2025

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May 29, 2025 Beaches were busy, boats were plying local waters, visitors filled stores  and restaurants, and Memorial Day parades and ceremonies were held! In The News: GREAT WEEKEND!  By all accounts the Memorial Day Weekend was a great start to the 2025 season! Good weather brought good crowds to our beaches, shops, and restaurants.  Memorial Day ceremonies and parades were held in both Avalon and Stone Harbor on Monday.  The only downside was lots of traffic on the highways southbound on Friday and northbound on Monday.   NEED A CONTRACTOR to perform an emergency repair or take care of that last-minute item? Chances are I can recommend someone that can help.  But, if at all possible, don't wait.  At this time of year everyone is busy every day, so fitting in last-minute jobs can be a real challenge.  If you need a recommendation, let me know, and then call to schedule your repair job as soon as possible!    GREAT RENTALS remain available, especially if you are flexible with your vacation dates.  From a getaway condo to huge homes to accommodate the whole family, we can probably find something for you!  Want to browse?  Search Rentals  Questions?  Email or call me!   AVOID THE TRAFFIC, BUY A SHORE HOUSE! One of the least talked about benefits of owning a shore property is avoiding shore traffic!  Imaging driving to the island Thursday after work, beating the Friday rush.  And the Sunday night return trip? Forget about it - many shore property owners leave early Monday morning instead, heading right to the office.  Not only do you avoid the worst of the weekend shore traffic, but your weekend is longer, too! UPCOMING EVENTS: Art & Authors on Dune.  Explore fine art and connect with talented authors along Dune Drive.  Saturday, May 31st, 9am to 3pm. View Details Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children Open House.  Saturday, May 31st, 11am to 2pm.  Cape May Restaurant Week, June 1st to June 8th.   for details and participating restaurants,   Restaurant Week at The Washington Inn & Wine Bar.  June 1st plus June 3rd to 8th.  $59 pre-fixe menu.  Details and reservations     Avalon Garden Club Flower Show, Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, June 7th, 10am to 3pm.    Stone Harbor Restaurant Week, June 8th to 15th.    Kid’s Day at the Stone Harbor Museum.  June 11th, 9am to 12pm.    Stone Harbor Fit Expo.  Stone Harbor Recreation Building and Athletic Fields, Saturday, June 14th.    Hoagie Sale at Stone Harbor Fire House.  Saturday, June 28th, 8am to 11am.  Go early, they sell out!   Local Thursday at the Wine Bar.  Rotating bar plate specials, 2-for-1 oysters, and 25% off wines by the bottle. The Washington Inn, Thursdays, 4pm to 8pm, through mid-June. May 22, 2025 Everybody is getting ready for the summer season—even the US Coast Guard!  Charged with maintenance of the aids to navigation in our coastal waterways, the US Coast Guard routinely inspects the condition and location of buoys, day markers, and lights on the water.  Whether boating on a clear, sunny day, or navigating buoy to buoy during a storm at night, navigational markers are important to everyone out on the water.   In The News: SETTING THE STAGE!  Our first big summer weekend is upon us!  Memorial Day Weekend traditionally brings big crowds, eager to enjoy the beaches, activities, and restaurants on the island, kicking off the summer season.  If the forecast holds, we should be enjoying temperatures near 70 and partly sunny skies most of the weekend!   