Not Quite Summer in Seaside Park

It was 80 degrees at 4:05 p.m in Toms River Monday and less than 15 minutes later I parked near the ocean in Seaside Park and the temperature was 64 degrees.  Welcome to spring at the Jersey Shore where a 16 degree difference in just a few miles is certainly nothing new to those of us who have lived here for a while but always fools visitors.

Their shorts and tee shirts were fine inland but once they reached the boardwalk it was time for sweat shirts and more appropriate clothing.  A very strong south wind was the main reason why and expect more of the same today so if you’re heading to the beach be prepared for much cooler temperatures.

The boardwalk area has certainly come alive and with schools closed for spring recess there were a fair number of places opened when we took our late afternoon walk, especially if pizza was what you were looking for.  Other boardwalk businesses are preparing for the upcoming Easter weekend which looks pretty good right now and usually brings large crowds to Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach and other shore towns.

Workers are making good progress at both ends of the boardwalk in Seaside.  The expanded Casino Pier features the new Hydrus roller coaster and as we saw yesterday construction is well underway for a 131-foot Ferris wheel.

Meanwhile the rebuild of the south end continues with the construction of several buildings which will include Three Brothers from Italy Pizza, Kohr’s Frozen Custard, Park Seafood Clam Bar, Silver Apple Store and others plus new boardwalk bathrooms.

Summer is right around the corner and it will feel like that again inland today but remember it’s often quite different at the beach and boardwalk so bring a sweat shirt. And money for the parking meters.