july 30, 2026

Carving up the waves!  Surfers enjoyed beautiful weather and good waves
last week at Avalon's 8th Street jetty. (Photo by Grace Leiser; surfing by Dan Leiser.)   

UPCOMING BEACH PROJECT: The US Army Corps of Engineers met with Avalon officials to share pre-construction details on the much-anticipated hydraulic beach fill.  Dredge equipment is expected to mobilize in Avalon in mid-September, with work expected to begin in late September.  An estimated 941,000 cubic yards of sand are expected to be added to beaches between 9th Street and 25th Street, with sand being pumped from Townsend's Inlet.  After dredging work concludes in Avalon it will begin in Stone Harbor, where sand will be pumped from Hereford Inlet. 
 
Why the fall?  Some ask "why wait until the fall?" to replenish the beaches.  The short answer: hydraulic beach fills occur when the funding becomes available.  After being cut in previous years, federal funding recently became available, hence the start of the project.  Plus, although we tend to enjoy them most in the summer season, beaches help protect our dunes, and the rest of the island, year round.
 
WOW, THE WEATHER HAS BEEN BEAUTIFUL!  We had five straight days of "80 & sunny' with low humidity and gentle breezes!  It's still not-too-hot, but our daytime highs are expected to slowly rise as we head into next week. 
 
GOTTA DO IT: RAINY DAY FUN!  There's always a chance of scattered showers or thunderstorms during your visit to the shore, and sometimes the beach just isn't the right choice because it's too windy.  Need something to do on a less-than-perfect beach day? Here are some rainy-day fun ideas:

Cape May County Zoo: it offers wonderful animal exhibits both indoors and out.  Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Cape May Lighthouse: Climb the 199 steps to the top of the lighthouse for an amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and the barrier islands.  Admission is $12 ($8 for kids and veterans).

Ocean City Boardwalk: Amusements, rides, pizza and ice cream, plus a fun family oriented stroll along the boards!

Wildwood Boardwalk: Amusements, water parks, pizza, and the Sightseer tram car.("Watch the tram car, please!")

Golf courses & driving ranges:  Cape May County is home to numerous golf courses and driving ranges.  Grab your clubs and bucket of balls!

Avalon History Center (215 39th Street): photos, artifacts, and displays documenting the history and growth of Avalon.

Stone Harbor Museum (9410 Second Avenue): Treasures and memorabilia documenting Stone Harbor's past.

Cape May County Museum (504 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House): House in a building that dates to 1704, exhibits of all kinds from Cape May County's colonial, Victorian, and modern eras.

The Wetlands Institute (Stone Harbor Boulevard): Learn about the marshes, bodies of water, marine life, and shore birds that surround us.

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse (111 North Central Avenue, North Wildwood): The lighthouse dates to 1874 and is still in active use today.  Tour the building and stroll the gardens.  

HELP ME HELP YOU!  Are you thinking about buying a shore property this fall?  Contemplating selling?  Let's talk now and plan ahead!  We can take simple steps NOW to help you achieve your goals more easily this fall!  Call or email me and we'll talk at your convenience!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Thursdays at Surfside: Damn the Torpedoes: A Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.  Surfside Park, Thursday, July 30th, 7pm.
 
Stone Harbor Festival of Lights: US History 250.  Saturday, August 1st.  Boat parade begins at 8pm and will travel along the Stone Harbor basins. 
 
National Night Out (Stone Harbor): Police vehicles on display, food, games, giveaways.  WaterTower Lot, 95th Street & Second Avenue, Tuesday, August 4th, 5pm to 7pm.
 
National Night Out (Avalon): Police & fire departments, glitter tattoos, facepainting, ballon art.  29th Street & Avalon Avenue, Tuesday, August 4th, 6pm to 8pm.
 
Concert on the Green: Fat Mezz.  Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, Wednesday, August 5th,  5:30pm.
 
Thursdays at Surfside: 80s Revolution.  Surfside Park, Thursday, August 6th, 7pm.
 
Somm's Table: Sicily.  Explore Sicilian wine!  The Washington Inn & Wine Bar.  Sunday, August 9th, 3pm to 4pm.
 
Reeds & Seeds: Annual Watermelon Festival.  The Reeds at Shelter Haven, Monday, August 10th, 10am to 1pm.  RSVP
 
Tuesdays at the Tower: Pure Jerry.  Water Tower Plaza, Tuesday, August 11th, 7pm.
 
