Meet the Author and Travel Expert Who Walked Every Mile of the Jersey Shore

By Steffen Klenk

On April 1st, over 100 days ago, New Jersey-based author and playwright R.C. Staab set out on a mission to walk the entire length of the Jersey Shore, from Sandy Hook to Cape May. Staab was motivated to take on this invigorating, physical challenge following the events of the past year. “I wanted to really understand all of the beaches and how different they are.”

Along his trek, Staab discovered the many landmarks that make up the Jersey Shore. From the towering Atlantic City skyline to the Longport jetty, to iconic landmarks such as Lucy the Elephant and Barnegat Lighthouse, Staab has seen it all. He has even made some interesting discoveries along his journey, discovering an often-forgotten stretch of undeveloped land at Stone Harbor Point. This stretch of beach adds an extra mile to this the island.

Staab completed the walk last week in Cape May Point, where the ocean and Delaware Bay meet. Over 40 pages of his journey are documented online at jerseyshorewalk.com. There, you can view stories and photos from every beach town up and down the Jersey Shore, along with unique facts and findings discovered during his venture.

Before moving to New Jersey, Staab lived in Philadelphia, where he worked for the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Once living in Brigantine, Staab now resides in Sea Bright.

At the height of the pandemic, Staab’s latest book was published by Ready Press: “100 Things to Do at the Jersey Shore Before You Die.” The book contains up-to-date information on noteworthy activities, places to eat, shop, dine, see live entertainment, or learn about the culture and history of our precious shores. “There are many books about the history of the Jersey Shore, but not something that shows you what’s around today.”

In this book, you may discover new places to explore or activities for the entire family. Did you know that the Philadelphia Phillies have a farm team right here in New Jersey? The Jersey Shore BlueClaws play their home games in Lakewood, only a one-hour drive away up the parkway.

This book also shares unique locations that people might not be aware of. One area that is mentioned in his book is Great Bay Boulevard in Tuckerton. If you look at this small two-lane road on a map, it might look like it leads to nowhere, but is a prime spot for nature enthusiasts. Staab describes his encounter with local wildlife. “I had the amazing experience of seeing fifty white egrets altogether in one place, and you don’t know when they’ll be there again.”

Since the book’s release one year ago, it has been selling well, with a second printing scheduled for later this year. The 100 Things to Do series has been written by various authors, covering popular cities, counties and regions.

Whether you are visiting the Jersey Shore or looking to discover all that our region has to offer, “100 Things to Do at the Jersey Shore Before you Die” is the ultimate go-to guide. Staab hopes this latest chapter will give people a reason to come back long after the summer is over. “It’s for people who are adventurous, for people who want to go out and try something new.

“100 Things to Do at the Jersey Shore Before you Die” is available in paperback at the Birds Eye View store, inside Staintons in Ocean City. There, you will find several autographed copies for sale. You can also purchase the book online by visiting 100thingsjerseyshore.com.

Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.

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