We had a tiny window. Dad was recovering well from surgery, almost back to his old self and energy level. But he was due to start radiation soon. My stepsister and her daughter were in town just as my children were able to join me on the East Coast. My dad, from whom I got my adventurous spirit, wanted to sneak in a quick trip between doctors appointments, speech therapy and tests. We found three days, two nights, during 4th of July week, to make our escape.

We found a great deal on a hotel in Wildwood Crest, part of the four towns known as the Wildwoods, in Southern New Jersey. Wildwood is known for it’s long expanse of motels, mostly developed in the 1950s after the completion of the Garden State Parkway, which made this area more accessible. Many are now preserved with that same doo wop theme, leaving this who enter the town feeling like they stepped back into the 50s and 60s. It was where we went on weekend get-a-ways when I was a child, so I was excited to show my kids the fun I had when I grew up.

The view from the top of the Ferris Wheel, of Wildwood in all it’s glory

With two cars packed and loaded with four adults, three kids, and a mountain of luggage, food, beach chairs and umbrellas, we headed down the road to check out one of the best summer family vacation spots in New Jersey!

• Wildwood Beach
• Boardwalk and Morey’s Piers

Wildwoods – we are ready for you!