 In the fall, the sunsets at the shore are especially beautiful. It can look like huge a fireball over the bay.
For those of us who don’t live on the bay, we walk to find open viewing areas to the western sky.
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 Stone Harbor Point is a great spot- the birding platforms provide an amazing 360 degree view of the ocean, inlet, wetlands, and bay.
During the past 30 days, 23 properties SOLD(settlement) in Avalon and Stone Harbor. The number of settlements each month has remained consistent since late spring…and it’s a huge improvement over our Fall 2008 market!
The selling prices range from $250,000 (for an efficiency condo on on 96th Street) to $5,100,000 (for a custom bay front home on Pelican Drive). The median price was $937,500 for a mix of condo/townhouse units, 2 duplexes, a vacant lot, and single family homes.
All positive signs for an improving real estate market at the shore 🙂
Drop me a note at ann@anndelaney.com if you would like to review the data.
 Sad…to be wearing jeans and a sweatshirt for my walks the past few days.Â
I’ve seen a few hardy souls bundled up in their beach chairs determined to get some sun!
It’s not over yet- I know the temperatures will improve before we officially store our beach gear for the season. I’m counting on it!
Busy weekend in the Wildwoods.Â
The popular Irish Festival takes over several blocks in North Wildwood- ironically, near the bars!
On the boardwalk- the Classic Car Show and Auction. Hundreds of vintage cars on display from North Wildwood down to the Convention Center. The long walk to admire the cars will justify the boardwalk snacks along the way!
Stone Harbor will follow similar guidelines already in place in Avalon- requiring annual inspections/licensing for all rental properties per an article in the Cape May County Herald.
http://www.stone-harbor.nj.us/
According to the Borough of Stone Harbor web site: the beach replenishment project for 98th through 111th Streets has been rescheduled for mid-October. The set up and survey work will start on Sunday, October 18th; with pumping to follow on Friday, October 23rd.
The dredge is in position in the inlet between Stone Harbor and North Wildwood- pumping sand on the North Wildwood beaches prior to the Stone Harbor project.
Mother Nature has made it very clear that we need new sand. Recent storms battered the dunes and removed much of the remaining layer of  soft sand.
 It’s that time of year…CLOSED signs in the windows of our favorite businesses.
Springer’s and Kohler’s closed last week (I’m all set with cinnamon buns in the freezer for Christmas breakfast). And this was the final weekend for Mack’s Pizza. The owner had a wide grin as he said “see you next year”- he is looking forward to the winter break.
Another fall tradition- the restaurant owners who commit to staying open year round- or at least through December. Reality sets in by the end of October, and most change their plans. The local population is just not able to support more than a handful of eating establishments. And the weekend business is fickle - effected by weather and activities at home.
http://www.wetlandsinstitute.org/wnw.html
Perfect weather all weekend for the annual Wings & Water Festival. Events continue through today in Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Middle Township.
Just like the barrier islands along the Jersey Shore, the islands of Hawaii each have their own distinct character.
Oahu has freeways, high rises, congestion, and rush hour…along with rural areas of beautiful mountains and secluded beaches.Â
Living on a low key island here, the busy atmosphere of Oahu was not for me. Glad to see the landmarks (including the North Shore beaches pictured), and I understand the attraction for those who stay up past 10pm- great restaurants and nightlife.  But not the ideal “Hawaii” for me.
 The first part of our trip to Hawaii was on the island of Oahu.
And our tour of the Pearl Harbor area was just a few days before 9/11. Â
Watching the video in the visitor’s center, I couldn’t help but compare the two events. A profound history lesson.