🏖️15 little-known facts about the Jersey Shore

Happy Tuesday, New Jersey!

🌦️Weather: Partly sunny, then chance of thunderstorms, high near 93

👀What’s on tap today:

• 15 little-known facts about the Jersey Shore

• Best financial gifts for grandchildren

• Tuesday farmer’s markets in New Jersey

Up first…

15 little-known facts about the Jersey Shore

Even the most seasoned beachgoers may be surprised to learn some of these interesting truths about the beaches and towns that make up New Jersey’s 130 miles of captivating coastline. So, here we go. See how many of these unique bits of Jersey Shore trivia you know, courtesy of visitnj.org.

• In 1943, the New York Yankees held their spring baseball training in the trendy New Jersey shore town of Asbury Park, at a newly constructed field at Asbury Park High School instead of Florida.

• Magnificent Margate is known to many as the home of Lucy the Elephant, but this sunny beach town is officially Margate City and was originally known as South Atlantic City. Love Lucy? Visit her and then get to know real elephants at NJ’s amazing zoos.

• Legend has it that pirate Captain William Kidd left treasure buried somewhere in the sands of Cape May. In fact, the Victorian-inspired seaside town hosts a Captain Kidd Treasure Hunt every year. You can find endless rare treasures in Lambertville, the “Antiques Capitol of New Jersey.”

• In 2005, Fox briefly aired a television show called Point Pleasant, based on the small coastal New Jersey town and a series of supernatural events that began after the arrival of a mysterious teenage girl. Super-fun comes naturally at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk – an all-time family favorite.

• Avalon, regarded as “Cooler by a Mile” because it juts out into the Atlantic Ocean about a mile farther than other barrier islands, was named after the mythical, magical town in the Legend of King Arthur. For real-life summer experiences you won’t want to miss, click here.

• Sara the Turtle is the official mascot of Sea Isle City. Turtle X-ing signs throughout the town warn drivers of diamondback terrapins emerging from surrounding marshlands in search of ideal nesting sites. See diamondback terrapins and over 15,000 other aquatic animals at Adventure Aquarium.

• Named one of The 10 Best Beach Towns on the East Coast by Condé Nast Traveler, Cape May was named after Dutch captain Cornelius Jacobson Mey. Due to a misspelling on the original paperwork, Cape Mey became the Cape May we know and love today. For exciting ways to escape near this one-of-a-kind Jersey “cape,” click here.

• One of New Jersey’s coziest coastal regions, Brigantine is named after the numerous shipwrecks that occurred in the area, many of which were brigantines – a sailing vessel from the 1600s. Jersey’s calm waterways are positively paddle-perfect! Take a look at these cool places to kayak and canoe.

• Whether you zoomed around the board as the thimble or the race car, the properties on the original Monopoly board were inspired by actual streets in the oceanside gaming resort of Atlantic City. See the oh-so-many ways AC will win your heart this summer here.

• The “Original” Ron Jon Surf Shop was opened by Ron DiMenna on Long Beach Island in 1961. DiMenna, who shaped surfboards as a pastime, began selling surfboards out of his tiny shop. Now much larger, the shop remains one of the most famous landmarks at the Jersey Shore. Catch your wave at some of the top surfing hotspots in NJ.

• The Wildwoods have the largest collection of “Doo-Wop” commercial architecture in the U.S. Colorful and playful, this nod to 50s and 60s Americana is a must-see piece of pop-culture visitors flock to yearly. Go wild and see all that’s new in Jersey – Wildwood too!

• The very first Miss America Pageant was held in 1921 In Atlantic City. It was originally created to attract tourists to the city over Labor Day Weekend. The winner was Margaret Gorman, Miss Washington D.C. Get your calendar ready – there’s plenty of summer events that that’ll wow you in Jersey.

• Ocean City, known for over 85 years as “America’s Greatest Family Resort” was originally called Peck’s Beach and was primarily a place people went to fish and let their cattle graze. If you’re hungry for thrill rides, funnel cake and fun, get your fill with these Ocean City to-dos.

• The remains of the S.S. Atlantus, one of 12 concrete ships built during World War I, can be seen at Sunset Beach. This quiet shore is also known for an abundance of polished-by-the-sea pure quartz crystals known as Cape May “diamonds.” Another dazzling display (and one of Jersey’s great day trips!) is viewing Cape May’s Painted Ladies in all their Victorian architecture and charm.

