Wildwood isn't as good as it used to be, but there's still lots to do. Amusements Dinosaur Beach We haven't been to Wildwood since this pier changed owners and names. Anyone out there remember Hunt's Pier? Well, this is where it used to be. No word yet on whether there's been an owner change, or they're just rebuilding. Mariner's Landing and Morey's Pier 2 separate piers, owned by the same company. Both have some pretty good rides, including new rollercoasters and other stuff. You can get a ride all night bracelet which is good for both piers. Raging Waters Water Parks Located at the end of both Morey's and Mariner's piers.
The Beach
It's a looooonnnnnnggggg walk to the water. It's a free beach, and fairly clean. If you're going on the beach, try to walk to the end of one of the amusement piers to access it that way, or else you've got a long walk over hot sand. The boardwalk is really far away from the water. The good thing about this is that noone's packed in like sardines on the sand. Plenty of room for everyone.
The Boardwalk Itself
It's pretty long at 3 1/2 miles. It's not as great as it used to be. There are entirely too many junky t-shirt shops where they try to rip you off. Apparently, harmless gambling is allowed here, because there are lots of wheels and other kinds of games where your quarters can win records, stuffed animals and lots of other stuff. Bikes are allowed 6-11 a.m. daily. There are bike rental shops all over town, if you don't want to bring your own.
Fudge, Mints, 'n' Salt Water Taffy Laura's The best overall. Lots and lots of different kinds of candies besides fudge and taffy. The fudge is creamy good, with lots of flavor choices, and you can pick up to 8 different flavors per pound. The taffy is above average and you can make up your own box the way you like it, since the many flavors are separated into bins. The stuff here costs a tad bit more than other places, but you'll be glad you came here, because you can taste the difference. Douglass Fudge A real candy store! The best cream mints at the beach. The fudge and taffy isn't bad, either. James Mallins Average fudge, average taffy, average candy, average prices. Hankin's The absolute cheapest. If you buy a whole pound of fudge, you get one free. Fudge is nothing to write home about and there aren't many flavor choices, either. If you're a chocolate fiend, it's good enough, though. Same goes for the taffy. In fact, you don't get a choice with taffy. It's pretty much "Do you want the box or don't you?", but if you buy a pound, you get 1/2 pound free, we think. And that's it for the candy, so if you like variety, this isn't the place for you, but if you're buying alot for other people, by all means come here. Your friends will never know the difference. Heck, they're lucky they're getting anything.
Hotels we Recommend Lau-Ray No pool here, but the rooms are clean. Pier 6600 One of the oldest, you can tell this by how the lobby is decorated. The difference between this and Eden Roc (on the Not Recommended list below) is that the rooms here are really kept up nicely. The whole place has an old flavor to it, right down to the lady at the front desk with the bouffant hairdo, but they're really nice and they keep the place up pretty well. Prices are reasonable, too. Sea-n-Sun White Caps Motel 25th St. The best rooms here are the efficiencies-they're newer, but the whole place is kept pretty clean. Pets allowed, too!
Hotels we DON'T Recommend Aqua Beach Resort AAA gave this one 3 diamonds, but they should really take another look. It really doesn't deserve any. The maid service stinks (we had to ask for clean towels, vacuuming, and sheet changing)and the ocean front room we got literally stank. There must have been water coming under the door (on the 4th floor??), which made the carpet smell-you could see the stain. It should have been replaced. Management must have changed because we had been to this one a few years before and it was nice. They've sure gone down. Eden Roc One of the oldest. The owners are really nice, but when we got an efficiency, there were ants all over the place.
Restaurants-sit down ones with real menus
All of the sit down restaurants at the beach allow casual clothing. You don't really think they expect you to come to the beach with your jacket, do you? The Boathouse On Old Rio Grande Ave. on the outskirts of the city. We usually like this place, but the last time we were here, it was like they changed chefs or something. The crab imperial was like soup. Way too much sauce. Maybe it was just an off day or something. Lots of seafood and they even have a crab deck. The Two Mile Inn and The Crab House at Two Mile Landing Both of these restaurants are located in the same place. The Crab House has a pub type of an atmosphere, wooden chairs and tables and noisy, serving fish n chips style seafood and sandwiches like you'd find at a pub, as well as steamed crabs and shrimp. Two Mile Inn has a nicer, quieter atmosphere with the real dining out experience-you know, linen tablecloths and stuff like that, and the food is nicer, entree style stuff. However, if either one is fine with you, go into both restaurants (they're in the same building)if it's busy and give them your name. They'll call you when your table is ready, specifying which restaurant, since everyone waits outside in the same place. Uries Fish Fry On Old Rio Grande Ave. on the outskirts of the city-you'll see it on your way in. We've always liked this place. There's almost always a wait, but the food is well worth it. The seafood here is the best and the service is good. Besides the indoor restaurant, there's an outdoor bar with live entertainment and even a gift shop.
Restaurants-board walk & fast food type of stuff Burger King Boardwalk at Nickel's Midway Pier Curley's Fries 2 locations: on the boardwalk on Morey's and Mariner's piers. The best french fries, fried dough and fresh lemon-lime shakeups anywhere on the boardwalk. Kohr Brothers Lots of locations on the boardwalk. Great soft ice cream. McDonald's Rio Grande Ave. as you are entering Wildwood. Sam's Pizza Palace Boardwalk at 26th St. The best pizza and subs on the boardwalk. Don't even think about those places called Mack's Pizza-come here instead.
Shopping Most of the shops are on the boardwalk, but here's a neat one that's a short drive away. Winterwood Located on Route 9 a short distance from Rio Grande Avenue, this cute little shop sells just about everything having to do with Christmas. It's especially fun to visit in the middle of summer, when the thought of the holidays hasn't even crossed your mind.
If you think any of this info has changed, or have any questions, feel free to Email / knighton@cablespeed.com
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