Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • One Week to Save

    FYI- full season beach tags are discounted for just one more week.

    Purchase on or before May 31st, and pay $21 per tag.  As of June 1st, the tags will cost $26 each.

    Tags are reciprocal between Avalon and Stone Harbor.

    Revenue from the sale of beach tags is used to off set the cost of maintaining and guarding our beautiful beaches.   It’s a great bargain for a full summer of beach access.

    Beach tag booths are open daily: 30th and Avalon Avenue in Avalon; and 95th Street and the beach in Stone Harbor.

  • Bird’s Eye View

    A light drizzle for my morning walk.  Glad I didn’t wimp out when I heard rain on the skylight, because it was mostly clear by the time I returned home.

    Without the distraction of bright sunshine, I was better able to see a few dolphins; and watch an osprey masterfully dive for his breakfast and carry his catch as he flew over the beach.

  • Beach Views

    Last night at sunset…and then again this morning.  Nice!

  • Looks Like Summer

    There were yard sales on almost every block in Avalon today (an annual event).  So, I’m wondering…is it mainly neighbors buying each other’s “stuff”??

    By the way, left over items can be placed at the curb for bulk trash pick up on Monday.

    Downtown Stone Harbor was equally as busy.  Shoppers complied with the summer tradition of walking around with ice cream cones.

    I had several appointments today (yeah!) and was unable to stop by Kohler’s Bakery until later this afternoon.  They were sold out of cream donuts… so, it will be sticky buns (with nuts of course) for tomorrow’s breakfast 😉

    Great to see the island return to life.

  • Life at the Beach

    This view made me smile as I walked along the beach last evening.  It was a bright spot after a few days of rainy weather.

    The sun has returned today- with a comfortable, dry breeze. 

    On tap for this weekend: Avalon Yard Sale (owners throughout the town will be participating), flower (and hoagie) sales to benefit both the Avalon Fire Department and Stone Harbor Garden Club. More restaurants and shops opening for the season this weekend, too.  Hey, did I mention Kohler’s Bakery will be open Saturday and Sunday??  Taking extra long walks in anticipation of a cream donut 😉

  • Year Round Residents

    Down The Shore author Jen Miller posted an article last week on NewsWorks, New Jersey:  Declining Barrier Island Population.  An interesting read that hits “close to home”. 

    Disclaimer: observations are based on my life experiences as both a resident, and a real estate agent. 

    While it may seem obvious to focus on the high cost of housing, the job market is also a real factor. 

    Think about the people you know living on the island year round:  they are most likely local business owners, real estate agents…or retired.  The need for other professions is limited.

    When I attended Avalon Elementary in the late 1960s/early 1970s, our family was considered small with just 4 children.  It was not unusual to see 6 or more siblings in the school.  And, one family even contributed 10 kids to the cause! 

    Those “kids” left the area for higher education, and moved to a location best suited for their career.  In recent years,  families (who stayed or moved here) have fewer children to attend the elementary schools.

    As Jen concluded in the article, the barrier island schools and governments have no choice but to face the changing demographic.  Shared services is a realistic solution…especially for communities occupying the same island of “sand”.

  • Damp Saturday

    They seem happy…

    However, our weekend visitors walking around town in shorts and t-shirts look a bit chilly!

    More sun and warmer temperatures expected tomorrow.  Have a great weekend!

  • May Weekends

    We are waiting for the clouds to depart and the warm air to return…

    Expecting a busy weekend- Stone Harbor is hosting the Coastal Living/Boat Show along 96th Street Saturday and Sunday.  There will be food vendors and music, too.

    AND, have you read about Saturday’s “super moon”?  The best viewing spot will be on the beach.  On Friday night, the moonrise is 6:29pm (if there are clouds on the horizon, it can be another 20 minutes to view over the ocean); and on Saturday, the moonrise is 7:45pm.

  • Island Parking

    Quarters in your car?  Yes, it’s that time of year.

    In Stone Harbor, the meters in the business district are operational as of today.  The hours are 10am to 9pm in town; and 10am to 5pm for the 95th Street lot by the beach.

    In Avalon, the day time parking in the business district along Dune Drive is limited to 2 hours starting May 15th (there are signs posted).

    Also, watch for the blinking traffic lights to change over to regular traffic signals…and “No turn on red” in effect at the 96th Street intersections.

  • Water Colors

    The deep blue/green color of the ocean…a nice change after months of “gray”.