Hitting the Road: GTL (Ghost Town Living) at the Jersey Shore

12/28/2017

Whether you watched Jersey Shore or not, I bet once upon a time you wanted to visit the shore and see the guidos get down. I wasn't a die-hard fan of the show...but...who didn't tune in when Ronny and Sam fought? Or when Snooki got clocked in the face?

While in NJ for a photoshoot, I decided to take a trip to the Shore and see what I've been missing.

Ghost Town on the Boardwalk

After spending my entire life picturing the Jersey Shore as this wild and rambunctious travel destination, I felt a little surprised by what I discovered when I arrived to the Shore. I sort-of forgot about how seasonal the Jersey Shore is; it's like The Cape meaning tourists flock all summer long but then it's quiet the moment the chill sets in.

It was a really unique experience walking down the boardwalk alone, seeing the occasional jogger. It seemed like a scary movie. One of those films about the young adults that go to some carnival or amusement park and some demonic force swings in.

In a way, it was beautiful to see the boardwalk in this light. Boarded up buildings lined the walk that once boomed with tourists.

Check, Check, Check Off the Bucketlist

Do I need to say much? I went to the Shore house from the Jersey Shore show. No, I didn't go inside or on the tour. No I didn't meet Snooki. But hey I saw THE house from the Jersey Shore show about people stuck inside a house together.

Fist bump, bro!

Mindfulness at the Shore

As I walked up and down the beach, I felt multiple emotions.

The peacefulness of the ocean waves lightly crashing on the shore. The stillness of the air. The lack of others on the beach as I was there. The shift of the day slowly coming to a close.

I felt so much admiration. This shore has seen millions of people yet keeps such a unique and seemingly everlasting beauty.

I felt so empty yet full of inner-peace at the same time. I felt fortunate to be here, in this moment, breathing in the shore's air. I felt so accomplished. I had never been to New Jersey...or to New Jersey alone for that matter. I made it. I conquered an obstacle. I made it to a new place.

I quietly admired the beach to myself before I left to find dinner. Darkness approached and it was time to seek out an Airbnb and choose the next state to head to.

Bites Before I Drive

Before I hit the road to the next leg on my road trip, I went to Aqua Blu for dinner. I had a 3 course meal of fried calamari, stuffed shells, and tiramisu. The bread and oil was a great snack after a long day of travel. The restaurant had great service and even better food.

I finished the meal with a shot of espresso, booked my Airbnb in Philly, and hit the road!