Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Author: ann

  • Open for Business

    The locals and seasonal residents appreciate the additional dining options on the weekends:  Marabella’s in Stone Harbor has been open the past few weekends; The Concord Cafe will be open as of March 27th, and The Windrift (newly renovated) will be open next weekend.   Peeked in the windows of Henny’s-  the carpet has been ripped up and the restaurant is empty- heard a rumor last fall that an Avalon restaurant will be moving in this summer.    P.S.  Just read a post on Jen Miller’s Blog confirming that Black Fish from Avalon will be moving to the Henny’s location- grand opening on May 8th.

    http://thelatestdish.wordpress.com/2009/03/11/chef-chip-roman-to-open-blackfish-stone-harbor/

    Open for Business– a sign of spring at the shore!

  • Off Topic

    Not real estate or shore related, just sharing an opinion:  watched the HBO movie “Taking Chance” over the weekend.  When I am still thinking about a movie a few days later, I know it was worthwhile.  Dover, Delaware  and Philadelphia are an important part of the storyline- another reason the movie has a strong emotional pull.

    http://www.hbo.com/films/takingchance/

  • Sunday Sights

    footprints1  As expected, I saw hundreds of footprints on the sand when I walked after work this afternoon.  It was a beautiful weekend for strolling  along the beach.   But it’s still a bit chilly for bare feet!

    I read a great quote recently:  “Spring is the shore’s dirty little secret”.   Our wonderful summer sea breeze is here year round.  And while it can be warm and sunny off the island (or even a few blocks off the beach)- you will likely need a jacket (and maybe a hat/gloves) for a walk along the ocean.   The cool, damp sea air is  refreshing  🙂

  • For the Birds

    birdpath1  New for 2009- walking paths through the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary- 2 paths are  in place with access off Third Avenue at 114th Street.  Another path will be added on Second Avenue this spring.

    birdplatform  And, check out the view from the new bird watching platform built next to the dunes at Stone Harbor Point (access from the 123rd Street parking lot).   360 degree views of the ocean, inlet, wetlands, and the bay- impressive.  Oh…and I guess you can look at the birds, too!

    Exceptional weather this weekend- great excuse to visit the shore!

  • Philadelphia Magazine

    Interesting article in this month’s Philadelphia Magazine regarding real estate in the area.  Although not specific to the shore, the information is relevant because the majority of our owners and potential buyers live in the Philadelphia region.

    Bottom line:  We should not be lumped together with other markets.  The conservative financial traits of home owners in our area have allowed us to weather the downturn better.

    Read the article on line:

    http://www.phillymag.com

  • Beautiful Day at the Beach

    beachpathsnow.jpg  Other than the deep snow on the beach path and the 25 degree temperatures, it looked like a summer day!  A clear blue sky, warm sunshine on my face, and calm winds made for a nice walk this afternoon.

    springbulbs.jpg  The spring flower bulbs don’t seem to mind the snow- a postive sign of warmer days to come.

  • Opposite Weather

    Spent the weekend in sunny Denver, CO- busy visiting family, going to the museum and walking around the zoo in a light jacket- did not pay close attention to the Philadelphia area weather until shortly before my return flight last night.

    Lesson 1- just because a plane can land at the airport, doesn’t mean the passengers should drive home from that location.

    Lesson 2- sometimes the Weather Channel doesn’t over play a weather event- when they said you “would be nuts to be on the road at 2am”- they were right!

    Lesson 3- a simple rest stop on the Expressway can look like a palace in the middle of the night- a warm, safe place to wait out the storm.

    snow.jpg  Thankfully, I made it home before the 2nd band of snow arrived at day break.

    snowbeachpath.jpg    And, very happy that today’s snow driving is limited to Dune Drive 🙂

  • That’s Better!

    better.jpg  The cold winds calmed down and bright sunshine helped our temperatures climb in to the 40’s today.  Much more comfortable for my walk on the beach.  Tomorrow afternoon, my view will be the Rocky Mountains instead of the Atlantic Ocean!

  • Avalon Park- 74th Street

    playground-2.jpg  I drive by this park everyday- officially known as the Marion Armacost Memorial Park- but haven’t seen it up close for some time.  There is a large playground area suitable for young children, plus swings for the young at heart.  And bird watchers will appreciate the walkway to a platform viewing area.  A great walking destination if you live nearby.

  • Leaving Sea Level

    Making a quick weekend trip to 5600 feet above sea level.  Since our son moved to the mountains of Colorado, I have learned so much about elevation- mainly that it doesn’t agree with me.  He lives with his family at 10,000 feet in a scenic mountain town.  I have tried everything to combat my altitude sickness- without success.  Every trip includes a visit to a local doctor or urgent care facility!

    So, plan B:  I will stay near Denver at a lower elevation, and they will come down to see me.  This will be an experiment to see if my sea level metabolism can at least handle the mile high city.  I guess I should ask for a room on a lower floor of the hotel just to be safe!

    crede.jpg  The best cure of all… a much anticipated hug from my grandson  🙂