march 27, 2025

Summer evenings mean beautiful sunsets and good fishing from the dock!

In The News:

RAIN, RAIN...COME AGAIN!  Two recent significant rainfalls have helped ease drought conditions somewhat, with more than five inches falling this month in the Atlantic City area, according to AccuWeather.  Year-to-date rainfall in the area is still an inch short of average, however, and earlier this month the state asked residents to delay lawn watering and other yard projects in order to conserve water.  As of March 20th, U.S. Drought Monitor identified coastal portions of Cape May County as areas of Severe Drought, with inland portions still in Extreme Drought.  The month before all of Cape May County was in the Extreme Drought category.
 
EXISTING HOME SALES rose 4.2% in February according to a Wall Street Journal report based on data supplied by the National Association of Realtors.  According to the article, the "shock" of mortgage rates is gone, as buyers now expect them to be 6% and 7%, as they are now.  In our local market, 16 properties went under contract during February, and 17 have been reported under contract thus far in March.
 
BEACH TAGS ONLINE:  Beat the rush, and purchase Avalon 2025 seasonal beach tags online!  Avalon's tags are available online from Jersey Cape Tags, the manufacturer. Stone Harbor's tags are not yet available online, but starting April 19th they can be purchased at the Beach Tag Office at 95th Street & the beach on weekends, or at Stone Harbor Borough during the week, beginning April 21st. 
 
REMINDERS FOR RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS: With the summer season fast approaching, make sure your rental property is in tip top shape by taking a few steps today:

HVAC system maintenance or tune ups should be performed in advance of the season; call your HVAC contractor now to schedule service, don't wait until a breakdown occurs on a 100-degree July day!  
 
Call your pool company and schedule a spring opening early enough to correct any issues well before tenants arrive.
 
Schedule your lawnmowing and spring plantings with your landscaper.  Also, make sure your landscaper is aware of new mulch regulations that require any combustible mulch products to be at least 18 inches from houses, decks, or other structures.
 
Changeover cleanings should be scheduled with your cleaning service.
 
Contact your pest control company for any necessary treatments; it's better to prevent bugs from entering as opposed to trying to eliminate them later.

NEED A CONTRACTOR OR SERVICE PROVIDER?  Call or email me for recommendations.
 
WHAT'S YOUR PLAN for 2025?  What are your real estate goals?  If you're thinking about a shore property, or if you need a larger or smaller one, let's talk.  We can discuss your goals, formulate a plan, and make it happen!  Call or email me!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

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. 
 
Wine Tasting at The Washington Inn.  Drop-in retail wine tastings: sample six wines with an in-house wine pro.  $30 tasting fee is applied toward any retain wine purchase.  Monday, April 7th, 5pm-7pm. 
 
Clean Ocean Action Annual Spring Beach Sweep, Avalon.   30th Street beach, Saturday, April 12th, 9am.  To register visit
 
Clean Ocean Action Annual Spring Beach Sweep, Stone Harbor.  95th Street beach, Saturday, April 12th, 9am.  To register visit
 
Clean Ocean Action Annual Spring Beach Sweep, Sea Isle City. Saturday, April 12th, 10am.   To register visit
 
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. 
 
Easter Bunny Express.  Ride aboard the Cape May Seashore Lines train with the Easter Bunny.  Saturday, April 12 through Saturday, April 19th.  For schedules, info, and tickets,
 
Bulk Trash Pickup, Avalon.  Place items curbside from May 2nd through May 11th, for pickup to begin at 7am on May 12th.  
 
Avalon Garden Club Plant and Bake Sale.  Avalon Garden Club Greenhouse, 39th Street between Dune and Ocean Drives, Saturday, May 3rd, 8am to 3pm (Plant & Bake Sale), and Sunday, May 4th, 10am to 1pm (Plant Sale).  
 
Stone Harbor Spring Sidewalk Sale Weekend, Saturday & Sunday, May 3rd & 4th. 
 
Green Eggs & Sand.  Horseshoe crab workshop, the Wetlands Institute.  Saturday & Sunday, May 3rd & 4th. For info or to register  
 
Avalon Paper Shredding Day, Avalon Public Works Building, Saturday, May 10th, 9am to 2pm.
 
Avalon Paper Shredding Day, Avalon Public Works Building, Saturday, May 10th, 9am to 2pm.
 
Bulk Trash Pickup, Stone Harbor, Monday, May 12th.

march 20, 2025

Long summer days, warm sunshine, cool seabreezes, and colorful sunsets aren't far away!  .

In The News:

AVALON BEACH PROJECT:  Avalon has announced a sand backpassing project that will restore eroded north-end beaches.  The $648,900 project will begin after Memorial Day Weekend.  According to the borough the timing of the project has been impacted by emergency repairs needed on two bridges on Avalon Boulevard.  The heavy equipment needed to conduct the sand backpassing project cannot cross the bridges until the repairs are completed.  The backpassing will move sand from a borrow area between 32nd and 40th Streets and deposit it between 9th and 15th Streets.  Avalon Mayor John McCorristin directed all work to be performed on weekdays between 10pm and 8am.  By 8am each day beach paths will be reopened.  No work will be conducted on weekends, and the project is intended to restore the beaches before the busy summer season. 
 


