By Shannon McDonald

It was December 2005 when Wildwood’s Shore Plaza Motel at 26th Avenue and the Boardwalk was destroyed in a fire. Sam’s Pizza, a boardwallk landmark that operated on the bottom floor of the motel, rebuilt in time for Memorial Day 2006. But for more than three year, the motel has remained vacant. continue reading »

By Shannon McDonald

Here’s a summary of the week’s Northeast news we didn’t cover. See others here.

The 25-year-old man who died in a Frankford shooting last month is believed to be the agressor. Police initially thought Dallas Custalow was an innocent bystander when he was shot in the stomach inside the Irish Kitchen bar at Pratt and Oakland streets. But it is now believed Custalow, of the 1300-block of Anchor Street, pulled his gun first during an argument at the bar, hitting a 29-year-old man in the leg.

continue reading »

By Shannon McDonald

If the promise of the Boardwalk and the efficiency of the free beach weren’t enough to lure you to Wildwood this summer, the cty has just announced free trolley service.

As of Thursday, June 25, the trolleys will run every Thursday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.  The offer is part of the business district’s partnership with Five Mile Beach Electric Railway, and will allow residents and vacationers to park in one place and travel the town.

Those near the borders of North Wildwood and Wildwood will Crest can make use of the free rides, too. The trollies have stops (labeled “Dolly Stops”) up and down Atlantic and Pacific avenues, with the route extending to the central Wildwood’s farthest reaches: 26th Avenue near the North end and Cresse Avenue near the Crest.

By Shannon McDonald

Ocean City won this year’s award for New Jersey’s best beach, the second win a row for Cape May County, as Wildwood won last year. Regular visitors and town officials say the shore town wins for its family-friendly atmosphere, eight-mile beach and entertaining boardwalk.

See the list of New Jersey’s top 10 beaches below, or read the whole story about Ocean City on Philly.com. continue reading »

Courtesy of jerseyboardwalk.com

By Shannon McDonald

Wildwood shore goers usually aren’t surprised when the prices on boardwalk games go up every year, but this summer, the infamous Tramcar will see a spike in prices. The rate for one ride will now be $2.50 – up from the steady $2 fare, as NBC40 reports.

The Tramcars will run every weekend until 5 p.m., and weekday service will begin in mid-May. Come the official start of the season, frequent riders can buy $5 unlimited passes that can be used on weekdays. The rate increase will help pay for maintenance costs.

By Shannon McDonald

The Wildwood Boat Show and Fishing Expo is the latest victim of the poor economy.

The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce announced yesterday that the April show would be cancelled. A spokesperson for the organization said it wouldn’t be fair for the vendors to pay to participate in an event that isn’t projected to draw many patrons.

The decision to cancel was a difficult one, and came only after cost-cutting measures – like the 20 percent discount for vendors – were taken. Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. said since the show is considered by the city to be a luxury event, it’s one of the first to surrender to the economy.

Image courtesy of Sandeep Chayapathi.

We’ve all tripped over the loose boards on Wildwood’s Boardwalk at some point during our vacations. But the City of Wildwood has been working to replace the potentially dangerous boards over the years.

Read this philly.com article about the latest replacements, the cost and the argument that goes along with it. And watch out for those loose boards.

Image courtesy of Destination360.

By Shannon McDonald

We all remember the Golden Nugget ride on Wildwood Boardwalk’s Hunt’s Pier. The three-story coaster opened in the early ’60s and took countless riders on a mining adventure for more than 30 years before it shut down in 1999.

On January 31, 2010, the Golden Nugget will be taken down to make way for a newer, larger coaster.

Jack Morey of Morey’s Piers told the Daily News, “We just couldn’t make it work.”

The cost of restoring the ride proved too much for Morey, who assures the Golden Nugget props will end up in other Morey’s Piers rides or in a museum.

No matter what replaced the Golden Nugget, Wildwood lifers will always associate Hunt’s Pier with their favorite mining ride.

Thanks to the Daily News. Image courtesy of Kristen773′s Flickr.