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This Weeks News 7/28/2022

"Stone Harbor" is a new song created by local singer Holdyn Barder, about his favorite place! 
 
"STONE HARBOR" is Holdyn Barder's favorite place, and he's written a song about it titled, of course, "Stone Harbor!" The music video was shot in Stone Harbor and Avalon over several days, and contains countless scenes from across the island. 98th Street, the Fishin' Pier Grill, Hoy's 5 & 10--watch the video and listen to the lyrics, and see how many local references you hear and see!

HOLDYN BARDER - STONE HARBOR (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO, YOUTUBE)
 
12 MUST DO ITEMS: A SUMMER VACATION CHECKLIST: Whether you're here for a week, or all summer, you don't want to miss any essential vacation fun!  

1. Hit the beach!
    
2. Have breakfast at Uncle Bill's, the Fishin' Pier Grille, or Brian's Waffle House!
    
3. Get ice cream at Avalon Freeze, Springers, or your favorite shop!
    
4. Visit Kohler's, Donna's, Mallon's, or Duck Donuts for early morning treats!
    
5. Get coffee at Avalon Coffee, Coffee Talk, or Cafe Noir!
    
6. Buy a box of fudge or saltwater taffy!
    
7. Send a postcard to a friend at home!
    
8. Buy a t-shirt or hoodie with "Avalon" or "Stone Harbor" on it!
    
9. Visit Hoy's 5 & 10, Avalon Hardware, or Seashore ACE for a boogie board, bucket & shovel, a bottle of sun block, or any household item you forgot to bring!
    
10. Take a day trip to Cape May, the Wildwood Boardwalk, the Ocean City Boardwalk, or the Cape May County Zoo!
     
11. Catch a sunrise on the beach or sunset over the bay!
     
12. Submit your 2023 rental reservation request to our office, to guarantee summer fun again next year!

SANTA IS IN TOWN THIS WEEK, vacationing in Stone Harbor through Friday, July 29th!  Catch the big guy on the beach or at various locations throughout town, where he'll talk with kids and pose for pictures.
 
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PARADE AND FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL: Saturday evening Stone Harbor's bayfront comes to life as decorated boats will parade the waterfront, and bayfront homes will be lit up with decorations. At the Municipal Marina at 81st & the bay the borough will host a viewing party complete with food trucks and beverages, from 7pm to 10pm. The boat parade kicks off at 8pm from the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, and the boats will tour the bayfront and finish in front of the Municipal Marina. Lights, music, boats, food, fun--it's an event you don't want to miss!

YACHT CLUB OF STONE HARBOR- PARADE INFORMATION 
 
NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS left over after your vacation can help fight hunger! Turn in your keys, drop off your unopened non-perishable food items! Long & Foster has drop boxes at each of our offices (2743 Dune Drive and 150 96th Street). All food items will be donated to a local food bank to help those who need it.  
 
GET OUT ON THE WATER! KAYAK TOURS! Did you know that the Wetlands Institute offers morning and evening kayak tours on the back bay? Kayaking is a relaxing, enjoyable way to experience local waterways and all area's wildlife, all while silently gliding through the water. Kayak tours are offered multiple times per week, and cost $60 per person. Call the Wetlands Institute at 609-368-1211 for information and reservations!

 

This Weeks News 7/21/2022

Perhaps no vessel brings as much joy and provides so many options to its captain and passengers than a small boat! See below for boat rental options!
 
DOLPHINS HAVE BEEN SEEN in the back bay! A school of splashing dolphins was seen behind Stone Harbor a few days ago, bringing joy to those lucky enough to spot them. Though not common, dolphins do swim in the back bays from time to time as they pursue schools of small fish for food. Keep an eye peeled for them if you're out on the bay!
 
