August 28, 2025

Only surfers love hurricanes...or at least the day after a hurricane! 
On Saturday, we enjoyed beautiful weather while surfers enjoyed huge waves!

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In The News:

WOW!  OUR POST-HURRICANE WEATHER has been superb!  After a string of grey, windy days last week thanks to Erin, we were treated to a beautiful weekend with clear, blue skies and gentle breezes, plus low humidity.  The stretch of beautiful conditions is expected to last several more days, with daytime highs in the 70s through this weekend.   A LOOK BACK AT ERIN:  Even though she was hundreds of miles away, Erin's wind and waves were felt along Seven Mile Island.  Here's a look at a few island scenes:  

Swells rolled into Townsend's Inlet, crashing up against the seawall along Ocean Drive.	At the North end of Avalon onlookers watched as wind driven waves rolled into Townsend's Inlet.
Along the beaches large ocean swells crested and then broke, as strong winds blew spray off the wave tops.  Beach erosion occurred, especially at Avalon's north end.	Watching an angry ocean at 101st Street!

 HUGE SPORTFISHING VESSELS gathered in Cape May last week for the annual MidAtlantic Tournament.  Captains carefully chose their fishing
days while dodging the huge swells Erin sent our way.  Despite the wind and swells, the fishing teams turned in an admirable performance. 
A 75-pound white marling took home an $875,000 prize, an 804-pound blue marlin won a $706,000 prize, and 185-poind tuna was worth $329,000. 
Numerous other fish were caught and released, while prize contenders were weighed at marinas in Cape May as well as Ocean City, MD.  
 
GOTTA DO IT: WATERFRONT DINING!  Why not take advantage of our beautiful weather and enjoy a waterfront meal before
summer comes to a close?  There's no better way to enjoy fine food!  Here are some ideas:

Avalon Moran's Dockside Icona Windrift Borghi's By The Bay     Stone Harbor Stone Harbor Pizza Pub Water Star Grille Buckets Margarita Bar & Cantina     Sea Isle City LaFinestra Ristorante Carmen's Seafood Restaurant Oar House Pub Mike's Seafood & Dock Restaurant Marie's Seafood Bay Breeze Cafe Sunset Pier

The Wildwoods Lazy Bass Bayside Bar and Grill The Surfing Pig The Swine Bar The Wharf Urie's Waterfront Boathouse Restaurant Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grill  Two Mile Crab House     Lower Township Secondo Panicos Port Marina and Restaurant Mad Viking Dock Bar & Grill     Cape May The Lobster House Harry's Ocean Bar & Grille Primal by Mia Fish House

Know of a waterfront restaurant that I missed?  Pleas reply and tell me about it!
  
LAST CALL: SUMMER BUCKET LIST!  Time to make time for those summer favorites that you haven't done yet!  Catch a sunrise on the beach, have coffee with a friend, try a new golf course, take your grandchild fishing, or splurge on a fancy dinner!

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upcoming Events: 

Thursdays at Surfside:: Big Hixn'.  Surfside Park, Thursday, August 28, 7pm. 
 
AirFest 2025, featuring fly ins, static displays, entertainment & music, beer & wine, food trucks, and free parking.  Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, Thursday August 28th to Sunday, August 31st, 10am to 4pm. For tickets visit here
 
Local Thursdays at the Wine Bar return to The Washington Inn.  Wine specials, 2-for-1 oysters, live music & more.  4pm to 8pm Thursdays beginning September 4th, The Washington Inn, Cape May. 

Thursdays at Surfside: Triple Rail Turn.  Surfside Park, Thursday, September 4, 7pm. 
 
End of Summer Shop Hop.  End-of-season specials throughout Avalon.  Friday to Sunday, September 5th to 7th.  
 
Thunder Over the Waves Airshow.  Military flyovers, MIG-17 jet team, Army Golden Knights, US Coast Guard, and more.  Wildwood beach & boardwalk, between Morey's Mariner's Pier and Adventure Pier, 11:50am to 2:50pm, September 5th & 6th.  
 
Bulk Trash Collection in Avalon begins September 8th.  Place items curbside starting August 29th. 
 
Savor en Blanc.  Enjoy twinkling lights on 96th Street with live music, dancing, food, drink and fun.  Tickets available at the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce.  Friday, September 19th. 
 
Savor September Wine, Beer, & Food Festival.  Stone Harbor, Saturday, September 20th. 
 
Schooner AJ Meerwald, sailing daily Wednesdays through Sundays, through September 21st.  For info and tickets
 
Avalon Arts & Seafood Festival.  Fresh, local seafood, live music, artisan craft and décor vendors.  Saturday, October 11th. 

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Weekly Events:

Every Sunday: Stone Harbor Farmers Market, 8am to 12pm at the Water Tower Parking Lot. 
 
