Who Knew? Things to do - Jersey Shore Edition

Sure, You could lie on the beach or play in the water but there is so much more to do at the Jersey shore - things that are a little off or even a little scary. 

Paranormal Museum, Asbury Park 

Since 2008 this mini-museum has curated a collection of oddities including the Hand of Glory (a candle holder supposedly made from a severed hand), some “haunted” dolls, and the jewel in their crown — a skull thought to be that of the Jersey Devil, the creature rumored to wander the New Jersey Pine Barrens. The Museum is part of Paranormal Books & Curiosities, specializing in supernatural equipment, books, and workshops. There are also tours to some of Asbury Park’s more “spirited” sites — the shipwreck of the SS Morro Castle, the old Paramount Theater, and Asbury Lanes – all thought to be Haunted.

Basto Village, Egg Harbor City

Batsto Village is a tiny village that was built to accommodate a once prosperous iron works, but after falling into decline and being abandoned it now remains as a nearly perfectly preserved historic landmark. Today over 40 of the original structures are maintained as a historic site after the last permanent resident left in 1989. The buildings have been fully restored and essentially appear as though they were vacated in their prime. A museum and visitors center have also been put in place for anyone who is willing to step back in time and learn about the once prosperous village. 

Lucy the Elephant, Margate City 

Lucy, the world’s largest “elephant,” celebrated her 128th birthday in 2009 in her hometown of Margate City, New Jersey. Built of tin and wood in 1882 by James V. Lafferty as a publicity stunt, Lucy was modeled after Jumbo, P.T. Barnum’s real life “Largest Elephant on Earth.” Lucy is much larger then Jumbo was and stands 65 feet high, 60 feet long, 18 feet wide, is made of nearly one million pieces of wood, and weighs about 90 tons.

The Race of Gentlemen, Wildwood 

Before racing became an institutionalized affair with sponsors, crews, R&D budgets and big money at stake, it started out with drivers pitting their personally modified cars against others just to see who had the fastest machine. The Race of Gentlemen (affectionately known among the initiated as TROG) takes you back to this time, with a weekend of racing on the beaches of Wildwood, New Jersey. 

The Grave of Sinbad the Dog 

Sinbad, a mixed breed dog that served for seven years aboard the Campbell, a Coast Guard ship that defended American convoys during World War II, is one of the most beloved American mascots.  During his time aboard the Campbell, the canine hero was awarded six medals including the American Defense Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal, all of which were attached to its collar. After his death, a granite monument was erected in his honor at the base of the flagpole at Barnegat Light Station, a decommissioned lighthouse now serving as a Coast Guard emergency operations center in Barnegat Light, New Jersey.