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The Best Towns to Rent a Jersey Shore Summer House

Posts Tagged ‘ Long Beach Island ’



The Best Towns to Rent a Jersey Shore Summer House

Posted on: June 6th, 2018 by admin No Comments

On Fridays during the summer when the Garden State Parkway is backed up with traffic, all those people are coming to the beautiful New Jersey Coast.

And no wonder. In Long Beach Island, Barnegat, Manahawkin, and other towns in our area, there are some fantastic communities in which to unwind during the summer months.

The Jersey shore is not all created equal, though. Picking one community over the other can be the difference between finding yourself in the middle of a bad MTV show and relaxing in an historic community with great beach access, so choose carefully!

If you plan to rent a summer home or to enjoy a vacation on the coast, these are a few of the town you should consider when deciding to take a weekend, week, or even the rest of your life away with the family.

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Point Pleasant Beach – This is a town that straddles the line between a vibrant, active vacation town and a quiet, peaceful ocean community. Point offers the architectural charm of yesteryear as well as the appeal of excellent dining and great shopping. The residential neighborhoods are quiet, but the downtown is often full of shoppers. The boardwalk and aquarium are also busy. There you will find rides, games, places to see bands playing music, and more.

Long Beach Island – Real estate in Long Beach Island is in high demand for a good reason. This swath of coastal barrier island is one of the New Jersey’s most desirable places to both live and to vacation. Boasting plenty of gorgeous bay and ocean facing property, it also has shopping, historic sites, and much more. Even better, while there are a lot of things to do within a short walk or drive, LBI itself is calm enough so that you really feel like you’re getting away from the world.

Barnegat – This small oceanfront and bay community – and the place where our office is located – is a popular place for families thanks to its clean beaches, and docks for fishing and crabbing, and more. Not to mention the historic lighthouse! There are many small shops, great places to eat, as well as waterfront property along both the ocean and the bay. It’s a great town, which is why we love working here!

Belmar – Just like Point Pleasant Beach, Belmar offers quiet shore living as well as attractions that will appeal to visitors looking for more action. Quiet neighborhoods with cute coastal homes are just a short walk away from some of the New Jersey coast’s most active and popular nightclubs. Add in some of the best fishing on the East Coast, a historic boating community, and a downtown that is a throwback to communities of old and it’s easy to see why people flock to Belmar each year.

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9 Facts You Didn’t Know About Long Beach Island

Posted on: April 11th, 2018 by admin No Comments

Anyone who has been to LBI knows it’s a beautiful, cozy community that thrives during the summer months. Whether you own a home there or you just take day trips to the beach, you probably love to visit.

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So if you love to visit Long Beach Island, you might enjoy knowing a little more about it. With that in mind, we have some interesting facts for you. Take a look:

  • Long Beach Island has been battered by some major storms. In 1920, most of the island was destroyed by a devastating winter storm that even reopened a once closed inlet in Holgate. In 1923, another storm smashed the island and knocked out rail service for a full three years, and in 1935, a storm washed out the railroad bridge to the mainland.
  • Perhaps the worst storm was the Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962. That storm split the island into several pieces and causes the USS Monssen, a Navy destroyer, to run aground. The storm is considered one of the 10 worst storms of the 20th Century in the United States, and almost destroyed all of Long Beach Island.
  • Long Beach Island was also battered by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The storm flooded the island and cause the bridge to the island to be closed for 13 days.
  • The current causeway that connects Long Beach Island to the mainland was constructed in the late 1950s.
  • Long Beach Island is known as a fairly well to do area of New Jersey. Even as far back as 1970, Philadelphia Magazine joked that “the haves turn right and the have mores turn left,” referring to the turns south and north people make after arriving on the island.
  • The communities on the north of the island, including Loveladies and North Beach, feature sprawling Victorian homes that often spark rumors of celebrities vacationing there.
  • Though Long Beach Island is a highly desirable resort and vacation area, it is not comparable to nearby Jersey Shore communities like Seaside Heights, Wildwood, and Belmar. Instead of a thriving night club scene and rides and boardwalks, it’s a family oriented vacation spot with more focus on restaurants, museums, and beaches.
  • Long Beach Island is home to many fishing and charter boats, some of which get 100 or more miles off the coast.
  • Long Beach Island is home to the famed Surflight Theater. Built in 1950 by Joseph P. Hayes, for decades the theater has offered a place for the local arts to be performed, including music, dance, theater, and comedy.

What do you know about the Long Beach Island community? How in touch with its history are you? If you know some interesting facts we didn’t mention, tell us about them in the comments!

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Finding Your Perfect Jersey Shore Summer House

Posted on: March 1st, 2018 by admin No Comments

On Fridays during the summer, the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike are often backed up with traffic. These aren’t people going home from work or on their way to the world’s largest pizza party. They are coming to the beautiful New Jersey Coast – and since our dentist office in Ocean County is right near the coast, we have a great fondness for the area!

