As the summer winds down this Labor Day Weekend, many people on Long Island will be going to the beach, possibly for the last time until next year.  Being that there are so many beaches to choose from on Long Island, most of us have no reason to visit any other beach unless we are going someplace on vacation.  Rising gas prices have caused many to take "staycations" this year, rather than traveling.  My wife and kids and I recently ventured a little further than usual, and took a short trip to Point Pleasant Beach in New Jersey. 

Long Islanders go to the beach, but if you live in New Jersey, you go "down the shore." I'm not sure what the difference is, but I don't want the people of New Jersey to think that I'm not cool, so I'll conform for the purposes of this post.  This trip down the shore was special because it was the first time that we've ever gone away as an extended family.    

On Saturday morning, we all woke up early, got the kids ready, and actually got on the road only 5 minutes later than our goal (which had to have been some kind of record).  It usually takes us much longer to get going for one reason or another.  We set out early to compensate for what was sure to be a vast amount of traffic.  Much to our surprise, the ride was actually very easy, and we arrived at Point Pleasant Beach earlier than expected - a great start to this mini-vacation!

Having never been down the shore before, and being that we arrived earlier than the rest of my family, we took the time to walk on the boardwalk and explore a bit with the kids.  It didn't take long to realize why people love to spend time down the shore.  After all, with a festival-like atmosphere (food, games, etc.), a white, sandy beach and the crashing ocean waves, what's not to love?  Of course, anyone who is trying to watch what they eat will find going down the shore challenging (to say the least). 

While waiting for the rest of the family to show up, we sat outside in the shade and shared an order of fries.  The little one was happy because it meant that she got to dip something into ketchup, a condiment that she will eat plain if we allow it.  Go figure!  Chippy's French Fries also offered another interesting dipping idea, salt and vinegar.  It worked well with fries, and it is worth trying if you get the chance.  After spending almost $10 on a large order of fries and a drink, I realized that this was not going to be a typical day at the beach financially. 

Those looking to spend a day down the shore should budget accordingly.  The parking for the day was around $20, and each adult must also pay $6.50 to get onto the beach.  Children under 5 are free, and children between 6 and 12 pay a discounted rate.  Aside from the food, there are also numerous games to be played for prizes, and an amusement park with rides.  If you really want to enjoy the day, be prepared to spend some money.  For us, it was a special occasion.  I'm not sure how families do this on a regular basis though.

After a short while, my family arrived, and we made our way down the beach.  This trip with the whole family was something that my mother had wanted to do for a while, and she made sure that everyone had a great time (especially the grandchildren).  There was no limit to the games that they could play, the rides that they could go on or the food that they could eat (as long as it didn't make them sick).

From the beach and the ocean to the boardwalk and the rides, this fun-filled day was something that none of us will forget anytime soon.  I'm glad that I live on Long Island and can enjoy "regular" days at the beach whenever I want.  I'm also glad that I'm close enough to New Jersey to take a fairly easy trip down the shore to enjoy the type of days that memories are made of.  This was the first, but certainly not the last extended family outing that we will partake in. 

At the end of the day, we all went back to my sister's house in New Jersey and stayed over (six adults and four kids).  Talk about a full house! 

In the interest of time and space, the rest of the weekend will be continued in part 2.