Concert on the Green: The Amish Outlaws.  Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, Wednesday, August 12th,  5:30pm.
 
Thursdays at Surfside: Chi-Town Transit Authority.  Surfside Park, Thursday, August 13th, 7pm.
 
Avalon Flood Insurance Information Meeting.  Get the latest information from experts; no registration required.  Avalon Borough Hall, Thursday, August 20th, 5pm.
 
Weekly Activities:
 
Every Sunday:  Stone Harbor Farmer’s Market, Water Tower Plaza, Sundays, 8am to 12 noon.
 
Every Tuesday: Tuesdays at the Tower Concert Series.  7pm to 9pm.  Beginning July 7th. (No concert August 4t-It's National Night Out with the Stone Harbor Police Department.)
 
Every Wednesday: Dune Walks with The Wetlands Institute.  Learn about Avalon’s high dunes and how they protect the island.  48th Street Beach Path, Wednesdays through September 2nd, 9:30am. Suggested cost of $3 per person.
 
Every Wednesday: Summer Concert Series at the Cape May Ferry Terminal, 5:30pm to 8:30pm.  Beginning July 8th. 
 
Every Thursday: Thursdays at Surfside Concert Series.  7pm to 9pm.
 
Every Friday: Friday Nights at Surfside Park.  Character shows, DJ, dancing, face painting, balloon art, and more.  Fridays, except July 24th, 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

Daily Activities:
 
Every Day: Salt Marsh Safari, Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor Boulevard.  info here: 

July 23, 2026

As Canadian wildfire smoke disappeared, Mac Groce captured this stunning
beach scene early Sunday morning.  Great shot, Mac!

MARKET STATS: The median sale price increased in Avalon last month but decreased in Stone Harbor.  The two towns usually move in sync, but a relatively small sample size in a given month can cause short term anomalies like this.  For a detailed look at the market, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute reports: Avalon  Stone Harbor
 
THE SMOKE HAS CLEARED!  Remember the smoky gray skies we had last week due to the Canadian wildfires?  The smoke has cleared, thanks to shifting winds and rain showers.  We're looking forward to partly sunny skies and daytime highs in the 70s over the weekend!
 
EXPECT THUNDER AT NIGHT!  The New Jersey Air National Guard 177th Fighter Wing will be conducting night flying training this week through Thursday evening, and again next week Tuesday through Thursday evenings.  Located at Atlantic City International Airport, the fighter wing's F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft are often seen in the daytime skies over Cape May County, including frequent passes above our beaches.  Keep an ear peeled for some night time thunder as pilots conduct extra night flights this week and next!
 

 
THE BEST THREE MINUTES on television this week! CBS Sunday Morning ended their Sunday broadcast with a fantastic three-minute video highlighting scenes from the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, including sunrise, dunes, dolphins, egrets, and much more.  Take-a three-minute break and improve your mood for the rest of the day!  Watch The Video
 
Want to visit Cape May National Wildlife Refuge yourself?  It's located throughout Cape May County, with portions adjacent to the ocean, Delaware Bay, and more.  Learn about the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge Read More
 
GOTTA DO IT:  LOCAL BREWERIES! A number of local craft beer makers operate in Cape May County and produce a variety of award-winning beers.  Whether you prefer to taste different brews at each brewery, or take some home to enjoy later, here are some local favorites:

Avalon Brew Pub: 125 79th Street, Avalon
Slack Tide Brewing Company:  1879 Route 9, Clermont
Ludlam Island Brewery: 9 Stoney Court, Ocean View
Meyers Lighthouse Brewing Company; 2576 Route 9
Obscura Brewing: 205 North Main Street, Cape May Court House. www.obscurabrewingco.com 
Whale Tale Brewing Company: 28 Indian Trail Road, Cape May Court House
Angelsea Aleworks: 3401 New Jersey Avenue, Wildwood
MudHen Brewing Company: 127 W Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood
Cape May Brewery: 409 Breakwater Road, Cape May
Behr Brewing: 513 Seashore Road, Cape May
Gusto Brewing Company: 3860 Bayshore Road, North Cape May   
Cold Spring Brewery: 733 Seashore Road, Cape May

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Santa's Stone Harbor Vacation.  Catch Santa on the beach and in town! July 22nd to July 25th. 
July 22nd - visits downtown shops and restaurants.  
July 23rd - 96th Street @ Stone Harbor lifeboat located outside of Well Dressed Olive for photos from 7pm - 8pm.
July 24th - @ 11am Santa will be @ 95th  Street Pavilion and on the beach. Noon - 2pm Santa will be downtown and from 1pm - 2pm @ Stone Harbor Lifeboat on 96th Street.
July 25th - breakfast @ Uncle Bill's Pancake House then Toastique, Free-Est and Salty Paws between 10:30am - 11:30am.  Santa will be downtown till 1:00 pm then leaves for the North Pole.
 