No wonder Long Beach Island rentals, bungalows in Barnegat, apartments in Belmar, weekend homes in Point Pleasant and more are so popular each summer.

The New Jersey coast is not all created equal, however. Choosing one town over the other can be the difference between finding yourself in the middle of MTV’s “Jersey Shore” and relaxing in a quaint, historic community, so choose carefully!

If you plan to invest in a summer home at the Jersey Shore or to enjoy a vacation along the coast, these are a few of the communities you should be sure to consider when deciding to take a weekend, week, or even the rest of your life away with the family.

Point Pleasant Beach – This is a community that endeavors to straddle the line between a vibrant, active resort community and a quiet, peaceful ocean town. Indeed, this is a town that offers the architectural charm of yesteryear as well as the appeal of great dining and excellent shopping. The residential neighborhoods of Point Pleasant Beach are quiet, but the downtown is often bus with shoppers. Also busy is the boardwalk, which has the area’s only aquarium. There you will find rides, games, places to see bands playing music, and more.

Long Beach Island – The fact is, Long Beach Island (along with nearby communities like Manahawkin) is in high demand for a reason. This stretch of coastal barrier island remains one of the New Jersey coast’s most desirable places to both live and to vacation. Boasting plenty of bay and ocean facing property, it also has shopping, historic sites, and more. Even better, while there are plenty of things to do within a short walk or drive, the town itself is calm enough so that even retirees find this to be a small slice of heaven.

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Barnegat – The small oceanfront and bay community of Barnegat, where our dentist office in Ocean County are located, is a popular place for families thanks to its lovely beaches, paths, and docks for fishing and crabbing – not to mention its historic lighthouse. There are more than a few small shops run by residents of the town, as well as waterfront property along both the ocean and the bay. Barnegat is on Long Beach Island, so when we say that Long Beach Island has been increasingly popular in recent years thanks to its quaint, small town feel we include this town in the observation.

Belmar – Not unlike Point Pleasant Beach, the Borough of Belmar offers quiet shore living as well as attractions that will appeal to more energetic visitors. Quaint neighborhoods with snug coastal homes are just a short walk away from some of the New Jersey coast’s most active and popular nightclubs. Set that alongside some of the best fishing on the East Coast, a historic boating community, and a downtown that is a throwback to communities of eras long gone and it’s easy to see why people flock to Belmar each year.

Any one of these communities could serve at the perfect place for your New Jersey vacation or retirement!

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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!

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10 Amazing Things About Long Beach Island History You Didn’t Know

Posted on: January 17th, 2018 by admin No Comments

Let’s face it, Long Beach Island is one of the coolest communities in New Jersey. From the historic sites to the amazing beaches to your favorite restaurant – take your pick, there are a lot of them – and the amazing boating and fishing, this area has a lot to offer. Everyone who lives in Barnegat, Manahawkin, Forked River and the surrounding area knows that.

But how much do you know about LBI history? Do you know about its old railroad lines? The history of the Causeway? How long your favorite restaurant has been there?

That’s what this article is for! To fill you in on some of the cool stuff you didn’t know about LBI’s past. Enjoy!

  1. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Long Beach Island was served by the Tuckerton Railroad. Created thanks to growing tourism, the line ran from Whiting to Tuckerton and was completed in 1886.
  2. A portion of the Tuckerton Railroad was reorganized as the Barnegat Railroad in 1894. This line was leased by the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR).
  3. Passenger services to Beach Haven from Camden was established in 1900.
  4. By 1913, three round trips per day between Whiting and Beach Haven were being operated. That’s a lot of people!
  5. The final shipment by rail off Long Beach Island took place in 1941, consisting of nothing more than three cars of scrap.
  6. Beach Haven, a community on Long Beach Island, was home to the shark attacks that inspired the novel and film Jaws. The famed Jersey Shore shark attacks of 1916 included a fatal attack in Beach Haven. All told, four people were killed and one injured between July 1 and July 12
  7. Docked in the nearby Viking Village part of Barnegat Light, the scallop boat Lindsay L was used in the movie The Perfect Storm.
  8. Beach Haven boasts the famed Fantasy Island Amusement Park, which is home to a carousel featuring classic horse sculpts dating to the early 1900s. The carousel itself was commissioned in 1974 with the intention of recreating the look of classic Victorian era carousels. In fact, Fantasy Island Amusement Park is the only location on Long Beach Island with standard carnival rides and games. There are no other similar amusements there.
  9. The Causeway leading onto the island isn’t actually a causeway at all, it’s a bridge – a causeway is a raised embankment that crosses wetlands or water – and it’s official name is the Dorland J. Henderson Memorial Bridge.
  10. The Dorland J. Henderson Memorial Bridge is named after an African-American engineer and designer known for creating uniquely lit bridges.

What tidbits do you know about the history of Long Beach Island, as well as Manahawkin, Forked River, and other towns near Barnegat? Let us know in the comments!

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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!

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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!

