Is it finally spring in the Northeast? We can definitely hope so, with temperatures being consistently in the 60s and even creeping into the low 70s. With the weather warming up, I’ve been gearing up for beach season, digging out the beach chairs and umbrella and stocking up on sunscreen. It may not be warm enough to lounge around on the sand in a swimsuit just yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great day at the shore regardless. My fiancé, Lincoln, and I have found ourselves making the hour drive to Atlantic City on the weekends, where the boardwalk is already crowded with college students on spring break, couples and a few families. Even in jacket weather, it’s still fun to walk barefoot down the shore, particularly after grabbing a snack from Rita’s Water Ice. Most of the shops and restaurants along the boardwalk are open for the season now if you’d rather spend your cash on saltwater taffy and cheap tourist trinkets than at the casinos. Being a fan of all things amusement parks, from the vintage to the state-of-the-art, Lincoln can’t resist the selection of rides now open on the Steel Pier. Personally, I’d rather just stay on the ground and eat taffy. We also found Landshark Bar & Grill has a great selection of dinner and drink options we both like, live music (including karaoke, if you feel inclined to participate after a few drinks) and a great view of the ocean from their patio. Whatever your favorite summertime activity, it’s time to put up the winter coats, get out of the house and enjoy the beginning of the spring season. — Holly Godbey, marketing & sales assistant