Free Toll Friday 2024 on the AC Expressway

They’re doing it again! Chickie’s & Pete’s is continuing their Free Toll Friday tradition ahead of Memorial Day Weekend and paying the toll for all cars headed down the shore this Friday, May 24th from 4-5pm. They’ll pay for the tolls for any cars traveling Eastbound through the Egg Harbor Exit during rush hour this Friday from 4-5pm. It almost makes all the shore traffic tolerable.

“Free Toll Friday is one of my favorite summertime traditions,” said Chickie’s & Pete’s Chairman and CEO Pete Ciarrocchi. “It’s a great way to thank all those who have supported us over the years and kick off the summer in a fun way. It also signifies the official start to summer!"

Chickie's & Pete's has also partnered with the Patriot Fund this Memorial Day Weekend, donating a portion of all proceeds from their “Patriot Punch” cocktail this weekend to The Patriot Fund. For more information on The Patriot Fund and to donate, check HERE. For more about Chickie's and Pete's, check HERE.

There’s also a party (and a nice break from the traffic) for travelers at the Farley Plaza. Stop by the Farley Plaza from 10am-3pm for (you guessed it) free Chickie's & Pete's Crabfries! Yep, complimentary fries, plus food and drink from a bunch of other spots too, including:

If you’ve got a carload of hungry passengers, this year they added food trucks! There are a variety of foods to offer, including treats from:

Even better? There are animals. A petting zoo! They can probably act as 'therapy animals' too if you need it, to help with all that shore traffic. Funny Farm Rescue sanctuary will be there, plus puppy meet and greets with Dalmatian puppies, and the New Jersey State Police K9 dog team too.

Feeling artistic? This year there will be a Sidewalk Chalk Fun Zone. The event will also feature HERO Patrol cars, a classic car Cruise Lot, AC International Airport trucks and equipment, and close to 60 other organizations, vendors, artists and exhibitors.

Find the Farley Plaza between the east and westbound lanes of the AC Expressway. The party’s happening this Friday, May 24th from 10am-3pm.

Drive safe, and have a wonderful weekend. See you down the shore!

If you're a dog owner you may be wondering if there are dog-friendly beaches in this area. There are, and they're right at the Jersey Shore!

Yes, you and your pup are welcome, even during summer. Typically, dogs are not allowed on the beach during the on-season. For good reason, too. Crowded beaches with people who may or may not like dogs are probably not a god idea for your pup. In order to prevent issues, beach towns tend to only allow dogs on beaches from (roughly) October to April.

But, there is a way for you to take your dog to the beach without freezing solid. And that is the beautiful world of dog-friendly beaches. A world of sand and sun and happy doggies frolicking in the water. These beaches are close enough for a day-trip from Philadelphia, and your dog will thank you. The spring and summer get pretty dang hot. It's only fair to let your fur-baby get in on the fun of a shore trip.

A tip, though. Be prepared for sand, and a lot of it. As long as you account for a wet and sandy puppy, it'll be a good time. But that's the fun of it, right? Letting your dog enjoy something you enjoy, too. It's okay that they get a bit messy on ya!

If you're looking to make a vacation of it, don't fret. There are also dog-friendly rentals in every shore town. So you and your furry friend can stay and lounge in style. Make the trip to check out one of these awesome dog-friendly beaches.

Longport Dog Beach is an off-leash dog beach located at Malibu Beach Wildlife Management area in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Dogs of all sizes are allowed to play in the sand and water, unrestricted. It's open year-round for your pup to play. But of course, what makes it paw-mazing is that you can visit during the summer months. A rarity at the Jersey Shore!

Look for the giant fire hydrant sculpture. There you will find a doggy heaven. Wildwood Dog Park and Beach in Wildwood, NJ is a dog-friendly spot where owners can walk their dog under the boardwalk and access the beach. There is plenty of room for you and your fur-baby to bask in the sun and take a swim. Dogs must be leashed on the beach itself, but the fenced-in dog park is leash-free!

The Eighth Avenue Dog Beach in Asbury Park, NJ welcomes pups all year long. From September to May, you dog is free to play all day long. In the summertime, though, you and your doggo should plan an early morning or evening visit. Dogs are prohibited between 8:30 am and 6:00 pm. But when your dog can step on the beach, an off-leash run at this popular beach will be in order.

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