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15 Things You Didn’t Know About Long Beach Island, NJ

Posted on: November 28th, 2017 by admin No Comments

We live and work in one of the nicest regions of New Jersey. Barnegat is homey and warm. Manahawkin a gateway to the shore. Forked River an up and coming town. And Long Beach Island a great place to surf, fish, and enjoy living here at the shore.

But how well do you really know LBI? You might know about the great fishing or the Barnegat Lighthouse, but what about the details? Take a look at these 15things worth knowing about LBI and test your knowledge:

  1. Most visitors know the highway that accesses Long Beach Island as Route 72, but years ago it was actually known as South 40.
  2. Long Beach Island is best known for its tourism, fishing, and real estate.
  1. Long Beach Island has only a single access point, a causeway that reaches over to the island. Remove that and the only way to leave is by boat or helicopter.
  1. Long Beach Island has about 20,000 year round residents spread throughout its six municipalities.
  1. In the summer, the population of LBI grows to over 100,000 people, which includes renters, summer residents, tourists, and others.
  1. All told, Long Beach Island is about 18 miles long, includes three miles of nature preserve at its southern end.
  1. At its widest, Long Beach Island is just a half-mile wide!
  1. Though connected by open waters, Long Beach Island is considered to fence in Manahawkin Bay, not Barnegat Bay. The more famous Barnegat Bay is located immediately to the north.
  1. Long Beach Island contains a number of communities, all of them very small. They include Ship Bottom, Barnegat Light, Harvey Cedars, Surf City, and Beach Haven, along with the town of Long Beach Island itself, which has neighborhoods like Loveladies, Holgate, North Beach, and High Bar Harbor.
  1. Because of its unique geographical location, Long Beach Island tends to get the first frost of the year later than any other region in New Jersey, including those in the southern part of the state.
  1. Long Beach Island has been settled since at least 1690, when it became a home for hunters.
  1. By the 17th Century, Long Beach Island had become a key location in shipping and whaling expeditions, especially those out of Barnegat Inlet. This prompted the construction of the Barnegat Lighthouse.
  1. The original lighthouse on Long Beach Island was constructed in 1835, and help guide boaters through the sometimes turbulent waters of the inlet. However, the light was fixed, causing ship captains to mistake it for another passing ship. As a result, the original lighthouse was torn down in 1857.
  1. “Old Barney,” the now famous lighthouse still at the north end of the island, was constructed in 1859.
  1. The Barnegat Lighthouse was constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers. The project was lead by George Gordon Mead, who would later lead the Union forces to victory over the Confederates in the Civil War.

 

Do you know of any other cool LBI facts, historic tidbits, favorite restaurants, or anything else? Let us know in the comments! And if you are looking for a dentist near Forked River, give us a call!

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Southern Ocean County The Perfect Place To Settle Down

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

When you have the ability to settle down in your dream home, you want to live in a gorgeous home located in a community that is both quiet and yet that has a lot to offer, that is scenic and beautiful but also fun and active, and that is removed from the hustle and bustle of urban areas while still having good access to New York City and Philadelphia.

People are finding just such a place in towns like Barnegat, Manahawkin, Forked River/Lacey, Long Beach Island, and other Southern Ocean County towns.

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The reason is simple. Just look at the beautiful properties for purchase and rent. Southern Ocean County has some of the best waterfront property on the East Coast, boasting gorgeous views, great access to the beach, and a community that offers lots to do while still remaining quiet and welcoming.

For those looking to purchase in the area, there are many options ranging from small and modest to large, luxurious, and upscale. Long Beach Island has 18 miles of sandy shoreline that makes it not only a great place to take a family vacation, but also a wonderful place to live. One look and you’ll agree that the homes there are just gorgeous. A simple tour of the island will reveal many properties that will drop your jaw.

The mainland is just as nice. Communities like Barnegat are quaint and feel like home, small towns where you feel like you know everyone, and that have easy access to boating, fishing, surfing, sunning, and lots more.

With traits like these, it’s no wonder the communities of Southern Ocean County are bouncing back from Hurricane Sandy and doing better than ever. Take a trip through the region today and you’ll be greeted by vacationers enjoying rentals at the Jersey Shore, and year-round residents relaxing in their newly repaired homes.

If you’re new to the community, you may have an opportunity to buy a property and construct your own home. Bungalows and homes that sustained damaged may be perfect knock-downs to be replaced by a custom home. When you do that, you are putting your own unique stamp on the place where your family will live, and doing it in a way that will blend in with the shore community where you’re going to live. Imagine a house where every room, closet, nook, and shelf was designed with your input. The idea is exciting, isn’t it?

Even if you’re not building, you may be tempted to rent. For renters, be sure to make your reservations early. People who are eager to enjoy life at the Jersey Shore book early in the year to ensure they get their preferred time. Don’t miss out! Book right away.

With each passing day, more and more people are choosing to make Long Beach Island and towns like Barnegat and Manahawkin their own private getaway. Whether for summers, retirement, or just living a quiet life, joining them is probably easier than you imagine.

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