Ship’s Bottom Brewery is actually in the borough of Beach Haven. Havre Auto Beach is oddly located in Ship Bottom. Surf City Fishing is a completed block, also in Ship Bottom? Beach Haven West is not west of Beach Haven, and Division Street doesn’t actually divide anything. For some reason there are four different 4th streets.

Long Beach Island can be confusing for newcomers – and there are plenty of newcomers. When far-flung travel was cut because of the pandemic, families in the tri-state area ended up falling in love with the Jersey Shore all over again and rediscovering, in particular, Long Beach Island.

A survey by the Southern Ocean Chamber of Commerce shows that visitor spending is on the rise – and the island is responding more to it, which is certainly difficult for a family of modest means. Businesses said they were struggling to find staff because there was simply nowhere to live. Luckily, it’s still possible for a family from any background to strap a few bikes, an inflatable swan and a crab pot to the roof of the car and enjoy a trip for the same price as any another seaside town (at least for the day).

New visitors, new money and new homes have caused accelerated change for Long Beach Island, as property value becomes a more sought-after commodity than coastal character, so much so that without the red and the White Barnegat Lighthouse still standing, it may soon be difficult to recognize.

As for the iconic Old Barney, there’s good news and bad news. The bad: The indoor climb will be closed to visitors this year during a restoration project. The Good: No one is tearing it down to build investment properties (something many other island landmarks have fallen victim to).

At the top of the list of new spots to discover in the region is the Pier Flagship Store at 176 East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin adjacent to LBI. The surf and lifestyle apparel brand, about to celebrate its 20th anniversary, has opened a new 1,600 square foot flagship location for vibes and apparel inspired by life on these local waters.

Jetty is also expected to host Hop Sauce Festival, the craft beer, hot sauce, arts and music festival the company is hosting with Beach Haven’s Spice It Up, on June 18 at Veterans Memorial Park. This event is for all ages (21+ for beer sampling wristbands) and is a fundraiser for Jetty’s charitable arm, the Jetty Rock Foundation.

There has been much speculation about Joe Pop’s Shore Bar & Restaurant sold out of season. But revelers can take comfort in the fact that the famous nightclub, tiki bar and cafe at 20th Street and Ship Bottom Boulevard, where the Nerds have played countless times, will continue under new ownership.

After two pandemic summers of outdoor performances, the Surflight Theater is returning to traditional indoor shows this year (proof of vaccine or negative Covid tests and masks are required.) This season – the theatre’s 70th – will see An American in Paris, The Addams Family, Revenge of a Blonde, Getaway to Margaritaville, Chess the musical, The Fields of Ambrosia and Murder on the Orient Express grace the stage.

Although most people don’t know it, Ship Bottom Borough stretches several blocks north of the Causeway Bridge. And this northernmost neighborhood is home to two new restaurants. What was once the Green House Café on 6th Street and Boulevard is now rare companya steak and seafood restaurant owned by the Michel family, which has a history in the seafood game. Diagonally across the boulevard, facing west at the corner of 5th Street, now lies LBI table, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at the location of the former Jayson’s Pancakes. Both say they will be open year round, so no one should go hungry on these blocks.

If you’re looking to host a party, reunion, team building event, or any group outing, you might want to check out the Queen City Bike Boat, a 35-foot pontoon that you board at Beach Haven and cycle around the bay. Rent the entire boat for 90 minutes with a captain and companion for $699. Or, groups as small as eight can join the Mixer Tour for just $49 per person. Bring the spirits you like and get ready to pedal.

Harvey Cedars is home to the new East Blue Lounge, an extension of Blue A Hair Studio in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It’s a Zen establishment for those who normally return to Philadelphia or New York to be pampered by high-end hairdressers.

Another luxury option now available on this glorified sandbar is Host on the Coast, a burgeoning concierge service that takes care of planning your vacation, finding a beach house, managing your investment property contractors, and grocery shopping. The service can connect you with everything from a licensed plumber to a picnic on the beach.

Families returning to Beach Haven’s fantasy island each year will be happy to see two new rides – the whirling Shark Attack and the Summertime Swings for the little ones are ready to ride, in addition to the existing entertainment, games and arcade that were redone a year ago.

And the LBI region’s season does not end in August. chowder is back this year, starting Labor Day weekend with the Chowder Trail. You have the whole month of September to stop at participating restaurants to taste delicious creamy New Englands or tasty Manhattans. Then join these restaurants as well as makers, vendors, bands, brew tents, and the LBI community for a free, all-day beachfront Chowderfest at Beach Haven.

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