I grew up at Jones Beach. We lived in Wantagh, Long Island (my mother still lives there) and the sign by our house calls it The Gateway to Jones Beach. I had some time the other day and it was beautiful and sunny out--a perfect day for the beach (or so I thought). I headed out with my daughter for our first trip this year and the drive alone is lovely. When you get close to the water and can see and smell the salt air it feels so different from only a 15 minute drive away!
For some reason the beach was shrouded in Fog....it wasn't just drifting in, it was actually rolling in. But it was warm and it didn't stop anyone, least of all us. Taking a walk on the boardwalk is a wonderful way to work out or just get some exercise. It tells you how far you have walked and many people run the boardwalk every day, even in the winter. You also pass some wonderful things that I thought I'd share.
A few facts about Jones Beach that I love: It is actually called Jones Beach Island because it is attached to Long Island by the Meadowbrook parkway (Where, incidentally, the filming of the Toll Booth Scene for The Godfather was shot). They used to have wonderful Jazz players at the Restaurant at Jones Beach (which was built in 1966 and had the most spectacular water views). Ozzie Nelson, among others played there frequently. Robert Moses built the first beach but many, many people contributed to this beautiful beach. Interestingly enough, I am in possession of an old will from Samuel Jones---another of it's contributors. This was given to me after doing the Community Service Project in Bayville, Long Island, last year. I hadn't known when I started that he had made not only a contribution to the beach but also left $15,000 to board members to build a non profit center for the elderly. That is The Jones Manor in Bayville, Long Island and they have remained non profit all these years though some very difficult times. Many of my clients are generous to donate money to them when they see it!
Back to the Beach: If you've never been to Jones Beach, it's a Must See in New York. If you lived in New York, you probably miss it---I would. Here's some pictures of a fog shrouded day in one of the prettiest places on the Island:
The Water Tower at Jones Beach
I was surprised to find a newly erected Memorial there. This is for the people that perished in 2001 that had a connection to Jones Beach. It is flanked by two Large Flags.
This is the old Bandshell at the Beach. It has free concerts and performances on certain nights of the week!
In addition to Mini golf, they also have a large Pitch and Putt, currently being redone.
The Boardwalk, which goes over 6 miles is a lovely walk/run and tells you how far you've gone. It's also dotted with pictures of the way Jones Beach used to look. The right side of this picture is a place for more games, lots of shuffleboard among other things.
The West Bathhouse, built in the 1920's, it now boasts a Friendlies Ice Cream upstairs.
Hard to see due to the fog, but this is The Nikon Theatre at Jones Beach. The entire top was added only a few years ago to accommodate more people. The left side with the tents is VIP---good food, beer and lounge seats. You are looking out onto the Bay part of the water and at night the stars are SO big. I love concerts and this is my favorite venue.
No one minded the fog...we just couldn't figure out why they were standing!
The building has started right on Field 4 for the new Restaurant Donald Trump is building. And yes, it is being Feng Shui'ed! To quote from him, "I don't know HOW Feng Shui works but I know it works!" ( You did know I was going to get that in somehow, right? :)
One of the many signs that line the Boardwalk and show you what Jones Beach used to look like. This shows the old Restaurant.
Long Island in the summer is a dream.....and a challenge in the Winter. I'm going to become a snowbird. I hope you enjoyed the "tour."
This is a beautiful post, Carole . I enjoyed so much learning about the beach and your history with it. The tour made me feel as if I were right there ! I kind of love the way fog rolls in on the shores of water bodies. In the past 10 years I have always lived either right on the water or with a view of it. Where I live now I have a view of the Bay of Quinte and I am a 5 minute walk away from the waterfront trail.
Thanks so much for sharing the pictures. I LOVE that building, the West Bathhouse. What gorgeous architecture.
Jo
Oh my gosh Carole, growing up in Brooklyn, NJ going to Jones Beach was a big outing for our family. We used to pack a ton of food and a little bar b que (charcoal type) and just enjoy the laziness of the summer days. BOY I MISS THAT! I used to even hang out with my friends on the bus stop (yes when you lived in Bklyn, this is what you did) and pretend we were going to Jones Beach.
There was nothing like a concert on a cool summer night. Thanks for the memories.
Phyllis Pafumi