June 26, 2025

 
You don't have to be a photographer to appreciate a good sunrise!  Catch them daily from any beach!

In The News:

SUMMER'S HERE, AND IT'S HOT!  Daytime temperatures early in the week were well into the 90s, with little relief from the sea breeze.  By the weekend, temperatures are expected to ease a bit, with highs expected in the upper 70s and low 80s.  Ocean water temperatures have been very comfortable, and are now in the low 70s.
 
DESPITE THE RECENT HEAT: New Jersey drought conditions have eased, thanks to significant spring rainfall.  The month of May brought above-normal precipitation to much of the state, which lead to all counties being removed from "drought" status.  A large area including Atlantic County and parts of Burlington and Ocean counties remains in "abnormally dry" status.  Even though conditions have eased, careful water usage is still encouraged!
 
GOTTA DO IT: "SECRET SPOTS!"  There are a handful of spots on and around the island that are usually not crowded and so special, that they almost seem like "secrets!"  Here are a few that are always worth a visit:
 
Avalon's 8th Street Jetty: Located at, well, 8th Street, the jetty juts out into the ocean, providing views of the inlet and ocean that are unmatched.  Adjacent to the jetty is the 8th Street beach, and great place to relax while sunbathing or fishing.
 
Stone Harbor Point: Located at the southernmost tip of Stone Harbor, you can walk the beach south toward Hereford Inlet, or walk the path through the dunes and visit the observation deck, which provides an all-around view the area and associated wildlife.
 
Townsend's Inlet Waterfront Park: Located at the very southern tip of Sea Isle City, there's parking for your car and a path to the inlet beach, which wraps around the tip of the island from beach to bay, allowing you to walk beneath the Townsend's Inlet Bridge.  Sit of the beach, fish, or watch a sunsetS!
 
BOOK THAT VACATION if you haven't already done so!  Visit www.lfvacations.com to browse options and then call or email me! Give yourself a well deserved week at the beach with your family!
 
ONE BEDROOM CONDOS FROM $400,000: Two-bedroom condos from $729,500, three-bedroom condos from $1,075,000, four bedrooms townhomes from $1,390,000, and single family homes from $1,799,000.  Yes, there really is something for every budget in Avalon, Stone Harbor, Avalon Manor, and Stone Harbor Manor!  We've got lots of great options to investigate. Interested?  Please call or email me! Ready to book? Call Sam at 609-967-3001 or email him at SamH@LNF.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Thursdays at Surfside: Concert by StevieMac.  Surfside Park, Thursday, June 26th, 7pm. 
 
Fridays at Surfside Park: Frozen Fever!  Surfside Park, Friday, June 27th, 6:30pm. 
  
 
Hoagie Sale at Stone Harbor Fire House.  Saturday, June 28th, 8am to 11am.  Go early, they sell out!  

Memorial Ceremony Honoring Firefighter Thomas A. Thompson, who gave his life in the line of duty at the Avalon Ice House Fire on June 29th, 1956.  Avalon Memorial, 30th & Dune Drive, Sunday, June 29th, 11am.  
 
July 4th in Avalon:  

3pm: Boat Parade. Parade starts at the Avalon Yacht Club (boats arrive at 2:45pm for line up.

7pm-8:30pm: Music by American Sole at Surfside Park

Dusk: Fireworks! Watch from the beach!

July 4th in Stone Harbor: 

9am: Field Day at the Stone Harbor Recreation Athletic Field, 81st Street. 
 
7:30pm: Music by BLT Band at the 81st Street Recreation Field 
 
Dusk: Fireworks!  Launched from the 81st Street beach—watch from any beach!

Shore Shot Basketball Camp.  Stone Harbor Recreation Center, July 8th to 11th.  Visit www.ShoreShot.net for info and registration.

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.  Begins July 8th (no show on August 5th.) 

