A simple guide to the local language:  “off shore”- one of the communities just off “the island” , but still within Cape May County.  If you live “on the island”, it is a big event to “go off shore” (only for gas and groceries as needed).  Our other destinations are “the mall”- which used to mean the Shore Mall off exit 36, but now describes the Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing; and Philadelphia (which can mean anywhere in the surrounding area). 

Friends who live north of Atlantic City, live in “north Jersey” (which they obviously dispute- but that’s how we define the state border!).  New York City is like another country- our forefathers emmigrated to “the shore” from Philadelphia, so our allegiance goes back for generations.

How do you identify a local?  They know the tide schedule for the day; they check the flags for wind direction and plan their outdoor activities accordingly; they walk or ride their bike whenever possible; they cringe when they see a “newbie” trying to put an umbrella in the sand- and eventually walk over to help; they secure their deck furniture and trash cans when “weather” is predicted; and they are smiling as they walk along the beach each day- of course!