| I was 12 years old when I first went to Long Beach | | | | the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, which |
| Island (known by locals as LBI), my parents had | | | | has a worldwide reputation as one of the best bird |
| rented a cottage on the beach and it was the | | | | watching spots on the east coast. The Long Beach |
| summer of a lifetime. Its decades later now, I'm an | | | | Island Historical Museum, is a great way to explore |
| adult with children of my own, but I wondered about | | | | the rich history of the area, stretching back to the |
| the possibility of revisiting my youth, or at the very | | | | time of Captain Cornelius Jacobsen May a Dutch |
| least, introducing my own kids to this barrier island | | | | explorer and tradesman who named Barnegat Bay |
| treasure on the Atlantic Ocean. | | | | (the anglicized version of "Barendegat"). |
| The long stretches of white sandy beaches gave this | | | | But wait, there's so much more, you'll also find an |
| small island (its total length is approximately 18 miles) | | | | amusement park (called Fantasy Island), nearby |
| its name, and it has remained "Long Beach" since | | | | water slides, miniature golf and for those with refined |
| early European exploration. | | | | tastes, how about catching an off-Broadway play. |
| Travelling back in time to whaling days, LBI was an | | | | LBI is a destination that should be on everyone's list |
| important part of the culture, and its share of | | | | of "must see" destination, from five star dining on |
| shipwrecks adorned the coast until a lighthouse was | | | | fresh seafood, to challenging golf courses located |
| constructed on the Northern end. The lighthouse is | | | | close by, LBI is a true travel destination. |
| still standing, serving today as one of many tourist | | | | LBI HISTORICAL FACT: In early years one could only |
| attractions. | | | | reach Long Beach Island by boat with many New |
| Over the years LBI became a favorite spot for the | | | | Yorker using the Edge Cover or Tom's River ferry. |
| celebrities and the affluent and because of this, | | | | The railroad was the first to construct a bridge, |
| several sporting clubs formed, taking advantage of | | | | making the island more accessible and possibly adding |
| the wildlife and excellent fishing. Today LBI is a quiet | | | | to its popularity. While the original bridge has long |
| and tranquil spot (except on weekends and holidays) | | | | since been destroyed by storms, a causeway allows |
| and there remains a spirit of "being a good neighbor" | | | | easy access. |
| that makes this an ideal spot for families. | | | | LBI today is much different than the island I visited |
| For vacationers with discriminating teenagers, Long | | | | with my parent, it's now home to twenty different |
| Beach Island offers everything from long quiet walks, | | | | communities, some with long histories, others that |
| to surfing, parasailing, wave runner rentals, swimming | | | | grew from simple life saving stations on the beach. |
| and sailing. Boredom will likely not be an issue. | | | | And while it's vastly different, it's still much the same |
| More interested in history and nature? LBI stands | | | | with cool ocean breeze, long white beaches and a |
| ready to fill those interests with in-depth eco-tours in | | | | distinctive personality. |
