Most people see the Jersey Shore as sun, sand, and surf … and hours in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Garden State Parkway. But theres much more to the Shore! Long before the first hotel, miniature golf range, and amusement pier were built, explorers, sailors, and settlers were drawn to New Jerseys coast and left their mark upon it.

In this book, Mark Di Ionno invites you to join him in discovering New Jerseys rich and varied coastal heritage. Hell take you on a personal tour to explore the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and Spermaceti Cove Station, admire offbeat collections of saltwater taffy boxes and sand art in Atlantic City, spend an afternoon at Brigantine and unravel the legend of Captain Kidd, marvel at the skills of Tuckertons boatbuilders, discover New Jerseys own version of the Boston Tea Party in Greenwich, and find inspiration at Ocean Grove, a Methodist meeting place.

Organized by county and amply illustrated with photographs and maps, the guides entries give directions and information about hours, programs, and accessibility, and, above all, lively descriptions of the local history and cultural traditions that make each place special. Di Ionno includes many sites on the National Park Services Coastal Heritage Trail, but roves beyond the Trail to highlight a host of other wonderful museums, buildings, byways, and landmarks that could not be incorporated into the official trail.