Every Tuesday: Totally Turtle Tuesday at The Wetlands Institute.  Tuesdays, 11am to 4pm.

August 21, 2025

What could be better than a peaceful sail aboard AJ Meerwald on a beautiful summer day? 
See below for info on sailing aboard New Jersey's tall ship!

In The News:

GREY SKIES AND HIGH TIDES are expected this week as Hurrican Erin passes well offshore, but sends some of her effects our way.  Please use caution and follow any safety instructions from lifeguards or local officials regarding our beaches, waterways, and roads.  Although we won't see anything like it here, it's fascinating to know that NOAA offshore weather forecasts are predicting seas of 26 to 41 feet up to 250 nautical miles offshore!
 
MARKET STATS:  During July 2025, the number of properties sold and the median sale price increased versus last July, while the number of active listings and the average days on market both declined.  For a detailed look at the market see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report
 
DRIVING THE MARKET: What's behind those stats?  Here's what we're seeing:  
Buyer demand remains steady;  interest rates have fallen slightly to the lowest levels in several months; despite this month's decrease, the number of active listings is up versus the past few years.  Some who decided not to sell during or after the pandemic have finally decided now is the right time for them to do so.
 
BUYING OR SELLING?  What's your "right time?"  Surely market conditions will be a factor in your decision, but your "right time" is perhaps the biggest factor.  If it's time for you to make a real estate move, let's talk.  Please call or email me!
 
GOTTA DO IT: RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES!  When rain, grey skies, or weather limit your beach time, it's time to enjoy other rainy-day activities at the shore!  Here are some ideas:

Catch a movie at the Harbor Theatre in Stone Harbor.
 
Play a round of mini golf at Pirate Island or Go Fish in Avalon.
 
Go shopping on Dune Drive or 96th Street.
 
Visit the Cape May County Zoo.  It's free (donations appreciated) and offers an amazing collection of animals.
 
Visit The Wetlands Institute.  From turtles to aquariums feedings to Bird Sanctuary tours, there's so much to see and learn! details and schedules
 
Visit one of the numerous local breweries or wineries for tasting or to purchase.
 
Read a book, play a board game, or sit around the kitchen table with family and friends.  Sometimes the old standbys are the best on a rainy day!

upcoming Events: 

Thursdays at Surfside: Still Surfin’.  Surfside Park, Thursday, August 21, 7pm. 
 
Fridays at Surfside: Minion Mayhem.  Surfside Park, Friday, August 22nd, 6:30pm. 
 
Annual Merchant’s Day Sidewalk Sale, downtown Stone Harbor.  Saturday, August 23rd, 9am to 7pm. 
 
Tuesdays at the Tower: The Seabillys.  Water Tower lot, Tuesday, August 26th, 7pm. 
 
Don’t Call Me Francis.  Free concert on the lawn at Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal.  Wednesday, August 27th, 5:30pm.  Gates open at 5pm.
 
Thursdays at Surfside: Big Hix.  Surfside Park, Thursday, August 28, 7pm. 
 
Thursdays at Surfside: Triple Rail Turn.  Surfside Park, Thursday, September 4, 7pm. 
 
Thunder Over the Waves Airshow.  Military flyovers, MIG-17 jet team, Army Golden Knights, US Coast Guard, and more.  Wildwood beach & boardwalk, between Morey’s Mariner’s Pier and Adventure Pier, 11:50am to 2:50pm, September 5th & 6th.
  
Bulk Trash Collection in Avalon begins September 8th.  Place items curbside starting August 29th. 
 
Savor September Wine, Beer, & Food Festival.  Stone Harbor, Saturday, September 20th. 
 
Schooner AJ Meerwald, sailing daily Wednesdays through Sundays, through September 21st.  info and tickets

Weekly Events:

Every Sunday: Stone Harbor Farmers Market, 8am to 12pm at the Water Tower Parking Lot. 
 
Every Tuesday: Tuesdays at the Tower Concert Series.  Water Tower Plaza, 95th Street 7pm.  (No show on August 5th.) 
 
Every Thursday: Thursdays on the Lawn, free concert.  St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 95th Street & Third Avenue, 7pm.  

Every Friday: FFriFridays at Surfside Park.  Music & entertainment for kids, face painting, etc.  Surfside Park, Fridays at 6:30pm, through August 22nd.

August 14, 2025

Simple, summertime joy: riding your bike to the beach!

In The News:

ANOTHER GREAT WEEKEND!  Our recent weather has provided another fabulous treat: cool, dry, sunny conditions that stretched from Friday through Monday!  Beachgoers, boaters, golfers, and anybody participating in outdoor activities enjoyed near-perfect conditions!  After a scorching and muggy month of July, early August has been delightful!
 
CONGRATULATIONS TO AVALON BEACH PATROL for capturing the 2025 South Jersey Lifeguard Championship!  Avalon won last year, too, and will host the 2026 competition.
 
