2025

Jan

Feb

March

April

May

June

July

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

 February 27, 2025

Lifeguard stands are lined up outside the Stone Harbor Beach Patrol building.  In a couple of months they'll start appearing on the beaches.

In The News:

BEACH TAGGER: THE QUINTESSENTIAL SUMMER JOB.  Avalon has posted a job notice for beach tag booth staff.  In addition to being a great sign that the summer season is drawing near, it's a fun was to spend your summer!  If you are interested in the job, or know someone who is, check out the job description here
 
THUNDER OVER THE OCEAN:  Wildwood has announced that it will hold a new airshow over its beaches on September 5th & 6th.  Widely seen as a replacement for the Atlantic City Airshow, which has not been held the past couple of years, the Wildwood show will feature jet teams, but the US Air Force Thunderbirds or US Navy Blue Angels will not attend this year.  The city hopes the make the show an annual event. 
 
THE SS UNITED STATES, the fastest cruise ship ever built, made her final transit down the Delaware River and through the Delaware Bay last Thursday.  Numerous charter and party vessels had booked trips so passengers could view the famous vessel as she passed between Cape May and Lewes, Delaware one last time, but the tug boat guiding the United States down the River and Bay made such good time that she passed by in the dark of night, very early last Thursday morning, well ahead of her predicted schedule.  Most vessels had cancelled their planned trips the night before.  The United States had spent the past three decades tied up at a Pier in Philadelphia, and had been visible from many locations along the Delaware River.  The SS United States Conservancy had hoped to restore or repurpose the ship, but it was not to be.  She'll be towed to Mobile, Alabama, where she'll be readied for sinking, then she'll become an artificial reef off Okaloosa County, Florida.
 
FULL TIME TOLL COLLECTORS will soon be a thing of the past on Cape May County's Ocean Drive bridges.  Effective April 1st, the bridges will collect tolls via EZPass, or via a bill mailed to drivers without it.  The drawbridges will still need to be opened for vessel traffic, so about a dozen former toll collectors will remain to handle that responsibility.  Many of Cape May County's bridges are several decades old, and have undergone extensive maintenance and repair in recent years.  Some, such as the 96th Street Bridge in Stone Harbor are slated for replacement with a new drawbridge, while others, such as the Middle Thorofare Bridge, connecting the Wildwoods with Cape May, may eventually be replaced with fixed bridges high enough to accommodate vessel traffic without movable spans.

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UPCOMING EVENTS: 

Atlantic City Boat Show.  Dozens of boats, boat dealers, vendors, diplays, and seminars. Atlantic City Convention Center, February 26th to March 2nd.  For tickets and info visit  www.ACBoatShow.com 
 
Shop-A-Holics.  Deep discounts at participating stores.  Thursday—Saturday, March 6th to 8th. 
 
Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge Weekend: 

Friday, March 14th:

Pre-Shiver Party at Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, 6pm to 9pm.  $35, pay at the door, includes Irish Buffet.  Cash bar, Shiver Auction, DJ, meet the 2024 Shiver King & Queen. 
 
Saturday, March 15th:

10am: Kegs & Eggs at Fred;s Tavern.
 
Noon: Parade leaves Fred’s for the Women’s Club Parking Lot. 
 
12:15-1pm: Shiver Showdown competition for 'Best of' the Shiver categories. 
 
Approximately 1:15pm: Head to the water’s edge and wait for the cannon to sound before you hit the chilly Atlantic Ocean. 
 
After Party back at Fred's Tavern. 

Register here

Cape May Beer Trail.  Three breweries, flight tastings, lunch. Saturday, March 15th. Info and tickets
 
Roller Skating at Cape May Convention Hall.  Roller skating with available rentals.  Cape May Convention Hall, Fridays 4-6pm and 6:30-8:30pm; Saturdays & Sundays 1-3pm and 4-6pm, through March 16th. 
 
Stone Harbor’s Sip & Shop Weekend.  Shop, sip, and sample your way around amazing shops, boutiques, spas, businesses, and restaurants!  All day, April 4th & 5th.

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february 20.2025

Sunday evening, we were greeted with dramatic clouds and a beautiful sunset, thanks to an arriving cold front.  In this view the Avalon Boulevard Bridge is visible as seen from the end of 21st Street.  Thanks to Travis Marshall for sharing this beautiful scene with us!

In The News:

STRONG WINDS buffeted the area around the time of Sunday evening's sunset, as a cold front arrived.  Blustery winds ushered in dramatic cloud formations over the island and the beach, with a glowing sunset underneath.  Wooded areas of the county experienced fallen tree branches and temporary power outages.  It remained windy for a couple of days but has since subsided.


