Summer nostalgia is like having warm, fuzzy memories on steroids. Perhaps it was the lack of having to go to school or the fact that we all have different ways to amuse ourselves in the warmer weather, but summer nostalgia just hits different.
Certain places hold more memories than others. For instance, it feels like everyone of a certain age has their own Action Park war story. Or perhaps it’s a certain beach town that you visited with your family every July.
We all have that one spot that was the setting for our childhood summers.
A new survey by Advance Funds Network asked thousands of respondents (ages 45 and older) to identify the local businesses and attractions that evoke the strongest youthful memories among New Jerseyans.
Here's how they answered:
New Jersey’s top three most nostalgic summer spots
“Making magical moments since 1904,” according to their website, Keansburg is a full-sized water park with rides, attractions, dining options, and games for your whole crew.
It's one of our state's longest-running family amusement traditions.
Looking at it now, you would never guess that when “Jenkinson’s Pavilion” opened in 1928, it consisted of just a candy shop, soda fountain, and refreshment stand.
Today, the boardwalk is full of rides, games, mini golf, food stands, and, of course, its aquarium.
Create your own new summer memories at Point Pleasant Beach with their movies on the beach series.
Known for soft frozen custard, cones, twists, shakes and seaside walk-up service, Kohr’s has been serving Seaside Heights beach-goers since 1919.
According to their site, the original stand was in business before there was even a boardwalk. "It was a shack on the beach," says the president of Kohr’s Frozen Custard, Greg Kohr.
The survey also questioned respondents which kind of summer businesses they missed the most and would want to see make a comeback. Over one-fifth of those asked said that they still longed for drive-in movie theaters.
The only one left in the Garden State is the Delsea Drive-in in Vineland.
No love, however, for Action Park in the study. So here are some pics New Jersey 101.5 listeners have shared with us with their stories.
Have a memorable summer!
The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5's Kylie Moore. Any opinions expressed are Kylie's own. You can follow Kylie on Instagram.