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Freeholders Offer Budget Tips For Visiting The Shore
OCEAN COUNTY - Transportation is just one segment of a vacation, and Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari has a laundry list of suggestions where families can make up the cost of getting to the shore at resorts in places such as Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights and Long Beach Island.
Vicari says, "The Jersey Shore holds many pleasant memories of times when families spent quality time together enjoying each other's company. We offer great days of sun and fun on the beach, but there is more to do at the shore and much of it is free."
The Ocean County freeholder, who serves as the tourism liaison, says there are many lowcost or no-cost things a family can do to have fun and not break the bank. He urges vacation planners to visit www.OceanCountyTourism. com for event and festival listings. Most offer free admission and entertainment.
He points out some of the many free things families can enjoy. Sign up with the Southern Ocean County Chamber. Call 732-494-7211 for a Behind the Scenes Dock Tour of a commercial fishing fleet at Viking Village in Barnegat Light on Friday mornings. Enjoy the free weeknight entertainment offered in Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach and Beach Haven, ranging from weekly fireworks to magic shows.
Attend one of the nightly outdoor concerts around the county. They offer many diverse programs. Cheer for your favorite candidate at a hermit crab race on Wednesday nights at Salty's Ice Cream Parlor in Lavallette.
Watch sailing regattas on the Toms River and Garvey races on Barnegat Bay. Learn clam shucking Tuesday mornings at Boulevard Clams, Surf City. Take a free walk escorted by the Jenkinson's Aquarium staff the third Wednesday in summer months to learn about the things found on the beach.
Paddle around on a kayak; try out Jersey Paddler in Brick Township, explore abandoned cranberry bogs in Double Trouble State Park in Berkeley, visit neighborhood museums, stroll the boardwalks and more.
Ocean County has 20 parks that you may want to visit, including Cattus Island County Park in Toms River, Ocean County Park in Lakewood, Lake Shenandoah County Park in Lakewood, Berkeley Island County Park in Bayville, Wells Mills County Park in Waretown and Mantoloking Fishing Pier in Brick. Opening soon, Jakes Branch in Beachwood will serve as the northern gateway to the Pinelands, with an interpretative center, walking trails and a panoramic view.
Visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org, which lists programs for all ages that are offered in the 20 branches of the Ocean County Library, including book signings, movies, concerts, time travelers, lectures and demonstrations.
"And those are just some free activities," Vicari notes. "For $10 or less, you can watch a professional baseball game, when the Philadelphia Phillies Affiliate, the Lakewood BlueClaws, take to the field in their $20 million stadium, visit the 40-acre Tuckerton Seaport, which tells the maritime story of the Ocean County of old, see live actors present children's plays at the Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven, take a moonlight ride on Silver Bay aboard a county park pontoon boat or catch a sundae and a musical revue at The Music Man Ice Cream Parlor in Lavallette."
If money is a concern, Vicari says you do not have to put the family vacation on the back burner. He suggests spending a little time researching the many options available prior to visiting a specific area, seeking out those money-saving activities.
Vicari recommends checking newspapers and even soda cans for coupons, visiting attractions' Web sites looking for deals and stopping at visitor information centers to talk with the staff to find out what local bargains available.
"One of the greatest expenses is the cost of accommodations," he says. "Many places offer less expensive rates mid-week, while others give gasoline credits and bonus nights for multi-night stays. It pays to ask if specials are offered."
For information about things to see and do in Ocean County, call 800-ENJOY-33.
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