2017:

Jan.

Feb.

March

April

May

June

July

Aug.

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

 
This Weeks News 12/21/2017

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Check out those lights! Avalon and Stone Harbor are fully decorated for the holidays! Take a drive through each town's business district on your next visit to the Island.
 
MARKET STATS: During the month of November the number of active listings declined to 244 while the average "days on market" decreased slightly to 179 as strong demand continued. For a detailed look at the latest market stats, view the latest Long & Foster Market Minute Report.
 

 
GIVE THE GIFT OF MEMORIES! There's nothing more valuable than time spent making vacation memories with your family! Surprise your family by booking your 2018 vacation in Avalon or Stone Harbor.

Browse My Latest Vacation Rental Brochure
 
THE AVALON/STONE HARBOR UPDATE will return the week of January 8, 2018.
 
THANK YOU for your business and referrals in 2017.
 
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! From my family to yours, warm wishes for a wonderful holiday season, and best wishes for a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2018!

This Weeks News 12/14/2017

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FIVE STARS FOR THE AVALON LIBRARY! For the tenth time the Avalon Library has been awarded a five-star rating by the Library Journal's Index of Public Library Service. Only six libraries in New Jersey received that level of recognition. Visit the library on your next trip to town--between the book collection, classes, labs, and other programs, you'll be impressed!
 

The Santa Express is running again this year between Tuckahoe and Richland.
 
CAPE MAY SEASHORE LINES has been escorting Santa over the rails between historic Tuckahoe Station and Richland. The Santa Express will make several more runs between now and Christmas, with trains running on December 14th, 16th, 17th, 19th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. There is even a Winter Limited running December 27th, though Santa will be back at the North Pole by then. Check CMSL's Santa Express website for scheduled departures, or to order tickets: Info & Tickets - The Santa Express
 
MORE ISLAND SHOPPING ideas! Here are a few more "stocking stuffer" ideas to help put a little "beach" in your holiday shopping:

• a gift certificate to the Harbor Theater and Burger Bar in Stone Harbor;
   
• stop by Slack Tide Brewing Company and pick up a few selections;
   
• adopt a diamondback terrapin or horseshoe crab at The Wetlands Institute;
   
• purchase pre-season discounted tickets for one of the amusement piers or water parks in Wildwood;
   
• pick up a gift certificate for a round of golf at a local course.

ZOO CAMP will take place at the Cape May County Zoo December 27th-29th from 9am to 12 noon. Campers ages 5-10 will learn about wildlife and explore their habitats. The $60 camper fee includes a t-shirt. Info & Registration - Winter Zoo Camp

This Weeks News 12/7/2017

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SHOP AT THE SHORE this holiday season! Need some ideas for a shore-based gift for that special someone? Here are some suggestions for you:

• Holiday beach tags from your favorite town (while supplies last!);
   
• a Wetlands Institute membership;
   
• a gift certificate to your favorite restaurant on the Island;
   
• a gift certificate for a ride on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry (see article below);
   
• have a box of fudge shipped from the Fudge Kitchen.

CHECK OUT THE LIGHTS along Dune Drive in Avalon's business district, and along 96th Street in Stone Harbor the next time you're in town. From sundown onward the Christmas lights and decorations in both towns are sure to put you in a festive mood!
 

Winter sunsets happen earlier--this was the scene on Avalon's 32nd Street beach, looking south, shortly after 5pm Monday afternoon. Stone Harbor's water tower is on the right, and Wildwood's Ferris wheel is lit up on the left.
 
TAKE THE HIGH ROAD into Sea Isle City! You'll be able to do just that as traffic is shifted to the north side of Sea Isle Boulevard, which is approximately four-and-a-half feet higher than the south side. Once both lanes of traffic are flowing on the elevated north side, contractors will begin adding fill to the south side of the road. The fill height on the south side will exceed the paved height on the north side, in order to allow the fill to compact and settle for about a year, at which time excess material will be removed. The ultimate goal of the project is to raise all of Sea Isle Boulevard by several feet so the roadway is above the 100-year flood elevation. A 12-foot travel lane and an 8-foot shoulder are planned in each direction, and are expected to be completed in March 2019. 
 
SHOP BY FERRY! The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is running a $56 round-trip shopping trip special departing Cape May through December 21st. The $56 ticket is good for the car, driver, and all passengers for a shopping excursion to the Tanger Outlets at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. A Tanger Outlets coupon book is included. Learn More - Tanger Holiday Shopping Package
 
PRIMATE POINT opened last week at the Cape May County Zoo. The new primate habitat features an 8,000 square foot building with five rooms for the animals; three exterior habitat areas surround the building. Visitors can view the primates through viewing windows in good weather and bad, year round. Residents of the new habitat include "Ghelfling," a 23-year old Black Howler Monkey, and her two offspring, "Bert" (age 9), and "AJ" (age 8). The Cape May County Zoo is one of the area's best-kept secrets--the zoo is open year round and entry is free, though donations are gladly accepted.
 
CONVENTIONAL MORTGAGE LIMIT INCREASED: The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced an increase in the conventional loan limit, effective December 11th. The new loan limit will rise to $453,100, up from $424,100. Currently, rates for both conventional and jumbo 30-year mortgage loans are hovering around 4%. Need a recommendation for a good mortgage lender? Call or email me!