3-5% TOURISM GROWTH EXPECTED:  County Tourism Director Diane Wieland predicted tourisim growth of 3-5% for Cape May County (Cape May County Herald, May 19th).  Wieland was speaking to members of the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, and reported that 80% of Americans are planning vacations in 2025, up 7% from earlier.  About 12 million are expected to visit the Jersey Cape this summer!   RENTAL PROPERTIES—GET 'EM READY!  For many rental property owners, the three-day weekend represents the last chance to make final preparations for the summer rental season.  It's a great time to make sure everything is ready: all utilities should be on; all appliances should be checked; pools should be open and running; summer landscaping service should be established; pest and weed control services should be scheduled.  Most importantly: examine your rental property as if you've never seen it before...is it clean? Is there enough silverware? Does a room need to be painted? Is there anything that should be improved or updated?  Now is the time!  Often, spending just a little bit of money offers great return, resulting is happy, repeat tenants!  Need help in evaluating your rental property?  Call or email me and I can provide you with a list of recommendations specific to your property.   WHAT'S ON YOUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST?  That's right—it's time to make your annual Summer Bucket List!  How about a sunrise walk on the beach?  Maybe have dinner with an old friend you haven't seen in 30 years? Teach your grandchild how to fish?  Whatever it is, put it on your list, and make time for it this summer!   PAUSING TO REMEMBER:  Take time this weekend to remember and honor those who gave their lives, while protecting ours.  Enjoy your time; remember those who can't be with us. UPCOMING EVENTS: Stone Harbor Beach Opening Ceremony & Color Fun Run. Saturday, May 24th, 10am. (Registration for Fun Run begins at 9am.)    Turtle Trot 5k sponsored by the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Sunday, May 25th, 8am-10am.     View details.    Stone Harbor Farmer’s Market.  Every Sunday from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.  Water Tower Plaza, Sundays, 8am to 12:30pm.    Somm’s Table: Iconic Espana.  Four wines paired with four canapes created by Executive Chef Vincent Celeste.  Washington Inn & Wine Bar, Sunday, May 25th, 3pm to 4:30pm.  For details or reservations   Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony - Avalon.  Begins at 32nd & Dune Drive at 9am and proceeds north to Veterans Plaza at 21st Street.  Ceremony to follow at Veterans Plaza.  In the event of rain, the parade is cancelled and the ceremony occurs inside Avalon Community Hall at 9am.    Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony - Stone Harbor.  SHFD Memorial ceremony at Freedom Park on 96th Street, adjacent to the firehouse at 10am.  Parade begins at 11am on 96th Street and proceeds toward the beach.  11:30am ceremony at the Women’s Civic Club at the beach.  11:30am ceremony at American Legion Post 331 at 117th Street.    Art & Authors on Dune.  Explore fine art and connect with talented authors along Dune Drive.  Saturday, May 31st, 9am to 3pm. View Details   Cape May Restaurant Week, June 1st to June 8th.   For details and participating restaurants, Stone Harbor Restaurant Week, June 8th to 15th.    Kid’s Day at the Stone Harbor Museum.  June 11th, 9am to 12pm.    Local Thursday at the Wine Bar.  Rotating bar plate specials, 2-for-1 oysters, and 25% off wines by the bottle.  The Washington Inn, Thursdays, 4pm to 8pm, through mid-June.

