Ocean City NJ Boardwalk – Vintage Seaside Treats and Sweets

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Originally Posted 2010:

While I traveled up and down the southern New Jersey shore in search of vintage diners, I took a break one afternoon and decided to visit the boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ. I had not been here in easily 15+ years, and am happy to report that many of the historic independently operated businesses on this family friendly boardwalk are still in operation. A perfect seaside destination for the family who wants to experience some of the nostalgia and old time fun of the Jersey shore.

A number of the buildings on the boardwalk have a somewhat Spanish/ Mediterranean look and feel to them because the Boardwalk itself was rebuilt (after a horrendous fire) in 1928. The medallion above is from the Ocean City Music Hall, which juts out over the ocean some 300 feet and, renovated in 1993  is a wonderfully example of this period architecture.

While the beach in Ocean City is constantly ranking #1 in Top 10 Beach lists, I did not dip my foot in the sand or surf, as the beach requires a tag. Instead I stayed the course on the 2.5 mile long boardwalk, which has mile markers for exercisers and lanes for whatever mode of transportation you happen to enjoy.

As I ambled down the boardwalk I first came across  Gillian's Wonderland amusement Pier. This favorite destination of kids and parents is owned and operated by the Gillian family, who have had a place in the history of Ocean City's boardwalk stretching back 70 years, when they originally operated the Fun Deck.

One of my favorite views of Wonderland is seeing the blocks with letters on them spelling out the word "Wonderland" as they spin silently in front of this stretch of boardwalk.
The location and amusement rides that you see today is  the 1965 incarnation of the family empire, and one of my favorite things about it is the vintage 1926 carousel. Built in 1926 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC #75)- I can't help but be happy when I see families making memories to last a lifetime while whirling around on a vintage merry go round.

The fact that it is very similar to the carousel of my youth (PTC #85) I'm sure reinforces my fondness for this classic family ride.

Continuing my exploration along the boards I found all sorts of snacks and foods specific to the boardwalk and summertime snacking. One sign I was glad to see was still up is the vintage Johnson's Popcorn sign. A boardwalk staple since 1940 their caramel corn is still hand mixed in giant copper kettles.

Further down I came across Shriver's Candies, a bustling corner landmark and the oldest business on the Ocean City boardwalk, opened in 1898. As I entered the bright and airy shop I saw folks picking out gifts and souvenirs and lining up the candy counter  trying to decide on homemade fudge, candies or the classic seaside treat - salt water taffy.

Still owned and operated by the same family, Shriver's remains proud to sell the only salt water taffy made in Ocean City, and their fudge is made fresh daily right there in the factory at the back of the shop. You can peer through the glass to see the vintage machines in action in their spic-and-span production area.

Speaking of salt water taffy, the Jersey shore seems to have a  corner on the market of classic taffy manufacturers, as Fralinger's and James' taffy are both represented here on the Ocean City boardwalk. Located in the classic 1928 Golden Galleon building, another fine example of the period architecture celebrated on the boardwalk.

James' and Fralinger's appear to be owned by the same family now, and I'm a big fan of their continued use of vintage graphics and packaging to evoke an old-time visit to the seashore. I've got a Fralinger's tin AND a taffy barrel bank back at the Hacienda, and splurged on a tee shirt with the Fralinger's gal on it, for beach wearing.

These few snapshots are but a mere TASTE of what you might be able to find when you visit the Ocean City New Jersey boardwalk. (The only thing you won't find is an alcoholic drink, as the town is dry.)