Page 58 - 2023 Southern NJ Vacationer

THE WILDWOODS
Vacation Like a Local in the Wildwoods, NJ
THE WILDWOODS’ FIVE-MILE ISLAND
has appealed to locals and vacationing families for more than a century. One of the reasons families choose the Wildwoods is for the island’s expansive clean, safe, and FREE beaches with plenty of room to spread out. These pristine beaches have been voted ‘Best Beaches in New Jersey’ and ‘Top 10 Beaches in the US’. Take a stroll on the spacious Wildwoods beaches in the early morning and experience the magnificent sunrise coming up over the ocean; or fly a kite far away from the crowds of excited beachgoers. Enjoy all the natural surroundings the beach has to offer, including surf fishing, relaxing on the beach, watching the waves, and spending quality time with friends and family.
The restaurant renaissance that started years ago in nearby Cape May has spilled over into the Wildwoods, and a growing number of gourmet restaurants are located Candy stores, homemade fudge shops, dessert destinations, pastry shops, bakeries, and more adorn the streets and the Boardwalk of the Wildwoods making it a paradise for the sweet tooth.
If cold brews, craft beer and growlers are your thing, then we’ve got a brewery for you, MudHen Brewing Company. Or hop over to the Lazy Eye Distillery right on Spicer Avenue in Wildwood.
Retail shops in the Wildwoods are plentiful and unique. The resort’s surf shops stock everything you need to enjoy the beach and
ocean; sweet shops tempt your taste buds with saltwater taffy and fudge.
You will more likely hear these cars before you see them as they bellow the iconic phrase, “Watch the Tramcar Please!” while enroute along the Boardwalk. A trip to the Wildwoods is not complete without a photo on of one of these iconic trams.
The Wildwoods offer the largest collection of mid-20th century architecture in the country. This iconic building style unique to the mid 20th century is known as ‘Doo Wop Architecture’. Stop by the Doo Wop Experience Museum, located on Ocean Avenue directly across from the Wildwoods Convention Center to learn more.
Start your morning with a leisurely stroll to enjoy the sunrise over the ocean on the
North Wildwood Sea Wall and make a stop at the Hereford’s Inlet Lighthouse a 19th century Gothic architectural landmark that’s open to the public.
Located on the corner of Ocean and Burk Avenues, the Wildwoods’ Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is an exact half-size replica of the official Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Charter and party boat captains in the Wildwoods offer excursions, ranging from night fishing trips for bluefish or drum-fish; full-day excursions in search of tuna, marlin and swordfish. In addition to fishing charters, there are several sightseeing boats in the Wildwoods as well.
Sunset Lake is aptly named for its picturesque sunsets. Nature lovers can choose from a variety of water sports including boating, jet skiing, fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking and other water-related activities.
Fishing and crabbing are another favored seashore pastime and a great way to have some outdoor fun and enjoy the island environment. A fishing pier on the Intracoastal Waterway – known locally as “the back bay” – at Sweetbriar Road in Wildwood Crest is a popular fishing spot for island natives and visitors alike; and there are plenty of beaches along Hereford Inlet in North Wildwood where fishing enthusiasts gather to surf fish. Crabbing is also prevalent along the marshlands and waterways on the west side of the island where you can catch a bushel of Blue Crabs for your evening meal.
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or 800-992-9732. G
56 SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY VACATIONER