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12 Things You NEED To Know About Flossing

Posts Tagged ‘ Lacey ’



12 Things You NEED To Know About Flossing

Posted on: May 14th, 2020 by admin

We get it. Flossing just isn’t that fun. In fact, as you’ll read below, up to half of all Americans don’t floss s often as they should.

However, since flossing helps protect you from oral infections, bad breath, gum disease and more, we can’t encourage people to skip the floss. It’s too essential to good oral health!

Take a look at these 12 things you may not know about flossing and maybe you will change your mind about it – and your dentist near Forked River will be glad you did!

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-wearing-blue-zip-up-jacket-1090387/

  1. Some dental experts recommend flossing before you brush rather than after, to help the fluoride from your toothpaste get in between your teeth. However, there is still some debate over whether this actually has any impact or not. The most important thing is, most dentists agree that you floss.
  1. If your gums bleed when you floss, you may be doing it improperly or at irregular intervals. The trick is that regular flossing with a good technique is essential.
  1. If you are not using a clean stretch of floss for each tooth, you risk moving bacteria from one tooth to another!
  1. Floss comes in flavors for those who need a little boost to get themselves flossing. You can find all the expected flavors – mint, fruit, and even bacon. Yes, bacon flavored floss!
  1. If you have bridgework or wider than average spaces in between your teeth, it might be beneficial to use wide floss, also known as dental tape. This will give you better coverage so they remain cleaner and healthier.
  1. If you have closely spaced teeth, think about using waxed floss, which can be easier to slide between your teeth.
  1. Listen for the squeak: You can actually tell when unwaxed floss is sliding against clean teeth by the sound. This is your clue that plaque has been removed!
  1. Only about half of all Americans floss on a daily basis, and 18 percent don’t floss at all, according to the American Dental Association.
  1. 27 percent of people LIE about how much they floss!
  1. Any discomfort you experience when flossing usually disappears after the first week or so of regular flossing. It’s normal for it to feel “odd” when you first start, but that quickly goes away as long as you make it part of your routine.
  1. If using floss feels weird to you, ask your hygienist about other options. There are a number of products that can provide the same sort of cleaning, including rubber-tips cleaners, pre-threaded flossers, tiny brushes, and more.
  1. Waterpicks are NOT a replacement for dental floss because they do not remove plaque. They are for cleaning braces, but should not be used instead of flossing.

If you want to learn more about the importance of flossing, good flossing techniques, and how we can help, reach out to us at 609-698-1155 to set up an appointment with our hygienist.

10 Cool Facts About the Beach Haven West

Posted on: February 12th, 2020 by admin

Beach Haven West is one of Southern Ocean County’s most desirable waterfront communities. A sleepy unincorporated community that is part of Stafford Township, it is home to both summer residents and all year residents.

It’s no surprise why. This waterfront community offers easy access to fishing and boating, with the entire Barnegat Bay just seconds away by boat.

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For many, Beach Haven West itself is a dream come true. Constructed on over 100 lagoons and located right off Route 72 and just across the bay from Long Beach Island, it’s one of the Jersey Shore’s true hidden gems.

Here are 10 facts you might not know about this hidden gem of a community:

  1. Beach Haven West was first developed in the 1950s. Herbert and Jerome Shapiro created the 130 lagoons that make up this part of town.
  1. Beach Haven West began with a series of Cape Cod style homes being built.
  1. The earliest waterfront homes there cost about $7,000 circa the 1950s.
  1. The first phase of Beach Haven West opened in 1957 and makes up the area between Morris Boulevard and Jennifer Lane.
  1. The community’s phase two was finished in the early 1960s and spans the area between Jonathan Drive and Walter Boulevard.
  1. During the 1950s and 1960s, the Beach Haven West Civic Association was a focal point of the community. They ran a community center and pool off Jonathan Drive. The clubhouse was demolished in the 1980s.
  1. Beach Haven West was still being built-out as late as 1986, when Colony Lakes was completed.
  1. The construction of Beach Haven West, as well as Ocean Acres, coincided with the construction of the Garden State Parkway, which finally gave people in North Jersey easier access to the Jersey Shore.
  1. Today, Beach Haven West’s population is about 4,000 residents.
  1. One of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, Teresa Giudice, once had a summer home in Beach Haven West.

