Summer is defined by me as my time to spend as much time down the shore as possible. Spending time at the Jersey Shore has always been what I’ve loved most about summer. Being on a beach is where I feel most relaxed, and the salty air and sunshine always improve my mood. As a resident of South Jersey, my chosen shore town is Beach Haven on Long Beach Island. I’ve been frequenting the beaches on LBI for as long as I can remember, and I can’t stop going back to them.

What I appreciate about LBI is that there is a wide range of activities all on one island, spread out enough to discourage overcrowding but close enough to walk or bike from one spot to the next. One of my must-do activities when I’m on the island is to see what’s new at Bay Village. This shopping center offers a wide range of options, from fudge to bookstores and restaurants. My favorite ritual is getting to Cool Beans in the morning and picking a new book to read on the beach. A new find on my last trip was Crust and Crumb, a local bakery featuring the largest selection of vegan and gluten-free treats I’ve ever seen.

I’m a firm believer in packing up the coolers and beach bags and heading to the sand in the early afternoon, prepped for a day spent by the ocean. In my beach bag I always pack a large towel so I can have plenty of room to lie out and tan; Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen because one time I noticed it made my skin shimmer, and I’m a sucker for anything glitter; my water bottle full of ice; and a hairbrush because I will be going in the ocean and my hair will be a tangled mess. If I feel like carrying them, a chair and an umbrella complete my essentials for a beach day.

As the afternoon turns into early evening, I am always more than ready to head back, hit the showers and get ready for evening plans. I cannot stress enough that taking a shower after a day at the beach and getting ready for dinner is the best feeling. Dinner must always be followed by a trip to an ice cream shop to cool off after a long day in the sun.

— Fiona Stewart, account executive