Thursdays at Surfside: Don Jovi.  Surfside Park, Thursday, July 23rd, 7pm.
 
Thomas Jefferson: Founding Father.  Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, July 25th, 1pm.
 
Christmas in July Party.  Live music, beer release, Summer Santa & Best Hawaiian shirt costume contests.  Ludlam Island Brewery, Saturday, July 25th, 12pm to 9pm.
 
Christmas in July Concert.  Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 9212 Third Avenue, Sunday, July 26th, 4pm to 6pm.
 
Summer Celebration Cocktail Party.  Benefits The Wetlands Institute. Icona Avalon, Saturday, July 25th, 6pm-9pm.
 
Tuesdays at the Tower: Billy Walton Band.  Water Tower Plaza, Tuesday, July 28th, 7pm.
 
Concert on the Green: Legacy.  Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, Wednesday, July 29th, 5:30pm.
 
Thursdays at Surfside: Damn the Torpedoes: A Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.  Surfside Park, Thursday, July 30th, 7pm.
 
Stone Harbor Festival of Lights: US History 250.  Saturday, August 1st.  Boat parade begins at 8pm and will travel along the Stone Harbor basins. 
 
Concert on the Green: Fat Mezz.  Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, Wednesday, August 5th,  5:30pm.
 
Thursdays at Surfside: 80s Revolution.  Surfside Park, Thursday, August 6th, 7pm.
 
Somm's Table: Sicily.  Explore Sicilian wine!  The Washington Inn & Wine Bar.  Sunday, August 9th, 3pm to 4pm. Book here
 
Avalon Flood Insurance Information Meeting.  Get the latest information from experts; no registration required.  Avalon Borough Hall, Thursday, August 20th, 5pm.

Weekly Activities:
 
Every Sunday:  Stone Harbor Farmer's Market, Water Tower Plaza, Sundays, 8am to 12 noon.
 
Every Tuesday: Tuesdays at the Tower Concert Series.  7pm to 9pm.  Beginning July 7th.
 
Every Wednesday: Summer Concert Series at the Cape May Ferry Terminal, 5:30pm to 8:30pm.  Beginning July 8th. 
 
Every Thursday: Thursdays at Surfside Concert Series.  7pm to 9pm.
 
Every Friday: Friday Nights at Surfside Park.  Character shows, DJ, dancing, face painting, balloon art, and more.  Fridays, except July 24th, 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

Daily Activities:
 
Every Day: Salt Marsh Safari, Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor Boulevard.  info here: 

july 16, 2026

Evening sunsets have been spectacular in recent weeks!
Catch them from nearly any street end, pier, or dock!

CAPE MAY COUNTY earned Best in Show Honors at the Great American State Fair in Washington, DC!  Cape May County's presentation featured a sand sculpture, a three-minute promotional video, and representatives gave away more than 50,000 samples of salt water taffy!
 
LIFEGUARD COMPETITIONS are underway, as beach patrols from around the county compete with each other.   During the Cape May County Lifeguard Championship held last week in Wildwood Crest, Ocean City Beach Patrol took first place, defending champs Wildwood Crest took second, and Avalon placed third.   Competition continues this Friday in North Wildwood, where county beach patrols will again match up in the Beschen-Callahan Memorial Lifeguard Races.  
 
SLOW DOWN, YOU'RE AT THE BEACH!  We all love the beach for a chance to relax and slow down.  Sometimes we need to remember to slow down when driving local roads.  They're filled with bicycles, pedestrians crossing, and even turtles seeking higher ground upon which to lay eggs.  Give ,em all a "brake!"  Arriving a moment or two later won't make any real difference—but it makes local roads safer for all of us!
 
