The Bachelorette's Rachel Recchia enjoys funnel cake and a kiss at Wildwood Boardwalk

What’s a better date than walking around the Wildwood Boardwalk, playing arcade games and grabbing a slice at The Original Hot Spot with a handsome suitor while wearing a cute trench coat — especially on April 25?

"The Bachelorette'' Rachel Recchia took a page from Heather Burns, who played Cheryl Frasier aka Miss Rhode Island in the movie “Miss Congeniality,” for her hometown date with contestant Tyler Norris of Rio Grande, Cape May County.

In the 2000s movie, Burns (as Frasier) responds to a question about her perfect date in the Q&A portion of the Miss USA pageant.

“I’d have to say April 25th. Because it’s not too hot, not too cold. All you need is a light jacket,” she said.

Fans of the popular ABC show "The Bachelorette" were treated to a big spoiler on Monday for Season 19, which airs in July, with co-bachelorette Recchia’s visit to Wildwood.

Looking for new eats?: 6 new restaurants in Wildwood to check out this summer

New South Jersey restaurants: From Cape May to Cherry Hill, here are 9 places to check out

This season follows Recchia's and Gabby Windey’s journey to find love. The two leads were finalists on season 26 of “The Bachelor” until their romance with Clayton Echard came to an end when he professed feelings for both women and another contestant Susie Evans.

Wildwood visitors were surprised to find the Boardwalk up and running before its seasonal opening.

“We had owners come in and open up their stores, and we had to open up some amusement rides and some games — make it look like it was in season and we're open,” said Ben Rose, marketing and public relations director for the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Authority.

“They filmed all segments of … his hometown and the things that he loves to do … They had a fun day, a fun day on the Boardwalk and then afterward she went and met his parents.”

Rose said the couple enjoyed funnel cakes and curly fries at Morey’s Pier, where they played squirt-gun games and rode the carousel and bumper cars.

The Wildwoods beach cam captured Recchia running up to Norris and embracing him in front of the Wildwoods sign on the Boardwalk.

For about five years, the cam has captured live footage at the Boardwalk, Rose said.

“One thing about the cam — it's so cool because people who are visiting the Wildwoods can go in front of the Wildwood sign and go in front of that cam and call their friends back home and have them go online to see them,” he added.

According to Linkedln, Norris is a graduate of Cabrini University and the owner of Spirit Ball in Wildwood. He isn't the only South Jersey native to make it to the show — though he is one who shared his hometown with the viewers.

More filming: M. Night Shyamalan is filming part of 'Knock at the Cabin' movie in Burlington County

New in Atlantic City: Gordon Ramsay HELL'S KITCHEN to open at Caesars Atlantic City

Haddonfield native Zac Clark came in with an open heart, ready to find love on season 16 of the national TV during the pandemic. Clark won the heart of Tayshia Adams, the the second bachelorette of the season, with a heartfelt engagement at the end. (Clark and Adams have since split.)

On the show, Clark opened up about his battle with addiction, mentioning an "angel" in Camden who led him to his recovery. He visited her back in December of 2020.

But there were no romantic strolls along Kings Highway, brunch at the Bistro or selfies by Haddy the dinosaur.

Unlike Norris, Clark paid tribute to his adopted home of New York City rather than Haddonfield for his hometown date.

News of Norris' hometown date was revealed on Sunday by “Reality Steve,” who regularly follows the show and its participants' goings-on.

Videos and photos on social media further leaked the news and confirmed one of Recchia’s top suitors.

The only issue during their visit was the weather, Rose said. It was chilly Monday with Recchia in a trench coat, so he worries the shots won't be realistic for a July air date.

He reports the couple shared a kiss after the funnel cakes, but wonders whether Norris will be the one to claim Recchia’s heart.

“I did notice after they got the funnel cakes, she kissed him — she turned and kissed him,” he said. “I don't know who she's going to pick, but she was pretty — what’s the word — amorous. She gave the kiss right on the lips.”

“So, who knows what's going to happen (on the show).”

Hira Qureshi covers food and drink for South Jersey at the Courier Post, Burlington County Times and Daily Journal. She can be reached at HQureshi@gannettnj.com or 856-287-8106. Help support local journalism with a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: The Bachelorette's Rachel Recchia films hometown date in Wildwood NJ