Take a stroll along one of New Jersey’s famous boardwalks on a Saturday afternoon, and you’ll understand why they’re considered one of the state’s premier tourist attractions. On one side is the deep blue Atlantic Ocean, waves rolling in and crashing against the beach; on the other, a line of colorful shops and attractions stretching down the coast as far as you can see. Ocean City, which was a regular weekend destination for my family during the long summer holiday, is home to one of the best boardwalks on the entire East Coast.

Among the amusement park rides, souvenir shops, and minigolf places, you might spot a little red-and-white awning with a line of people out front. The sign has a name scrawled in red cursive, like an autograph. That’s Johnson’s Popcorn, an Ocean City landmark and legendary boardwalk treat.

Johnson’s is most famous for its caramel popcorn, which we simply call caramel corn. In fact, the boardwalk is known for quite a few different snacks: funnel cake, saltwater taffy, and fudge, to name a few. But Johnson’s is particularly good in any season and comes in several different flavors, which is why my brothers and I often requested it during our summer weekends at the beach. On Tripadvisor, Johnson’s page is filled with glowing reviews:

“This place has been a cornerstone of every summer vacation. It defines the Jersey shore.”

“The service is great, people are friendly and all the flavors are DELICIOUS!”

“God, we are close to heaven.”

Back in February, my mom sent me an amazing care package: a giant tin full of caramel corn! Of course, I had to open it immediately and have a handful. There was enough to share with friends and family here in Japan, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. As tempting as it was to eat the whole batch at once, I paced myself and managed to make it last about two weeks. The decorative tin will be useful for holding things in the kitchen or living room, but nothing beats the original contents!

Although I love my life in Japan, I feel a lot of nostalgia for certain places back at home. A little taste of caramel corn brings some of those memories flooding back: the sound of breaking waves and seagulls overhead, the smell of saltwater, and the carnival-like energy of the Ocean City boardwalk.