Bill and Kay Leahy

Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update September 21, 2023

September 21, 2023 By Bill and Kay Leahy

A near perfect beach view on a near perfect September day!

MARKET STATS: 26 new real estate purchase contracts were written in Avalon & Stone Harbor during the month of August (down 4% from last August), while the median sale price was up 3% over last August, climbing to $2,222,500. For a detailed look at the market see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report: https://marketminute.longandfoster.com/Market-Minute/NJ/Avalon-Stone-Harbor.htm

SEPTEMBER SPLENDOR! We’ve been blessed with several days of beautiful September—warm sunshine, blue skies, and gentle breezes during the day, and cool, crisp nights. After several dry days the weekend forecast calls for a good chance of rain.

SURFERS REJOICE! Even as Hurricane Lee travelled north in the Atlantic several hundred miles from the Jersey Shore, it was slinging large swells toward beaches up and down the coast. Combined with a high-pressure system that gave us beautiful weather near shore along with strong westerly breezes, the result was huge waves for surfers to ride. Surf forecasts indicated waves 10-12 feet high last Thursday and Friday, and 5-6 feet over the weekend.

INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY dredging will take place through September 24^th during daylight hours. The dredge Merritt will conduct maintenance dredging between markers 388 and 399 behind Avalon, and between markers 419 and 427 behind Stone Harbor. Work will take place during daylight hours, and all boaters should proceed with caution when navigating in the vicinity of the dredge.

AVALON’S FALL DUNE GRASS PLANTING is scheduled for Saturday, October 21st, and volunteers are needed. Volunteers should report to Avalon Community Hall at 8:30am that day for a brief planting demonstration. After planting work is completed, lunch will be provided at Community Hall. Volunteers should RSVP to Chuck McDonnell at 609-967-3066 or Sue Keen at 609-967-5924 to sign up. In the event of rain, the event will be postponed to Sunday, October 22nd.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Stone Harbor Savor En Blanc. Dining under the trees in the 200 block of 96^th Street, live music. Friday, September 22^nd. Details here: https://files.constantcontact.com/17ad71de001/ccea2839-676a-47b3-be8d-a55e32e4fa01.pdf
Savor September, Wine Beer, & Food Festival. Live music & entertainment, regional beer & wine, food, artisans. Downtown 96^th Street, Saturday, September 23^rd, 11am to 7pm.
“The Fabulous Greaseband,” Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, September 23^rd, 6pm (DJ Joel Stephens pays tribute to Jerry; 8pm, The Greaseband.)
Harvest Tide Festival: Craft beers, music, local vendors. Sea Isle City, Saturday, September 30^th, 12pm to 6pm.
Avalon Arts & Seafood Festival, Surfside Park, Saturday, October 7^th, 10am to 5pm.
Stone Harbor Bulk Trash Collection, place items curbside up to 72 hours prior to October 16^th. (Non-acceptable items: construction debris, hazardous waste, carpeting, rugs, padding, propane tanks, brush & yard debris, concrete, bricks, cinderblock.)
Avalon Fall Dune Grass Planting, Saturday, October 21^st, 8:30am.
Avalon Trunk or Treat, 30^th Street & Avalon Avenue, Saturday, October 28^th, 5pm to 7pm.

New Listings:

9816 Second Avenue, 11, Stone Harbor, $589,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232497

55 W 30th Street, Avalon, $4,350,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232512

128 19th Street, Avalon, $4,399,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232518

117 94th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232506

56 E 18th Street, Avalon, $5,250,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232511

Properties Under Contract:

612 Sunrise Drive, 612, Avalon, $1,875,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 231897

236 22nd Street, 236, Avalon, $2,895,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 230751

171 8th Street, Avalon, $3,150,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 232343

13 W 12th Street, Avalon, $3,895,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 231277

393 20th Street, 393, Avalon, $3,999,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 231319

1769 First Avenue, Avalon, $4,500,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 223296

83 E 25th Street, Avalon, $5,250,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 232346

Properties Sold:

