Holiday Shopping at the Jersey Shore
Do you get stressed out every holiday season when it comes time to shop? You don’t have to. Forget about going to one Mall after another where you drive around forever looking for a parking space and then bump into every other frenzied shopper in the crowd only to realize that you can’t quite find that perfect gift.
Holiday Shopping at the Jersey Shore can be a relaxed and even fun adventure. Once you reach the shore, you won’t find traffic jams with everyone honking and having a coronary car rage. You won’t find crowds that leave you bumped and bruised like you’ve been in a boxing match. What you will find are many specialty shops with unique gifts for everyone.
Once a year my family starts on the southern end of the Jersey Shore and works our way up the coast for several miles and usually to our surprise we get most of our holiday shopping done. Our first stop is Cape May with the Washington Mall. Walking along this outdoor area immediately puts us in the holiday season with the decorations, music, and festive activities. We take our time and split up and go to our favorite shops to find that special gift for our loved ones. We can spend several hours in Cape May because of everything it has to offer. Christmas ornaments, jewelry, children’s unique toys, and clothing are just a few of the many treasures you will find. And if you need a break, many of the restaurants and small cafes remain open during the holidays. You may even want to catch a carriage ride around the town and take in everything Cape May is all about?
Our next stop along the coast is Stone Harbor New Jersey. Located about twelve miles north of Cape May, this quaint town has about 100 specialty shops including upscale clothing, Shore apparel, kites, toys, and almost anything imaginable. You may be surprised to hear Carolers wandering up and down the streets, and the relaxed atmosphere will make you smile.
Ocean City, NJ is also a great shopping town for the holidays. Asbury Ave. is lined with many different boutiques and fine shopping spots. And don’t forget Mia’s Christmas Gallery at 11th and the Boardwalk. Although this shop may be the only one on the boardwalk open during this season, it is worth the few block ride to see all it has to offer.
Our late afternoon, early evening usually ends in Atlantic City at the Walk. Here we can find everything on our list that remains and they specialize in Outlet shops with reduced pricing. We will shop here and then head over to the Pier to finish up and find something wonderful to eat. And with any luck, we may put a few coins in the slots as a finish to a fabulous day.
Shopping at the Jersey Shore can be fun, relaxing, and put you in the spirit of giving. In one full day, you can cruise the coast in a mode unlike any of the Mega Malls. Come to the Jersey Shore this Holiday and see how much fun shopping can be!
