the beach and the boardwalk are such awesome attractions that people flock to both day and night. The lure of the massive boardwalk takes from downtown.” Therefore, they knew they had to create something incredibly special, something that would set them apart from any other beach community and would once again show people that Downtown Wildwood was thriving and had something very unique to offer. One of the many reasons to visit Wildwood’s downtown area are the many exciting events planned for this summer.
In the heart of Downtown is the brand-new Byrne Plaza (3400 Pacific Avenue) which will be hosting numerous events over the summer. This special events site boasts 60,000 square feet of outdoor space, providing ample room for social distancing. Its location on the action-packed Pacific Avenue means its proximity to everything ensures you can easily get around town on foot.
Every Saturday there will be a farmer’s market from 8 am to 12:30 pm through Labor Day. The Wildwood Farmer’s market has been hugely successful in the past, winning numerous awards and gaining praise from vendors and shoppers alike. This year, it will be located in Byrne Plaza which is just across the road from the previous site and will have a wide range of vendors selling fresh vegetables, artisan baked goods, take-out food, hand-made cosmetic products, jewelry, and so much more! Parking is free in the lot behind Pacific & Schellenger Avenues for shoppers visiting the market.
If you are interested in a fun and inexpensive night out for the whole family, then movie night is exactly what you are looking for. Every Tuesday night Byrne Plaza hosts movie night where a different movie will be showing completely free of charge, starting as soon as it gets dark (around 8:15pm). Some of the family favorites being shown include Toy Story 4 (July 14th), The Incredibles (August 11th), and Pinocchio (August 18th), but for a full list go to: https://www.dooww.com/freemovie hus. Bring your beach chairs, blankets, and plenty of snacks and get ready to experience this unique movie setting under the stars.
For some of us, the thing we missed most during the COVID-19 quarantine was the opportunity to get out with friends and enjoy some live music and experience the excitement and energy that you can only get from a crowd of more than the previously mandated 10 people. Free live music concerts will be taking place every Thursday from 7:30 pm-9 pm with some of your favorite local acts performing. From July 3rd through to September 3rd you can bring your beach chairs and blankets down to Byrne Plaza to enjoy the likes of The Best of The Eagles (July 16th), 40 North (August 13th), and local fan favorite Animal House (July 30th) as well as many more incredible acts. A full schedule of live music at Byrne Plaza can be found at https://www.dooww.com/thursday-concerts. The popular local bar The Deck is directly across the street from Byrne Plaza. Here you can grab a few adult beverages and sample some of their delicious food including everything from loaded salads and burgers to fresh seafood and pasta. There is outdoor seating available at The Deck but get there early because this community gem fills up quick.
If you are looking to maintain your beach body or if you are just looking to build enough stamina to walk Wildwood’s vast boardwalk, then fitness classes offered in Byrne Plaza are just what the doctor ordered. These classes run every weekday from 8:30 am to 9:30 am and accommodate all levels. Boot camp takes place every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with Dion Cooley for just $10, and for those committed gym bunnies, there are discounted multi class punch cards available. Tuesdays and Thursdays are about finding your Zen as yoga instructor Claudia Gentzow is offering $5 yoga classes. Bring a group of friends or come on your own! Everyone is welcome to enjoy the classes and as they say on their website, “Exercising is great for your body and your mind! Exercising outdoors is even better!”
Downtown is somewhere where you will come for the day and end up staying the weekend with an abundance of activities available. There are several boutique shops in Downtown selling handmade crafts and apparel, great for purchases you would not find at any kind of shopping mall. There is also a wide range of restaurants and bars open until late and ready to host you as you see how it gained its reputation in years gone by. If you are interested in learning more about the history of Wildwood, you can visit the Wildwood Historical Museum (3907 Pacific Ave) and learn about the glory days in the 50s and 60s when Wildwood hosted world renowned artists such as Tony Bennett and The Supremes. This will bring back a sense of nostalgia to anyone who was lucky enough to live through this period, and if you weren’t lucky enough, their collection of memorabilia will make you feel like you did.
Troiano Jr. believes the passion that the Wildwood community has cannot be topped. “Will Downtown Wildwood be as it was? The answer is no because the people of that day no longer exist.” But is Downtown Wildwood reinventing itself and growing into one of the must-do visits of your Wildwood vacation, most definitely! Troiano Jr’s love and commitment for Wildwood was witnessed not only when he served as Mayor for several years, but also in the passion that continues today. Troiano Jr. Is still serving the community that he grew up in and loves. He is proud that the Downtown offers what many other vacation destinations don’t, “the best beaches, boardwalk, and businesspeople that are committed to making your stay a memorable one.”
Sure, you can visit for just the day, but why risk missing something? A weekend stay will ensure you truly capture all that Downtown Wildwood has to offer, and I promise it won’t be your last visit. If you are looking for somewhere to stay, then visit https://www.dooww.com/stay-downtown where you will find a wide range of hotels available that are suitable for all budgets.
If you are looking for a special summer getaway this year, then Downtown Wildwood is the perfect destination. Situated in the heart of so much to do within walking distance, you can customize a visit to reflect your personal interests, and if you are like so many others, it may just become your annual tradition.
Dina Guzzardo is the President and Executive Promoter of Dina Media Group LLC. Dina Media Group is an innovative cutting edge event production and marketing company that produces and promotes large events as well as a talent agency that manages some incredible talent.www.dinamediagroup.com
