Here's some nice fall-ish pictures from Stone Harbor.
A California look at Cape May.
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
One, two, three: awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.
Shore towns are banding together to prevent erosion.
Yikes! A young man threatened to jump from a casino parking garage ledge. Police talked him down, thank goodness.
The former owner of the Tropicana wants the casino back.
The big news lately was that part of the Wildwood boardwalk caught on fire. It made for pretty dramatic photos, but in the end, only two rides on one pier were destroyed.
I like this program: the "Angels" keep people from getting parking tickets in Cape May. I'm a "park at a free spot and walk" kind of gal, though that's becoming more difficult as the summer progresses.
Here's an update on how birding is going down the shore.
Check out this very cool night shot of Sea Isle City.
Lots and lots and lots of beach photos on this blog. Oh, and here, too.
This person's looking for a lunch spot in Cape May. I've weighed in. Will you?
The Atlantic City Convention Center is now home to one big solar array.
Folks in Strathmere criticize response time of state troopers. It's part of their argument to split from Upper Township -- if they did that, they could get quicker response from Sea Isle City police. My take on this issue is: the day after my junior prom, we all packed up our cars and headed to Strathmere. Why? Because they could put kegs in the sand, and drink without worrying about cops. And, yes, I say they. I was there, but did not drink (mom and dad, aren't you so proud of me?)
Congrats again to Matt and the Tri for our Veterans group. The triathlon helped them to give the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund the largest donation they've ever received (and that's just the half of it).
And if you're going to be in Cape May this weekend, make sure to enjoy the festivities of Harbor Fest, which will be all over town. I'll be talking at the Nature Center of Cape May at noon. For an hour. They have me down for one hour. I'm open to anyone's suggestions of what I should talk about...
It’s finally here: the kick off to summer 2008. We’ve had nice weather for the last two days, and it’s only going to get better. So here’s what’s in store down the shore.
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s….kites? That’s right! This weekend is the 28th Annual Wildwood Kite Festival, the largest kite festival in the United States. Things kick off on Friday with a Nite Kite Fly at 9pm between Rio Grande Ave. and Andrews Ave. The rest of the weekend will feature kite vendors, shows and lessons. Don’t think kite flying’s fun? I didn’t either – until I tried it.
Resorts is 30! Resorts was the first Atlantic City casino, so they’re celebrating in style, starting with firewords on Friday night at 9:30pm. On Monday at noon, the 30 skydivers from Freefall Adventures will skydive in the area in front of Resorts, doing tricks and stunts on the way down. Also on Monday, from 11am to 6pm, Resorts is holding a Memorial Day block party (and it’s free!)
Justin Catanuso, author of My Cousin the Saint, will be signing copies of his book at Woodland Village on Sunday at 1pm.
Woodland Village is also having a sidewalk sale this weekend.
Today at noon, you can check out the “Unlocking of the Ocean” ceremony in Wildwood at the Wildwoods Convention Center.
There’s also a Boardwalk Craft Show in Wildwood on Saturday and Sunday.
If you're bringing your dog with you this weekend, check out Barks on the Boards in Ocean City on Sunday.
Jane Seymour a.k.a. Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman a.k.a. “Call me Cat…Kitty Cat” is having an art show at Ocean Galleries in Stone Harbor. It starts today and runs through June 1. They’ll have gallery receptions on today, tomorrow and Sunday.
Check out the parking lot of Star of the Sea Parish in Cape May for crafts and antiques on Saturday.
Lots of concerts this weekend. The big one is Eric Clapton at the Borgata on Sunday. Paul Anka’s playing the Borgata tonight; Kenny Rogers is at Trump Plaza tonight and tomorrow; Eddie Money is at the House of Blues at the Showboat on Sunday; Patti LaBelle is also at the House of Blues but on Saturday; Andre Rieu and His Johann Strauss Orchestra area at Boardwalk Hall on Sunday; Sister Hazel and Edwin McCain are at the Tropicana on Saturday; Split Decision is at the Gypsy Bar in the Borgata on Friday, and at La Costa in Sea Isle City on Saturday and Sunday; and Natalie Cole will be at Resorts on Saturday and Sunday. (One to put on your calendar: reggae nights start at Club Worship at Showboat on June 5 and will run on Thursdays throughout the summer – oh, and the Killers are coming to the Borgata on August 1. I’ve seen them live before. Definitely worth it.)
For yucks, Jerry Seinfeld is at Caesars on Saturday; Larry the Cable Guy is at Trump Taj Mahal on Saturday and Sunday; and Dave Attell will be at the Borgata on Sunday.
Carmen Electra will be appearing at The Pool at Harrah’s on Saturday with DJing by DJ Gabor. Doors open at 10. I’ve gotten a few emails about this one. I don’t quite get the appeal, but, hey, they sold out Telia Tequilla night.
The Windrift in Avalon is debuting its new sushi/oyster bar (and of COURSE will have live music all weekend).
Flounder season starts on Saturday.
As for me, I’m starting off the weekend at 93.3 WMMR’s Memorial Day Weekend kickoff party at Keenan’s in North Wildwood. Them I’m off to the media preview of the Kite Festival in Wildwood, then up to The Princeton in Avalon for a 2pm interview (hopefully my hair will still look nice since they’re taking my picture). So if you’re headed into town early, stop by and say hi. After that? I’m going to enjoy the shore like a vacationer. Imagine that
Quick non-newsy note: I'm going to be on SoJo 104.5 on Friday morning, either between 8:20 and 8:30am or 9:20 an 9:30am.
Onto the news...
