WHAT IT’S LIKE TO LIVE ON LBI.....YEAR ROUND I consider it a privilege to write this story and would like nothing better than to give you a glimpse into island life. I have lived on the island since November, 2010. What a pristine time of year to move here. Let me start with its natural beauty. Each end of the island is so dramatically different whether it’s the north end featuring our historic “Old Barney” lighthouse across the channel from Island Beach State Park or the south end featuring the wild life bird sanctuary and peninsula acquiescing to the Atlantic City skyline. Every street in between is remarkably unique as well. The bay might have its own beach or dramatically drop several feet deep below the bulkhead that separates and protects the yard, dock, or marina it laps against. (Love that sound.) The ocean is a vast mysterious body of water that separates us from Portugal directly across yet obeys it’s command to stay within its borders unless confused with a mixture of hurricane/nor’easter and/or full moon components. Local’s Summer Begins on the day after Labor Day! Actually LBI is a natural barrier reef surrounded by ever shifting sand bars that exist to protect the mainland. The beautifully replenished beach is affected by the tide, currents, winds, lunar schedule and weather. One day the ocean might be a churny greenish gray angry at the impending storm and the next day it may be a balmy bluish green calm perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding or parasailing. Besides the beach we are best known for our sunrises and sunsets. Enjoying a bay front property on the south end, I am ever amazed at the beautiful hues following the endless designs etched into the sky as the sun descends. Almost every night is literally breathtaking and a word I use rarely – awesome. Living on the island is not all play or festivals and no work. Actually, you can stay very busy all the time. When I am not working at Coastal Living Real Estate Group as a Real Estate Agent (pages 28-29) or teaching private applied piano lessons (page 24), I might get our cars checked at Mark Atkinson’s “Undertoe”, a more honest man you’ll never meet (page 24). I may stop up on Schooner’s Wharf at Howie Brecher’s Tropics or Coconuts to get a chic sweatshirt, hoodie, blanket, or quilt (page 11). While I’m there it’s only the responsible thing as a multi pet owner to stop in Buddy’s Pet Shop and see what goodies owner Maria Cetrola has on special (page 9). When I am in a shopping mode for someone special I have to go to Jenna Jane’s for high end jewelry such as Brighton, Swarovski, Spartina, or John Medeiros (page 11). Then I may saunter across the street after having grabbed a fabulous mocha latte at The Coffee BouTEAque owned by Nick Placakis (page 8) to Just Love owned by AT Ozgul who specializes in handmade jewelry, especially rings. He also is the only shop in town for ear piercings (page 12). Just around the corner is one of my favorite purveyors of unique island merchandise and custom signs, Song of The Sea owned by Debbie Mozer (page 12). Since I’m the type that likes to plan ahead I can’t forget Yuletide (page 12) owned by Jack Julian where you can ���������������������������������������������������������� or personal Christmas décor. �������������������������������������������������������� and magical ornaments, designer candles, beach life and coastal creations made by local artists that make memories and inspire Christmas dreams. Who would have imagined a mermaid tail for a stocking? A few steps further and you come upon Chick’s LBI Shop (page 13). It’s here that I can purchase custom made screen printing and embroidery on tee shirts, sweat shirts, hats, etc for men, women, and children. There are other posh selections such as Miami Oceanography artwork transposed to shirts with LBI wear, Guy Harvey brands and UV wear with the SPF factor built in. At this point, I may stop in my local pharmacy, Kaplar’s owned by Samantha Kelly, a truly caring and seasoned professional (page 15) I may get a bite to eat at one of the newest and hottest eateries in Beach Haven,The Shack owned by Kenny Muha and Jim Brennan. Their menu speaks for itself (page 19). It is geared toward both the traditional and unique. In-other-words, there is something for everybody. They have: great seafood for the seafarers- Seafood pasta; authentic dishes from across the country – Tampa Bay Cuban; fresh cut fries and pizza for the young at heart; and Acai Bowls, for the responsibly healthy. Great dishes made by three great chefs Their �������������������������������������������������������� ���� Facebook.com/NJBeachLife
19105LL
To see the actual publication please follow the link above