If you’re at a loss for flea markets in Wildwood, let the flamboyant mid-century modern hotels guide you. This open-air museum of Jerseyliciousness is punctuated by plastic palm trees and neon boomerang signs called Googie style architecture, characterized by anti-gravity roofs, flirtatious starbursts, acute angles, and tail fin cut outs. Dick Clark hosted American Bandstand here back in 1957, making it truly original, vintage, and found (as in “hard to miss”). Not exactly Old World Living but authentic and well-preserved Americana. A Jersey Shore that used to be us.
CHECKLIST
• READY: Celebrating the Wildwood Centennial
• SET: Garden State Parkway South to Exit 4B.
• GO: Parking meters are $1.25 per hour, or 12 minutes per quarter.
QUIET CORNERS: The beach after six.
LOCAL EATS: Fear deep-fried-Twinkies on the Boards. Befriend Tony’s Farmers Market 6312 New Jersey Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260.