May 22, 2025

What a view!  Thanks to Scott Zimmerman for sending this gorgeous aerial view
including parts of Avalon and Stone Harbor.  Do you see your favorite beach?

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HAVEN'T BOOKED THAT SUMMER VACATION YET?  We've got some great options for you!  Visit our website and browse through hundreds of options—one of which is surely perfect for you!
Search our Rental Listings   When you find a great place, call Sam Haldeman to book it!  Sam can be reached at 609-967-3001, or SamH@LNF.com. 
 
A TRIPLEX?  Yes!  A great triplex just hit the market in Avalon.  Check out 3149 First Avenue in the "New Listings" section below.  Have you ever thought about owning a multi-unit shore property?  Think about the options: rent all the units; or, use one for your personal enjoyment; plus, there's always the option of using a second unit for one or more weeks for family "overflow".  In addition to the usage options, 3149 First Avenue offers a great location, AND it's steps from the 32nd and 33rd Street beach paths!  Check out the link below!

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In The News:

THEY'RE ALL HERE!  That's right - whales, dolphins, ospreys, egrets, and seagulls!  Lawns are green, flowers are blooming, and the island is full of life everywhere you turn.  All we need is you!
 
EXCITING OPENINGS: Construction is still ongoing, but two long awaited island projects will conclude soon.  In Avalon, work on the Bay Park Marina has been underway since last fall, and it's expected to be opened by Memorial Day Weekend.  The most recent update from the borough indicated that the ramp and stairs leading to the dockmaster's building were completed last week.  Boaters who keep their boats at the marina will be notified when they can return to their slips.  In Stone Harbor, the 96th Street Playground will be ready for the summer season according to the most recent borough update.  Work has been underway for months, and much of the playground has already taken shape.
 
AVALON HISTORY CENTER'S PHOTO CONTEST is now open!  Non-professional photographers are invited to submit up to four of their works in the following categories: Portrait and Personality; Nature; Scenic; Avalon; Children's category (under 12).  If you've captured a showstopper, why not submit it for consideration?  All entries are due by May 24th. For rules and an entry form\
 
ART & AUTHORS ON DUNE takes place Saturday, May 31st, along Dune Drive.  View the work of skilled artists and connect with talented authors.  Artists will be showcasing their work, and authors will be signing and selling copies of their books.  Long & Foster friend and artist Lisa Cunningham will be at the event.  Visit Lisa's site and view her work here   View the lineup of artists and authors
 
HAVEN'T BOOKED THAT SUMMER VACATION YET?  We've got some great options for you!  Visit our website and browse through hundreds of options—one of which is surely perfect for you!

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.  650 Shunpike Road, Burleigh, Saturday, May 17, 2025, 8am to 11am.  For details
 
Stone Harbor Community Yard Sale, 94th Street lot at Second Avenue, Saturday, May 17th, 8am to 1:30pm.  $20 per space/bring your own table.  To reserve a space, call 609-368-0683. 
 
A Night of Legendary Wines: The Kermit Lynch Wine Dinner.  The Washington Inn, Sunday, May 18th, 6pm to 9pm.  For details or to reserve your seat
 
Stone Harbor Community Yard Sale, 94th Street lot at Second Avenue, Saturday, May 17th, 8am to 1:30pm.  $20 per space/bring your own table.  To reserve a space, call 609-368-0683. 
 
Turtle Trot 5k sponsored by the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Sunday, May 25th, 8am-10am.   for details. 
 
Somm’s Table: Iconic Espana.  Four wines paired with four canapes created by Executive Chef Vincent Celeste.  Washington Inn & Wine Bar, Sunday, May 25th, 3pm to 4:30pm. For details/ reservations
 
Art & Authors on Dune.  Explore fine art and connect with talented authors along Dune Drive.  Saturday, May 31st, 9am to 3pm.  For a list of artists and authors
 
Cape May Restaurant Week, June 1st to June 8th. For details and participating restaurants,
 
Stone Harbor Restaurant Week, June 8th to 15th. 
 
Kid’s Day at the Stone Harbor Museum.  June 11th, 9am to 12pm. 
 
Local Thursday at the Wine Bar.  Rotating bar plate specials, 2-for-1 oysters, and 25% off wines by the bottle.  The Washington Inn, Thursdays, 4pm to 8pm, through mid-June.

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May 15, 2025

What a view!  Thanks to Scott Zimmerman for sending this gorgeous aerial view
including parts of Avalon and Stone Harbor.  Do you see your favorite beach?

---

HAVEN'T BOOKED THAT SUMMER VACATION YET?  We've got some great options for you!  Visit our website and browse through hundreds of options—one of which is surely perfect for you!
Search our Rental Listings   When you find a great place, call Sam Haldeman to book it!  Sam can be reached at 609-967-3001, or SamH@LNF.com. 
 
