Thoughts on new boardwalk businesses?

It's likely a good thing. Some of the graphic t-shirts are funny (foul humor doesn't usually offend me) but I would think most people willing to drop $$$ on clothing would prefer something they can wear more often. The stuff in Simply Wildwood looks to be aimed at the same people always going to Cape May to buy Exit Zero stuff (like me). People can wear Exit Zero shirts everywhere, unlike ones advertising the mental damage of the person they're standing next to.

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.

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!

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.)