I hear this question every day…and ask the same question when I talk with other local business owners.Â
The season started off a bit unsettled. I believe our visitor base had concerns about gas prices, and the economy in general.  Prime rental properties experienced vacancies in July. Summer homeowners provided weekend business for the restaurants and shops, but the island was quiet mid-week.
Beautiful weather and warm temperatures increased demand as we approached August. Last minute requests for weekly rentals continue; and we have “sold out” island wide for the past few weeks. We expect strong occupancy numbers through Labor Day Weekend.
The bottom line: The Seven Mile Beach is an exceptional, name brand destination- located within a reasonable driving distance of a huge customer base. Summer of 2008 is proof that we can survive challenging economic times.
 They escape at night and hang out on “Nun’s Beach” in Stone Harbor!
 Enjoy the rest of the weekend 🙂
 The water temperature is finally in the 70’s. Time to get back in the ocean! The local newspaper is calling it “Lake Atlantic” due to the lack of waves.
 Even if you don’t live on the bay- there are opportunities to enjoy the calm (and usually warmer) back bay waterways. Avalon and Stone Harbor have several public docks. The easiest for parking: Avalon Bay Park with a fishing/crabbing dock on 53rd Street, and swimming dock/ kayak launch area on 57th Street. Other docks: 8th Street, over the 21st and 25th Street bridges, 23rd Street, 81st Street, 83rd Street, and 113th Street.
 A Walk After Sunset Tonight
 Back bay kayaking- an economical way to see wildlife (and houses!) up close. I was out the other night just before sunset…a comfortable breeze and the opportunity to watch graceful snowy egrets as I paddled near the marsh.
The Point of Kayaking
I was never an athlete (year book editor type), so when I bought my first kayak a few years ago, my family was a bit puzzled. In a typical show of support, one of my sisters asked “Why, in your mid- 40’s did you suddenly decide to become athletic??”
Well, it wasn’t a passing phase, and I go out on the bay (and sometimes the ocean) on a regular basis. Proof that you can find an activity that suits your personality and skill level. It’s always an adventure…
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 This is the other side of Stone Harbor Point- before you reach the inlet (and ocean).