Courtesy Greater Wildwoods TIDA
A long the central section of the state’s Atlantic coast, the towns known collectively as the Jersey Shore have begun to welcome visitors once again after being walloped by Hurricane Sandy in October.
“We’re still rebuilding from the storm, but most of the hotels are open and accepting groups,” said Robert Hilton, director of the Jersey Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We’re very fortunate that everyone has been working 10 to 12 hours a day, six days a week, to get everything up and running. I’ve never seen a community work so hard in my life.”
Although many of the hotels were able to open fairly soon after the storm, the boardwalks, outdoor attractions and beachfront amusements took the hardest hit. But Hilton said the owners of those facilities have used the event as an opportunity to make their offerings better.
“Most of the tourist attractions are now complete,” he said. “Most of the boardwalks have reopened now. In Point Pleasant, most of the boardwalk has been reopened, and they’ve actually added rides since the storm.”
Besides the beaches and boardwalks, the destinations of the Jersey Shore offer a variety of experiences for traveling groups. Music fans often visit Asbury Park, where performers such as Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi got their starts. Shoppers enjoy trips to Jersey Shore Premium Outlets and Jackson Premium Outlets. The destination also has Monmouth Park, a Thoroughbred horseracing track in Oceanport.
www.visitthejerseyshore.com
