Atlantic City to Point Pleasant, NJ

A good friend of mine in Tucson named Pat Kennedy told me I should make a stop in Point Pleasant, New Jersey.  The only things I already knew about New Jersey involved Donald Trump,  Atlantic City and some reality show that I persisted upon avoiding at all cost-- so I decided to stop there first. Did I think I could reverse my negative images? Maybe I'm a masochist at the core.  I sure am not a gambler...not because I wouldn't gamble but because the smoky casinos are so repulsive in their smell.


As I came across the marshy area of New Jersey I could see this apparition along the coast...

Egads, it is conspicuous consumption and green energy all mixed together on a narrow band of paved shoreline--truly a vacation paradise! (Sarcasm here)
The traffic was mean...please note the car below that stopped at the red light then pushed his way into the intersection waiting for the light change.  Even though they are going to the beach for a little fun, it doesn't replace the aggression.

So I spent a day and a night and wondered why I did this to myself.  The day was mostly wasted looking for a place to park, then finding a secure place to park for the night became a real hassle.  I tried the library--they had no parking area and the street parking was too narrow for the RV--I didn't want to get sideswiped by a bus.  The hospital had only a high-rise parking garage with 8' clearance and I am 8'8".  The residential parking spots were by permit only or in areas that looked scary at best.  One of the casinos had free parking but was noisy and lit up like the Las Vegas Strip.  And I would have to go into the casino and get something 'punched'.  I kept looking.
   When I saw the perfect spot on a side street in the downtown area--wide and well marked with no meters, permits or prohibition signs.  I pulled over,  turned off the motor, closed the curtains and stretched out for a good night's sleep.  Then I heard people talking outside.  They were discussing some artist and something about a rose and a snake.  Hmm.  I took a chance and peeked out of the side curtain.  I was parked in front of a Tattoo Parlor! And not just any tattoo parlor.  This guy was obviously very sought after because the foot traffic went on all night long.  But no one bothered me so I slept well enough to kiss Atlantic City goodbye in the morning as I headed for Point Pleasant.

Now we're talking.  Jenkinson's in Point Pleasant has been here for years.  It is the old-fashioned boardwalk where I saw families from Grandma to the youngest kids enjoying the day.

And I was able to park 1/2 block from the beach and boardwalk.  The weather was balmy with a tiny breeze to keep you cool.

Certainly not like Atlantic City...it was barely crowded,  everyone was laid back and in no hurry to get anywhere.  

I did not check out the fun house but wish I had taken the time.  I experienced a wave of nostalgia as I remembered the screwy mirrors and the tilted floors from those summers on the boardwalk at Pontchartrain Beach in New Orleans. (Katrina took it all away)  Disneyland and Marine World are glitzy and overdone and have brought about the demise of many of these old-timey boardwalks.  And Atlantic City didn't help.

Pat told me to check out Joey Tomato's Pizza Parlor and here it is. (Doesn't the name 'Joey Tomato' make you think of The Sopranos?)  So I ordered a truly wonderful thin-crust pizza then sat down at the table on the far right and called Pat on the phone to gloat.  She was at work, sitting at her desk in Tucson--and wasn't the least been envious of where I was at that moment. (more sarcasm)  The recommendations from friends have all proved worth the trip and this was another one.

So I bought one of Jenkinson's famous orange drinks and toasted Pat for sharing this special place.


There is no place as great as the beach on a summer day.

Thank you again, Pat.

And Sigh Me found her perfect spot for the day as well.