Seaside Pokémon

PokéMaze (1999-2010)

Seaside Heights, New Jersey -- My family has visited the boardwalk in Seaside Heights (we're local) 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 (unless otherwise noted) were taken in summer 2009; I have been informed that the PokéMaze is no longer in existence as of 2011, remade as "Pirates' Island" (thanks Riva!)

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 Unfortunately, the threshold art was no longer there in 2010 :(

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 at "Frog Bog"! 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!

Summer 2010

Several small plushies, including some Pokémon that hadn't been available before; this display shows Mantyke, Chimchar, Croagunk, Pikachu, Piplup, and Sudowoodo

Piplup, along with Pikachu and Croakgunk (see photos below), were among the Pokémon prizes at the Frog Bog game

More Piplup, shown with the "Frog Bog" sign!

Just like last year, a large Pikachu on each corner, and several Croagunk, an appropriate prize for winning "Frog Bog"!

Life-size Croagunk...hopefully protecting girls on the beach from guys like Brock! : P ...just kidding! We love you, Brock, and we will miss you!

I was so happy to see DP Pokémon for yet another summer...

Next year hoping to see Black & White!