BEACH REPLENISHMENT is expected in both Avalon and Stone Harbor during the 2022-2023 off season. But according to a recent Cape May County Herald article, all sand for the project will come from Townsend's Inlet, including sand for Stone Harbor's beaches. That will necessitate pumping sand several miles, since sand cannot be borrowed from Hereford Inlet due to an interpretation the Coastal Barrier Resources Act by the US Fish and Wildlife service several years ago. If you're a Herald subscriber, read the article here:

SAND COMING TO AVALON, STONE HARBOR BEACHES
 
ROLLING CARTS will be used in Avalon for trash and recycling collection beginning in May, 2023. The transition to the 96-gallon carts is expected to help reduce costs and protect the environment, while attracting competitive bids for private trash collection. Carts will be microchipped so in the event they are displaced by a storm or other event they can be returned to their owners. The borough will provide every household with one trash cart and one recycling cart in advance of the change.  
In Stone Harbor, minor changes are already in effect for this year: side-yard pick up will continue, but cans must be outside fenced areas by 7am on collection day. Cans will then be returned to the same location after collection.

 

MARKET STATS: The number of units sold increased slightly during the month of June versus the same month last year, while the number of active listings increased as well. The median sale price in June was $2,600,000, down slightly versus last June. For a detailed look at the market, check out the latest Long & Foster Market Minute below.
 

 
VIEW THE LATEST LONG & FOSTER MARKET MINUTE REPORT  |  DOWNLOAD/PRINT PDF

 

CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS!  

The Avalon Chamber of Commerce 2022 Summer Memories Photo Contest is on! Submit your favorite 2022 Avalon photo to info@visitavalonnj.com!



The 7th Annual Stone Harbor Property Owners Association Amateur Photo Contest is on! If you've taken a great Stone Harbor photo this year, enter it in the contest! Scan the QR code below for details.

 

GET OUT ON THE WATER: RENTAL BOATS! Don't own a boat?  No problem! Why not become a captain for a day and rent a small boat? Fishing the back bays, crabbing in a small creek, touring area waterways, spotting wildlife, and general sightseeing are just a few of the options available to those who rent a small power skiff or pontoon boat. You don't need a boater's license (or even boat experience--instruction is provided at the time of your rental!) Try it out with the kids or grandkids and enjoy the area's waterways from a new perspective! Here are a few nearby locations where boats can be rented:
 
Whale Creek Marina--Strathmere (skiffs & pontoon boats)
 
Minmar Marine--at the foot of Sea Isle Boulevard (14'-21' boats)
 
Larsen's Marina--at the foot of Sea Isle Boulevard (16' skiffs)
 
Pier 88 Marina--88th Street, Sea Isle City (pontoon boats & skiffs)
 
Dad's Place Marina--Ocean Drive, North Wildwood (skiffs, center consoles, pontoon boats)
 
Grassy Sound Marina--Ocea Drive, North Wildwood (pontoon boats)
 
Pier 47 Marina--Route 47, Wildwood (skiffs, pontoon boats)

 

This Weeks News 7/14/2022

Avalon Bay Park Marina is one of the ways you can enjoy local waterways and views. The pier (at 53rd Street) offers westerly views of the bay and marsh.
 
WELCOME TO SUMMER--IT'S PRIME TIME! That's right, were in the midst of great summer weather, loads of activities on & around the island, and the buzz of happy crowds on the beach, at local shops & restaurants, and everywhere in between. Take time to enjoy it!
 
AVALON LIFEGUARDS WIN CHAMPIONSHIP! The Avalon Beach Patrol placed first in three events to win the Cape May County Lifeguard Championship team title last weekend. Avalon finished with 26 team points, while Sea Isle City finished with 22. Wildwood and Cape May each had 19 points. Congratulations to the Avalon Beach Patrol!
 


THE STARFISH, a well know fishing & cruising boat berthed in Sea Isle City, was damaged when it collided with the Townsend's Inlet Bridge Monday. The vessel suffered damage and began taking on water, listing heavily to one side. The 22 passengers on board were rescued by good samaritans. The US Coast Guard and SeaTow responded to the incident, helping to pump seawater out of the vessel to keep it afloat. 6ABC in Philadelphia reported on the incident:

22 RESCUED FROM SINKING BOAT IN SEA ISLE CITY, NJ - 6ABC.COM
 
OTTERS have been spotted playing on and around local docks. The cute creatures are often spotted in local bay waters during the summer months, and have even been known to carefully open minnow boxes and bait buckets tied to docks in order to feast on the contents inside. As interesting and amusing as they are, it's best to give them space and not approach too closely.
 