MARKET STATS: The number of properties sold during the month of January increased compared to a year ago, as did the average price.  The number of active listings fell during the month, but was still up compared to a year ago.  For a detailed look at the market see the latest Long & Foster Market
 
DREAMING OF SUMMER?  Perhaps cold temperatures and wintry weather has you dreaming of a day on the beach with friends, or evening cocktails on the deck, or a warm sunset over the bay.  Why not take steps to ensure you get to enjoy those things in your favorite shore town?  Whether you need a week's vacation, or you want to make it permanent, let's talk!  Call or email me today and I'll help you find the perfect shore house!
 
MORAN'S DOCKSIDE will run the Avalon Sport Fishing Center again this year, as they have since 1988.  Last week Avalon Borough Council approved a new one-year contract with Moran's, with an option to renew for four additional years.  In addition to bait, tackle, ice, and other fishing supplies, Moran's Dockside offers sandwiches and hoagies, along with a place to sit and eat while overlooking the bay.  In addition to Moran's, the Avalon Sport Fishing Center is home to the Miss Avalon and several other sport fishing vessels; it's located at 14th Street and Ocean Drive.

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UPCOMING EVENTS: 

Atlantic City Boat Show.  Dozens of boats, boat dealers, vendors, diplays, and seminars. Atlantic City Convention Center, February 26th to March 2nd.  For tickets and info visit  www.ACBoatShow.com 
 
Shop-A-Holics.  Deep discounts at participating stores.  Thursday—Saturday, March 6th to 8th. 
 
Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge Weekend

Friday, March 14th:

Pre-Shiver Party at Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, 6pm to 9pm.  $35, pay at the door, includes Irish Buffet.  Cash bar, Shiver Auction, DJ, meet the 2024 Shiver King & Queen. 

Saturday, March 15th:

10am: Kegs & Eggs at Fred's Tavern.

Noon: Parade leaves Fred's for the Women’s Club Parking Lot. 

12:15-1pm: Shiver Showdown competition for “Best of” the Shiver categories. 

Approximately 1:15pm: Head to the water's edge and wait for the cannon to sound before you hit the chilly Atlantic Ocean. 

After Party back at Fred's Tavern. Register here

Cape May Beer Trail.  Three breweries, flight tastings, lunch. Saturday, March 15th.  Info and tickets
 
Roller Skating at Cape May Convention Hall.  Roller skating with available rentals.  Cape May Convention Hall, Fridays 4-6pm and 6:30-8:30pm; Saturdays & Sundays 1-3pm and 4-6pm, through March 16th. 

Stone Harbor's Sip & Shop Weekend.  Shop, sip, and sample your way around amazing shops, boutiques, spas, businesses, and restaurants!  All day, April 4th & 5th.

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Februaray 13,2025

Construction projects are underway all across the island, including Avalon Bay Park, shown above.

In The News:

CONSTRUCTION WORK is ongoing, nearly everywhere you turn!  From the major improvements taking place at Avalon Bay Park (see photo above) to new homes, minor repairs, utility improvements, and road repaving, it's the season!  The winter season is a popular time for both home and infrastructure improvements, with less traffic and no crowds. 
 
CHEF KYLE TIMPSON competed during Season 23 of Gordon Ramsay's "Hell's Kitchen"...and won!  Timpson, who grew up in Dennis Township, and used to work for the Miss Avalon fishing fleet, beat nationwide competitors and was awarded the top chef job at Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen restaurant at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.  Kyle used to work in local restaurants, too, before moving to Philadelphia to work aboard the Moshulu as chef de Cuisine, the Four Seasons as a senior Sous chef, as well as the executive chef of an Italian Steakhouse.
 
MARKET STATS: DID YOU KNOW that 208 properties sold in the local market during 2024?  Prices range from a low of $350,000 (for an efficiency condo unit) to a high of $11,950,000 (for a five-bedroom oceanfront home.)  36 properties sold for less than $1,000,000; 27 sold for $5,000,000 or more.  32 more properties are currently under contract, and 96 are available.  Our market offers something for everyone.  Want to take the next step toward achieving your real estate goals?  Call or email me today!
 
THE STONE HARBOR SHIVER POLAR PLUNGE takes place Saturday, March 15th, with a lineup of events before and after the Plunge into the cold Atlantic Ocean.  Do you have what it takes to Plunge into ocean water that's less than 40 degrees?  Look for details and sign up information below!
 
THANK YOU, EAGLES!  What a season!  Superb offense, dominant defense, excitement at every turn, and a Superbowl win!  Congratulations to the Philadelphia Eagles!

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UPCOMING EVENTS: 

Organizing Your Digital Photographs.  39th Street Tennis Building, Thursday, February 13th, 6pm. 

Garden Club of Stone Harbor: Come and learn about Jains Farms, sustainable farming, and their delicious natural products.  Avalon Community Hall, Tuesday, February 18th. 9:15am (social); 9:30am meeting. 
 
Atlantic City Boat Show.  Dozens of boats, boat dealers, vendors, diplays, and seminars. Atlantic City Convention Center, February 26th to March 2nd.  For tickets and info visit  www.ACBoatShow.com 
 
Shop-A-Holics.  Deep discounts at participating stores.  Thursday—Saturday, March 6th to 8th. 
 
Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge Weekend: 

Friday, March 14th:

Pre-Shiver Party at Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, 6pm to 9pm.  $35, pay at the door, includes Irish Buffet.  Cash bar, Shiver Auction, DJ, meet the 2024 Shiver King & Queen.
 
Saturday, March 15th:
 
10am: Kegs & Eggs at Fred’s Tavern.
 
Noon: Parade leaves Fred’s for the Women’s Club Parking Lot. 
 
12:15-1pm: Shiver Showdown competition for “Best of” the Shiver categories. 
 
Approximately 1:15pm: Head to the water’s edge and wait for the cannon to sound before you hit the chilly Atlantic Ocean.
 
After Party back at Fred’s Tavern. 
 
Register for the Shiver here:

Roller Skating at Cape May Convention Hall. Roller skating with available rentals.  Cape May Convention Hall, Fridays 4-6pm and 6:30-8:30pm; Saturdays & Sundays 1-3pm and 4-6pm, through March 16th.
 
Stone Harbor’s Sip & Shop Weekend. Shop, sip, and sample your way around amazing shops, boutiques, spas, businesses, and restaurants!  All day, April 4th & 5th.

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February 6, 2025

The afternoon sun highlights the edge of a dock.  Even in the winter, it's beautiful out on the bay!

CHILLY OCEAN TEMPS!  Although our weather has warmed up significantly, ocean water temperatures move much more slowly and remain cold.  Surf temperatures off our beaches are currently around 37 degrees.  Last week's rapid warm up caused low lying fog in the back bays, as relatively warm air hovered over cold water in the bay.  Stone Harbor's annual "Shiver Polar Plunge" is just over a month away—perhaps surf temperatures will climb a bit by then!  .
 
 
 
MORTGAGE RATES...BELOW AVERAGE: Despite mortgage rate increases over the past couple of years, they're still below their historical average according to a chart by Freddie Mac and provided by Wells Fargo.  Since the typical mortgage is held for far less than 30 years, some buyers opt for hybrid loan with even rates fixed for the initial three, five, or seven years of the loan's life, planning to either pay off the loan in that time frame, refinance, or sell the property.  As the chart above indicates, rates fluctuate; don't let mortgage rates keep you from achieving your goals.  Let's talk and find a way to make them happen!
 
BROWSE OUR SEASHORE RENTALS!  Check out some of our featured rental properties in Avalon and Stone Harbor!  Review photos, descriptions, plus rates & availability.  You can also plug in your own specifications—dates, price ranges, etc.—and create your own customized list of options that match your criteria.  If you haven't booked your vacation yet, take a look! 
 
REFERRALS, ANYONE?  If you need real estate services outside my market area, please let me know.  Chances are I know a professional in that area who can provide you with the high level of service you deserve.  With years of experience in the industry, I've met and worked with skilled professionals all over, and I'd like to formally refer you to one that you'll be happy with!
 
NEED PAINTING?  Rich Ennis of Independence Painting has offered to my clients and friends a gift certificate for $100 off any painting job of $1,000 or more, good through all of 2025.  Rich has painted for me, my family, my clients, and at our office, and I highly recommend him.  I have five $100 gift certificates available!  If you're among the first five to respond to this email, I'll send you one!
 
TALK TO YOUR LANDSCAPER about mulch at your shore property.  New NJ fire code regulations prevent combustible (wood) mulch within 18 inches of a rental property, and local municipalities must enforce those regulations.
 
GO BIRDS!  The whole region is cheering for one last win for the Philadelphia Eagles!

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UPCOMING EVENTS: 

Take Your Child to the Library Day.  Fun, crafts, and a free book for children 12 & under.  Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, February 1st, 10am to 4pm. 
 
Cape May Seashore Lines Valentine’s Express.  Ride aboard a vintage train with your sweetheart!  CMSL Tuckahoe Station and Richland Station, Friday, February 7th & Saturday, February 8th.  For tickets and info visit www.seashorelines.org/home 
 
Friend in Need Super Bash XXII.  The 22nd Anniversary of the Super Bowl fundraiser that supports those in need in Cape May County.  The Princeton Bar & Grill, Sunday, February 9th, 4pm. 
 
Organizing Your Digital Photographs.  39th Street Tennis Building, Thursday, February 13th, 6pm. 
 
Atlantic City Boat Show.  Dozens of boats, boat dealers, vendors, diplays, and seminars. Atlantic City Convention Center, February 26th to March 2nd.  For tickets and info visit  www.ACBoatShow.com 
 
Shop-A-Holics.  Deep discounts at participating stores.  Thursday—Saturday, March 6th to 8th. 
 
Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge.  March 15th, 11am-3pm.  More details soon. 
 
Roller Skating at Cape May Convention Hall.  Roller skating with available rentals.  Cape May Convention Hall, Fridays 4-6pm and 6:30-8:30pm; Saturdays & Sundays 1-3pm and 4-6pm, through March 16th.