MARKET STATS:  The number of units sold, median sale price, and the number of active listings all increased slightly in February 2025 versus a year ago.  Demand remains steady, and interest rates have fallen slightly.  For a detailed look at the market, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report.
 
MOVIE STARS!  Steven Spielberg has been spotted working on his next film in nearby Tuckahoe, and Emily Blunt, one of the stars of Spielberg's film, dined at Cape May's Primal restaurant last week.  The movie is about UFOs, and is expected to be released in June, 2026.
 
TURTLE TIME!  As spring approaches it's important to key an eye on local roadways.  The first diamondback terrapin hatchlings are emerging from the marsh grasses and making their way toward the water, and sometimes cross local roads.  Hatchlings are tiny, barely the size of a golf ball, and hard to see, but if you spot them, you can help by moving them to the edge of the water.  Please ensure your own personal safety if there is passing traffic!
 
NEED A VACATION RENTAL?  MEET SAM HALDEMAN!  Sam joined us a couple of months ago and has done a fantastic job taking over for Holly, who retired last month.  Sam is great to work with, and I think you'll agree!  If you're ready to make your 2025 vacation rental plans, reach out to Sam at SamH@LNF.com or 609-967-3001.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Somm’s Table Sustainable 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 
 
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. 
 
Wine Tasting at The Washington Inn.  Drop-in retail wine tastings: sample six wines with an in-house wine pro.  $30 tasting fee is applied toward any retain wine purchase.  Monday, April 7th, 5pm-7pm. 
 
Clean Ocean Action Annual Spring Beach Sweep, Avalon.   30th Street beach, Saturday, April 12th, 9am.  To register visit
 
Clean Ocean Action Annual Spring Beach Sweep, Stone Harbor.  95th Street beach, Saturday, April 12th, 9am.  To register visit
 
Clean Ocean Action Annual Spring Beach Sweep, Sea Isle City. Saturday, April 12th, 10am.   To register visit
 
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. 
 
Bulk Trash Pickup, Avalon.  Place items curbside from May 2nd through May 11th, for pickup to begin at 7am on May 12th.  
 
Avalon Garden Club Plant and Bake Sale.  Avalon Garden Club Greenhouse, 39th Street between Dune and Ocean Drives, Saturday, May 3rd, 8am to 3pm (Plant & Bake Sale), and Sunday, May 4th, 10am to 1pm (Plant Sale).  
 
Stone Harbor Spring Sidewalk Sale Weekend, Saturday & Sunday, May 3rd & 4th. 
 
Avalon Paper Shredding Day, Avalon Public Works Building, Saturday, May 10th, 9am to 2pm.
 
Bulk Trash Pickup, Stone Harbor, Monday, May 12th.

march 13, 2025

Avalon Bay Park Marina renovation, road work on First Avenue,
 and Stone Harbor's 97th Street Playground.   .

In The News:

CONSTRUCTION, EVERYWHERE!  Nearly everywhere you look, there's construction work happening on 7 Mile Island!  New homes are being built, and road and utility work are underway in multiple locations.  Avalon Bay Park Marina is being transformed, and Stone Harbor's 97th Street Playground is taking shape.  Construction crews are working hard to get it all finished before the summer season!
 
STEVEN SPIELBERG is currently filming a movie in Cape May County.  Last week movie crews arrived at Tuckahoe Train Station to begin filming portions of Spielberg's new film, which is expected to be released in 2026.  The film's title and stars haven't been released yet.  The recent film "A Complete Unknown," about Bob Dylan, included scenes shot in Cape May, with glimpses of Congress Hall and other local landmarks.  
 
NOTHING SAYS "SPRING" more than that first taste of warm weather after a cold winter!  Daytime highs approached 60 degrees earlier this week, and warm sunshine made for a delightful combination.  We've got three chances to hit 60 over the next several days!
 
NOTHING SAYS "SUMMER" like a vacation week at the shore!  Did you know we have great rental selections available for most summer weeks?  Whether you need a small condo for a beach getaway, or a large house to accommodate the whole family, chances are we've got something for you!  Visit to browse, or email my rental specialist, Sam Haldeman, with your requirements (vacation dates, bedrooms/bathrooms, location, price range) and he'll let you know what we have for you!  Sam's email is SamH@LNF.com. 
 
THURSDAY NIGHT, LOOK UP!  A lunar eclipse will begin just before midnight Thursday evening; by 2:26am Friday morning the whole moon will be shaded and turn reddish, with "totality" lasting over an hour.
 
HEARTY, COURAGEOUS, CRAZY...Those words may be used by some to describe those, ahem, "hearty" enough to take a plunge into cold ocean water at this weekend's Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge.  In case you're wondering, recent surf temperatures have been about 45 degrees!  See below for details, then join in the fun!

UPCOMING EVENTS: 

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. 

Somm’s Table Sustainable 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. 
 
Dueling Somms Wine Dinner.  Two Sommeliers answer questions and share some of their favorite wines.  Washington Inn, March 23rd, 5pm to 8pm.  For info and tickets visit:  
 
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.
 
Avalon Garden Club Plant and Bake Sale.  Avalon Garden Club Greenouse, 39th Street between Dune and Ocean Drives, Saturday, May 3rd, 8am to 3pm (Plant & Bake Sale), and Sunday, May 4th, 10am to 1pm (Plant Sale).  Plant Presale Order forms

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.