My obsession started in the summer of 2009. I had heard many great reviews about a relatively local place from called Wildwood in New Jersey. Figuring out that it was only about 5 hours away from me, I had begged my parents to consider the idea of visiting as well. Fortunately, they said yes. The best word to describe the drive there would probably be "draggy". It seemed to drag on forever with my little sister practically sleeping on me. It was blistering hot and I was getting restless. By this point, I just wanted to turn around and go home. Good thing I stuck it out.
After we finally arrived to North Wind Motel, I observed that it was walking distance from the beautiful, enormous beach where the roaring blue ocean high fived the glistening sand. Our hotel had an outdoor pool where others were lounging carefree and in complete bliss. They smiled, nodded in greeting and welcomed all of us. I had loved the atmosphere already. I didn't even want to unpack my belongings so I threw my bags on the floor, threw my hair up in a ponytail and grabbed my beach bag. After maybe ten seconds, I discovered that my feet might have literally burnt off if I didn't wear sandals while walking on the dangerously hot sand. It was unbearable but, all the while worth it as I layed out on my beach towel soaking in every bit that the sun had to offer. Subconsciously, I caught myself smiling as I could honestly define my mood in one, simple word: happiness.
By the time the sun had started to leave, people could have mistaken me for a completely different ethnicity due to my tan. The beach began to clear and people were walking towards their hotel along the hotel strip. My family and I changed out of our bathing suits and into loose shorts and a tank top that didn't bite our burns (I'm the lucky one who didn't get one!). My sister couldn't have been more excited to tour the boardwalk that looked indescribable. It too was walking distance so we walked there comfortably as the sunset beautifully. Immediately, the three mile long boardwalk looked overwhelming. It was crowded with laughing, happy people of all ages. It was infested with music of different sorts and scents of anything you could imagine. I had no choice but to gape at everything I was overcome with. I wanted to do everything.
We ate an amazing italian dinner at one of the many italian restaurants it offered. We practically inhaled the giant ice cream cones we bought as our desserts. Without even letting our food settle, my sister and I were already running towards one out of the three amusement parks it had. Every rollercoaster was full of exhilaration and gave a huge adrenaline rush. I know I was smiling the whole time without a doubt. It was one of the best nights of my life. I can't tell you what time we went back to the room or what time I actually fell asleep, but I do know that I was ready for it all over again the next day. And every summer after that, matter of fact.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
