The Shore in the Off Season

After Philadelphia, I made my way to the coast and settled into Asbury Park for the weekend. The summer crowds were long gone, and the town had the quiet, slightly worn charm a beach town only shows in the off season.

The boardwalk was nearly empty, stretching out under heavy skies. Convention Hall and the old Casino glowed with holiday lights after dark, and Tillie grinned from the side of the Wonder Bar. Down on the sand, the seagulls had the beach to themselves, and they were more than willing to pose for anyone patient enough to sit with them.

There is something about a beach town in winter. Without the noise of summer, you can hear what the place sounds like when it is just being itself.