Annual 'Top Ten Beaches' Contest Returns For 2014

So, what's your favorite Jersey Shore beach?

It's a nice question to have to think about during one of the snowiest, coldest winters on record in New Jersey. This year, an annual contest to declare the winner returns after a single year hiatus following Superstorm Sandy – and voting started this week.

The contest, organized each year by the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, is aimed at promoting tourism, fostering awareness of the state's coastal resources and, of course, providing bragging rights to one lucky Shore town.

"This year we're asking people to take a little time to really think about the criteria that make the places they pick worthy of winning a spot on the 2014 Top Ten list," said Kim Kosko, NJSGC spokeswoman. "We want them to realize how important our beaches and other coastal assets are and that we're all responsible for their well-being. What we do today directly impacts the future of shore communities."

New for 2014, voters are being encouraged to consider a number of criteria for selecting their favorite beach, including cost, amenities and the breadth of natural resources in the area.

The contest took a hiatus last year following Sandy, since the NJSGC hosted "Making More Shore Memories," a photo calendar contest instead.

Those who want to vote for their favorite beach can do so at http://www.njtoptenbeaches.org/.