GOTTA DO IT: Miniature Golf and Ice Cream!  There may be no more classic combination of shore vacation activities than miniature golf followed by ice cream!  Friendly competition for all ages, followed by sweet treats!  Try out some local offerings!
 
Miniature Golf:
Go Fish Mini Golf, 24th & Dune Drive
Pirate Island Miniature Golf, 27th & Dune Drive
Miniature Golf Club 18, 95th & Third Avenue
Hang Ten Golf Club, 239 96th Street
 
Ice Cream:
Avalon Freeze, 228 Dune Drive
Buccaneer Ice Cream & Candies, 2659 Dune Drive
Sundae Best, 2900 Dune Drive
Sundae Best Boardwalk Cafe, 2801 Boardwalk
Springer's Homemade Ice Cream, 9420 Third Avenue
Dairy Queen, 329 96th Street
Kohr Brothers Frozen Custard, 274 96th Street
Chillin' Pineapple, 266 96th Street
Stone Harbor Freeze, 9712 Third Avenue
Salty Paws Doggie Ice Cream Parlor (a favorite among puppies!), 276, 96th Street
 
LAST MINUTE RENTAL OPTIONS are still available for upcoming weeks!  Treat yourself, and your family, to the gift of seashore memories!  Check out available options in Avalon  Stone Harbor

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Thursdays at Surfside: Best of the Eagles.  Surfside Park, Thursday, July 16th, 7pm.
 
Reception with the Artist: Josef Kote.  Ocean Galleries, 9618 Third Avenue, Friday & Saturday, July 17th & 18th,  7pm to 9pm.
 
Yoga at the Zoo, with a certified yoga instructor.  Bring a mat and water, and meet at the Zoo entrance.  Cape May County Zoo, Saturday, July 18th, 8:45am to 10am.  $15-20 donation suggested.
 
Tuesdays at the Tower: Dane Anthony Band.  Water Tower Plaza, Tuesday, July 21st, 7pm.
 
Concert on the Green: Jimmy & The Parrots.  Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, Wednesday, July 22nd, 5:30pm.
 
Santa’s Stone Harbor Vacation.  Catch Santa on the beach and in town! July 22nd to July 25th.
 
Thursdays at Surfside: Don Jovi.  Surfside Park, Thursday, July 23rd, 7pm.
 
Thomas Jefferson: Founding Father.  Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, July 25th, 1pm.
 
Christmas in July Party.  Live music, beer release, Summer Santa & Best Hawaiian shirt costume contests.  Ludlam Island Brewery, Saturday, July 25th, 12pm to 9pm.
 
Christmas in July Concert.  Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 9212 Third Avenue, Sunday, July 26th, 4pm to 6pm.
 
Tuesdays at the Tower: Billy Walton Band.  Water Tower Plaza, Tuesday, July 28th, 7pm.
 
Concert on the Green: Legacy.  Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, Wednesday, July 29th, 5:30pm.
 
Thursdays at Surfside: Damn the Torpedoes: A Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.  Surfside Park, Thursday, July 30th, 7pm.
 
Stone Harbor Festival of Lights: US History 250.  Saturday, August 1st.
 
Somm's Table: Sicily.  Explore Sicilian wine!  The Washington Inn & Wine Bar.  Sunday, August 9th, 3pm to 4pm   Book here

Weekly Activities:
 
Every Sunday:  Stone Harbor Farmer's Market, Water Tower Plaza, Sundays, 8am to 12 noon.
 
Every Tuesday: Tuesdays at the Tower Concert Series.  7pm to 9pm.  Beginning July 7th.
 
Every Wednesday: Summer Concert Series at the Cape May Ferry Terminal, 5:30pm to 8:30pm.  Beginning July 8th. 
 
Every Thursday: Thursdays at Surfside Concert Series.  7pm to 9pm.
 
Every Friday: Friday Nights at Surfside Park.  Character shows, DJ, dancing, face painting, balloon art, and more.  Fridays, except July 24th, 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

Daily Activities:
 
Every Day: Salt Marsh Safari, Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor Boulevard.  info here: 

july 9, 2026

Two kinds of light: evening fireworks (right) competed with distant lightning (left)
during fireworks displays on the island.  (Photo by Grace Leiser)

WHAT A WEEKEND..."One of the best we've had in a long time,"said Diane Wieland, Cape May County's tourism director, in a Cape May County Herald article.  High temperatures and holiday events brought big crowds to the shore over the long weekend.  Beaches were full, as were shops and restaurants.  
 