Every Thursday: Thursdays on the Lawn, free concert.  St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 95th Street & Third Avenue, 7pm.  Begins July 10th.

In The News:

MARKET STATS: The median sale price increased slightly during the month of May 2025, and so did the number of active listings.  The average "days on market" figure held steady.  For a detailed look at the market, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report
 
BEACH REPLENISHMENT FUNDING ZEROED OUT.  The Cape May County Herald reported on June 12th that the current administration has "zeroed out all beach nourishment funding in the FY25 federal budget, meaning no New Jersey beach nourishment projects will be completed this upcoming winter despite scheduled nourishments for both Ocean City and Stone Harbor/Avalon." Cape May City also has a scheduled project that would have been eligible for replenishment funding.  The Herald went on to report "Beach replenishment projects are typically funded with 65% federal dollars, while the remaining 35% comes from state and local sources – three-quarters of which are paid by the state.

Avalon Administrator Scott Wahl informed the Borough Council at its June 11 meeting that state policy does not permit a state contribution in the absence of a federal share. Without federal dollars, shore resort communities could be faced with the total cost of a hydraulic beach fill, which is generally out of reach for municipal budgets.
 
In Stone Harbor and Avalon, the Army Corps' most recent beach replenishment project was in 2023. The most recent Cape Island nourishment took place in November and December 2023. Ocean City, north of 34th Street, was last nourished between October 2022 and February 2023."
 
Stone Harbor Mayor Tim Carney has called on Congress to prioritize federal beach funding to keep our beaches safe and available for everyone to enjoy. 

SAY NO to a higher "mansion tax" proposed by NJ Governor Phil Murphy.  Murphy has proposed increasing the "transfer fee" - currently 1% on properties over $1 million, in order to raise revenue.  Murphy's proposal includes doubling the fee to 2% on properties from $1 million to $2 million, and tripling the fee to 3% on properties over $2 million, meaning the minimum fee would jump from $20,000 to $60,000.  This new fee is NOT in effect, but let's make sure it stays that way. Read More  more on the proposal - and ways to make your opinion know among your New Jersey legislators.  
 
GOTTA DO IT: SAILING!  Back by popular demand, my "Gotta Do It" list is back!  This week: Sailing!  There's no better way to enjoy the water than to be propelled across it by wind power alone!  If you've never sailed before, a two-hour lesson is a great way to get started  check out Point Sailing (located in Beesley's Point) Read More or Ocean City Sailing Foundation (located in Ocean City) for lessons or week-long kids' camps. Read More.  If a more laid-back approach what you want, the AJ Meerwald, New Jersey's official tall ship, is back at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal offering public day sails on Delaware Bay through July 6th.  Sit back and relax, or pitch in, grab hold of a line, and help the crew set sail!  for info and tickets.
 
SUMMER ACTIVITIES a re ramping up!  See my events list below for ideas on what to enjoy while you're on the island!
 
STAY FOR A WEEK, OR MAKE IT PERMANENT?  If you haven't scheduled your summer vacation yet, now's the time!  Don't wait until the last minute to ensure a week of fun and family memories.  Of course, if you'd like to make it permanent and purchase your very own shore property, let's talk!  Call or email me today!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Thursdays at Surfside: Sensational Soul Cruisers concert.  Surfside Park, Thursday, June 19th, 7pm. 
 
Avalon Historical Society Olde House Tour.  Friday, June 20th, 1-4pm.  For info and tickets
 
Sand Sculpture Reveal.  Watch as artist Brendan Schaffer sculpts sand into a beautiful work of art.  Sculpting begins early, and will be revealed around 10am.  30th Street beach, Saturday, June 21st, 10am.
 
Summer Solstice Festival.  Food vendors, beer & wine sales, balloon artists, face painters, plus music by Jimmy and the Parrots.  Surfside Park, Saturday, June 21st, 5pm to 9pm. 

