Watching the flags over Hoy’s 5 & 10 from my office- a definite south breeze!  Avalon and Stone Harbor offer the best seats in the house during a heatwave 😎
Watching the flags over Hoy’s 5 & 10 from my office- a definite south breeze!  Avalon and Stone Harbor offer the best seats in the house during a heatwave 😎
Two opportunities to watch the fireworks from the beach!
Monday July 2nd in Stone Harbor. Â The display is centered off the 95th Street beach, with viewing from any beach location.
Wednesday July 4th in Avalon. Â The display is centered off the 30th Street beach, with viewing from any beach location.
For more information on the holiday activities that week:  Avalon Chamber of Commerce and Stone Harbor Chamber of CommerceÂ
It’s so nice to see the “regulars” back on the beach for my early morning walks. Â Although I casually know a few, for the others I have to make up my own back story.
Recently, I was able to complete the story of a sweet older gentleman because of a random Twitter post.
His grandson wrote a tribute in May- and I recognized the fellow walker from the attached family picture.
Read the Twitter thread here: Â Stone Harbor Tweet
In the summer months, we would pass each other on the sand, and smile or wave hello. Â In more recent years, I only saw him when my walks detoured to the street, and I guessed that the sand had become too challenging .
The small world connections are the best part of Twitter and my blog!
Yes, there is still time to find a vacation rental for a week (or more!) this summer.
Search availability on our web site:  Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty  and then contact me to discuss.
I am familiar with the inventory and locations, and happy to help select the best home for your needs.
ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com
609-967-7950
Thank you for your interest!
A simple guide to the local language:
1) “Off shore”- One of the communities just off “the island”, like Cape May Court House or Rio Grande. If you live “on the island”, it is a big event to “go off shore” for gas and groceries as needed.  Residents of Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, and the Wildwoods use the 2 phrases all the time. And each island is “the” island to those residents!
In addition to going off shore, the other destinations could be  “the mall” (it used to be the Shore Mall off exit 36, but now describes the Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing); or Philadelphia (anywhere remotely near the Walt Whitman Bridge).
2) Friends who live north of Atlantic City, live in “North Jersey” (which they obviously dispute- but you can’t convince us otherwise!). New York City is like another country.  Our forefathers emigrated to “the shore” from Philadelphia, so our allegiance goes back for generations. Go Eagles!
3) How do you identify a local? They know the tide schedule, and check the flags for wind direction to plan their activities accordingly. They walk or ride their bike whenever possible.  They cringe when they see a “newbie” trying to put an umbrella in the sand- and eventually walk over to help.  They secure their deck furniture and trash cans when “weather” is predicted.  And they are smiling as they walk along the beach- of course!
If you are walking the beach in the south end of Stone Harbor in the early morning hours, you are likely to pass a few of the lovely sisters on retreat at Villa Maria by the Sea.
My aunt was an IHM (order of the Immaculate Heart of Mary), so I’m a pro at spotting the nuns. Â This way I can be extra polite. Â You know…for my permanent record!
The clues: Â short hair, sensible sneakers, and often a “Nuns’ Beach” t-shirt or sweatshirt. Â Oh wait, I just described my beach walk look! Â That explains the friendly nods.
Also look for a plain Timex watch (seriously) and the occasional rosary.
The historic  building and grounds are beautiful- a grand Stone Harbor landmark since 1937.  AND the only beach block street lined with modest cars!
Yes, there is still time to find a vacation rental for a week (or more!) this summer.
Search availability on our web site:  Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty  and then contact me to discuss.
I am familiar with the inventory and locations, and happy to help you select the best home for your needs.
ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com
609-967-7950
Thank you for your interest!
Reminder that seasonal beach tags are now on sale in Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ.
Tags are $23 each and allow you to “cross the border” between the two towns! Â Purchase before the end of May for the pre-season price.
Although most of my beach time is before and after the tag checker hours, I am happy to contribute to the protection and maintenance of our beautiful shore line.
Money well spent!
The “Opening Soon” signs are appearing in store and restaurant windows around the island.
We are grateful for the businesses that endure the LONG winter and manage to keep their doors open with a limited customer base.
And we are excited for more dining and shopping options as the season approaches.