march 6, 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:

THE WHITEBRIER RESTAURANT in Avalon has been purchased by the Union League, which will turn the restaurant into private space for its members to use during the summer season.  The Union League currently owns The Bungalow in Stone Harbor (formerly the Backyard restaurant) as well as the former Sand Barrens Golf Club in Swainton.  According to the Union League, about 2,500 of it's members own a residence within 30 minutes of Avalon.
 
STONE HARBOR POINT is open to the public once again.  After being heavily damaged during two fall storms, access to the Point has been restored by Stone Harbor's Public Works Department.  If you've never visited, Stone Harbor Point is a large natural area with a walking path, observation platform, and unspoiled views of the dunes, wetlands, ocean, and inlet that seem to stretch forever.
 
SPRING PROJECTS? START NOW!  Whether you're readying your vacation home or your rental property for the upcoming season, start now!  Painting, carpet cleaning, spring cleaning, and landscaping should all be scheduled now to ensure completion before the season begins.  There are a few things that are often overlooked, but should be part of your spring maintenance plan: 

Pest control: if you're not already under a preventive maintenance contract, you may wish to consult with a pest control company to help prevent ants, spiders, and other bugs.
 
Weed control: weeds are dormant right now, but will "spring" to life in little more than a month.  If you have stone areas in your yard, annual weed control is a must.
 
HVAC service: don't wait until the air conditioner quits on a 100 degree July day—have a spring maintenance tune up/check performed, and address any problems now.
 
Need a contractor recommendation?  As always, call or email me!

STRIPER FISHING SEASON opened on March 1st, and the first stripers will be hitting tables shortly as water temperatures reach 50 degrees.   Shallower sod banks and mud flats can hold fish in the spring, as the shallow water warms a bit faster than deep water.   Clams and other natural baits can work, along with plastic lures on jig heads for casting.  For expert advice on local fishing, visit Moran's Dockside at the Avalon Sportfishing Center when they open later this spring.
 
SPRING FORWARD THIS WEEKEND!  Don't forget to push your clocks forward by an hour Saturday night!  That'll give us an extra hour of daylight Sunday evening, with the first 7pm sunset since last fall!

UPCOMING EVENTS: 

Shop-A-Holics:  Deep discounts at participating stores.  Thursday—Saturday, March 6th to 8th. 
 
Hometown Reflections: Stories of Avalon's Highfield Family.  Avalon History Center, Saturday, March 8th, 11am. 
 
Bulk Trash Collection, Stone Harbor, Monday, March 10th, 7:30am to 3:30pm. 
 
Wine Tasting at the Washington Inn:  Drop-in retail wine tasting-sip, swirl, and stock up.  Sample 6 wines for $30 per guest-which can be put toward your wine purchase!  Monday, March 10th, 5pm to 7pm.  Details

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. 

RRegister here

Kid's Event: Dog Care and Dog Training 101.  Geared toward kids ages 8 to 12.  Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, March 15, 10am. 
 
Cape May Beer Trail.  Three breweries, flight tastings, lunch. Saturday, March 15th.  Info and tickets \
 
St. Patrick's Day Celebration & Parade, North Wildwood.  Ceremony at 12 noon on the front steps of North Wildwood City Hall (9th & Atlantic Avenue), followed by a festive parade filled with Irish pride.  Parade will march north on Atlantic Avenue to Olde New Jersey Avenue.  Saturday, March 15th, 12 noon. 

Winemaking at the Washinton Inn.  Enjoy four half-glass pours paired with four canapes, alongside fellow wine enthusiasts.  Sunday, March 16th, 3pm.  For info and tickets visit:  
 
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. 
 
Stone Harbor Job Fair.  Visit with businesses looking for summer help; stop in the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce for a list of participating businesses.  Downtown Stone Harbor, Saturday, April 12th, 10am to 4pm.