April24, 2025

April showers are already paying off!  The island is coming to life:
blooming flowers, budding trees, green lawns, and more!

In The News:

WHAT A GREAT WEEKEND!  We were blessed with warm weather and sunshine over the Easter weekend, which brought great crowds to local shops and restaurants, and visitors to the beach.  Everywhere you turned you could hear the island coming back to life after a chilly winter!
 
IT'S TIME TO PLANT DUNE GRASS!  Help grow and protect our dunes, so they can protect us!  Avalon's spring dune grass planting event takes place this weekend, and volunteers are needed.  Please check my events list below for details, and to RSVP.  Your help is greatly appreciated! 
 
FREE TEN-MINUTE PARKING for Stone Harbor's post office is back!  If you're conducting business in the post office, grab one of the free spots for your visit!
 
MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE!  Did you ever write a message, place it in a bottle, and toss it into the ocean?  Have you ever found a message in a bottle?  Facebook user Ken reported just that - he recently found a message in a bottle on the 93rd Street beach in Sea Isle City, and it came all the way from. Avalon!  After Ken posted photos of the bottle and the message in "All Things Avalon,"Facebook user Stephen saw it and confirmed "this was our bottle"  It seems Stephen's kids wrote the note and placed it into the bottle, which was dispatched from Avalon's beach on November 30, 2024!  
 
STABILIZE YOUR PORTFOLIO: Buy a house at the beach!  Call or email me so we can discuss your needs, and find you the perfect shore retreat!  

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Cape May County Zoo Eggstravaganzoo.  Easter Bunny I Spy Hunt, Easter Scavenger Hunt, HOPstacle Course, and more.  Cape May County Zoo, through Friday, April 25th. 
 
Shafer Wine Dinner at The Reeds.  Fine wine and gourmet dining come together in this four-course event! Thursday, April 24th, 6pm.  For reservations
 
Avalon Garden Club and Environmental Commission Arbor Day event.  39th Street Tennis Building, Friday, April 25th, 10:30am. 
 
Jazz Night at Spiaggetta.  Live jazz from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, Friday, April 25th.  No cover, BYOB, reserve on OpenTable. 
 
Earth Day Celebration at the Cape May County Park & Zoo.  Entertainment, scavenger hunt, educational exhibits, food trucks, bounce houses.  Saturday, April 26th, 10am to 3pm. 
 
Spring Dune Grass Planting.  Volunteers are needed to help plant dune grass in Avalon!  Volunteers should report to Avalon Community Hall at 8:30am for a brief planting demonstration.  After the planting is completed there will be bagged lunches available at Avalon Community Hall.  Please sign up for Dune Grass Planting by calling Chuck McDonnell at 609-967-3066 or Sue Keen at 609-967-5924.  Saturday, April 26th, 8:30am.  Rain date Sunday, April 27th. 
 
Run Wild for the Cape May County Zoo.  5K Run and 1 Mile Walk, presented by Sturdy Savings Bank.  Sunday, April 27th, 8am.  For info and registration
 
Vins de France Wine Dinner at Washington Inn & Wine Bar.  Explore French wines paired with expertly crafted meals in an educational and engaging setting.  Sunday, April 27th, 5pm.  Info and reservations
 
Stone Harbor Spring Sidewalk Sale Weekend, Saturday & Sunday, May 3rd & 4th. 
 
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).  
 
Green Eggs & Sand.  Horseshoe crab workshop, the Wetlands Institute.  Saturday & Sunday, May 3rd & 4th. For info or to register
 
Ladies Night at Seashore ACE!  20% off most first floor items; appetizers from local restaurants, wine, mocktails; mini massages; meet podcaster Sara Kelly; design consultations; gift bags for the first 50 customers, door prizes every 15 minutes.  Friday, May 9th, 5pm to 7pm. 
 
Avalon Paper Shredding Day, Avalon Public Works Building, Saturday, May 10th, 9am to 2pm. 
Bulk Trash Pickup, Stone Harbor, Monday, May 12th. 
 
Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.  650 Shunpike Road, Burleigh, Saturday, May 17, 2025, 8am to 11am.  For details visit
 
Local Thursday at the Wine Bar.  Local Thursdays with live music, bar plate specials, and 25% off wines by the bottle.  The Washington Inn, Thursdays, 4pm to 8pm, through mid-June.

