Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and for many locals on the Jersey Shore, it’s not just a time to say goodbye to beach days and boardwalk nights—it’s also the moment when the BENNYs pack up their towels and head back north. For those unfamiliar with the term, BENNYs are the visitors from North Jersey and New York who flock to the Jersey Shore every summer, filling the beaches, restaurants, and roads.
The name “BENNY” is a long-standing, somewhat affectionate yet exasperated nickname, supposedly derived from the first letters of Bayonne, Elizabeth, Newark, and New York.
So, should we be popping champagne bottles in celebration when they leave?
For the locals, the departure of BENNYs often feels like the return of their hometown. Streets are less crowded, you can finally get a parking spot close to your favorite ice cream shop, and the beaches are blissfully quiet. After a summer of dodging tourists and waiting in lines, the Shore transforms back into the peaceful paradise locals adore. It’s not just about physical space either. The vibe changes. Gone are the chaotic weekenders looking for a good time, replaced by the laid-back, easygoing energy that defines the Shore in the off-season.
But beneath the surface of this relief lies a more complex reality. While the departure of BENNYs might mean peace and quiet, it also marks the end of a significant economic boost.
These summer visitors are the lifeblood of the local economy, filling hotel rooms, packing restaurants, and buying every last bit of saltwater taffy. Many Shore businesses rely on that seasonal influx of tourists to make it through the rest of the year. So when we’re celebrating the end of summer, we might also be cheering the exit of the very people who help keep these communities afloat.
There’s also the undeniable fact that BENNYs bring a certain energy to the Shore that simply vanishes after Labor Day. Love them or hate them, they give the area a pulse. The excitement, the events, the hustle and bustle—they all die down when the BENNYs head home. Suddenly, it’s a lot easier to get a table at your favorite spot, but you might find that the spot isn’t quite the same without the lively buzz of summer crowds.
And let’s not forget that some BENNYs have been coming to the Shore for generations, creating family traditions and memories that span decades.
To them, the Jersey Shore isn’t just a summer fling—it’s a second home. Their presence, while sometimes overwhelming, is part of what makes the Shore the vibrant, diverse place that it is. Without them, the local culture would be missing a key ingredient.
So, should we really be celebrating the departure of BENNYs each year? Maybe the answer isn’t so straightforward. While there’s no denying the appeal of a quiet September beach or a traffic-free drive down Ocean Avenue, there’s also a bittersweetness to the post-Labor Day calm.
The end of summer means more than just the exit of tourists; it signals a shift in the very heartbeat of the Jersey Shore.
In the end, perhaps it’s best to embrace both sides of the coin.
Celebrate the return of peace and quiet, but also acknowledge the vital role that BENNYs play in making the Shore what it is. After all, when Memorial Day rolls around again, you just might find yourself looking forward to their return.
