Your Shore Weekend

Thirteen down, two weekends to go, people. This is just about the end of Summer 2008, so let's get right to it:

The most important thing (obviously) is that I'll be signing books at the Book Nook (37th and the Boardwalk) in Sea Isle City on Saturday night from 6-8pm. It's my second to last summer signing, so stop by to buy a book, hang out or just say hi. Should be a nice night for it.

Some other people might be interested in that Jimmy Buffet guy, who's playing Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on Sunday night, but what's he got that I don't? Parrot heads?

But before he gets there, Jordin Sparks and Jesse McCartney are playing Boardwalk Hall on Friday night.

Do you think he's sexy? If you do, Rod Stewart will be at the Borgata this weekend.

I don't think Rod's so hot. But John Mayer? Yeah, he'll do. He's playing the Borgata on Sunday.

Bust out the bleach blond hair and earring Billy Idol will play the House of Blues on Friday.

It's sidewalk sale time in Stone Harbor! Check it out on Saturday. Want a preview of the scene? This New York Times article from last summer just about sums it up.

Up for a workout? There's a triathalon and duathon in Wildwood on Saturday.

And there's a "hands on art" event at Historic Cold Springs Village this weekend.

If you're looking ahead: Monday is the Taste of the Quarter at the Tropicana. Proceeds benefit the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Hard to believe that it's almost over, isn't it? I spent some time down the shore this week, and it didn't even feel like summer -- we didn't have that bone crushing humidity but sunny skies, nice breezes, and cool nights.

If you're itching to go but don't you have a shot at scoring a place to stay, I have a suggestion: get online (or get to my book) and start calling places. Many are booked, yes, but you never know when a cancellation will open up a prime room. I stopped yesterday to visit Jay and Mary Ann Gorrick of Cape May's Inn at the Park yesterday, and while we were talking, someone called in to cancel. "That'll get booked back up," saidMary Ann. "They've been calling all day." So if you still want to go, take a little time, make a lot of calls, and you, too, can have your shore weekend!