(Photo by Phyllis R. Sigal) Stuart Baier, formerly of Wheeling, tries to catch dinner on New Year’s Day.

I have a shirt that says: “When you see an ocean wave, wave back.”


Good advice. 


I make a point to take that advice every time I land at the Jersey Shore, one of my favorites.


Here, the dunes call you to the beach.


There are many residences in Ocean City, N.J., where our family visits; usually around the New Year holiday, or in mid-summer.


Both are equally as interesting times.


Sometimes it’s the cold, gray skies that make the shore appealing. But I’ll take sunny days in a heartbeat.


The Jersey shore is lined with beach towns. I choose Ocean City because friends have a house there at which we stay.


Ocean City is a dry town, so restaurants aren’t a priority here. However, I can vouch for Sack O’Subs’ philly cheesesteaks as being very tasty. And Uncle Bill’s Pancake House is a safe bet for breakfast.


The 2.5-mile Boardwalk is a fun place to walk, where there are shops, restaurants and arcades to keep those of all ages entertained.


My other shore choice is Cape May, where restaurants are an attraction, as are the Victorian bed and breakfast inns.