248 41 Street, Avalon, $1,900,000, SOLD MLS#: 231474

274 86th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,300,000, SOLD MLS#: 223660

10112 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, $3,525,000, SOLD MLS#: 231725

6901 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $4,795,000, SOLD MLS#: 231833

Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update September 7, 2023

September 7, 2023 By Bill and Kay Leahy

AND JUST LIKE THAT, Summer 2023 came to a close! The Labor Day Weekend brought many property owners and visitors, all looking to enjoy the last three-day weekend of Summer 2023. Our beaches, business districts, and waterways were quite busy! Most shops and restaurants reported good crowds (and Monday afternoon’s westbound traffic proves it!)

75 & GLORIOUS! That sums up Friday & Saturday of the Labor Day Weekend, as cool, dry air and warm sunshine made for fabulous weather. Sunday and Monday unseasonably hot & humid air began moving in, and highs were expected to reach the mid-nineties this week. Relief is once again expected this coming weekend, with temperatures expected to ease to the low eighties.

LIFEGUARD COVERAGE is reduced during September, as many guards have returned home or to school. Avalon beaches will be unguarded through Friday (September 9th), while Stone Harbor will have guards at 83^rd Street, 95^th Street, and 108^th Street. The Avalon Beach Patrol has emphasized rip current advisories issued by the National Weather Service due to large offshore storms systems in the Atlantic, and urges swimmers to enter the water only in the presence of lifeguards.

THE FALL SEASON means the end of many daily and nightly summer activities on the island, but fall weekends bring with them many festivals, shows, and other events. See below for a list of some of the fun things happening, and come on back for a weekend if you can!

WHY NOT MAKE SUMMER a permanent part of your life? Imagine owning your very own place at the shore, and visiting anytime you wanted to! From amazing fall weather and activities, wintertime peace and solitude, springtime anticipation, and summertime fun, having your own shore property allows you to enjoy it all—any time you want! Call me if you’d like to discuss buying your very own place at the shore!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Association of Pickleball Professionals Sunmed New Jersey Open, Avalon pickleball complex, 8^th Street, between Ocean and Dune Drives. September 6^th-10^th, 8am. For tickets or to register to play visit https://www.theapp.global/tour-schedule/app-sunmed-new-jersey-open
End-of-Summer Shop Hop, sales & specials, Avalon Business District, Friday through Sunday, September 8^th-10^th.
New Year’s in North Wildwood, Mummers Parade, Olde New Jersey Avenue, Saturday, September 9^th, 3pm.
Stone Harbor Farmers Market—Extended Season! Water Tower Lot, Sunday, September 10^th, 8am-12:30pm.
Volkswagen Car Show, Wildwoods Convention Center, Friday, September 8^th through Sunday, September 10^th.
Corvette Car Show, over 350 cars exhibited on the Ocean City Boardwalk, 6^th to 14^th Streets, Sunday, September 10^th, 11:30am to 4pm.
American Legion Spaghetti Dinner, Stone Harbor Yacht Club, Sunday, September 10^th, 4:30pm to 7:30pm. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door or at the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce.
Avalon Bulk Trash Collection. Place items curbside by 7am Monday, September 11^th.
September 11^th Quiet Reflection, Freedom Park, adjacent to Stone Harbor Firehouse, Monday, September 11^th, 8:40am to 9am.
Beachside Science—Monarchs & Migration. Surfside Park, Wednesday, September 13^th, 6pm-7pm.
Firefighter’s Convention & Parade. Fire apparatus on display Friday & Saturday, September 15^th & 16^th, Wildwood Convention Center parking lots. Parade on New Jersey Avenue, Saturday, September 16^th, 1pm.
Cape May Seashore Lines, “Return of Engine #2000.” Celebrate the return of a historic Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines locomotive to the Cape May Seashore Lines fleet. Saturday, September 16^th, 2023. Visit https://www.seashorelines.org/ for info and train tickets.
Stone Harbor Farmers Market—Extended Season! Water Tower Lot, Sunday, September 17^th, 8am-12:30pm.
Stone Harbor Savor En Blanc, Friday, September 22^nd.
Savor September, Wine Beer, & Food Festival. Live music & entertainment, regional beer & wine, food, artisans. Downtown 96^th Street, Saturday, September 23^rd, 11am to 7pm.
“The Fabulous Greaseband,” Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, September 23^rd, 6pm (DJ Joel Stephens pays tribute to Jerry; 8pm, The Greaseband. Tickets go on sale starting Friday, August 18^th at Avalon Community Hall.
Harvest Tide Festival: Craft beers, music, local vendors. Sea Isle City, Saturday, September 30^th, 12pm to 6pm.
Avalon Arts & Seafood Festival, Surfside Park, Saturay, October 7^th, 10am to 5pm.
Avalon Fall Dune Grass Planting, Saturday, October 21^st, 8:30am.

