February 12, 2026

This duck swam across a patch of water and then climbed up on the ice, took a walk around, then jumped back in the water!  Finding unfrozen areas became difficult as the extreme cold lingered.

FINALLY, SOME WARMING!  Daytime highs finally climbed above freezing this week, and will continue to inch up over the next several days, as will overnight lows.  Ice has finally begun to melt and loosen its grip on the area.  
 
OUR FIRST 5:30PM SUNSET occurred this week!  As sunsets occur a moment or two later each evening it makes a real difference in the afternoon hours, and it's an early sign that spring is (finally) on its way.
 
MARKET STATS: The market is still moving - 10 properties have sold year-to-date in Avalon, and three in Stone Harbor, despite the unusually cold weather.  76 properties are available in both towns, with prices ranging from $325,000 to $13 million.  For a detailed look at the market, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute reports:  Avalon  Stone Harbor
 
THE LAST ICE PHOTOS?  We'll see what next week brings, but in the meantime here is another look at some of the unusual sights around the island this week:

 
Most bayfront areas fully froze this past week.  Here, Great Channel is all ice, near the 96th Street Bridge.  Only areas nearest the ocean, with the deepest, warmest water, remained open.
 

Fire & Ice!  A fiery red sunset over the frozen bay is quite a dramatic contrast!
 

Please don't try this!  Yes, ice skating on the bay was possible in some areas, including this one in Sea Isle City - but not recommended.  Watch the original video clip on Facebook
 

Perhaps the only thing more unusual than ice skating on the bay is ice skating on the beach in Wildwood!  Watch the original video clip on Facebook:

upcoming Events:

Galentine's at the Wine Bar.  Live music, thoughtfully crafter cocktail menu and delectable small bites.  Join the Wine & Chocolate Tasting with Sommelier Tyler for $25 per person.  The Washington Inn, Thursday, February 12th.  Tickets for the Wine & Chocolate portion of the evening
 
Valentine's Dinner at The Reeds at Shelter Haven.  A romantic dinner for two at SAX.  Thursday - Sunday, February 12th to 15th, from 5pm.  Read More 
 
Valentine’s Dining Experience at Icona Avalon.  An elegant Valentine's Dinner in the Sea Glass Ballroom, featuring live piano entertainment.  Saturday, February 14th, 6pm to 8pm. Read More
 
Introduction to Birding.  Cape May County Library, Lower Township Branch, Wednesday, February 18th, 6pm.  Info and registration
 
Estate Planning Discussion.  Attorney Marianne Johnston will discuss Estate and Long-Term Care Planning. Topics will include protecting retirement plans, protecting children's inheritance through a Bloodline Trust, and protecting assets from Nursing Homes and Medicaid. No registration required.  Avalon Free Public Library, Friday, February 27th, 2pm to 3pm. 

The Fiddle Club Presents: Irish Folk Music.  Irish jigs, reels, hornpipes and ballads as well as some classical music.  Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, March 7th, 2pm. 
 
Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge Weekend:
 
Pre-Shiver party at Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, Friday, March 13th, 6pm.  $35 entry fee at door, cash bar.
Pre-game at Fred's Tavern, Saturday, March 14th, 10am
Parade to the beach, Saturday, March 14th, 12 noon.
Shiver Showdown, 96th Street & the beach.
Polar Plunge, 96th Street & the beach, 1:15pm
After party at Fred's Tavern with music by the Quinn Brothers. 
 
Avalon's Bunny Hop.  Meet the Easter Bunny!  Veterans Plaza, Saturday, April 4th, 11am to 2pm. 
Stone Harbor Job Fair. Details to follow.  Saturday, April 11th. 
 
Avalon Garden Club Spring Card Party:  Cheers to 50 Blooming Years!  Avalon Community Hall, Thursday, April 16th, 11:30am to 3pm.  Contact Joanna Morrison for tickets at 609-675-6846. 
Spring Dune Grass Planting.  Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, April 18th, 8:30am.  Please RSVP to Jordan Sykes at Community Hall: 609-967-3066 or jjsykes@avalonboro.org

Recent Listings:

7900 Dune Drive, C315, Avalon, $449,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260288


260 21st Street, Avalon, $515,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260248


55 W 32nd Street, C-2B, Avalon, $1,225,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260257


174 23rd. Street, Avalon, $5,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260281


107 116th Street, Stone Harbor, $6,999,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260234