MANASQUAN, N.J. (PIX11) -- Time to turn down the music, walk to your spot on the beach a bit more leisurely, and take in the sounds of the ocean post-Labor Day. It's local summer.
"It's when all the locals get together and they all finally enjoy their local beaches," said Kyle Lucas, owner of Surf & Sun Shop.
Steve Buontempo became a Manasquan local about a year ago. "It's tremendous," said Buontempo. "It's a dream come true."
No longer a 'shoobie,' he still embraces visitors to enjoy the same beach he calls home. "It's a time for the people that live here to come enjoy the beach without a lot of the crowds, even though the summer's great, crowds are great, it's a good time for everybody," said Buontempo.
"It's empty and it's quiet, yes it's wonderful," said Lisa Dickstein of Staten Island.
Long lines outside The Osprey give way to calm walks along the beach, a special place for many people.
"We still consider ourselves locals, we grew up here," said Kim Ruppert, now a resident of California. "We're getting into our 70s, let's do a bucket list and go back to the 'Squan."
Siblings Ruppert, Lauren Christoffersen, and Jill Perez now live in California, Texas, and Tennessee respectively, and picked this time of year to come back home.
"The beach is always so much nicer and so much calmer," said Perez.
Locals or not, all who graced the sand on Tuesday were blessed with a nearly perfect day.
"Manasquan's the best ocean town around," said Tricia Winstead.
As many businesses wind down for the season, there's always a trade-off.
"The only downside is the playa bowls is not open," said Mary Beth Patterson.
Not to worry - there's always next summer.
