Last weekend I took a much needed getaway to the Jersey Shore. As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, I love going to Ocean City, N.J., any chance I get. I left on a Friday morning and got there around 12 p.m., with plenty of time to still sit and enjoy the beach.

When I got there, I picked up a pork roll sandwich from one of my favorite places there, Kessel’s Korner, and headed straight toward the beach. I normally like to go to the 25th Street Beach, but since my hotel was on the 11th, I decided to just head to that beach, hoping it wouldn’t be crowded. Normally during the summer the lower beaches are more crowded because the boardwalk is there and provides food and fun for a break on the beach; perfect for people taking a daytrip.

It was a beautiful beach day. The sun was out, making it warm for it being the beginning of October. I expected it to be cold, so I had a sweatshirt and leggings on. I ended up not needing my sweatshirt for most of the day and even got a little sunburned. It was nice to spend the day on the beach relaxing and reading a book. Throughout the day the wind started to pick up, and it got a little chilly, so I’m glad I had my sweatshirt.

That night I walked on the boardwalk for a little and then grabbed a slice of pizza from Manco & Manco and some crab fries and headed back to my room to relax, finish my book and watch some TV.

My trip was very relaxing and much needed. I was happy I got to spend one last day on the beach before it got too cold.

— Mary Melnick, social media and editorial coordinator