With contributions by Aimee Lam A great option for a fun filled family vacation is the Jersey Shore, made notorious by the namesake TV series. Aside from the fact that Snooki is pregnant, the Jersey Shore discredits the Shore as a family friendly place. However, now you can shelve your preconceived notions of fist-pumping friendly clubs and drunken guidettes at 3pm. Spanning the entire Atlantic coast of New Jersey, surprisingly, the “Shore” has a little something for everyone, making it great for a family getaway. 
You have a variety of choices starting with Seaside Heights, a small resort with a beach and boardwalk where the TV series was shot. If you still have it in you once the sun goes down, there are multiple bars and clubs where you can take a stab at the “Jersey Turnpike” move. However, if you like to gamble and enjoy fine dining, then Atlantic City is the go to. With its reputation as the “Queen of the Coast” between 1870 and the 60’s, the resort, made famous by the yearly Miss America pageant, was reborn when legalized gambling arrived to dominate its iconic boardwalk. On the flip side of A.C. is Ocean City, loved by many for its quiet, family atmosphere. Scope out Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, where the town’s reflection in the ocean from a seat high above on the giant Ferris wheel, is post-card perfect. Or hop on the rollercoaster if you love the loops and can handle the plunges. 
Moving further south toward Cape May you have several other options each with its own charm and personality but our family always enjoys a long weekend in Wildwood, which is full of excitement. Wildwood simply has the longest beaches imaginable. While many beach towns seem to be losing theirs, Wildwood’s beaches just seem to be getting bigger and appear to go on forever. The ocean vista as you trudge along the infinite stretch of fine golden sand is always a Zen moment and a big plus is it’s public, with no costly beach tags required. Wildwood’s boardwalk is miles long and brings out the child in everyone with so many fun filled amusements, games of chance, and every kind of food imaginable. It’s even more exciting if you gravitate onto one of the three lengthy piers owned and operated by the Morey family since 1969. These encompass over 18 acres along six beach blocks with amusement rides and oceanfront water parks on two of them. There are enough thrilling rides and roller coasters to please every taste and it’s enough to just watch the bungee jumpers flying over your head. On the first night of our last vacation there we purchased pier ride tickets, which are computed on an electronic card and allow a hop on and off until depleted. There are several ticket options and we opted for the Family Super Value Package of 250 tickets for $150.00. Considering that it’s $.95 cents for a single ticket that’s not a bad deal but the next day we found a better one, the Ride and water park combination. The kids loved the Ocean Oasis’s Water Park and Beach Club which is practically a paradise if you’ve got a large group. After exhausting ourselves on the big slides we headed for a tropical lunch at the Ocean Oasis complete with island music and a delicious menu. I had my favorite coconut shrimp appetizer served with a tangy sauce and a savory crab cake full of fresh, lump crabmeat. The kids feasted on French Fries while we drank typical island drinks like Piña Coladas and Banana Daiquiris which had us believing we were back in the Caribbean. Simple moments like this with family are what vacations are made of and create memories that are not soon to be forgotten. 
Seaside Heights Where to Eat: Klee’s Bar and Grill – Recommended are any of the finger food items and their world famous “Klee’s Bar Pie”. 101 Boulevard; 732-830-1996; www.kleesbarandgrill.com Where to Stay: Aztec Ocean Resort – Located right on the boardwalk, with ocean breezes and all the amusements at your fingertips. Open year round. 901 Boardwalk; 732-793-3000; www.aztecoceanresort.com Atlantic City Where to Eat: White House Sub Shop – Each sandwich is about two feet long, so be prepared to share. 2301 Arctic Avenue; 609-345-1564 www.whitehousesubshop.com Where to Stay: Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort – Indulge in your vices … shopping, drinking and gambling. 1000 Boardwalk at Virginia Avenue; 609-449-1000; www.trumptaj.com 
Ocean City Where to Eat: The Chatterbox – This pretty pink building is hard to miss. Enjoy the all American comfort food. 500 9th St.; 609-399-0113; www.chatterboxrestaurant.com Where to Stay: Atlantis Inn Bed and Breakfast – Stylized, with European sophistication. Enough said. 601 Atlantic Avenue; 609-399-9871; www.atlantisinn.com Wildwood Where to Eat: The Boathouse – The restaurant is almost entirely over the water, so enjoy some seafood while you watch the sun set. 506 West Rio Grande Avenue; 609-729-5301;www.boathouseonline.net Where to Stay: Pier 6600 – Check out the Surf Camp on their private beach. 9701 Atlantic Avenue; 609-729-6600; www.pier6600motel.com
