We all know the Wildwood boardwalk isn't the place to go if you want to witness rapid change, but it seems there's some new stuff this season. Hatchet-throwing is becoming a thing (never done it, but maybe I should so I can understand the appeal) and there are at least two new clothing stores that are very different from the usual t-shirt traps (Beau Boutique near Mariner's and another between Mariner's and Adventure Pier selling Wildwood-specific stuff, almost like a boardwalk "Exit Zero").
Has anyone noticed anything else new and different? Your thoughts on these businesses surviving/thriving?
I had a response, tried to post it multiple times, but it wouldn't let me post it! I'll try again tomorrow.
I know there is a Playa bowl place on the boardwalk now. That seems to be the new fad in healthy desserts.
I don't forsee some of the upscale clothing stores lasting on the boardwalk. People are on vacation and don't want to spend $50 for something they can get for $10 at Wal-Mart.
I'm all for more healthy food options! Some people go nuts on vacation with what they eat- I don't blame them, I used to do the same. But not everyone does. So it's a win win for everyone.
I actively avoid anything that advertises itself as "upscale" (or has a reputation for being so). Too many things have been ruined by trying to appeal to that "sensibility" and it's just not my kind of vibe. If I wanted that, then Stone Harbor or Avalon is just a hop & a skip away in the car. Of course you're right about $50 tee-shirts, regardless, especially on the boardwalk. I'm also one of those people who "go nuts" and eat whatever I like on vacation. For me, it's a *part* of the vacation -- which is extremely temporary after all, Sean. ;)
Amen to "more healthy food options." I do endorse the new Steak 'em-Up, as my system runs pretty well on red meat (unfortunately) and I thought their Philly cheese steak quite good on two occasions. I told the guys behind the counter there that I won't eat anything in the middle of the boardwalk except Mack's. (To which one immediately retorted "Sam's." LOL) I love the boards and tend to spend long stretches walking and tram-riding and eventually, of course, hunger becomes a problem. More options not loaded with grease, sugar and dubious ingredients would be nice. (I find the Doo Wop Diner a reliable resource but of course that's well below the middle.)
we will let everyone know in a few weeks when we head there
I saw a couple new clothing stores, one in particular, "Simply Wildwood" looked very nice. It was all embroidered Wildwood attire. The store was clean, organized, and bright. It's definitely nice to see more place like this as opposed to the t-shirt stores. Every Jersey boardwalk needs some of them, but they get old after a while. Shore Lines looks to be doing great, I dropped $120 there last night getting a couple gifts and decorations for my house.
Is Simply Wildwood the store that is painted in pastel colors with all pastel clothes? I remember one of them being a pastel overload.
@DarkInThePark I didn't take a picture so I'm having a hard time remembering but I think so. I don't remember the walls being pastel but there were many different colored shirts.
@DarkInThePark That's the one I was thinking of but couldn't remember the name. I'm all for that kind of business. I don't know if it's "upscale" as much as it's just different from the usual stuff. It's a store that sells uniquely "Wildwood" clothing and I can't think of any reason not to appreciate that. It's really no different from the Morey's stores... which reminds me, the piers have taken their food and gift spreads to new, impressive levels. Kudos!
Someone should bring back 'The Fun Shop' - selling the same types of items it originally did.
An excellent idea! A great business for fun boardwalk!
@flyingn I wish I still had my "Laffun' Head" that I bought there in the late 60s. :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8aQKvhNL2w
I loved the Fun Shop. Everytime I had a buck to spend that's where I'd go. X-Ray specs, snap gum, squirt seat and whoppee cushions. Great magic tricks there also. It would be terrific to bring that all back.