STONE HARBOR POINT has reopened to visitors after beach damage from late spring storms was repaired. The 123rd Street parking lot and pedestrian access ramps to the beach and Point are open. If you've never visited Stone Harbor Point, you'll be amazed by its size, wildlife, and natural beauty. At low tide you can walk from the beach side around to the bay side. There is also an elevated observation platform, which is a great location to get a "big picture" view of the Point. If you visit, remember to stay off dune areas and follow directions on signage.
 
INTEREST RATES have eased by more than a quarter point in recent days. If you are planning to finance a shore purchase, this may be an excellent time to lock in your interest rate. Need a reliable mortgage lender? Call or email me for a referral!
 
GET OUT ON THE WATER: PIERS & DOCKS! For those who'd like to experience the water without actually being on the water, local piers and docks are a great way to do that. From fishing and crabbing to taking in sunsets and beautiful views, here are some places to check out:
 
Avalon bayfront piers: 8th Street pier; 5th Avenue pier (at 20th Street); 6th Avenue pier (at 22nd Street); 23rd Street pier; 33rd Street pier; Avalon Bay Park Marina pier at 53rd Street.
 
Stone Harbor bayfront piers: 80th & 81st Street Municipal Marina; 83rd Street pier.
 
In addition to piers, dozens of streets in both towns end at the bay and offer areas to fish, crab, or view the water.
 
Oceanfront piers: If ocean waves and sunrises are more your style, check out the ocean front pavilion at Avalon's 21st Street beach, and the pier at the 30th Street beach (you can walk Avalon's oceanfront boardwalk between the two.) Stone Harbor offers two covered oceanfront piers at 88th Street and 101st Street.

 

This Weeks News 7/7/2022

Old Glory and a US Air Force flag wave over the bay as a magnificent fireworks display takes place over the beach on July 4th.
 
WHAT A WEEKEND! Three days of great weather brought huge crowds to local beaches, restaurants, and shops. Bicycles cruised the streets, boats cruised the waters, kids played mini golf, and more, all weekend long! On Monday night both Avalon and Stone Harbor celebrated our nation's birthday with huge fireworks displays over the beach.
 
GET OUT ON THE WATER: SAILING! There's nothing like harnessing the power of the wind and gliding across the water! Sailing, whether in a small boat like a Sunfish, or a large keelboat, is an enjoyable, relaxing, lifelong activity. Fortunately there are a couple of ways to experience sailing even if your don't own your own sailboat:

Ocean City Sailing Foundation: sailing lessons by experience instructors, for those of all ages.  

Corinthian Yacht Club of Cape May: private lessons available for beginners or advanced sailors.  

Baycats, Ocean City: Hobie Catamaran rentals available. 

Avalon Yacht Club, Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, and Yacht Club of Sea Isle City offer sailing instruction for members, or members' children.
 


ESCAPE REALITY for two minutes and enjoy this aerial tour of Townsend's Inlet between Avalon and Sea Isle City. The bridge, waves, boats and cars take on a new look when viewed from high above!

WATCH THE VIDEO (YOUTUBE.COM)
 
THE AVALON PLANNING BOARD will continue discussion about permitted uses in the B-1 zoning district, including boutique hotels, at its next meeting on July 12th at 6pm. Those interested are invited to attend, and to comment during the public comment portion of the meeting.
 
THE RINGFINDER has saved the day many times already this summer! John Favano of Ringfinders South Jersey uses his metal detection equipment to find lost rings, keys, jewelry, and other items. Recent recoveries include a ring from World War II, an engagement ring, a wedding band, and a gold chain and charm. If you've lost something in the sand (or elsewhere), John recommends noting the location or area as precisely as possible, and then calling him at (215) 850-0188. For more info on Ringfinders South Jersey, visit:

JOHN FAVANO, THE RING FINDERS METAL DETECTING SERVICE INC.
 
THE REAL ESTATE MARKET continues to be active on the island. Increased interest rates have slowed activity somewhat, but properties are still selling, as demand remains strong. For buyers, additional listings mean more choices are available not. Interested in buying or selling? Please call or email me today!