Experience Off-Season at Ocean City, New Jersey!

Growing up near Ocean City, New Jersey allowed me to feel the freedom of the ocean and beach areas many times over many years. There is nothing like visiting the Ocean City Boardwalk as a young teen, walking about with friends, and experiencing the beach atmosphere. Those experiences mingle with memories and childhood morphs into adulthood. Kids become parents and then grandparents, and return to Ocean City where they find everything pretty much unchanged. A lot of the businesses were there 25-40 years ago. Now, with the modern ease of Internet shopping shore side vendors have begun selling their wares on-line, making it easy to have favorites such as Salt Water Taffy anytime, anywhere.

A trip to Ocean City, New Jersey during the summer is wonderful! However, if you are not a sun bather, you should plan to travel off-season when you will have the same amenities with the added benefit of much discounted prices. Room rates drop after Labor Day, and shops begin the end of the season sales on clothing and souvenir items. Shopping on the Boardwalk is less crowded and the eateries are pretty much waiting-line free. Bargains abound starting the end of September! A room that would have cost over $100 a night in August will go for around $55 to $75 after Labor Day, (I love a good deal!) Eateries offer two-for-one meals/drinks and early bird specials.

Even off season you have to visit Jilly's French Fry Factory where the fries are cooked fresh with each order. Then, for dessert try a fried candy bar! Up and down the boardwalk there are numerous salt water taffy shops, some having been in business for generations. (There is nothing like ordering fresh salt water taffy by the pound). Wait until you experience the fudge shops!

Along with fast food places there are many restaurants situated on the boardwalk for casual sit down dining. To mention a few,-- Clancy's By the Sea offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with the options of outdoor dining and meals-to-go so you can eat on the beach. George's opens early for breakfast with omelets, pancakes, and always hot, fresh coffee. Emily's Ocean Room Café is a quaint place for any meal. You will find the food and seafood at Emily's always fresh, there is a family atmosphere, and the service is great. One of the benefits of the New Jersey Boardwalk is that pretty much every establishment is family friendly.

Clothing stores are full of beach-type clothing as well as designer creations, and end-of-season bargains are just waiting for you to come by and do your holiday shopping! There are many one of kind items available in every store making it easy to find something for everyone on your list. Don't forget the salt water taffy or homemade fudge to go along with your gifts, or purchase some for yourself to savor after returning home.

The Boardwalk at Ocean City, New Jersey during the off season is a perfect time and place for a romantic get away, or perhaps a quiet honeymoon. The crowds are gone, the atmosphere is peaceful, and the pace of everything is slower. The beach is always there for the walking!

Next time you are looking for a new place to visit during the fall, winter or early spring try Ocean City, New Jersey for a memorable experience that may become a yearly tradition.