Early word is that the Wildwoods are named among New Jersey's Top Ten Beaches in a public survey completed this spring by the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium (NJMSC). I'm guessing that they were all counted together as "The Wildwoods" instead of each one individually. I'm trying to get the rest of the list (which is officially supposed to go out on May 22, but if I'm getting press releases, someone has to have it...) **UPDATE** Ocean City has confirmed that they are going to be named a top beach as well.
Here's a write up of the World Series of Birding.
People really want to work at the Cheslea. But will it open on time? I'd put money on them hitting their deadline over the new Borgata tower.
Trump's still looking for someone to buy his casinos.
Here's the Philadelphia Inquirer write up of Monday's storm. Here's mine. Phillyweather.net has the stats.
Stone Harbor's having doggie-OK beach times. Emily, my dog, will be so pleased.
Get your quarters ready.
Cape May's Convention hall is closed for good.
But at least they have an architect for the new one.
Check out these pics and these pics from a birder's visit to Cape May via Mark Thomas and his Bucketon Birder blog.
Here's an excellent article from The Philadelphia Inquirer about how the Tropicana is trying to regain ground in Atlantic City after all those reports about dirty rooms and bed bugs.
Why people think running into the ocean in January is a good idea, I don't know. But you can read all about it.
Chilly? Then you might want to check out the Sea Isle Chili festival, which takes place on Sunday.
I knew I made the right call with this one in my book: I wrote that there were plans for a rail line between NYC and AC, but that they weren't final. Lo and behold, construction is now slated to start in the summer (I was being told it would be done in time for the holidays -- the 2007 holidays).
Wonder what it's like to design a casino? Check out this Q&A with Kirk Harmon of the Harman Group.
Exciting! Cape May's got a Scrabble night!!!
Ever heard of eWomenNetwork? It's a fab networking group for women in South Jersey that's run by Marilyn Kleinberg, who lives in Egg Harbor Township. Check out an article about the first meeting here (yes, I'm a member and, yes, we had a lot of ladies from Atlantic City join us, so if you're interested, drop me a line at jenmiller27 [at] gmail [dot] com).
Pics of the Diving Horses that used to be a big draw in Atlantic City over at Blame it on the Voices. This isn't shore related, but you've also got to check out their post about a Duck Hunt painting.
Think the housing slump's going to make that South Jersey shore home affordable? Think again -- the numbers here say it all. Here's a Courier Post article to back it up.
If you're one of those people who carries her (or his) bag o' knitting stuff, you might want to read this article, which pegs Avalon and Stone Harbor as a knitting hot spot.
"Adults only" night at the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor...and the headline for this one reads "Sex and the Sea." Um, weird.
What I'm Listening to: Soundtrack to Once
Atlantic City is changing. Big time. Here's a fantastic article from Sunday's Philadelphia Inquirer about all the proposed construction -- much of which does not involve casinos.
The Philadelphia Inquirer checks in with Scott K. Evans, the new mayor of Atlantic City.
Ever go to West Cape May? Now you can see its history in a new painting.
Speaking of Cape May, here's a round up of what's going on with the renovation of Washington Square.
Speaking of Cape May (again) -- it's getting a dog park. Emily will be thrilled.
There's movement on that Strathmere-wants-out-of-Upper-Township story.
Stone Harbor's looking to remdy what the Cape May County Herald calls the "dwindling business district."
The Nature Center of Cape May is having a "yard sale" that runs through Saturday.
The CFO of the Tropicana has resigned. I've read a lot about the Tropicana's woes since this summer -- the Quarter, where I love to go when I'm in town, might be up for sale. It's sad, really, but as long as I can get a mohito at Cuba Libre...
And finally, Van Halen's coming to Atlantic City.
Sorry for the blogging silence. I think that the exhaustion from finishing the book caught up with me, that or I'm still decompressing. I spent a lot of this week cleaning, reminding editors I'm alive, and trying to drum up some work. I now have a few assignments lined up, so I'm almost back to full speed. Monday will be my first full day back, which will be a very good thing.
Lots going on down the shore this weekend. Two of note: Historic Cold Spring Village (720 Rt. 9 South, Cape May 609-898-2300) is having their annual Civil War Weekend. They'll have reinactments, and you can see what life was like for the soldiers.
This weekend is also the Wings & Water Festival at The Wetlands Institute (
Looks like the weather's going to be beautiful for both events, and for a weekend at the shore. I'm looking forward to Sunday, which I hear will be the first fall-feeling day of the season. I'll be at home working on my lawn though I have plans in Wildwood for next weekend. Stay tuned!
What I'm Listening to: Preston and Steve on WMMR.
What I'm Reading: Backyard Giants: The Passionate, Heartbreaking, and Glorious Quest to Grow the Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Susan Warren
Today, I've spent a lot of time talking to owners of Jersey shore shops, asking them how late they're open. Ninety-nine percent are saying something in the range of from 9pm to midnight -- or beyond.
And that's not just Atlantic City -- I'm talking Ocean City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, Wildwood, Cape May. I don't think I'd ever find those kinds of hours at home outside of the holidays, but it makes sense. The weather's nice, people are on vacation, so they're going to be out later at night. So if you're a night owl and looking for a few last minute deals, hoof it down to the Jersey shore. Also, a few towns already had their sidewalk sales, which means the merchandise that didn't sell is, in many cases, still on sale, sometimes at even lower prices (I'm talking to you, Stone Harbor).
This won't last, though. Once Labor Day has come and gone and the kids are back in school, the hours of operation shrink until some shops close until next season (Easter to Memorial Day seems to be the range). Many in Cape May, Ocean City, Avalon and Stone Harbor will be open weekends until at least October, sometimes to Christmas. Best bet is to call ahead before you go to see whether or not your favorite shop will still be open after summer's gone. Until then, though, shop to it!
What I'm Listening to: What I'm Listening to: Guster on Ice: Live from Portland by Guster.
