While
not actually part of the Pinelands Management area, Long Beach
Island, or "LBI", in Southern Ocean County is directly
across from the extensive Forsythe
Wildlife Refuge (which Holgate,
at the Island's southern end, is a part of) included in the Management
area. Also, for visitors to the Pine Barrens, Long Beach Island
offers a more upscale accommodations and dining alternative while
still retaining a natural and low-key feel. Several hotels are
oceanfront or bayfront, and all the hotels and bed-and-breakfasts
here are no more than a few blocks from the water. It's just a
short drive from Long Beach Island to the Pine Barrens and excellent
hiking, canoeing, kayaking, off-roading, historic villages and
so much more!
The beaches on Long Beach Island are white sugar sand, fringed
by dunes. Most areas are open to the public for a nominal
daily fee; each Borough and LBI Township sell season passes as
well. The island is a popular vacation spot for thousands from
May through November, and short-term
and summer rentals are abundant throughout the Island.
Long Beach Island has become a
popular year-round tourist destination. There is much to do here
every season, and although some restaurants on "The Island"
close for the winter months, those on the mainland remain open.
Winter rentals are quite affordable, and "The Mainland"
towns of Stafford, Barnegat, Little Egg Harbor, Tuckerton and
Waretown in Ocean County offer countless opportunities to explore
the million acres of Pinelands, visit museums, hike, bike, canoe
and camp! Half-day tours of the Pine Barrens,
winery tours, and coastal Pinelands tours are available.
The tours depart from Ship Bottom on selected Thursdays during
the summer. The fall schedule will be announced, but cranberry
harvest tours will be on the schedule, and also may include
a Jersey Devil Tour, and we're
not talking about the hockey team! There are several award-winning
wineries in the Pine Barrens - have you ever tasted cranberry
wine? It a perfect complement to your Thanksgiving dinner,
and Valenzano
Winery offers both a red and white variety, both of which
are favorites of mine!
Long Beach Island consists of several
boroughs and a township, all on an eighteen-mile barrier island
bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the East and the Barnegat and
Little Egg Harbor Bays on the West. They
are, from north to south:
The only access by car to Long
Beach island is the Route 72 Causeway Bridge. Long Beach Boulevard
runs north-south the entire length of the Island. While there
are several nightspots with music and dancing 'til the wee hours,
The Island retains a family atmosphere, which is a source of pride
here!
Other than sunbathing and swimming in the clear waters of the
Atlantic, surf fishing is a favorite pastime of visitors and residents
alike. A walk along the shore, especially in the evening,
will find anglers any season of the year. There are also
charter boats, many of which call Barnegat Light their home port,
that are available for half or full-day fishing
trips.
A big tourist attraction
on Long Beach Island is the historic and beautiful Barnegat
Lighthouse, known affectionately as "Ol' Barney", located
at Barnegat
Lighthouse State Park on the northern tip of the Island,
in the borough of Barnegat Light. This sentinel stands tall
on the Atlantic and serves as a major navigational landmark
for the many fishing and pleasure boats that take advantage
of the Atlantic Ocean's clean and abundant waters. Barnegat
Light, the host town of Ol' Barney is a bustling coastal
town where one can find many unique shops and restaurants as
well as numerous fishing charters. Many of these are in the
vicinity of Viking
Village.
The south end of Long Beach Island
features Beach
Haven, home to Bay Village and Schooner's Wharf, a bustling
area with shops and restaurants.
Restaurants
abound on the Island, from flip-flop casual to haute cuisine,
Italian to Chinese, and of course seafood! October brings
the Annual Chowderfest,
where for a nominal admission fee, visitors can taste Manhattan
and New England clam chowders made by the chefs of area restaurants.
Winners are voted upon each year; and it has become an award-winning
event for both locals and tourists from far and wide! What a great
time to visit the region. The Chowderfest will be held this year
on Sunday, October 5, 2008. The Merchants' Mart is held the day
before, Saturday, October 4. More
information.Check our Calendar of Events for more things
going on in this most beautiful month, including the cranberry
harvest!
Long Beach Island
is steeped in colorful history. The Museum
of NJ Maritime History is located on the corner of Dock
Road and West Avenue in Beach Haven. The dream-come-true
of local Deborah Whitcraft, this museum opened in July 2007 and
is getting rave reviews. It's definitely worth a visit!
Visit the Long
Beach Island Historical Association's website
to learn the history of this fascinating island!
The Surflight
Theatre in Beach Haven is a professional theatre offering
an amazing variety of Broadway shows such as "Oklahoma",
"The Producers", and "Chicago", by talented
actors. A concert series is also featured; this year Grammy nominee
guitarist Tommy Emmanuel and 1975 Grammy winner Judy Collins ("Both
Sides Now", "Send in the Clowns", and many other
hits) will entertain their fans.
The
Pine Barrens is becoming a popular tourist destination. It offers
history, nature, boating, camping, fishing, swimming, and most
of all, peace and tranquility. It's important to families who
live here, whether for a few years or many generations, that
our peace and tranquility be preserved. Keep in mind that the
local lawyer or doctor won't look any different than his neighbor
who farms the land. Thousand dollar suits aren't what impress
people of the Pines - taking care of nature and fellow man is
what matters. To that end, it is important for you to know that
as a visitor to our precious Pine Barrens, you should show respect
for the flora and fauna, for the historical buildings or their
remains, and show respect for the "locals". Walk and
drive gently. Treat our Pine Barrens as you would want a visitor
to treat your own home town - and your own family. Thank you.
Please note:
Unless otherwise
noted, all articles and photographs on this site are the property of PineyPower,
and as such, may not be reproduced without written permission.
Thank you.
While
not actually part of the Pinelands Management area, Long Beach
Island, or "LBI", in Southern Ocean County is directly
across from the extensive 
