I am in a serious relationship with New York City, but I had sort of a Summer fling with the Jersey Shore. Pier Village in Long Branch to be exact. Quaint, clean and buzzing with surfers, tanners and tourists. The shops range from Chocolates to bikinis and the restaurants - everything from Sushi to tacos. The perfect weekend trip, not too far down the parkway so you won't be sitting with sand in your skivvies for too long. The nightlife is quite a scene too- so if sun and sand are not your thing, head over to The Avenue for a cocktail or two and drink to the unofficial start of the Summer!