A TRIPLEX?  Yes!  A great triplex just hit the market in Avalon.  Check out 3149 First Avenue in the "New Listings" section below.  Have you ever thought about owning a multi-unit shore property?  Think about the options: rent all the units; or, use one for your personal enjoyment; plus, there's always the option of using a second unit for one or more weeks for family "overflow".  In addition to the usage options, 3149 First Avenue offers a great location, AND it's steps from the 32nd and 33rd Street beach paths!  Check out the link below!

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In The News:

THEY'RE ALL HERE!  That's right - whales, dolphins, ospreys, egrets, and seagulls!  Lawns are green, flowers are blooming, and the island is full of life everywhere you turn.  All we need is you!
 
EXCITING OPENINGS: Construction is still ongoing, but two long awaited island projects will conclude soon.  In Avalon, work on the Bay Park Marina has been underway since last fall, and it's expected to be opened by Memorial Day Weekend.  The most recent update from the borough indicated that the ramp and stairs leading to the dockmaster's building were completed last week.  Boaters who keep their boats at the marina will be notified when they can return to their slips.  In Stone Harbor, the 96th Street Playground will be ready for the summer season according to the most recent borough update.  Work has been underway for months, and much of the playground has already taken shape.
 
AVALON HISTORY CENTER'S PHOTO CONTEST is now open!  Non-professional photographers are invited to submit up to four of their works in the following categories: Portrait and Personality; Nature; Scenic; Avalon; Children's category (under 12).  If you've captured a showstopper, why not submit it for consideration?  All entries are due by May 24th. For rules and an entry form\
 
ART & AUTHORS ON DUNE takes place Saturday, May 31st, along Dune Drive.  View the work of skilled artists and connect with talented authors.  Artists will be showcasing their work, and authors will be signing and selling copies of their books.  Long & Foster friend and artist Lisa Cunningham will be at the event.  Visit Lisa's site and view her work here   View the lineup of artists and authors
 
HAVEN'T BOOKED THAT SUMMER VACATION YET?  We've got some great options for you!  Visit our website and browse through hundreds of options—one of which is surely perfect for you!

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.  650 Shunpike Road, Burleigh, Saturday, May 17, 2025, 8am to 11am.  For details
 
Stone Harbor Community Yard Sale, 94th Street lot at Second Avenue, Saturday, May 17th, 8am to 1:30pm.  $20 per space/bring your own table.  To reserve a space, call 609-368-0683. 
 
A Night of Legendary Wines: The Kermit Lynch Wine Dinner.  The Washington Inn, Sunday, May 18th, 6pm to 9pm.  For details or to reserve your seat
 
Stone Harbor Community Yard Sale, 94th Street lot at Second Avenue, Saturday, May 17th, 8am to 1:30pm.  $20 per space/bring your own table.  To reserve a space, call 609-368-0683. 
 
Turtle Trot 5k sponsored by the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Sunday, May 25th, 8am-10am.   for details. 
 
Somm’s Table: Iconic Espana.  Four wines paired with four canapes created by Executive Chef Vincent Celeste.  Washington Inn & Wine Bar, Sunday, May 25th, 3pm to 4:30pm. For details/ reservations
 
Art & Authors on Dune.  Explore fine art and connect with talented authors along Dune Drive.  Saturday, May 31st, 9am to 3pm.  For a list of artists and authors
 
Cape May Restaurant Week, June 1st to June 8th. For details and participating restaurants,
 
Stone Harbor Restaurant Week, June 8th to 15th. 
 
Kid’s Day at the Stone Harbor Museum.  June 11th, 9am to 12pm. 
 
Local Thursday at the Wine Bar.  Rotating bar plate specials, 2-for-1 oysters, and 25% off wines by the bottle.  The Washington Inn, Thursdays, 4pm to 8pm, through mid-June.

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May 8, 2025

An evening cruise around the island,s waterways at sunset...it won't be long!

