Thank you!

I finally get it. I've been doing the New Jersey Shore all wrong. Now that you've sent in your unsung shore favorites, I absolutely understand how it's become a source of summer memories for generations of New Jerseyans. It's not just days of sunning on the sand and nights of nausea on the rides. It's spending time with family, eating ice cream at The Music Man and watching movies at night in Wildwood. It's riding in a surrey along the boardwalk, kite-flying and looking for seashells at Cattus Island State Park.

So again, thank you all for sharing your hidden treasures at the Jersey Shore. Below is a sampling of the secrets we received, which fell into three categories: restaurants, activities/attractions and lodging.

I'll admit I'm a bit envious, and this summer, I plan to make up for lost time.

ACTIVITIES/ATTRACTIONS

• Bicycling around Cape May and to Sunset Beach at sundown, says Michelle Ulrich.

• Cape May Day Spa.

• Cape May County Zoo: "Free admission and extensive exhibits," says Mercedes Haines.

• Cape May Linen Outlet.

• Cattus Island State Park, Toms River: "Great park to walk through — goes to the bay. Lots of information for children," says Susan Ivanicki.

• "Kite-flying on Wednesday nights in Seaside Park; movies on Sunday night on the beach; fireworks on Wednesday nights in Seaside Heights; live music Monday nights in Seaside Heights; surfing! Best waves in Seaside Heights," recommends Maribeth F. of Wayne.

• Fort Hancock, Sandy Hook.

• The lighthouse in Cape May: "You will get to see a WWII concrete shipwreck." Riding a surrey: "Rent from Jerry (Greens Rentals) across from the boardwalk. Three-par golf (real golf) directly off of Rio Grande — reasonable and good for all ages and abilities ... "Best of all: Relax on the beach after 5, when the crowds have left. Enjoy the surf, sand, weather, kites and sound of the sea gulls, movies on the beach (Wildwood boardwalk), saltwater taffy from Douglass Fudge (on the boardwalk), Cape May Zoo (cheap and for a cloudy day)," advises Daryl Seriale.

• Ocean Hut Surf Shop, Lavallette: "Great stuff, fair prices and run by some really nice people (that we don't know personally) who make you want to come back to their store – and the Jersey Shore!" say Perry and Denise Mayers.

• Historic Allaire Village in Farmingdale, which is a restored mid-19th century bog iron-producing community that has special events year-round. It's also home of the Pine Creek Railroad, one of the last narrow gauge steam engine exhibits in the state.

• The indoor pool at the White Sands in Point Pleasant Beach: "When you are down the shore for a few days and it rains, there is nothing better for my daughter and husband to do while I go to the spa or shopping," writes Rhonda Margolin.

• The Music Man in Lavallette: "Take your children (and adults) for ice cream and a little musical show while you're eating. It's fun." says Janet Garbaccio of this singing ice cream shop.

• Skim boarding and swim lessons at Silton Swim School, Manasquan.

RESTAURANTS

• Duffy's on the Lake*, Wildwood Crest: "Great early bird or late-bird specials, with great scenery — beautiful sunsets on the lake," says Robert Wilson.

• Bella Vida, West Cape May.

• Springer's Ice Cream in Stone Harbor: "Prepare to wait, but it is worth it," says Daryl Seriale. Also, he adds, "Russo's Deli, North Wildwood, Ninth Avenue — awesome cheese steaks. Sandcastle* [Wildwood Crest] for breakfast (good bacon and coffee)."

• Fish Factory, Wildwood Crest: "For the best seafood," recommends Tom Burczynski.

• The Sandbox Café, Long Beach Boulevard, Ship Bottom, Long Beach Island: "Outstanding breakfast/lunch served alfresco under olive trees. Also has a bathhouse offering lockers, clean showers and restrooms for a small fee on a daily basis. And it is only 1 1/2 blocks from the beach," says Lette Magrini.

• Surf Taco, Route 35, Point Pleasant.

• In Asbury Park: La Tapatia, Route 71 — "authentic Mexican," and Sunset Landing, breakfast/lunch place on Deal Lake, ducks etc. says Ilana Kantey

• The Macaroon Shop, a bakery in Avon-by-the-Sea.

• Carini's Pizza and Restaurant*, Pacific Avenue, Wildwood Crest.

• Donuts Plus, Route 35 N. Ocean Beach: "The best crumb buns you will ever have!" say Perry and Denise Mayers.

• Bedrock Café*, Main Street in Avon-by-the-Sea: "The food is out of this world, and the prices are even better," says Leslie DeWilde. "Owners Mark and Leanne are welcoming and friendly, no matter if you are regulars (like my family) or just visiting. The biggest steal you can find down the shore."

• Who's on Third Deli, Spring Lake.

• Aunt B's Ice Cream, Brigantine; Aversi's Bakery, Brigantine, says Laura Carone.

• Fitzpatrick's Crest Tavern*, Wildwood Crest: "Great food, great prices," says Ron Eils.

• Bayshore Pizza, Ocean View.

• Louisa's, Cape May.

• Next Door Café, Seaside Heights: "Great breakfast," says John Kowalski.

LODGING

• Colony Motel, Seaside Heights.

• Jolly Roger Motel, Wildwood Crest: "Family-oriented, affordable and clean," says Carol Gallagher.

• "Take advantage of the buy-one-get-one night free off expensive B&Bs during the off-season times," suggest Joseph and Karen Rauch.

• La Mer Inn, Cape May.

* Places mentioned by at least two participants.

E-mail: schensul@northjersey.com