Jersey people are a weird and proud breed. We have our own State Hall of Fame (click bait #1) and as it pertains to how we feel about where we go during the summer, we have our own terminology (click bait #2). So if you are looking to get a guide of what to do at the Beach, look elsewhere... this Escape Guide is all about how to enjoy yourself Down The Shore.

PUT ‘EM BACK

The Parker House // 290 1st Ave, Sea Girt, NJ 08750
Parker House is as much of a Jersey Shore institution as beach badges and funnel cake. It could probably live in every category on this guide as a place to eat, drink and if people watching is an activity, that too. We'll keep it simple for you:

1) Get there before 4pm, and stick to the side bar grill. $20 grabs you more food than two people can finish. Our suggested order: clams, burger (x2), sausage sandie and do not forget the side of pickles. It's the best $2 you can spend.

2) Order a Spring Laker. It's the signature drink of the Parker House, containing Red Bull Vodka w/ Pineapple Juice. It's Simple. It's Effective. It'll extend your afternoon or evening. Kind of like proper SPF suncreen. A MUST HAVE on the Jersey Shore.

The Norwood Inn // 618 2nd Ave, Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ 07717
Possibly the best kept secret DTW (hopefully we don’t ruin that). The sign our front was last updated around the same time the interior was, but don't let this deter you. Norwood is a local's spot that's got an entertainment slate that competes with the best of 'em. Getting a drink is, how do we put this, "Not Easy" so prepare your third base coach sign language ahead of time. Arm Up, Pointing to a Miller Lite, Holding up 2 fingers then a Thumbs up = 2 beers please, keep it open. Dress like you're going to a workout class, Air Conditioning is scarce.

Leggett's Sand Bar // 217 1st Ave, Manasquan, NJ 08736

A self-proclaimed "Food & Liquore Club" Leggett's is a block from the beach, and looks like it was ripped from 1950s Miami. The latter part they have down, grab something cold and pony up to a dartboard, or shuffleboard table. Taking a long weekend? Thursday Night Bingo is clutch as well. As for the former? Here's a hot take: Leggett's has the most underrated pizza on the shore.

Bar A(nticipation) // 703 16th Ave, Belmar, NJ 07719

Much like the Fast & Furious movies, Bar A has no end in sight. It's a sprawling indoor-outdoor, somehow they fit a waterfall and grotto in here, seriously how big is this place, bar. Get friendly with a 5 Hour Energy, because this place gets going in the evenings. And make sure you take a spin on the shot wheel, because why not, it's a shot wheel.

IF YOU CAN GET IN

Belmar Fishing Club // 100 Ocean Ave, Belmar, NJ 07719

On an absolute premier location right on the Atlantic, the BFC was established in 1909, and back in the day annual dues were $1. We have a soft spot for places with history like this. Members are everything you'd expect at an old school fishing club with a bar that's a cast away. If you can get the look, stop by for a couple cold ones and be mindful your walk to the gent's room may take longer than expected. The history on the walls is amazing.

GOOD EATS

Patio Bar @ Wharfside // 101 Channel Dr, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Live Music right on the Waterfront. Do we need to continue? At Warfside, you can tell the tide by how high the American flag sit in the sandbar. The raw bar is as fresh as they come, but bare in mind your "creeping on people leaving" abilities must be honed. It's first come first served to sit for dinner. Much like the Parkway, this is a bit of a full contact sport.

Surf Taco // Multiple Locations
The mini chain, with all its locations in Jersey is slinging the finest fish tacos we've had on the Jersey Shore. If you dare: Order the Tsunami, it's Surf Taco's version of the Old 96er. It's basically two burritos. Finish it in 15 minutes and you'lll become instagram famous. As a heads up, you better not swim for 4 hours. Better yet, just stay out of the water all together; we're not sure the lifeguards are trained to carry you + a gut full of black beans.

Hoffman's Ice Cream // 569 Church St, Spring Lake, NJ 07762
Got kids? Good, use them as an excuse to swing by Hoffman's. Best ice cream on the shore and we're not soliciting any recommendations otherwise. Don't have kids....well then just own that you're a grown up who just ordered "Cookie Monster" Ice Cream.

GET YOUR FIX

Sandy Seagull // 101 1st Ave, Manasquan, NJ 08736
A relatively new addition to 'Squan, but one that's been desperately needed. Swing by and get yourself a "Hair of the Dog" aka Mocha Almond Coconut Cold Brew. Game Changer.

Tom Bailey’s Market // 1323 3rd Ave, Spring Lake, NJ 07762

We'll get ahead of this, it's a little bit pricey, but we've never complained after a coffee & Taylor Ham, Egg and Cheese from Tom Bailey's. Plus (as you'll see below) you can "cruise" there, so that's worth at least a 20% upcharge.

GOOD TIMES

The Beach

Go there. We shouldn't have to explain this any further.

Cruisin’

Preferred mode of transportation is beach cruiser. Some keep it classic, some step it up with a basket on the front, and some go full Jimmy Buffet with a cup holder attached to the handlebars. However you do it, cruising the ocean front road on a beach cruiser is how to get around. Added points if you're listening to "Boys of Summer" by Don Henley played from your iPhone speakers.