MORTGAGE RATES have declined slightly, with thirty-year fixed rates averaging 6.63%, and fifteen-year fixed rates averaging 5.75%.  Now may be a good time to take advantage of the recent dip if you're refinancing or purchasing a property.  Need a reliable, trustworthy mortgage lender to work with?  Call or email me!
 
GOTTA DO IT:  FREE CONCERTS!  There's nothing like good music to put you in a great mood!  Add in a summertime sea breeze and an ice cream cone, and it doesn't get any better!  There are lots of places to enjoy good music while you're here.  These are some of my favorites:

Tuesdays at the Tower Concert Series.  Water Tower Plaza, 95th Street 7pm. 
 
Every Wednesday: Free concert on the lawn at Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, 5:30pm (gates open at 5pm), through August 27th.
 
Thursdays on the Lawn, free concert.  St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 95th Street & Third Avenue, 7pm.  
 
Fridays at Surfside Park.  Music & entertainment for kids, face painting, etc.  Surfside Park, Fridays at 6:30pm, through August 22nd.

See my Upcoming Events list below for specific performers/dates!

NAME YOUR FAVES!  I like to share my favorite recommendations with you...will you please share yours with me?  From contractors and other service providers, to great restaurants, fun activities, and beautiful spots to enjoy, I'd like to hear YOUR recommendations!  If you've had a good experience with an electrician, a fantastic meal, or discovered a new spot, please tell me about it by replying to this email!  Thank you!

upcoming Events: 

Thursdays at Surfside: Jesse Garron’s Tribute to Elvis.  Surfside Park, Thursday, August 14, 7pm. 
 
Thursdays on the Lawn: C. Lynne Smith.  St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 95th Street & Third Avenue.  Thursday, August 14th, 7:30pm. 
 
Fridays at Surfside: Wicked in Avalon.  Surfside Park, Friday, August 15th, 6:30pm. 
 
Third Annual Pickleball Classic, Stone Harbor Recreation Field, Saturday, August 16th.  Register here
 
Pop-Up Retail Wine Tasting at The Washington Inn.  Monday, August 18th, 5pm-7pm. Register here
 
Tuesdays at the Tower: Dane Anthony Band (R&B and rock & roll).  Water Tower lot, Tuesday, August 19th, 7pm. 
 
Kick It Out (Heart).  Free concert on the lawn at Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal.  Wednesday, August 20th, 5:30pm.  Gates open at 5pm.
 
Thursdays at Surfside: Still Surfin’.  Surfside Park, Thursday, August 21, 7pm. 
 
Stone Harbor Museum Gala, Wednesday, August 20th.  Call Teri Fischer at 609-368-7500 for tickets. 
 
Fridays at Surfside: Minion Mayhem.  Surfside Park, Friday, August 22nd, 6:30pm. 
 
Annual Merchant’s Day Sidewalk Sale, downtown Stone Harbor.  Saturday, August 23rd, 9am to 7pm. 
 
Tuesdays at the Tower: The Seabillys.  Water Tower lot, Tuesday, August 26th, 7pm. 
 
Don’t Call Me Francis.  Free concert on the lawn at Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal.  Wednesday, August 27th, 5:30pm.  Gates open at 5pm.
 
Thursdays at Surfside: Big Hix.  Surfside Park, Thursday, August 28, 7pm. 
 
Thursdays at Surfside: Triple Rail Turn.  Surfside Park, Thursday, September 4, 7pm. 
 
Thunder Over the Waves Airshow.  Military flyovers, MIG-17 jet team, Army Golden Knights, US Coast Guard, and more.  Wildwood beach & boardwalk, between Morey’s Mariner’s Pier and Adventure Pier, 11:50am to 2:50pm, September 5th & 6th.
  
Bulk Trash Collection in Avalon begins September 8th.  Place items curbside starting August 29th. 
 
Savor September Wine, Beer, & Food Festival.  Stone Harbor, Saturday, September 20th. 
 
Schooner AJ Meerwald, sailing daily Wednesdays through Sundays, through September 21st.  info and tickets

Weekly Events:

Every Sunday: Stone Harbor Farmers Market, 8am to 12pm at the Water Tower Parking Lot. 
 
Every Tuesday: Tuesdays at the Tower Concert Series.  Water Tower Plaza, 95th Street 7pm.  (No show on August 5th.) 
 
Every Thursday: Thursdays on the Lawn, free concert.  St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 95th Street & Third Avenue, 7pm.  

Every Friday: FriFridays at Surfside Park.  Music & entertainment for kids, face painting, etc.  Surfside Park, Fridays at 6:30pm, through August 22nd.

Fishing vessels of all types ply our local waters.  Here, a small boat fishes just outside the inlet, while a commercial fishing vessel heads toward the harbor, just after sunrise.