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In The News:

WHAT,S A BLUEWAY, AND WHERE CAN YOU FIND ONE?  A Blueway is a route on a waterway for recreational purposes.  The Wetlands Institute has created the Jersey Island Blueway: A Paddler's Guide to Cape May County's Backbays, and you can find it here: The map shows more than a dozen routes ideal for kayaking or paddling the area's back bay waters.  Every one of these routes is quite scenic, easy to reach, and likely to reveal a variety of wildlife.  Study the Jersey Island Blueway map before your next kayak outing!
 
BUILD WEALTH. (AND GO TO THE BEACH!)  Owning a shore property over a long period of time has proven to be an effective way to build wealth for you and your family.  Think about shore property values thirty or more years ago, and compare them to today's values, and it becomes obvious.  Perhaps the best part is the other benefit—time spent with your family, visiting the beach, boating, enjoying everything that the island and surrounding area have to offer - all while creating priceless family memories.  If it's time for your own shore property, call or email me, so I can help you find the perfect shore property for you!
 
BACK BAY FLUKE FISHING is underway aboard the Avalon Lady!  Sailing several trips per week from the Avalon Sport Fishing Center at 1400 Ocean Drive.  Get a jump on your summer fishing!  Visit for the schedule and rates.
 
HISTORY, REDISCOVERED:  The Cape May Canal and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal were both temporarily closed early last week after unexploded ordinance was found on nearby Higbee Beach.  A passerby discovered a 3-inch shell washed up on the beach and reported it to Lower Township Police, who eventually summoned the Atlantic City Bomb Squad to disable the shell.  One ferry vessel had to be turned back to Lewes, Delaware during the shutdown.  Cape May County was witness to quite a bit of World War II operations, and occasionally unexploded ordinance is found in the area.  
 
THAT FEELING YOU GET...You know that feeling, as you're driving toward the island, and cross over the bridge, and get the first breath of salt air in your lungs.  The excitement...the relaxation...the stress melting away.  Plan your 2025 summer vacation now, if you haven't already.  Visit then select Avalon, Stone Harbor, or Sea Isle City, then find your vacation retreat!

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

Ladies Night at Seashore ACE!  20% off most first floor items; appetizers from local restaurants, wine, mocktails; mini massages; meet poscaster Sara Kelly; design consultations; gift bags for the first 50 customers, doorprizes every 15 minutes.  Friday, May 9th, 5pm to 7pm. 
 
Avalon Townwide Yardsale, sponsored by the Avalon Garden Club.  Saturday, May 10th, 8am to 3pm, rain or shine.  For info or to download an application, 
 
Avalon Paper Shredding Day, Avalon Public Works Building, Saturday, May 10th, 9am to 2pm. 
 
Mother’s Day Brunch, The Reeds at Shelter Haven, Sunday, May 11th, 10:30am to 3:30pm.  For reservations

Mother’s Day Brunch, ICONA Avalon, Saturday, May 11th, 11am to 3pm. reservations 

Mother’s Day Brunch.  Washington Inn & Wine Bar, Sunday, May 11th, 11am to 2pm. reservations

Bulk Trash Pickup, Stone Harbor, Monday, May 12th.  Place items curbside up to 72 hours in advance. 

Bulk Trash Pickup, Avalon.  Place items curbside through May 11th, for pickup to begin at 7am on 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
 
Stone Harbor Community Yard Sale, 94th Street lot at Second Avenue, Saturday, May 17th, 8am to 1:30pm.  $20 per space/bring your own table.  To reserve a space, call 609-368-0683. 
 
A Night of Legendary Wines: The Kermit Lynch Wine Dinner.  The Washington Inn, Sunday, May 18th, 6pm to 9pm.  For details or to reserve your seat,
 
Stone Harbor Beach Opening Ceremony & Color Fun Run. Saturday, May 24th, 10am. (Registration for Fun Run begins at 9am.) 
 
Turtle Trot 5k sponsored by the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Sunday, May 25th, 8am-10am.   for details. 
 
