Labor Day's last looks put summer at the Jersey Shore in the rear view

OCEAN CITY, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — It was another busy, fun-filled summer down the Shore. It feels like just a few days ago when Memorial Day kicked off the season. And now the unofficial end is here. Millions of Americans are expected to hit the road on Monday to go back home. That means towns like Ocean City are clearing out as families kiss the beach, the barbecues and the boardwalk strolls goodbye.

AAA Mid Atlantic says this Labor Day was a little busier than last year, estimating a 10% increase on holiday weekend road trips. Christine Friel from Chester County says she and her husband have been down just about every weekend.

“Definitely busier,” she said. “A lot more people on the boardwalk, but no problems. It’s just lovely.”

There was a little concern early in the summer about rowdy teens after a few incidents, but the boardwalks quieted back down.

“Meteorological summer” may be done, but summer doesn’t officially end for another couple of weeks. And most of the boardwalk businesses will stay open into October.

Friel and her husband are not done.

“We come all the way through October. We come all the way until literally the weather says you can’t come anymore.”

Anthony Kutchera has been a year-round resident for more than 30 years, and he’s ready for shoulder season — the time of year between peak and offseason.

“I like all the seasons,” Kutchera said. “The shoulder season is nice. The weather is probably the nicest of all the seasons — water’s warm now, the air has cooled down a little bit. So it’s really a great time for the beach. But I like the changes.”

AAA advises drivers to expect traffic on the AC Expressway. They say the best times to beat the crowd are before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m. And remember: It will cost an extra dollar now to cross the Delaware River bridges. Tolls went up to $6 on Sept. 1.