Harbor Hustle 5k run 1M run, 1M walk.  Sunday, June 22nd, 7:30am. For info and registration
 
Comeback Story for the Ages -The Osprey in New Jersey. This presentation will discuss the story of the Osprey, what caused their demise and comeback, and the challenges they still face today    Surfside Park, Wednesday, June 25th, 6pm. 
 
Hoagie Sale at Stone Harbor Fire House.  Saturday, June 28th, 8am to 11am.  Go early, they sell out! 
 
Memorial Ceremony Honoring Firefighter Thomas A. Thompson, who gave his life in the line of duty at the Avalon Ice House Fire on June 29th, 1956.  Avalon Memorial, 30th & Dune Drive, Sunday, June 29th, 11am. 

June 12, 2025

Wetlands Institute Research Scientist Brian Williamson and Coastal Conservation Research Program help Stone Harbor Kindergartners release diamondback terrapins into the marsh.  The terrapin release program at The Wetlands Institute has worked with the Stone Harbor Kindergarten since 1991.  Photos provided by Devin Griffiths of The Wetlands Institute  

In The News:

TURTLE CROSSINGS have increased on local roadways!  Please be sure to keep an eye out for diamondback terrapins seeking higher ground to lay eggs.  Avoiding road kills is important to the future turtle population, and goes hand in hand with The Wetlands Institute's efforts to save and release diamondback terrapins into the marsh, as shown above.  If you're inclined to help a turtle cross the road, please take all necessary precautions to ensure your own safety in traffic, and then cross the turtle in the direction it was originally headed. 
 
ANNUAL VISITOR GUIDES for Avalon and Stone Harbor are now available! Listing everything from shops and restaurants to events and activities, they can be a useful resource while planning your stay!  Check them out!
 
Avalon Visitor Guide     Stone Harbor Visitor Guide
 
STONE HARBOR RESTAURANT WEEK runs through June 15th!  More than a dozen restaurants are participating, each with their own menu and specials. Check out the list restaurants
 
STILL NEED BEACH TAGS?  If you're in need of seasonal beach tags, you can purchase them at the beach tag offices in town, from beach tag inspectors on the beach, or, plan ahead and order them online, for delivery to your door!  Jersey Cape Tags manufactures tags for local beach towns, and also makes them available online. 
 
 Avalon tags    Stone Harbor tags

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Local Thursday at the Wine Bar.  Rotating bar plate specials, 2-for-1 oysters, and 25% off wines by the bottle.  The Washington Inn, Thursday, June 12th, 4pm to 8pm. (Last one until fall!) 
 
Stone Harbor Restaurant Week, through June 15th.  Check out the list of restaurants 
 
Avalon Historical Society Historic Marker Dedication: Avalon Swing Bridge.  Celebrate Avalon’s transportation history with the unveiling of a historic marker at the site of the Avalon Swing Bridge.  Foot of the 800 Block of 21st Street, Avalon, Saturday, June 14th, 12pm. 
 
Stone Harbor Fit Expo.  Stone Harbor Recreation Building and Athletic Fields, Saturday, June 14th. 
 
Thursdays at Surfside: Sensational Soul Cruisers concert.  Surfside Park, Thursday, June 19th, 7pm. 
 
Summer Solstice Festival.  Food vendors, beer & wine sales, balloon artists, face painters, plus music by Jimmy and the Parrots.  Surfside Park, Saturday, June 21st, 5pm to 9pm. 
 
Harbor Hustle 5k run 1M run, 1M walk.  Sunday, June 22nd, 7:30am. For info and registration
 
Hoagie Sale at Stone Harbor Fire House.  Saturday, June 28th, 8am to 11am.  Go early, they sell out! 
 
Memorial Ceremony Honoring Firefighter Thomas A. Thompson, who gave his life in the line of duty at the Avalon Ice House Fire on June 29th, 1956.  Avalon Memorial, 30th & Dune Drive, Sunday, June 29th, 11am.