"A tradition unlike any other." This phrase is used by CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz when he talks about the historic Master's Tournament in Augusta, Georgia and although I tune into the golf tournament in April, the tradition I think of occurs annually during the last week of July when my family travels south on the Garden State Parkway to Exit 4B. Wildwood Crest. To take a look at the origin of this tradition we have to travel back to 1974 which was the first year my Mom's family went to Wildwood Crest for vacation. Little did my grandparents and Mom know, the random vacation they took was the beginning of tradition.
Every summer since I was born in 2004 I have traveled down to Wildwood Crest to swim in the refreshing ocean, step on the soft tan sand, go on the Wildwood Boardwalk and dine at seafood restaurants followed up by our traditional favorite...Duffers Ice Cream. I went from crawling on the sand to playing competitive sports games from tackle football to cornhole on the sand. We have experienced all of these things with my cousins, aunt and uncle's, grandparents to extended family as we have rented a house together for all of these years. It is very clear from the places in Wildwood and the people who we have gone to Wildwood with, that we have made many memories in the NJ beach town!
This vacation is extremely special to me because of the memories made and because it just feels like I have evolved as a person in Wildwood. My first real meal aside from baby food was actually in Wildwood Crest at an ice cream parlor called Duffer's. By the way, I cannot mention the name Duffers without declaring it THE BEST ice cream place in town. The countless family stories and "arguments" about the best flavors and toppings add to the tradition. My personal favorite is the giant waffle ice cream sundae which features two slabs of ice cream, cherries and whipped cream.
As for the tradition on the Wildwood boardwalk, I grew up there watching my older cousins on the "big kid" rides to finally boarding those roller coasters. My sisters Marcella and Alexia, along with my cousins rode our first upside down first roller coaster in Wildwood called Sea Serpent. I was 6 or 7 years old when I was finally 48 inches and tall enough to ride. During winter months and holidays my family would measure me with the goal of riding the rides in Wildwood! My Mom ended up taking me on the ride and I remember that I held on for dear life because I did not trust the harness to keep me safe while I was going to be upside down. We spent hours and hours walking those boards and being the last ones to leave after a night filled with thrill rides. You maybe wondering if the boardwalk has gotten old. It has not as now my sisters and I take our younger cousins for their first time on the rides in Wildwood.
Our family vacation to Wildwood Crest holds a very special place in my heart and is surely a tradition that will continue for years to come. Looking back through my years in Wildwood Crest I have made lasting memories with my family and I am excited to see what memories are waiting for me at Exit 4B this summer!
Such a great tradition! I love that baby pic!
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