New Listings:

177 80th Street, 210, Avalon, $699,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232340

7899 Sunset Drive, W, Avalon, $1,850,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232330

171 8th Street, Avalon, $3,150,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232343

4033 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $3,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232297

284 87th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,549,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232323

83 E 25th Street, Avalon, $5,250,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232346

25 E 12th Street, Avalon, $6,749,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232319

Properties Under Contract:

10911 Third Avenue, West Unit, Stone Harbor, $1,650,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 231649

252 89th Street, E/S, Stone Harbor, $2,075,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 232171

2578 Dune Drive, 2578, Avalon, $2,349,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 231429

10623 Second Ave., Stone Harbor, $2,649,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 231197

122 92nd Street, Stone Harbor, $10,575,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 231688

Properties Sold:

10623 Golden Gate Drive, Stone Harbor, $5,825,000, SOLD MLS#: 231569

Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update August 31, 2023

August 31, 2023 By Bill and Kay Leahy

A catamaran skims across the wave tops, late on a summer afternoon.

WITH JUST A FEW DAYS until Labor Day Weekend, it’s time to check off those final items on your Summer Bucket List! Whether it’s one last beach walk or one last Kohler’s cream donut, now is the time!

HIGHER INTEREST RATES are most often associated with purchase demand, and naturally, higher rates tend to dampen that demand. However, mortgage rates have increased enough over the past year to affect the number of listings coming on the market, too. As many would-be sellers, who previously purchased or refinanced at lower rates, evaluate their options for their next shore home, some reach the conclusion that they’ll stay put instead of selling, which has limited the supply of new listings coming on the market. That’s kept the number of available listings low, and kept prices steady. One alternative for buyers: new construction. Newly constructed homes and townhomes make up a significant share of our market. Right now, there are 13 new construction condos & townhomes available, and 20 new construction single family homes available in our local market. Perhaps one is the perfect fit for you? Call or email me to find out!

THE MIDATLANTIC TOURNAMENT concluded last Friday after five days of fishing. This year’s talk of the dock was an 889lb. blue marlin caught by the crew of “Pipe Dreamer.” Several other blue marlin over 400lbs were caught, along with several tuna over 200lbs. The overall money winner was “Boss Hogg,” winning whopping $1,406,937.60 in prize money. Seven boats won $200,000 or more in prize money!

AIRFEST 2023 is here! Naval Air Station Wildwood Museum offers a full line up of activities over Labor Day Weekend. In addition to static displays and technical talks, NASW has announced that a pair of New Jersey Air National Guard F-16s will conduct a fly by Friday morning, September 1st. Look for the 177^th Fighter Wing’s “Jersey Devils” overhead between 10am and 10:15am! Whether you’re a history buff, aviation fan, or just like seeing and learning new things, a visit to NASW is always a memorable one! For the full Airfest schedule, pricing, and tickets, click here: https://usnasw.org/airfest-2023/

WHY NOT MAKE IT PERMANENT? If you enjoyed a week here this summer, why not make it permanent? Imagine owning your own shore place! Use it on weekends, spend a couple weeks here in the summer, rent out the other weeks to help cover expenses. Interested? Call or email me and we can discuss your goals—and establish a plan to achieve them!

