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Welcome to the original Jersey Shore! The Caribbean Motel first opened in 1957 in the Wildwoods area of New Jersey which was home to Doo Wop motels and plastic palm trees. If you couldn't get to Florida, this is where it was happening. Plastic palm trees were better than none!
So here we are in the 21st century and this motel has not changed much since the 50's. Well, of course it's been renovated, but the look and feel take you right back to the days when you were a child and that's just not a bad thing.
The décor is pure 50’s, it is family run with the owners always present, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The rooms have free WiFi, flat screen TVs, a microwave and fridge. Larger rooms are available with a kitchenette.
The famous crescent shaped pool with the Jetson ramp is heated all season, which runs from April to October, and is lit up at night with colored lights. When you've had enough fun in the sun, a great place to gather is the Cabana Lounge with mid-century furnishings and music to match. There is also shuffleboard, so brush up on your technique.
Just blocks from your door is the beach, the Boardwalk and lots of restaurants and ice cream parlors. Keeping with the theme of the motel, why not visit the Doo Wop Diner on the Boardwalk for some burgers, hot dogs and milk shakes – aren't you a bit tired of tofu? There is mini-golf here, deep sea fishing and lots of water sports.
In the evening, you can watch movies on the beach at the Sunset Cinemas. It's not quite a drive-in movie theater, but they do have first run films projected onto a 60 foot screen. You can bring your own chairs or they have them to rent. There's a concession stand, but no alcohol is allowed.
For another diversion, why not venture out to the Cape May Brewing Company? Tours and tastings are available with no reservations, but check with them for hours and days of operation. They also make their own root beer – may be great for making some root beer floats!
Back to the 50's at the motel, you may have stopped at the grocery and picked up some treats to barbecue on their outdoor grills or just order something from the Caribbean kitchen. There's no shortage to the activities at this Retro destination.
Check with the motel for their special themed weekends – rates are reasonable and it may give you a good reason to brush up on The Stroll.
Website: www.caribbeanmotel.com
Rating: 
July 12, 2023