OH BOY, IT WAS HOT!  Really hot!  Atlantic City Airport reported a high temperature of 106F, tying the all-time record, according to meteorologist Joe Martucci.  The island was slightly cooler - but just slightly!  Late afternoon sea breezes eventually appeared, finally bringing a bit of relief.  Beachgoers sought shade under umbrellas and boaters caught breezes on sandbars, but the only way to truly beat the heat this weekend was to be in the water - ocean temperatures were around 70F, and very refreshing!  This week saw the return of more normal daytime highs in the upper 70s and low 80s.
 
STILL PLANNING YOUR SUMMER VACATION?  Avalon and Stone Harbor vacation guides serve as useful references for all things local - stores, restaurants, events, beach access, borough phone numbers, and more.  Check them out here:
 
Avalon 2026 Recreation Guide: View Guide
 
Stone Harbor 2026 Visitor's Guide: View Guide
 
AND IF YOU NEED A PLACE TO STAY, check out our website featuring great rental options!  Whether your budget is $1,000 to $2,000 per week, or $10,000 to $20,000, we've got something for you.  Browse rental properties here: Avalon rentals  Stone Harbor rentals
 
GOTTA DO IT:  RENT A BOAT!  Want to go fishing in the back bay, crabbing in a narrow creek, or just cruise local waters?  Try renting a boat!  Local marinas rent a variety of boats, from small fishing skiffs to large center consoles to pontoon "party barges."  Check out these local options!

Boat Day Luxury Rentals, Avalon
 
Bay Breeze Marina, Sea Isle City
 
Two Chums Rentals, Sea Isle City
 
Pier 88 Marina, Sea Isle City
 
Dad's Place Marine, North Wildwood
 
Hereford Marina, North Wildwood
 
Bunkers Marina, Wildwood
 
Pier 47 Marina, Wildwood

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Thursdays at Surfside: Big Hix.  Surfside Park, Thursday, July 9th, 7pm.
 
Summer Concert: Congress Street Brass Band.  Cape May County Park & Zoo Bandstand, Saturday, July 11th, 2pm-3:30pm.
 
Stone Harbor Triathlon.  Quarter mile swim, 11 mile bike ride, 5k run.  Stone Harbor Yacht Club, Sunday, July 12, 7am to 9am.
 
Somm's Table: Natural & Biodynamic.  Explore wines made with minimal intervention and a deep respect for the ecosystem.  Washington Inn & Wine Bar.  Sunday, July 12th, 3pm to 4pm.  https://www.washingtoninn.com/upcoming-events/somms-table
 
Tuesdays at the Tower: Three & One.  Water Tower Plaza, Tuesday, July 14th, 7pm.
 
Concert on the Green: Split Decision.  Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, Wednesday, July 15th, 5:30pm.
 
Thursdays at Surfside: Best of the Eagles.  Surfside Park, Thursday, July 16th, 7pm.
 
Yoga at the Zoo, with a certified yoga instructor.  Bring a mat and water, and meet at the Zoo entrance.  Cape May County Zoo, Saturday, July 18th, 8:45am to 10am.  $15-20 donation suggested.
 
Tuesdays at the Tower: Dane Anthony Band.  Water Tower Plaza, Tuesday, July 21st, 7pm.
 
Concert on the Green: Jimmy & The Parrots.  Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, Wednesday, July 22nd, 5:30pm.
 
Santa's Stone Harbor Vacation.  Catch Santa on the beach and in town! July 22nd to July 25th.
 
Thursdays at Surfside: Don Jovi.  Surfside Park, Thursday, July 23rd, 7pm.
 
Stone Harbor Festival of Lights: US History 250.  Saturday, August 1st.
 
Weekly Activities:
 
Every Sunday:  Stone Harbor Farmer's Market, Water Tower Plaza, Sundays, 8am to 12 noon.
 
Every Tuesday: Tuesdays at the Tower Concert Series.  7pm to 9pm.  Beginning July 7th.
 
Every Wednesday: Summer Concert Series at the Cape May Ferry Terminal, 5:30pm to 8:30pm.  Beginning July 8th. 
 
Every Thursday: Thursdays at Surfside Concert Series.  7pm to 9pm.
 
Daily Activities:
 
Every Day: Salt Marsh Safari, Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor Boulevard.  info here: