If you're anything like this Phillyist, you abhor the Olive Gardens and Applebees of the world, and opt for the local "mom and pop" shops with their homemade foods and servers that know you by name. The shore is the best place to get that "mom and pop" vibe. Because, with the short four-month season and location, location, location, it's not easy for chains to justify setting up shop down the shore. Check out this article from the New York Times that explains more.

Looking for some "mom and pop" shops at the Jersey shore? Here are some suggestions for this weekend: Bradley's in Stone Harbor has some of the best cheesesteaks south of Philly. Heck, they could probably compete with the Pat's and Geno's of our world. Coffee.Comedy in Sea Isle City has WIFI, live entertainment, and obviously coffee and comedy shows. And, for something different, try southwestern cuisine at Gecko's in Cape May. Gecko's is a favorite among locals.

WWE Raw Live is on Friday in Wildwood. There will also be a block party from 4 to 7 pm across the street from the Wildwood Convention Center.

Philadelphia Soul Summer Slam is in Wildwood.

Philomena Monastero Boardwalk for the Cure is in Wildwood.

The North Wildwood Flea Market is on Sunday.

United Way of Cape May County's Rubber Ducky Regatta is in Wildwood.

This article lists some great happy hours and bar games throughout the Jersey shore.

Maroon 5 and Counting Crows on Friday at the Borgata.

KT Tunstall is at the Music Box in the Borgata on Friday.

Chaka Khan with special guest Musiq Soulchild are at the Borgata on Saturday.

STP will be at the Borgata on Saturday.

Gladys Knight is at the Tropicana on Friday and Saturday.

Comedian Robert Schimmel will be at the Trump Marina on Saturday.

This sounds cool. The Downbeach Film Festival is all weekend long. Click here for locations and times.

In Cape May there's the Amateur Sand Sculpting Competition on Friday.

Trying to plan a day trip? Head to Historic Smithville (15 minutes from Atlantic City) for the day.

Image Credit: Flickr user Jeff Kubina