If you were expecting a boardwalk in either Avalon or Stone Harbor, you'll have to continue on down the coast to the Wildwoods because that's where you'll find the next boardwalk, and this boardwalk is world-famous for many reasons. Depending on your research, some say that the "Wildwoods-by-the-Sea" are made up of three different communities, and others say there are five. In order, they are Wildwood, North Wildwood, West Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and Diamond beach (part of Lower Township). For our purposes, the "Wildwoods" are built on a five-mile-long barrier island and home to a boardwalk that is over 2 ½ miles long and runs for 38 city blocks. The Wildwood boardwalk was built at the turn of the last century, and its claim-to-fame is well founded because it has more rides than Disneyland, is bigger than Coney Island, and first-time visitors will discover no less than five amusement piers, including the world-renowned Morey's Piers amusement complex and Raging Waters water park (owned and operated by Morey's Piers), arcade games, carousels, world-class roller coasters, restaurants, fudge from the kettle, funnel cakes, ice cream, saltwater taffy, a movie theater, souvenir shops, carnival games, the convention center and the Boardwalk Chapel. In the summer trams run the boards from sunrise to sunset, and the old-fashioned trolley runs all year long. Add to this the fabulous Doo-Wop architecture of the hotels, motels and other buildings, and you may be moved to take the Doo-Wop trolley tour to see all the sights. After all, you're in the Doo-Wop Capital of the World, and you shouldn't miss seeing why this area is a living tribute to the time when Rock and Roll was King, Dick Clark and American Bandstand were still in Philadelphia, and Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon and Fabian were at the height of their popularity! Obviously, you won't miss the beach when you stroll the boardwalk because it's an incredible beach, indeed. There's fun, sun, and more at the Jersey shore in the "Wildwoods-by-the-Sea," and the boardwalk is a huge part of the attraction that draws people from far and near. The year-round population of the area may be just 5,436 people (2000 census), but there are far more visitors that come to have fun along this boardwalk - and there's more than enough room for everyone with so many things to enjoy. For more information call 609-729-9000, or go online to www.wildwoodsnj.com