Most people know Long Beach Island as a popular summer vacation spot for the beach and local businesses. However, once the warm weather goes away and the traffic lights start blinking yellow, you probably don’t think about taking a trip down to the popular beach town anymore. As a year-round resident of LBI myself, I usually like this time of year because it makes my drives down the boulevard go much faster with no traffic. Yes, it does feel very desolate at times, but there is another reason this time of year on the island is so great: the shopping!
As I mentioned, LBI is pretty well known for its small businesses and local shops. Think about it, name one major chain retail store on the island (besides CVS or Dollar General). While most of these shops close their doors for the season after Labor Day, some stay open on weekends or even re-open for the holiday season! As much as I would like to keep this my local secret, I feel like spreading the holiday spirit and letting you in on these shops to find the perfect gifts for your friends and family. And you’ll be supporting small businesses while you’re at it!
If you want to make the shopping experience even more festive, on December 9th the businesses in Bay Village, Beach Haven compete in cookie wars! While you’re browsing the store, nibble on the cookie each business has displayed on trays or are handing out and once you’ve stopped into every store, vote on your favorite cookie! What a great way to get the community together while getting holiday shopping done!