These days, you can ask anyone looking to stay in the Southern Ocean County area and they will all agree: there are few communities that have become as desirable to live in as this one.

Even more important? They get access to a priceless lifestyle of relaxation, boating, fishing, great dentists in Southern Ocean County, and more. And that’s not something you can find just anywhere.

These Tricks Will Help You Brush Your Teeth Like A Pro

Posted on: September 26th, 2019 by admin

It might surprise you to learn this, but your Southern Ocean County dentist will verify that it’s true: a huge number of patients do not brush their teeth properly.

It’s true.  This part of our daily routine might appear as if it should be something easy and simple to do, but the truth is that even the best of us can start to pick up bad habits over the years.

And as we all know, once those bad habits are formed, they can be very hard to break.  And as dentists near Forked River, believe us, bad brushing habits can make your work to maintain good oral hygiene far less effective.

Thankfully, you’re reading this blog post. The team at Bayside, a dental office near Lacey, is about to change your brushing for he better! Here are some tips to keep in mind:

 

Brush twice a day, three times if you can – In the morning after you get up and in the evening just before bed are the best times to brush, as that’s when you can best target the bacteria that are running amok. Also brush after meals when you can, especially if you’ve eaten acidic foods, sweets, or food and drink that can stain your teeth.

Brush for two minutes – The basic rule of thumb is to brush for two minutes. This gives you enough time to get to all corners of your mouth, brushing away the nasty bacteria that will do damage to your teeth over time.

Don’t brush too hard; it might damage your enamel – Believe it or not, you shouldn’t be too aggressive when you are brushing. Instead, use gentle strokes as you brush. You’re looking to brush away bacteria and food waste, not scrape off your tooth enamel.

Use short strokes as you brush – When brushing, short, swift strokes are ideal. This will focus your energy on specific sections of your mouth. Using long strokes make it too easy to miss spots in your mouth, and when that happens bacteria and plaque can get a foothold in your mouth.

Don’t forget the tongue! – Your tongue is often a haven for bacteria and can be a cause for bad breath, so be sure to brush it! Brush gently, but do so thoroughly. A clean tongue not only gives you a nicer appearance, it’s good for your oral health.

One Last Tip – A good way to make sure your tooth brushing is effective is to mentally divide your mouth into four sections: bottom left, bottom right, top left, and top right. Now you’ve got specific areas to target.  Brush each section for 30 seconds.

Make this into a part of your daily routine. Do this two to three times per day, and your dentist near Forked River will probably think you’ve mastered the art of brushing – and you will have!

With good habits like these, you’ll not only save money on your dentist visits and cleanings, you’ll also live a happier, healthier life with more confidence.

5 Great Reasons to Live at the Jersey Shore

Posted on: July 17th, 2019 by admin

Don’t the show of the same name fool you. The Jersey Shore is a terrific place to live. This is especially true in Southern Ocean County around Barnegat, Manahawkin, and Forked River, where there are a wealth of benefits that will quickly have you living the good life.

Don’t believe us? Just take a look at these five great reasons to live at the shore:

Jersey Strong

1) Watersports

For those who like their life to be on the exciting side, the Jersey coast offers some of the best areas for jet skiing, water skiing, surfing, and much more.

Whether you already own equipment or just want to rent it, shops and rentals places are so numerous you’ll be tripping over them.

Even better, the waters here are made for activities like this. Our bays, waterways and oceans are perfect for waverunners, paddle boarding, and much more.

2) Boating and Fishing

New Jersey has some of the best boating and fishing on the East Coast (and anyone who follows our Facebook knows our doctors take full advantage of it!).

Whether you like relaxing on a bay and enjoying the sun with friends, or like to take a boat out on the Atlantic and engage in some serious fishing, the opportunities to both are endless here. The Garden State has a thriving fishing and boating community that dates back hundreds of years, with a wealth of fishing clubs, charter boats, yacht clubs, and much more available. If you live someplace like Renaissance on The Ocean, it’s easy to access this great aspect of the shore.