WISHING YOU & YOUR FAMILY a relaxing and fun Labor Day Weekend!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

JeffSTAT 4 Helicopter at Avalon Elementary School. Public tour, Q&A. Elementary School Field, Thursday, August 31st, 5pm.
Airfest, Naval Air Station Wildwood Museum. F-16 fly by, displays, tours, performances, beer & wine. Friday-Monday, September 1^st-4^th. Visit https://usnasw.org/airfest-2023/ for info.
American Legion Post 331 Pancake Breakfast. 11615 Second Avenue, Saturday, September 2, 8am to 11am. $10 adults, $6 children.
Pebbles Guest House Cocktail Reception. See the restored Pebble Guest House! Saturday, September 2^nd, 4pm to 6pm. For tickets visit https://www.stoneharbormuseum.org/pebbles-house-tour/
Tim Kerr Charities 7 Mile & 5K Run. Avalon Community Center, Sunday, September 3^rd, 7am to 8:15am. Register at https://www.timkerrcharities.org/events/7-mile-island-run/
Tuesdays at the Tower: NJ British Invasion. Tuesday, September 5^th, 7pm.
Association of Pickleball Professionals Sunmed New Jersey Open, Avalon pickleball complex, 8^th Street, between Ocean and Dune Drives. September 6^th-10^th, 8am. For tickets or to register to play visit https://www.theapp.global/tour-schedule/app-sunmed-new-jersey-open
American Legion Spaghetti Dinner, Stone Harbor Yacht Club, Sunday, September 10^th, 4:30pm to 7:30pm. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door or at the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce.
Cape May Seashore Lines, “Return of Engine #2000.” Celebrate the return of a historic Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines locomotive to the Cape May Seashore Lines fleet. Saturday, September 16^th, 2023. Visit https://www.seashorelines.org/ for info and train tickets.
Stone Harbor Savor En Blanc, Friday, September 22^nd.
Savor September, Wine Beer, & Food Festival. Live music & entertainment, regional beer & wine, food, artisans. Downtown 96^th Street, Saturday, September 23^rd, 11am to 7pm.
“The Fabulous Greaseband,” Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, September 23^rd, 6pm (DJ Joel Stephens pays tribute to Jerry; 8pm, The Greaseband. Tickets go on sale starting Friday, August 18^th at Avalon Community Hall.
Harvest Tide Festival: Craft beers, music, local vendors. Sea Isle City, Saturday, September 30^th, 12pm to 6pm.
Avalon Fall Dune Grass Planting, Saturday, October 21^st, 8:30am.

WEEKLY EVENTS:

Stone Harbor Farmers Market, under the Water Tower, Sundays, 8am to 12:30pm.
Tuesdays at the Tower, summer concert series, through September 5th.
Crafty Wednesdays, Avalon Free Public Library, 10am.
LEGO Thursdays, Avalon Free Public Library, 10am.
Thursdays at Surfside, weekly concerts at Surfside Park, Avalon, Thursdays, 7pm.
Thursdays on the Lawn, free weekly concerts, 7pm, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 95^th Street & Third Avenue.

New Listings:

214 60th Street, Avalon, $3,095,214, ACTIVE MLS#: 232274

8307 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, $4,250,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232215

Properties Under Contract:

317 83rd Street, 13, Stone Harbor, $999,999, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 231125

667 22nd Street, Avalon, $1,749,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 231741

283 85th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 231452

56 W 24th Street, Avalon, $3,250,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 232148

481 42nd Street, Avalon, $4,795,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 231512

86 W 23rd Street, Avalon, $4,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 231915

10623 Golden Gate Drive, Stone Harbor, $6,500,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 231569

4208 Bayberry Road, Avalon, $11,475,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 230537

Properties Sold:

7888 Dune Drive, 208, Avalon, $419,900, SOLD MLS#: 231482

10700 3rd Avenue, Stone Harbor, $2,870,000, SOLD MLS#: 231740

Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update August 24, 2023

August 24, 2023 By Bill and Kay Leahy

Scott Zimmerman captured this beautiful scene earlier this summer. Every day we’re treated to beautiful scenery all around us! Thank you for sharing, Scott!

