Haven't a clue about "Doo Wop?" Those old enough to remember the 1950's, or fans of California surf movies, may wonder where all the circa 1950's pastel motels, amoebic neon signs, kidney-shaped swimming pools, and artfully awful furniture went. In most parts of the world old-time Doo Wop between Eisenhower and the Beetles disappeared under condos. In New Jersey's Wildwoods it's alive and well with buildings that look like Elephants, drive-ins with curb service, cafes with toadstool seats and more. No place in the word has so many oddly decorated motels, Astroturf carpeted pool decks and artfully awful 1950 "modern" furniture. Granted, motels run to metal doors, a few cracks here and there and some "interesting" approaches to bathroom and other décor, but everything works and everything is real, not a plastic, sanitized Disney version of reality.
So expect traffic delays as parades; like the Mummer's Fancy Brigade - two one day on our last visit of rather rotund marching bands and such march along and, in most cases, both outnumber and outweigh the spectators.
Expect to see Doo Wop food featuring caloriclly incorrect Philly steak sandwiches, wonderful fried soft-shell crab and a school of deep fried fish and shellfish. Try to get your mouth around huge hamburgers made from real beef, with classic condiments and nary a taste of the Golden Arches. Pile on curly fries and slug down milk shakes and malts thick enough to stand a spoon and watch out for the Weigh Watchers police. There's great saltwater taffy, fudge, caramel corn, snow cones and all sorts of other tooth rotters too!
Don't overlook Italian food either. Frank Sinatra favored Jersey Italian spots and the White House in Atlantic City. When in doubt ask the locals and you'll eat well at some surprisingly badly decorated cafes, restaurants and clubs.
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