Where to go and Where to Eat in Long Beach Island Nj  LBI .  LBI NJ is my New Jersey shore.  I started going when I was a kid and always looked forward to going every year.   When Hurricane Sandy hit LBI with vengeance  many business were hit very hard and my beloved LBI was hurt.  I spend the morning speaking with some of my favorite shops on the island.  I want to share there story’s and let you know some great story’s to visit when you return to the jersey shore this year!

Artifacts Consignment Boutique

414 n. Bay Ave, Beach Haven Nj

and   11117 Long Beach Blvd

Facebook page Artifacts Consignment Boutique

I love this store it is wonderful home design and great items shop. Browsing you will find peices you cant live without.  The 1st time I entered we stayed for an hour browsing and shopping the staff is so welcoming and friendly.  The owner Amy put a little bit of herself in every peice she refurbishes and give that shabby chic and classic design look too.  You will not want to leave.

I spoke with Amy and she let me know Sandy was hard.  She lost the entire store to the 4 feet of surge waters. As an artist my self I can only imagine the sadness of seeing your work destroyed.  Amy was very up beat she said it is things and it is people that matter.  Which I think is a testament to the business owners of LBI.  Amy said about 80% of the business are back and more are reopening every day.

Artifacts has returned and in a big way.  Amy opened a 2nd store.   She hopes that you will Visit and come back to LBI .

Picture taken by  of Artifacts

The Sea Moon

1503 Long Beach Blvd Surf City Nj

I love this shop last year we spend a good amount of time visiting with the owners.  My mother law, Sister in Law and I found great items to bring home.  Which were unique and special.  The Owners Mary Ann and Larry have a wonderful selections and I cant recommend enough to make this store a  must see for gifts.

When I spoke with Mary Ann  she remembered me from a year ago.  That is personalized customer service you get from the small shops. Mary Ann said they had some roof damage there store was safe and she was thankful.  She said we have returned and are open for all to come by and visit.

She- Her heart was breaking for those in Oklahoma who lost love ones  I thought how lovely she was concerned with others.

Maryann also told me personally her home was damaged.  She said it was not bad.. then proceed to tell me we still don’t have a kitchen,  because of subfloor issues.  But she still thinks she she had it good.  I think not having a kitchen 9 month later is a hard ship.. but very was truly grateful people were returning.

I can only think support her small shop will help all they way around so shop on over  and Tell her hi..

The Little Outfit : children’s boutique

1900 Long BeachBlvd Surf City NJ

Website: The Little Outfit

I Love this specialty children’s boutique I found some lovely gifts for a friend who just had a baby while I was there.  The carry many the higher end children’s brand. Like Zutano  and Art Walk.

I spoke with the owner Donna and She said they had no damage.  She was very thankful that many of the business in Surf City were spared Sandy’s rage.

Donna expressed ..These small business owners are back they need our support. For many the challenge to return is a struggle many lost entire inventory.  She said many shop owners said many business did not have insurance that contents of there stores covered for this type of damage. Fire yes, Flood yes but natural damage no because it so expensive. So many businesses are back by the skin of there teeth.

She also let me know that some of the business are planning on returning but might have not opened yet,  they are taking the much needed extra time Since the busy season really kick off once school is out. They need people to return and shop, eat stay.. This is a Make it or Break it summer for most.

 

Some of my Favorite Places to Eat in LBI:

Beach Haven Fisheries

Between 21st and 22nd Streets Spray Beach Long Beach Township, NJ 08008

 Beach Haven Fishery website

I love the fishery the food is exceptional.  The lobster bisque is Ah-amazing! I have stopped for the bisque when I drive by just to get a quart.  The fried scallops are a gift from god hand breaded every day,  a large tender scallop that will make you beg for more.  The Owner John said the scallops was one of the main reasons he started the Family run business back in 1989.

When I spoke with John, he said the Beach Haven Fisheries was hit hard bu the storm 5 1/2 feet of water.  The gutted everything and rebuilt everything.   He said there was many obstacles but they are back and opened on time for Memorial day.

John said he really was amazed by the humanity of people that came and helped everyone on the island.  He said there were volunteers who would come down on the weekend to help,  some sleep in there car to help a stranger affected by the storm.

The Big Dipper Ice Cream

1501 Long beach Blvd Surf City  (same plaza as Sea Moon)

Ice Cream cones that are so big one scoop is enormous and great ice cream.

The Show Place

Centre Street and Beach Avenue • Beach Haven, NJ Beach Haven NJ

Website The Show Place

Is a singing Ice Cream Parlor fun for everyone!  They sign and preform while you eat your ice cream some times you have to sing for your sweat treat.  Supper fun!!   I always wanted to grow up and work there as a kid.  They are opening June 17th.  This is one of my favorite places to go as a kids I loved sharing it with my kids this past years and they Survied the Storm!!!  It is a Must visit when on LBI .  Next store to the Surflight theater, so see a play.

JERSEY LOVE a Blogging Trip for Social Good.

I heard some amazing stories of resilience and and humanity this morning.  I really urge you to return and visit the Jersey coastline.  This weekend 40 Bloggers from all over the country are visiting NJ to help raise awareness and support the Jersey Shore.  Please follow along with us  on twitter #JerseyLove .  Come back to NJ shore and support the business that help to shape the Nj coastline. 

Thank you to Caesars Entertainment , Caesars Hotel and Casino , D6 Skimmers for support our efforts to show #JerseyLove

Disclosure: I am Attending the JerseyLove SMM trip Caesars is paying for my hotel and food, so we promote tourism back to the NJ shore. #SocialGood The Business listed above have NOT compensated me at all I love them because they are are great owners and run fantastic small Business

What are your favorite Place at the Shore Please share them!!