3) Beautiful Beaches

There is a reason why so many people come to the Jersey Shore each summer: because it’s beautiful! No matter the type of experience you want, New Jersey offers it. We have quaint, quiet communities with relaxing beaches, party towns with thriving nightclub scenes, towns that specialize in historic inns and bed and breakfasts, fishing towns, communities geared towards families, towns that focus on boardwalks and amusements, and much more. New Jersey beaches in Ship Bottom, Long Beach Island, and elsewhere are the place to be!

4) The Outdoors

In addition to watersports, beaches and more, the Jersey coast has something a lot of people don’t realize: some gorgeous state and federal parks featuring pristine coastland. These preserves boast great hiking trails, lush dunes, and abundant wildlife. You can see a side of New Jersey you never imagined!

5) Easy Access To NYC and Philly

Being at the Jersey Shore doesn’t mean you always have to STAY at the Jersey Shore. Thanks to 195 and the Parkway, access to New York City and Philadelphia is incredibly easy, making day trips into the city a breeze. Even Baltimore is an easy three-hour drive away, a perfect way to catch Phillies, Yankees and Mets games without having to deal with the home town crowds. It’s just one more thing that makes living at the shore so desirable!

With these things in mind, it’s hard to ignore how great the Jersey Shore can be!

How to Pack Light For Your Jersey Shore Summer Vacation

Posted on: June 19th, 2019 by admin

The Jersey Shore is a popular destination for weekend getaways and week long summer vacations for many reasons, especially the area near our office, which includes Barnegat, Manahawkin, Long Beach Island, Forked River, and other great shore towns. There is plenty to do, the beaches are close to almost any rental you can find, and the entire region is easily accessible from the entire tri-State area. If there is a single headache it’s this: you never seem to have enough room to bring all the stuff you want to bring!

With that in mind, here are some tips on how to pack light. Believe us, it can make the difference between a good summer vacation and a great one!

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-car-near-seashore-with-blue-ocean-1118448/

You Don’t Need All Those Shoes – It’s easy to get caught in the trap of bringing shoes for every occasion. You need your flip-flops or sandals, your sneakers, your nice shoes for going out to dinner, maybe those boots in case you go for a trek on Long Beach Island. Bad idea! Bring only one or two pairs (including what you are wearing). You’ll be glad you did.

Pack Your Lightest Items Last – Packing your luggage is not a science, it’s an art form, but there are a few tips that can make your packing more efficient and help you get the most into a small space. Packing your lightest items last is one of them. They will be easier to fit into whatever nooks and crannies are left in your bags, are more easily switched around with other items, and in the worst case scenario where something won’t fit, they can easily be thrown into a small extra bag.

Layers, Layers, Layers – If you’re bringing a few bulky clothing items to ward off cooler evenings or rainy days, consider wearing them during your trip to the Long Beach Island summer house you booked. That will save a lot of room in your bags and make travel less of a hassle. Just be sure to crank up the A/C in your car!

Make Yourself A Checklist – It may seem obvious but a lot of people don’t do this – and skipping this step is a bad idea, because planning ahead can save many headaches later! Write down what you absolutely, positively need, and also write down what you need but will be able to purchase once you arrive at your destination. It’s far easier to make a quick stop at a local store for sun block, towels, snacks and other disposable items. Don’t waste space in your luggage on that!

Don’t Fold, Roll – Most of us grew up folding our clothes, but guess what? Rolling your clothes up takes up less room and allows you to pack in more creative, space efficient ways. It also allows you to distribute the weight in your bags more evenly, which will make carry them around far easier.

These few small tips don’t seem like much, but add them together and they will make your next trip to the Southern Ocean County shore area much easier and far less stressful!

House Hunting Tips For Jersey Shore Real Estate

Posted on: December 19th, 2018 by admin No Comments

If you would like a nice house by the shore, you are not alone. The New Jersey coast is a desirable place to live for many reasons, so it’s no surprise that homes in towns like Manahawkin and Forked River are in high demand. That’s why hunting for that prime shore real estate can be a bigger task than you might be ready for.   Have no fear. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of house hunting tips.

Start Saving Now – The best time to start saving your money is BEFORE you begin your hunt, because what you save is going to impact your budget, and your budget is going to impact the houses you’ll end up viewing.

Know Your Needs – Single, childless couple, family. Work from home, commuter, retired. All of these things will play a major role in the kind of house that will best suit you. Know your needs and you’ll know what features to look for.

