The beach in the offseason is a nice way to get away and relax

As I have done for the past several years, I had the chance in October to slip away for a few days to the Jersey Shore.

My aunt and uncle own a place in one of the small Oceanside towns there, so it’s nice to get away for a weekend. It’s also nice because it’s outside of tourist season, so it’s usually pretty quiet. I like that. There’s something to be said about being able to walk on the beach and not see many people.

This year, the weather – as it was last year – was a tad iffy. It wasn’t quite as bad as last year, when it was almost no fun to deal with. The day we left down there was really quite warm, so it was nice to have a clear day to look out over the water.

When I was younger, we used to go to an uncle’s place in Maryland. It was really nice and going into the water was always fun. Though, to be fair, having to use an outhouse wasn’t great. But, that’s neither here nor there.

There was then a time in my life where I hated the beach. There were several reasons for this, but in recent years, I’ve started to appreciate it more. It’s likely more like I appreciate it when it’s not so crowded. The water and the sound can be very relaxing and peaceful. There are times I’ve sat on the beach for several hours with nobody around, just because the sights and sounds are very peaceful.

I know people rush out to vacation in the warm months and take advantage of the sun. And I can understand that without a doubt. However, there’s something to be said to vacationing when things aren’t so busy. I live in a high tourist area, well close to one, and it can be a total pain when it’s in full swing.

And while it’s true that everything isn’t open, or doesn’t have a lot of hours when they are open, it’s a very calm setting.

The one seafood place I love to eat at (the chowder there is amazing) has closed the weekend I was there the past two years. What’s nice about that is I get them at the end of the season and when it’s not so crammed full of people. I can have a quiet breakfast at a place I truly enjoy. And then I can walk on the beach without seeing many people.

There’s not much of a night life when I am there, but I also don’t really go to have that type of time.

This year, the weekend was the town’s seafood festival. It wasn’t bad and there was definitely a crowd in town for it. I took part in the chowder-tasting contest. I also went up the road to Ocean City one night to see the fireworks there and take in the boardwalk, which was busy that night.

To be fair, my mind was racing all weekend I was there about a lot of things. But on the Sunday I left, the weather was fantastic and I walked the beach by myself, took my shoes off and let the ocean water cover my feet. It’s amazing how quickly your thoughts can vanish and you can get lost in the beauty of the water and beach. Though the tourist season could make me change my mind, I am envious of those who live near a beach and can go on short notice.

The weekend ended up being good for me in that I got a chance to relax and clear my mind a little.

Where do all of you go for a quick weekend to recharge and clear your mind? Beach? Woods? Somewhere else? I’ve found, though, that it’s important to have places like this for your mind, body and soul. It’s always good to get away from the hustle and bustle of life for a bit, if even just for a weekend.

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