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Ocean County Attractions Receive National Recognition
OCEAN COUNTY - In the article, "Summer Fun: Boardwalk Arcades Beckon," on Forbes.com, reporter Wendy Tanaka named two Ocean County venues among the top 10 boardwalk arcades in the nation.
"We always are pleased to see our family resorts on a national list," said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as the county's tourism liaison.
"Arcades add to the ambiance of the boardwalk experience," Director Vicari said. "Who hasn't smiled to see a young tyke lugging an oversized stuffed prize that is as large as he is or to watch a young man impress his date with his prowess on an action video game." Tanaka suggests that readers leave the virtual world at home and head for the boardwalk arcades and the pleasures of salty air and cotton candy. She observes boardwalks are one of the few places one will find arcade games, and many feature prize redemptions which enhance the enjoyment of playing the games.
Steve Whalen, owner of Lucky Leo's arcade in Seaside Heights, was interviewed and said that while the home game market and the slowing economy have impacted the boardwalk games, he still enjoys a business where you work in an atmosphere where people are having fun.
In addition to Lucky Leos, other Seaside Heights venues mentioned included the Big Top Arcade, Casino Amusement Arcade, Royal Arcade and Sonny's and Ricky's Arcade. Jenkinson's Boardwalk also made the top 10 list, with Tanaka reporting that in the 1970s, Pasquale Pat Storino acquired the property and immediately launched a renovation of the pavilion building, adding an arcade, concession stands, games and a restaurant.
Other New Jersey locations were Atlantic City, Wildwood and Ocean City. Also on the list were Ocean City, MD, Rehoboth Beach, DE, Santa Monica Pier, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, CA and Myrtle Beach, SC.
Vicari said, "It is good to see Ocean County attractions and sites listed in national publications as one of the leading resort areas, worth a visit not only from the reporters, but also from the families."
This marks the fourth time in less than two months that Ocean County locations have received recognition in national publications. Long Beach Island was written up in Travel and Leisure, Seaside Heights made Coastal Living and Island Beach State Park was named as one of the top 10 hot spots to visit in Men's Fitness magazine.
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