My cousins visited from Connecticut this week and they wanted to relive some memories from their pre-CT childhood on the Seaside boardwalk. We strolled for a bit, hitting all the major spots and grabbed some slices at the Sawmill ($5 for a slice and a small Diet Coke, but $3.99 for a slice and a Miller Lite – really?) We passed the Beachcomber and there was a huge sign out front telling anyone that came in they could be filmed. Sure enough, Sammi and Vinny were sitting at the bar having what must have been a very serious, intimate and not-at-all scripted conversation, surrounded by all their friends (who happened to have camera, lighting equipment and boom mics) and of course a gaggle of on-lookers.

Satisfied with this brief sighting, we walked on and played some skee-ball and were about to shuffle out to the pier to check out all the rides when some other very, very tan people had the same idea. J-Woww and Snooki and an entourage of crew members and security guards came barreling through. You could barely see Snooki through the crowd, but once everyone in the immediate area figured out that the Princess of Poughkeepsie was at the nucleus of the scrum, a tidal wave of people followed them out onto the pier. They went on a couple rides – including the haunted house. (Not sure what’s more frightening – the costumed people who try to scare you inside, or Snickers’ outfit – who wears furry boots in late July?!?) Pictures after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »

B&B Lavallette ladies' location...aka the source of a solid third of my summer wardrobe.

B&B, beloved local department store chain, will quite literally roll out its wares this Wednesday for one of three summer sidewalk sales at its men’s and women’s Lavallette locations on Grand Central Avenue starting at 9 a.m.

Sidewalk sales usually require some digging so bring your patience, but it usually pays off. I’ve walked out of the B with tons of great finds. I can’t speak for the men’s department, but the junior’s section is rife with fun skirts and tops for going out, nice sundresses and great beach coverups at prices that don’t make your wallet wince. It’s like a Forever 21 by the sea, if you will. (Word of advice – last summer at the Ship Bottom store’s sidewalk sale, you had to purchase the clothes you wanted to try on with cash and could return whatever didn’t fit for a full refund.)

If you can’t make it this week, sidewalk sales return on July 28 and Aug. 11.

With the Fourth now just a faded memory like the smoke that hangs in the sky long after a firework has twinkled away, things can seem a little anti-climactic. However, there’s just two precious months left to savor the sweet summer season and all the outdoor socializing it has to offer – this oppressive heat wave be damned! Put on some shorts, pick up an extra bottle of hair defrizzer, and grab your flip-flops (unless you’re heading to the Osprey – flop ban still in effect. Found out the hard way two weekends ago!), and get out! Read the rest of this entry »

Mmmmm Sicilian...

Many, many moons ago LFJS started a pizza throwdown that left Maruca’s unchallenged for more than a year. No longer! Today, I’m throwing down the gauntlet and picking Three Brothers as my favorite slice on the boards. Sure, Maruca’s might be the media darling, playing host to Man vs. Food’s Adam Richman last month, but I’m declaring Three Brothers the pizza of the people. Read the rest of this entry »

Manasquan's most popular beach bar, Leggetts.

If you need an excuse to get rowdy to LMFAO’s summer classic “Shots,” (a song with such deep and meaningful lyrics), then Leggetts in Manasquan is the bar for you.  Every Thursday the bar is packed as everyone crowds around their infamous shot wheel.

Once every hour from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. the live band stops and LMFAO and Lil’John take over the sound waves.  Whatever lucky shot the spinner lands on is then served for the next hour around the bar for just $1.  With options such as Jolly Rancher, Grape Ape, Washington Apple, and Sex on the Beach…you’ll have a wide selection all night long.  It’s a close knit atmosphere where everyone comes together for the one common goal, more shots. Read the rest of this entry »