Letter from the editor
It normally takes me about 10 minutes to drive to the beach. Last weekend, however, when my daughter came to visit, that same 5 mile trip stretched into nearly 45 minutes — and that doesn’t include the time we spent circling for a parking spot.
At one point, we seriously considered turning around and heading home. I’m so glad we didn’t.
The moment our chairs settled into the sand and we heard the familiar sound of the waves, every minute spent in traffic melted away. That’s the beauty of it. No matter how long it takes to get there, somehow the beach always reminds you it was worth the wait.
Summer at the Shore is unlike anywhere else. As thousands of visitors stream across the bridges each week, our quiet coastal communities transform into popular destinations filled with families, beachgoers and vacationers making memories. That also means our roads become busier, sidewalks fill with pedestrians, bike paths come alive and parking spaces become prized possessions.
The best thing you can pack before leaving home isn’t another beach towel or sunscreen. It’s patience.
Build a little extra time into your plans. Leave earlier than you think you need to. Expect traffic backups, full parking lots and busy intersections. More importantly, expect the unexpected. Children dart after a rolling ball. Families step into crosswalks without looking. Cyclists appear alongside parked cars. Visitors unfamiliar with local roads make last-minute turns.
A split second of awareness can prevent a lifetime of regret.
I know someone who was knocked off a bicycle and thrown into moving traffic simply because a driver opened a car door without looking. Thankfully, the story didn’t end in tragedy, but it easily could have. Incidents like that serve as important reminders that safety isn’t just about obeying traffic laws. It’s about paying attention to the people around us.
People travel hundreds of miles for the chance to feel the cool ocean breeze, sink their feet into the sand and spend time with the people they love. They come for the boardwalks, seafood restaurants, fishing, concerts, amusement rides, sunsets and more.
It’s worth slowing down for.
Ironically, when we stop rushing from one place to the next, we often enjoy the journey a little more.
My daughter and I certainly did.
Despite the traffic and the hunt for parking, we ended up having one of those perfect summer beach days. The air temperature was pushing triple digits, yet the ocean was surprisingly cold — thanks to a fascinating weather phenomenon called upwelling. If you’ve never heard the term before, you’re not alone. Be sure to check out this week’s story on page 34 to learn why our ocean can suddenly feel more like Maine than New Jersey.
As we walked the shoreline in Margate, we stumbled upon another unexpected surprise: the Cold Brew Man making his rounds on the beach. As a coffee lover, I have to admit I was every bit as excited to see him as kids are when the ice cream truck rolls by. Read more about this clever new beachside business on page 8.
That’s what I love most about summer. Around every corner, there’s something new to discover.
Inside this week’s issue, you’ll find plenty of ideas for making the most of the season, from local events and family activities to great restaurants, entertainment and stories celebrating the people who make our communities so special.
As always, I hope you’ll also support the local businesses that support Shore Local and help our shore towns thrive. Every purchase made locally helps strengthen the community we all love.
Thank you for welcoming Shore Local into your home each week. I hope your summer is filled with sunshine, sea breezes and unforgettable memories.
Take your time getting there.
The beach isn’t going anywhere.
Peace & Love, Cindy
