MDW Is The Start of Summer…But It’s More Than That

Often it seems like there is a build-up to Memorial Day Weekend which is the unofficial start to summer at the Jersey Shore.  However it’s quite different this year which is way many seem caught off guard by the holiday weekend which gets things rolling along beach communities from Asbury Park to Long Beach Island.

The weather would be the main reason as most of May was pretty lousy with many cool and wet days, especially on the weekend.  However ready or not this is the start of a 100-day period that many of us live for.

While the forecast does not call for ideal beach conditions many will get their toes in the sand for the first time.  Be prepared because you’ll likely need to pay to play as this is the first weekend towns will require badges.  You’ll also find lifeguards on duty and even though the water is still quite chilly I’m sure there will be brave souls or those who don’t know any better who will venture into the Atlantic.

Of course Memorial Day Weekend also means traffic…lots of it.  If ever patience was a virtue then this is the time for it because even local roadways away from the beach might test you.  Of course most of that traffic will be centered on Route 35 and Route 71 so you want to avoid those roads if you can.  Of course let’s not forget Route 37 from Toms River to Seaside Heights which can be brutal and only made worse if the bridge over the Barnegat Bay is up.

However let’s take the positive approach and that is our summer is just about here and again for me and many others it is the best time of year…it’s why we chose to live here.

Finally while we celebrate Memorial Day Weekend as the start of something special we should all take a moment to understand what the holiday weekend is all about.  That is to honor all of those who have been killed while in defense of this country and our way of life.  On Monday take a moment to think about that!