Seaside Pokémon

Seaside Heights, New Jersey -- My family has visited the boardwalk in Seaside Heights every year since the mid-1980s. In 1999 (possibly earlier), Pokémon plushies and other Pokémon prizes not only filled the boardwalk's games and arcades, but years later, Pokémon continues to leave its mark on the popular shore getaway.

When you first arrive on the boardwalk, you see the PokéMaze, a funhouse-like attraction, that's been there since at least 1999. For years, I didn't notice it, but in 2008, I was amazed to see that this unofficial exhibit was still there. Normally, 'fake' Pokémon things such as this bother me, but there's something historic and memorable about the local PokéMaze that takes me back to Pokémon's earliest days.

All photos were taken in summer 2009

There isn't much about the PokéMaze that actually resembles Pokémon, but the lettering is perfect!

The other side of the PokéMaze; notice the unofficial "Pokémon" artwork (see below for close-up!)

Rhydon? or Hitmonchan?

Since when is Krabby/Kingler part fire type?

Entrance to the arcade Sonny & Rickey's; this threshold also features fan-made paintings of other popular characters from 1999 including Beanie Babies, Teletubbies, Furbies, and Elmo

This crane game at another arcade may now offer Sinnoh region Pokémon prizes, but the Pikachu picture has likely been there since the Kanto era

Pikachu, Sinnoh Pokémon plushies, plus a few retro Kanto starters!

Large Pikachu prize! A month later, all four on each corner had been won!

More Pokémon plushies prizes

Chimchar all alone; I wish I'd brought my camera last year (2008); there were TONS of Pokémon plushies including entire booths of both Sinnoh and Kanto starters!