Figure Your Max Mortgage Payment – Create a highly detailed household budget factoring in everything you can think of other than a mortgage – car payment, utilities, student loans, etc – then add a little extra to account for unexpected expenses and so on. Subtract that from your income to determine your max mortgage payment. That will help narrow down the real state you should view.

 

Know Your Credit Score – If your score is below 620, you may want to postpone your hunt, because getting approved in today’s real estate climate may be difficult.

Focus On What You Can’t Change – Things like the bathroom tiles or kitchen flooring or landscaping can be changed. Instead, focus on the floor layout, sight lines and views, and available rooms. In other words, the things you won’t be able to change.

Get Pre-Approved – A pre-approval will put you in a position to know exactly how much you can spend, which in turn will let you know which home is right for you and which isn’t.

Visit Your Short List Homes Twice – Don’t just visit once. That first visit you’ll be too excited to be viewing a nice new piece of property. You will be harder to impress the second time around and more likely to spot issues that you’ll have missed on your first visit.

View The Neighborhood, Too – It’s not enough to just view your desired house. Take a drive out to Manahawkin or Forked River or wherever you’re looking, get to see the neighborhood, see what shops are nearby, see what amenities are available to you – because unless you’re a commuter who works long hours, you’re not just buying into a home, you’re buying into a community.

Use An Agent – While you can do a lot of house hunting on your own, an agent can be a huge help, especially in a competitive market with unique obstacles, such as searching for shore houses. An agent is a worthwhile investment.

Make A Long List – View a LOT of real estate online in catalogs, through your agent, and more, and make a long list of the properties in towns like Lacey / Forked River, Long Beach Island, and Manahawkin that catch your eye.

Make A Short List – Narrow down that list to a few select homes based on rigorous criteria you set (including some of the advice above).

7 Great Reasons To Live at the Jersey Shore

Posted on: November 14th, 2018 by admin No Comments

Ever thought about living near coast of New Jersey, especially in towns like Manahawkin, Forked River and Barnegat? If you haven’t before, you sure will after reading these seven reasons why it’s AWESOME:

barnegat lighthouse1) Easy Access To Recreation

If you want recreation, there are few better places to be than the beach, especially in Southern Ocean County and Long Beach Island. Surfing, boating, fishing, swimming, sun bathing, games, music, paddle boarding, night clubs, nature preserves, food festivals, and so much more we can barely list it all. If you can’t find something to do at the shore it’s because you refuse to leave the house!

2) It’s Relaxing

Think about the sound of the surf, the smell of the water, the laid back way people go about their lives, and then think about yourself in the middle of it all right here in Ocean County. Yes, that is what living at the shore can be like – and it can be like that every single day of the year! Doesn’t matter if you live in a small bungalow or have a huge beachfront house, being near the the ocean can lift your spirits and help you do something few people can manage: relax!

3) You’ll Enjoy A Longer Life

It might sound like nonsense, but it’s true. Studies show that people who do not take annual vacations are 32 percent more likely to die of a heart attack. So what better way to extend your life then by building a perpetual vacation into your life? That’s exactly what living at the beach is like. At any moment you choose, you can flip the switch from normal life to relaxing. Take a walk to the sand, go look out over the way, enjoy some water sports, go fishing, walk your dog, go people watching – the whole area here near Long Beach Island a tremendous place to unwind!

4) Visits From Friends And Family Will Be Great

If you enjoy making people feel welcome, you’ll have an easy time if you live near the shore. People love to visit the region for a reason, and they love it even more when they are visiting good friends and family. Give them something to see and something to do, often without much effort on your part. That’s exactly what living near the shore can do!

Southern-Ocean-County5) Get In Touch With Nature

It may appear that the shore region is built up to a major degree – and in some ways, it is – but there are not only plenty of parks and open areas, even the built-up communities allow access to mother nature you can’t get in the suburbs. When was the last time you watched dolphins and whales play in your McMansion community, or walked two blocks to do some ocean fishing, or fed ducks and gulls on the bay right in your backyard?

