New Jersey's Coastal Heritage: A Guide

This is Star-Ledger columnist Mark Di Ionno's first book, which won the New Jersey Studies Academic Alliance Award. It is arranged in a county-by-county format that takes into account both of New Jersey's shores - the Atlantic Ocean shore and the Delaware Bay shore. The book was inspired by the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail, but encompasses more than just sites designated on the trail. Part travelogue, part history, Di Ionno takes us off beaten paths into fascinating little museums, lighthouses, and small towns. He writes in a friendly, humorous style that is engaging and educational. For parents who want to leaven a little history into family trips, for historians looking for local color, for wanderers who are looking for unusual places to explore, or for folks who want to learn more about New Jersey, this is a fun, informative way to move forward.

This is a wonderful, thoughtfully written book that uncovers many fabulous stories of New Jersey's small and large coastal towns and resorts. Every time I read it, I learn something new. The stories of the Morro Castle burning off Spring Lake and the local people who came to help the survivors; the death of President Grant in Long Branch and the people of that town who built a railroad over night to get the ailing president to his favorite spot; the rich histories of Atlantic City, Ocean City, Ocean Grove, and Cape May, there all here. Well researched and written in an easy conversational style that makes each page a pleasure. The author has something to share about lots of little towns along our special seashore -- makes you want to head immediately to the beach! Great photos taken by the author and his brother. Each section points out places of interest and includes hours of operation, phone numbers, costs, etc. Highly recommended!