The VIBE
Located in the picturesque town of Beach Haven, on Long Beach Island (on the Jersey Shore), Windward at the Beach is a beautiful Victorian, built circa 1900, that has been converted into studio, one room and two room efficiency mini-apartment suites. Located adjacent to Bicentennial Park, in the Historic District, the Inn is just 200 feet to the white sand beach and warm water of the Atlantic. The Inn has a beachy vibe, inviting guests to relax and unwind on the breezy enclosed porch, or to gather round the outdoor dining areas. Some guests mingle; some guests retreat. Kids find friends; adults find time to read a book. Every day is an adventure. Expect the unexpected at the remodeled Windward at the Beach.
A bit on Beach Haven, NJ: Located on the barrier island of Long Beach Island, the sand stretches fine and white for a full 18 miles. Just four blocks gets you across to the bayside, for a whole different dimension. The town of Beach Haven was the center of activity at the turn of the 20th century. Victorians from this era dot the town, with a Historical District stretching through downtown. Restaurants, shops and nite spots are abundant and just a short stroll from Windward at the Beach. Evening concerts in the park, even first-rate theater productions, are just a shells throw from the Windward. For more on Beach Haven activities see our ADVENTURE page for more.
A bit of Windward history: Over thirty-five years ago, the adventure began. Tammie, just a young thing, decided to spend the summer in Beach Haven. Her folks, Fred & Jeanne, visited a couple of times, were hooked on the LBI lifestyle, and voila- before you could say early retirement, they were the proud owners of the Windward Manor Inn. Fast track thirty years, and it was a whirlwind of events for daughter Tammie- California, college, marriage to Chris, babies, etc., and of course frequent visits to the Jersey Shore. Even Chris, Hawaiian born, California bred, was hooked on the white sand and unique vibe of Beach Haven.
In 2004 Fred & Jeanne sold the Windward and retired for real (sort of) to Reno, NV, to be close to their grandkids in Tahoe/Truckee. Fred spent the time writing a book about innkeeping (Innkeepers Key to Success). Meanwhile the Perkins (Chris & Tammie + Jake & Hailey) and the extended family missed LBI terribly. California has some great beaches, but the gravitational pull of Beach Haven was awfully strong. When the opportunity arose to buy back the Windward, they jumped on it.
"Our son Jake is a freshman at Dartmouth, and our daughter Hailey will be sailing through high school, so we thought we could juggle our dual lifestyles skiing in Tahoe, and surfing on LBI," says Tammie. With a new name, Windward at the Beach, the adventure begins anew.