6) Salt Water Is Good For Your Health

Yet another mark in favor of shore living, salt water is not just calming to the soul, it can actually help heal little nicks and cuts. Add in the fact that beach sand can help exfoliate your skin, helping you to feel cleaner and fresher, and you have the makings for a healthier life.

7) It’s A Great Investment

When it comes down to it, this may be the biggest reason to own property at the shore. Waterfront property is always in demand. It never goes out of style. Your investment is all but guaranteed to increase for you. Add that to all the lifestyle bonuses mentioned above, and the reasons for living at the shore should be obvious.

And naturally, once you’re here and smiling about your choice, choose us as your Ocean County dentist and we’ll keep your smile bright!

 

Where To Vacation At The Jersey Shore

Posted on: January 29th, 2018 by admin No Comments

Ignore the television show that sullied the name of the Jersey Shore. For decades, residents and visitors alike have known the truth that MTV didn’t show, namely that the Jersey Shore is a vibrant, family-friendly place with beautiful beaches, lovely homes, and good people.

No wonder visiting towns like Barnegat, Manahawkin, Long Beach Island, and others is so popular each summer.

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When planning a vacation at the Jersey Shore, these are a few of the communities you should be sure to consider when deciding to take a weekend, week, or even a whole month away with the family.

Lavallette – The small ocean and bay community of Lavallette is a popular place for families thanks to its protected beaches, playgrounds, tennis courts, bike paths, and docks for fishing and crabbing. It has many small shops run by local residents, as well as waterfront property along the ocean and the bay. It even has a boardwalk for walking, jogging, or just taking a deep breath of the clean salt air without the hustle and bustle of resort town amusements.

Point Pleasant Beach – This is a community that manages to walk the fine line between a vibrant, active resort community and a quiet, peaceful ocean town. Point Pleasant Beach offers the architectural charm of past eras as well as the appeal of great dining and excellent shopping. The residential neighborhoods are quiet, but the downtown is bustling. So, too, is the boardwalk, which boasts the area’s only aquarium. There are also rides, games, places to see live music, and more at the boardwalk, which is located alongside a gorgeous inlet area filled with boating activity.

Long Beach Island – Located nearby communities like Forked River/Lacey, Manahawkin, and Barnegat, Long Beach Island is a popular destination that boasts a little of everything: great shops and places to eat, an exciting night life, quiet bungalows on the beach, sprawling waterfront homes, amusements, live music, boating and fishing, and a lot more. Our offices are in Barnegat, so we know Long Beach Island quite well, and we love it!

Belmar – Like Point Pleasant Beach, Belmar offers both quiet shore living along with attractions that will appeal to younger visitors. Old neighborhoods with cozy coastal homes are just blocks away from some of the Jersey Shore’s most active and popular nightclubs. Couple that with some of the best fishing on the East Coast, a vibrant boating community, and a downtown that is a throwback to communities of yesteryear and it’s easy to see why people flock to Belmar each year.

Seaside Park – Seaside Heights is the more famous community thanks to its sprawling boardwalk, landmark attractions and that awful MTV show, making neighboring Seaside Park the better choice for families looking for a getaway. The famous boardwalk is just an easy walk away through sandy dunes covered in dune grass, while the community itself is safe, snug, and secure in its own quiet little corner of the world. Many people retire to Seaside Park for just this reason.

The astounding thing about the Jersey Shore is that these five communities only just begin to scratch the surface of all the region has to offer. No wonder it is such a popular destination!

Tuckerton Sunset

5 Things to Look For in a Jersey Shore Restaurant

Posted on: January 2nd, 2018 by admin No Comments

Southern Ocean County is a fantastic place to visit. Pristine beaches, alluring attractions, great shopping, and of course, fantastic restaurants. People might think Manhattan is the place to go for an excellent dining experience, but the city’s overpriced cuisine doesn’t compare to the Jersey experience.

Want to find the perfect place to eat at the shore but don’t know how to start looking? How do you determine what is and is not a great restaurant? Here’s what we look for:

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1) Their Specialty

Tastes vary, so there is no right answer here except what you prefer. If you are looking for a restaurant in our area, you’ll be able to choose from Italian, German, Indian, Mexican, traditional American fare, and many others – and of course the shore’s specialty, seafood. Get a sense for what your chosen establishment specializes in and you’ll be well on your way to choosing the best.