Cape May Restaurant Week, June 1st to June 8th. For details and participating restaurants,
 
Stone Harbor Restaurant Week, June 8th to 15th. 
 
Local Thursday at the Wine Bar.  Rotating bar plate specials, 2-for-1 oysters, and 25% off wines by the bottle.  The Washington Inn, Thursdays, 4pm to 8pm, through mid-June.

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May 1, 2025

  pond, searching for food. 
Egrets, laughing gulls, ospreys, and dolphins have all been seen recently!

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In The News:

THIRD AVENUE PAVING!  After several months of utility work, the repaving of Third Avenue in Stone Harbor's business district is finally underway!  Good bye, potholes, hello smooth asphalt!
 
SOUNDS OF SPRING! Stand on nearly any street corner and you're sure to hear the "sounds of spring" in Avalon and Stone Harbor:  the sound of a nail gun installing shingles on a new roof; the drone of a lawnmower mowing a green lawn; back-up beepers in areas where roadwork is being performed; the cackle of laughing gulls flying overhead.  Spring is officially here!
 
OVER 100 BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS in a feeding frenzy were seen off Hereford Inlet this past weekend by Cape May Whale Watcher.   As the dolphins circled to surround a school of fish and feed, excited gasps could be heard from those lucky enough to be on board!  If you've never taken a dolphin watching cruise, it's great fun!  For details
 
JUST OVER 3 WEEKS TO MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!  But there's still time...if you haven't made your summer vacation plans,  And if you'd like to make it permanent, it's still possible to purchase a shore property and enjoy the rest of the summer—and the rest of your life - in your new vacation home!  Call or email me today!  Read More
 
MEET SAM HALDEMAN!  Whether you're looking to book a vacation rental, or have a question about a lease, or just need some info,  Sam is the man!  As our rental specialist, he's available to help you when you need it!  You can reach Sam via email at SamH@LNF.com, or call him at 609-967-3001, or stop by our Avalon office to meet him!

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

Spring Sidewalk Sale Weekend, Stone Harbor, 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.  
 
Ginworld Pop-Up at the Wine Bar.  A special martini-centric pop-up hosted by The Gin Room.  Washington Inn Wine Bar, Friday May 2nd, 4pm to 10pm.  
 
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. 
 
Kentucky Derby Watch Party.  Southern charm, festive sips, flavorful bites.  The Reeds at Shelter Haven, Saturday, May 3rd.  Doors open at 5:30pm. 
 
Green Eggs & Sand.  Horseshoe crab workshop, the Wetlands Institute.  Saturday & Sunday, May 3rd & 4th. For info or to register visit https://wetlandsinstitute.org/green-eggs-and-sand/ 
 
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 Townwide Yardsale, sponsored by the Avalon Garden Club.  Saturday, May 10th, 8am to 3pm, rain or shine.  For info or to download an application, visit www.avalongardenclub.org 
 
Avalon Paper Shredding Day, Avalon Public Works Building, Saturday, May 10th, 9am to 2pm. 
Mother’s Day Brunch, ICONA Avalon, Saturday, May 11th, 11am to 3pm.    reservations and Information/ 
 
Mother’s Day Brunch.  Washington Inn & Wine Bar, Sunday, May 11th, 11am to 2pm. reservations
 
Bulk Trash Pickup, Stone Harbor, Monday, May 12th.  Place items curbside up to 72 hours in advance. 
 
Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.  650 Shunpike Road, Burleigh, Saturday, May 17, 2025, 8am to 11am. For details
 
Cape May Restaurant Week, June 1st to June 8th.   For details and participating restaurants,
 
Stone Harbor Restaurant Week, June 8th to 15th.

Local Thursday at the Wine Bar.  Rotating bar plate specials, 2-for-1 oysters, and 25% off wines by the bottle.  The Washington Inn, Thursdays, 4pm to 8pm, through mid-June.

 

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