April17, 2025

In The News:

MARKET STATS:  During the month of March 2025, the number of units sold rose slightly versus the month before, but was down slightly compared to March 2024.  The number of active listings and the median sale price both increased slightly versus last year, while the average number of "days on market" was down slightly. For a detailed look at the market, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute Report:
 
"WHAT'S OPEN?"  I'm often asked that question in the off season.  The answer, I'm happy to report, is "a lot!"  Most restaurants, shops, and other businesses are open and ready in advance of the summer season.  If you've got a chance to visit now, don't hesitate - there's plenty to do and enjoy right now on Seven Mile Island, without the crowds or lines found in the summer time!  

Here are just a handful of examples of local restaurants and stores that you'll find open this weekend:  The Diving Horse; The Preppy Palm; Hollywood Bikes; Nemo's Pizza of Stone Harbor; Avalon Hardware; The Spot; The Rock n' Chair; The Reeds at Shelter Haven; Il Posto Ristorante; Fred's Tavern; Avalon Flooring; Spa Avalon; Long & Foster Real Estate; Polpo Ristorante; Seashore ACE; Avalon Brew Pub; Spiaggetta; Ristorante Luciano.  And there are plenty more!

MORTGAGE RATES have drifted downward over the past few months.  The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage is about 6.62%, down from more than 7% in January.  The average 15-year fixed rate is now 5.82%, down from 6.27% in January.  Two thoughts: first, that why you often hear the advice "marry the house, and date the rate".  Second, if you didn't heed that advice before, and have been waiting for rates to drop, this may be a great time to go ahead and make your shore home purchase.
 
RENTAL PROPERTIES: It''s time for spring prep!  If you're visiting your rental property for the first time in a while, step back and take a look, pen and pad in hand.  Chances are you'll spot a few things that could use improvement.  Often, inexpensive additions, like new televisions, ceiling fans, a new piece of furniture, or a freshly painted room, can make a big difference in comfort, both for you and for your tenants.  If you'd like assistance, and a list of recommendations specific to your rental property, please let me know.  I'm happy to visit and evaluate your property, and provide you recommendations based on my years of experience.
 
BETTER THAN STOCKS?  Recent stock market volatility has many worrying about their 401(k) and brokerage accounts.  That raises a common discussion point: real estate tends to be far less volatile that stocks and other liquid assets, while still capable of delivering investment returns, plus in the case of a shore property, other, intangible benefits.  Some will say there's no way to measure the value of time spent together at the family beach house, making family memories, and to them, we say, "You're right!  It's priceless!"  If you'd like to discuss acquiring, your own shore property, let's talk.  Call or email me anytime.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Local Thursday Kick Off at the Wine Bar.  Kick off Local Thursdays with live music, bar plate specials, and 25% off wines by the bottle.  The Washington Inn, begins Thursday, April 17th, 4pm to 8pm, and runs Thursdays through mid-June. 
 
Cape May County Zoo Eggstravaganzoo.  Easter Bunny I Spy Hunt, Easter Scavenger Hunt, HOPstacle Course, and more.  Cape May County Zoo, Friday, April 18th until Friday, April 25th. 
 
Avalon's Bunny Hop.  Visit with the Easter Bunny, face painting, and more.  Five special gold eggs will be hidden, with grand prizes for lucky children who find them.  Veteran's Plaza, Saturday, April 19th, 11am to 2pm. 
 
Easter Bunny Express.  Ride aboard the Cape May Seashore Lines train with the Easter Bunny.  Saturday, through Saturday, April 19th.  For schedules, info, and tickets, visit h
 
Easter Brunch at ICONA Avalon.  Sunday, April 20th, 10am to 2pm.  Make a reservation 68263 
 
Easter Brunch at The Reeds at Shelter Haven.  Buffet brunch by the bay.  Sunday, April 20th, 10:30am to 3:30pm.  For reservations
 
Easter Brunch & Dinner at the Washington Inn.  Easter Brunch from 11am to 2pm; Easter Dinner from 4pm to 7pm, Sunday, April 20th. $56 for adults; $32 for children.  For a menu and reservations
 
Shafer Wine Dinner at The Reeds.  Fine wine and gourmet dining come together in this four-course event! Thursday, April 24th, 6pm.  For reservations

Jazz Night at Spiaggetta.  Live jazz from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, Friday, April 25th.  No cover, BYOB, reserve on OpenTable. 

Spring Dune Grass Planting.  Volunteers are needed to help plant dune grass in Avalon!  Volunteers should report to Avalon Community Hall at 8:30am for a brief planting demonstration.  After the planting is completed there will be bagged lunches available at Avalon Community Hall.  Please sign up for Dune Grass Planting by calling Chuck McDonnell at 609-967-3066 or Sue Keen at 609-967-5924.  Saturday, April 26th, 8:30am.  Rain date Sunday, April 27th. 
 