• Bruce Springsteen’s “E Street Band” is derived from “E” Street in Belmar, as the band practiced at the original keyboardist’s home in this coastal town during their pre-fame years. If live performances strike a chord with you, you won’t want to miss this article on outstanding Jersey concert venues.

Navigating Aging

• 1 in 4 ‘Healthy’ Seniors Has Undetected Heart Valve Disease, Study Finds: Many seemingly healthy people over 60 may actually have undiagnosed heart valve disease, researchers find, but the majority of cases appear to be mild. More

• Too Much Alcohol and Cabin Pressure Could Be a Bad Combo for Your Heart, New Study Finds: Researchers say alcohol and cabin pressure at cruising altitude may be bad for the heart, causing a significant drop in blood oxygen and a jump in heart rate. More

• Best Financial Gifts for Grandchildren: Give money with a purpose, whether that is to pay college tuition, put a down payment on a house or learn to build wealth for their later years. More

• 4 essential food safety tips for summertime gatherings: Summer is a season of outdoor gatherings, barbecues and picnics, where food is often at the center of the festivities. However, the warm weather also creates ideal conditions for the growth of harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. It's critical that you follow food safety recommendations so you can enjoy hosting and attending these events without worrying about getting sick. Follow these four simple tips to prevent foodborne illness. More

Tuesday summer farmers’ markets in New Jersey

🫐🫐Delicious blueberries are now in season! Pick some up at a farmers’ market or your local grocery store today and check out one of our favorite Jersey Fresh blueberry recipes!

• Blueberry Hill Muffins Get the recipe

• Blueberry Pie Bars Get the recipe

• Blueberry and Beet Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette Get the recipe

Sea Isle City Farmers’ Market
Now – August 27, Tuesdays 8 am  – 12 pm
Browse and shop a variety of local produce and vendors. Guests can grab a cup of coffee and check out more than 30 vendors before hitting the beach, making it the perfect Tuesday ritual.
Excursion Park, JFK Blvd. & Pleasure Ave, Sea Isle City

Hoboken Farmers’ Market
Now – Mid-November; Tuesdays 2 pm – 7 pm
The Hoboken Farmers’ Market was founded in June 1997 by a group of residents. They felt a need for fresh, local produce and other epicurean delights in Hoboken, and the market was born. Shopping at the Farmers’ Market is great for the local economy, your health, and your carbon footprint. Vendors vary from week to week, so be sure to check out their Vendors Page each week for the latest information.
4th and Garden St, Hoboken

Bayonne Farmers’ Market
Now – November, Tuesdays 2 pm – 7 pm
The Bayonne Farmers’ Market is helping to foster a sense of community by bringing farmers and local businesses together right in our neighborhood. The goal is to offer the community a wonderful variety of fresh and wholesome foods.
West 23rd Street and Broadway, Bayonne

Riverdale Farmers Market
Now – October; Tuesdays, 2:30 pm – 7 pm
Local food and wine, all Jersey Fresh! Open-air Farmer’s Market located at the beautiful Glenburn Estate.
211 Hamburg Turnpike, Riverdale

Today in New Jersey History

• 1776 - New Jersey Constitution Adopted: The first Constitution of New Jersey was adopted on July 9, 1776, just days after the Declaration of Independence. This document established the framework for the state government and extended voting rights to all inhabitants who met certain property requirements, including women (a right later rescinded in 1807).

• 1812 - New Jersey Governor Mahlon Dickerson Takes Office: On July 9, 1812, Mahlon Dickerson was inaugurated as the Governor of New Jersey. He later served as a U.S. Senator and as the Secretary of the Navy under Presidents Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren.

• 1965 - Old Bergen Church Historical Marker Erected: On July 9, 1965, a historical marker was erected to commemorate the Old Bergen Church in Jersey City, one of the oldest continuous congregations in New Jersey, established in 1660 by Dutch settlers.

Today’s Birthdays

🎉🎂 Happy 81st Birthday, Margaret Forsyth of Flemington! 🎂🎉

Wishing you a day filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories. May this special milestone bring you happiness and health for many more years to come. Enjoy your celebration! 🥳🌟❤️

A few other notable people celebrating a birthday today with Margaret include Actor Tom Hanks (1956); Singer Courtney Love (1964); and former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld (1932).

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😊See you tomorrow! Have a great day!