Some truths in life are indisputable, including the facts that change is inevitable and the more things change, the more they stay the same. Perhaps this last one is nowhere truer than on Long Beach Island. Touted for its pristine beaches and laid-back vibe, there is more to the Island than just sun, sand and sea.

Hard to imagine? Maybe, but annually thousands of visitors return to the barrier island in the hope of re-creating some of the best days of their lives, while others arrive for their…