2) Their Location

Under normal circumstance, you’d drive anywhere for a great meal. That makes sense. After all, what does it matter where you are as long as you’re getting a great dining experience? But in the case of seeking out good fare at the Jersey Shore, obviously location matters. Are you somewhere where you’ll see the summer sun? Can you smell the salt air? Will you be lucky enough to have waters views while you eat? All of these are important part of the shore dining experience, so look for places in attractive locations when seeking out a a great new spot near Manahawkin or Forked River.

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3) Their Atmosphere

Atmosphere is one of the most important parts of the dining experience. The type of atmosphere you prefer can vary, of course. There is no right answer here, either. You might want a refined, elegant experience. You might prefer lively and upbeat and fun. You might like casual and homey and friendly. What is important is that you have a good understanding of the kind of atmosphere you’re looking for, and that you look for a spot that suits your needs.

4) Their Prices

They say you can’t put a price on a good experience in Forked River or beyond, but that just isn’t true. In today’s economy, prices matter. What constitutes “expensive” is subjective, of course, so only you can be the judge of what is or is not too much. The important thing is to find an establishment that makes you feel as if your money was well spent. Did you walk away satisfied? Did you have an enjoyable night? Did you like the food? Would you return? If the answer to most or all of those questions was yes, the price was probably right.

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5) Their Food

You might think it weird that we list this one last, but that’s only because finding the best restaurant in Barnegat, Manahawkin or other Southern Ocean County communities is about much more than just their food. Without a great atmosphere, good service, a great location and more, great food is only half the experience. That said, you DO want great food, so when all is said and done you’ve got to take this into consideration, too.

Good luck in your hunt!

Great Tips For Beach Life at the Jersey Shore

Posted on: December 20th, 2017 by admin No Comments

It may only be December, but for those of us living and working in Barnegat, Manahawkin, Lacey/Forked River, and other shore communities in Southern Ocean County, we are ALWAYS thinking about the beach. Whether for fishing, boating, or just relaxing, we love it!

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The next time you’re at our amazing local beaches in Long Beach Island and the surrounding area, consider these tips from the Bayside team on how to make the most of your time in the sand and surf:

Plastic Bags Are Your Friend – Used sealable plastic storage bags to bring your electronics to the pool or beach, that way they are protected from the sand and water.

Take Baby Powder With You – Sprinkle some on your feet after you leave the beach and the sand will come right off! Your car will thank you for it.

Be Clever About Hiding Valuables – Everybody knows the usual spots (hiding your keys in your shoes, for instance). Get a little more clever than that in order to avoid theft at the beach. Remember, a thief only has a few moments to get to your stuff. Force them to take longer than they’d like.

Use Matching Beach Towels – Pack matching beach towels for the entire family. It will make your spot easier to see from a distance, and will allow you to more easily reserve chairs at the pool and other locations.

Plan For Some Down Time – It’s easy to get caught up in planning every part of your vacation, but be sure to plan some down time into each day. That little bit of flexibility can be a lifesaver, even if you only use it to wind down a bit before out to dinner.

Avoid The Jellyfish – The Jersey Shore doesn’t have big jellyfish problems, but once in a while there will be an unusual amount of then. Avoid swimming on those days. Their stings are more than a little unpleasant!

Understand Rip Tides – On days when the surf is a little stronger than usual, rip tides are a real danger. The best way to avoid a terrible accident is to understand how rip tides work. If you’re caught in one, don’t try to swim ashore! Instead, swim or allow yourself to drift parallel to the shore until the rip tide subsides. It’s the struggle to get ashore that causes tragedy, not the rip tide itself.

Don’t Bring Any Beach Toys – No need to up valuable space in your car by lugging beach toys down to the shore with you. They’re cheap and plentiful. You’ll be able to buy everything you need locally, and probably for only $20 or so.

Give Away Your New Beach Toys – On the flipside, save space in the car on the ride home, too, by giving away your beach toys to some other family. You’re only talking about $20 in goods, after all, and it’s all stuff that will probably rot in a closet somewhere. Why not make someone’s day better instead?

Have any other tips for people staying at the Jersey Shore near Manahawkin, Forked River, and the surrounding area? Let us know in the comments and share them with others!