Although Philadelphia is loaded with vacation destinations, those of us that live in the greater Philly area have probably already "been there, done that." An hour or so outside our area the world takes on a completely different flavor.
Like many towns down the shore, the village of Barnegat Light, and the rest of Long Beach Island for that matter, is host to numerous locally owned establishments that are unique unto themselves. Restaurants, antique shops, novelty stores, and beach shacks. However, none are quite as unique as Andy's At The Light; it's right next to the entrance of the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. This store probably hasnt changed much since the 50's. Andy passed away a few years back, but his heirs have continued his vision of what the people want and how they want it.
Andy's is easy enough to find: go to Cherry Hill and pick up NJ Route 70 east, follow 70 to NJ Route 72 east; that will take you right to the center of Long Beach Island. The important to budget travel is to prepare in advance. When it comes along to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved holidays and/or going to see new locations we have never been before, the reality of cost and budgeting is generally in the back of our minds. Considering and consuming our travel budget correctly is a main concern for most families. Reducing consuming and expenses, while still savoring your vacation to its fullest, is the key to assured success and fiscal liability. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The reasoning behind protecting money while vacationing is simple: Even if your personal funds is incredibly tight, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or departing the homestead! Also recalling that while traveling, whether on a funds or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a huge vacation or travel costs!. Turn left on Long Beach Blvd. and follow the road until you can't go any farther. No, really . . . in front of Andy's is an Armco barrier that keeps cars from hitting the pilings that protect the edge of the Barnegat Inlet. There are usually parking spots to be found around the building, however if they are full, use the parking lot for the light house state park next door (parking is free).
Customers enter Andy's from what appears to be the side of the building. A word of warning, the spring-loaded wooden screen door will smack you on your butt or at least nip your heels if you dawdle going in the single door. Once inside there is an optical overload - so many things to look at. There are rare nautical antiques sitting on high shelves or suspended from the ceiling (none are for sale), then there are the gifts for the kids and saltwater taffy. Also jewelry made from seashells and dozens of varieties of shells for those of us not lucky enough to find those really pretty ones as we stroll the beach. For the rainy shore days there are board games for sale along with model ship, airplane, and car kits. For the nice days there are kites, balls, and sand buckets.
To the right of the door is the tackle shop. Any fishing gear you need to fish in the bay, inlet, or ocean is neatly lined up. The old bait freezer hums noisily as the fishermen laugh and joke as they swap fish stories.
The wall opposite the front door reveals more gifts (T-shirts and hats) as well as a small door that leads to the restaurant in the next room. Here too the people are smiling as they chat and the smell of fried fish and hot coffee fills the air.
The importance of the ecology of the Barnegat Bay is not lost in this business' quest for the all important tourist dollar. Occasionally, Andy's uses a chunk of their retail space to raise delicate Atlantic seahorses in a rather large aquarium filled and recirculated with water pumped directly from and back to the inlet outside the building. Once these animals are big enough, they are released into the bay. They are never sold; this is simply a project to help protect the area's ecology.
In upcoming weeks this column will highlight some of the places that might whet your appetite for exploration and adventure yet allow you still sleep in the comfort, and low cost, of your own bed. Andy's and Long Beach Island are a great way to start your adventures.
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