Best of the Shore
Brigantine
Just like its neon next-door neighbor, Atlantic City, Brigantine has made something of a comeback of late. Real estate in the formerly sleepy town started hopping about three years ago, once the tunnel made it an easy stop for visitors on their way to Atlantic City. In contrast to the new glitz and reliable tackiness of the Boardwalk and casinos, Brigantine offers quiet, and a main attraction of six miles of freshly combed beach just begging for sunning, swimming and fishing. Here you’ll find peace without pretension — and the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, where rescued dolphins and seals are rehabilitated.
Best of Brigantine
Breakfast: Island Diner. No fancy brunches here — it’s just a classic pancakes-bacon-and-eggs kind of place, with bottomless cups of coffee and old-school waitresses who’ll give you the
local gossip (3212 Bayshore Avenue;
609-266-8773).
Hoagies: Sack O’ Subs. A Shore institution (there are other shops in Ventnor, Ocean City and Absecon), they know the key to a great hoagie (and cheesesteak) is the freshness and airiness of the roll. Try the Sack O’ Special (1018 West Brigantine Avenue; 609-266-5600).
Playground: Shark Park. One block in from the beach is this state-of-the-art tyke-a-torium, whose endless wooden tunnels, cubbyholes and ladders give the kids a refreshing break from the beach. Oh, you too (26th Street and Brigantine Avenue).
Waterfront Dining: Laguna Grill Martini Bar. The only beachfront dining/drinking option on the island—with one of the best beach views of anyplace on the Jersey Shore. The martini and seafood menus are extensive, but the real draws here are the cool breeze and the relaxing atmosphere (1400 Ocean Avenue; 609-266-7731).
Bed & beach
Average 2004 home price: $330,796
AVERAGE 1999 HOME PRICE: $128,351
Recent listing: A three-bedroom, 2.5-bath, three-story condo a block from the beach, with deck, outside showers and backyard, plus ocean and bay views, $469,000.
Cost to rent a three-bedroom beach-block house: Between $1,600 and $1,800 a week.
Where to stay: Among the limited lodgings, Celebrity Resorts is right on the beach and has the most to offer visitors — including an on-site restaurant and bar (1400 Ocean Avenue, 609-266-2266; celebrityresorts.com).
On the beach: Six miles of wide-open sand, and rarely a crowd. Beach tags required during the day ($13 weekly; $7 daily). Brigantine is one of a very few towns to allow four-wheel-drive vehicles on certain beaches (with a $160 permit).
