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spring lake is girlawhirl's favorite spot on the new jersey shore Jul 28, 2008
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Girlawhirl never refuses a weekend at a Pal's beach house. So when the invite came in for a trip to the Jersey Shore, Girlawhirl jumped on it. She's always loved the diversity the area provides. There are bar-heavy party towns for the single set, towns with boardwalk rides and miniature golf galore for families, and then there are towns that seem designed with Girlawhirl's idea of a good time in mind: shopping. And she's found a favorite Jersey Shore shopping spot in Spring Lake… The town's known for its beautiful beaches and “Spring Lakers” – a.k.a. large white Victorian homes with wrap-around porches, usually accented by colorful awnings. White sandy beaches, quaint Victorian bed & breakfasts and, of course, shopping, are also part of the mix in this small seaside community.
Third Avenue, or “town” as the locals call it, stretches over four blocks dead-ending into the man-made lake the borough is named for. There Girlawhirl can stroll along the street with specialty shops like The Irish Centre, carrying everything from Waterford Crystal to imported Irish sweaters, or sample the homemade treats at the Third Avenue Chocolate Shoppe. On Saturdays, she can pick up fresh produce at the farmers' market next to the surf shop.
When it comes to stunning gifts for home and garden, Girlawhirl can't resist the furnishings and wares at Kate & Company, Sweat Pea, Nest, Urban Details, Whimsicality and Finishing Touches. For seashore themed gifts, Girlawhirl loves Spring Lake Boutique gift shop and Teddy Bears by the Seashore apparel. But really, it's about the clothes. For fashion that rivals any major market, Girlawhirl finds shopping at Waterlily Fashions – where she can step out in everything from Free People to Betsey Johnson – The Spot, and The Pink Pony unbeatable. If she's feeling more casual, there are great finds at the 3rd Avenue Surf Shop, Samantha's, Splash, the Camel's Eye and It's Good to name a few.
After all that shopping, Girlawhirl can use a refresher, so she makes sure to stop in at Juli Mei for a spa treatment.
Before Girlawhirl heads out, she knows there's one last stop she needs to make: The Blarney Cone. A summer day just doesn't seem complete with out a little ice cream treat to cap it off. But if she's feeling more sophisticated, a cappuccino at Café Artiste with Super Pals is certainly a wonderful way end her day.
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Plus, the store's amazing high-end fashions, accessories and whimsical wares make it one of her favorite shops anywhere on the shore.