Run Wild for the Cape May County Zoo.  5K Run and 1 Mile Walk, presented by Sturdy Savings Bank.  Sunday, April 27th, 8am.  For info and registration
 
Vins de France Wine Dinner at Washington Inn & Wine Bar.  Explore French wines paired with expertly crafted meals in an educational and engaging setting.  Sunday, April 27th, 5pm.  Info / reservations

Spring Sidewalk Sale Weekend, Stone Harbor, Saturday & Sunday, May 3rd & 4th. 

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 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).  

Green Eggs & Sand.  Horseshoe crab workshop, the Wetlands Institute.  Saturday & Sunday, May 3rd & 4th. For info or to register

Ladies Night at Seashore ACE!  20% off most first floor items; appetizers from local restaurants, wine, mocktails; mini massages; meet podcaster Sara Kelly; design consultations; gift bags for the first 50 customers, doorprizes every 15 minutes.  Friday, May 9th, 5pm to 7pm. 

Avalon Paper Shredding Day, Avalon Public Works Building, Saturday, May 10th, 9am to 2pm. 
Bulk Trash Pickup, Stone Harbor, Monday, May 12th.

April 3, 2025

What a way to start the day!  Thanks to Mark Leiser for sharing this inspiring scene with us!

In The News:

BEACH SWEEPS are coming up next weekend in Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Sea Isle City.  Why not set aside a bit of time to help improve our local beaches?  A couple hours spent removing trash and debris from our local beaches helps prepare them for the season by making them look their very best.  Plus, it's satisfying to know that you've had a hand in keeping our beaches beautiful.  See below for the Beach Sweep schedule and registration link.
 
DROUGHT CONDITIONS IMPROVED for the third week in a row as more rain fell in our area this past week.  Atlantic City International Airport has reported 4.75 inches of precipitation from March 5th through March 21st, and US Drought Monitor indicates that 14% of New Jersey remains in extreme drought, the lowest percentage since October.  There is still room for improvement, and coastal & inland rainfall are still needed to increase groundwater levels.  Locally, water usage typically increases at this time of year, as more people return, and irrigation begins.  Any water saved through reduced consumption helps improve the situation further.  
 
SPRING WEEKENDS are filled with activities, and this month is no exception.  A job fair, the Easter Bunny, a Run-Walk at the Zoo, and spring sales - see my Upcoming Events list below for more!
 
REMINDER: NEW MULCH REGULATIONS take effect on April 15th.  New Jersey's fire code now requires that combustible mulch products be at least 18 inches from buildings, structures, or decks, for all commercial and rental properties.  Questions?  Contact your landscaper, or the municipality with any questions you may have.
 
WHAT'S YOUR PRICE RANGE?  $465,500 to $26,500,000?  That's the price range of all the new listings that hit the market this week on Seven Mile Island!  Further proof that we really do have something for everyone!  If you'd like to make one of these shore properties yours, call or email me today!

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. 
 
Adult Easter Egg Hunt.  40 golden eggs will be hidden throughout the Stone Harbor business district on Saturday, April 5th.  Inside each egg are perks from local shops & restaurants. 
 
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
 
Clean Ocean Action Annual Spring Beach Sweep, Stone Harbor.  95th Street beach, Saturday, April 12th, 9am.  To register

Clean Ocean Action Annual Spring Beach Sweep, Sea Isle City. Saturday, April 12th, 10am.   To register
 
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

Easter Brunch at The Reeds at Shelter Haven.  Buffet brunch by the bay.  Sunday, April 20th, 10:30am to 3:30pm.  For reservations
 
Easter Brunch & Dinner at the Washington Inn.  Easter Brunch from 11am to 2pm; Easter Dinner from 4pm to 7pm, Sunday, April 20th. $56 for adults; $32 for children.  For a menu and reservations
 
Spring Dune Grass Planting.  Volunteers are needed to help plant dune grass in Avalon!  Volunteers should report to Avalon Community Hall at 8:30am for a brief planting demonstration.  After the planting is completed there will be bagged lunches available at Avalon Community Hall.  Please sign up for Dune Grass Planting by calling Chuck McDonnell at 609-967-3066 or Sue Keen at 609-967-5924.  Saturday, April 26th, 8:30am.  Rain date Sunday, April 27th. 
 
Run Wild for the Cape May County Zoo.  5K Run and 1 Mile Walk, presented by Sturdy Savings Bank.  Sunday, April 27th, 8am.  For info and registration
 
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 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).  
 
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.
Bulk Trash Pickup, Stone Harbor, Monday, May 12th.