Have a great Avalon or Stone Harbor photo? See below for current photo contests in each town!

CAPTAIN JOE TRAINOR was back on the leaderboard after the first day of fishing in the MidAtlantic Tournament. Joe’s boat, Low Profile, weighed in a 101lb tuna Monday; last year Low Profile won the blue marlin category. MidAtlantic Tournament fishing continues all week, and ends on Friday. You can read the latest tournament reports here: https://themidatlantic.com/

AIRFEST 2023 offers a full line up of activities at Naval Air Station Wildwood Museum, over Labor Day Weekend. In addition to static displays and technical talks, NASW has just announced that a pair of New Jersey Air National Guard F-16s will conduct a fly by Friday morning, September 1st. Look for the 177^th Fighter Wing’s “Jersey Devils” overhead between 10am and 10:15am! For the full Airfest schedule, pricing, and tickets, click here: https://usnasw.org/airfest-2023/

GOTTA DO IT: CATCH A SUNRISE! It may be the perfect way to begin a summer day—watching the sun rise over the horizon! While any beach will provide you with a great view, there are a few unique locations that will enhance your sunrise experience:

Avalon:

8^th Street jetty: Jutting out into the ocean, you’ll be as far eastward as you can be in Avalon—and truly “Cooler By A Mile!”
21^st Street gazebo: Although the dunes will obscure the horizon, the gazebo is a quiet, peaceful place to sip a cup of coffee as the sun comes up!
30^th Street pier: With a broad view of the beach, ocean, and the Avalon Fishing Pier, a sunrise here is most enjoyable!

Stone Harbor:

88^th Street & 101^st Street pavilions: With covered benches, these slightly elevated pavilions are a great vantage point to take in a sunrise over the beach!
Stone Harbor Point: the southern tip of Stone Harbor stretches southward into Hereford Inlet offering an amazing place to take in views of the dunes, wetlands, bay, inlet, and ocean as the sun comes up!

Avalon Manor:

Middle Township Fishing Pier (at the eastern end of Old Avalon Boulevard): This pier offers an easterly view over the IntraCoastal Waterway and Avalon. Watch the fishing boats leave as the sun comes up!

Cape May Court House:

Carol Nicoletta Memorial Park (at the eastern end of Shell Bay Avenue). Open from 6am to 9pm, the park, gazebos, and pier offer an easterly view over the wetlands, bay, and Stone Harbor. It’s an incredibly peaceful location to take it all in!

YOUR BEST SHOT: Local photographers can submit their best shot to one of the local photo contests going on right now!

Stone Harbor Property Owners Association invites you to submit your Stone Harbor photos to their photo contest, which runs through September 3rd: https://www.stoneharborpoa.org/shpoa-photo-contest/2023-amateur-photo-contest-information/

Avalon Chamber of Commerce invites you to submit your best photo to the 2023 7 Mile Summer Memories contest. Send your favorite photo to info@visitavalonnj.com for a chance to win! Photos will be uploaded to our Facebook page and the photo with the most ‘likes’ will win a prize!

113 FAMILIES have taken the plunge so far this year, purchasing their very own shore home in our local market. Prices have ranged from $350,000 for a small condo to $12,000,000 for a large single family home. Another 57 families have a property currently under contract, with settlements scheduled anywhere from next month to next June. Why not join them? Let’s find you the perfect shore property! Call or email me today!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Thursdays at Surfside: Bell Bottom Blues, A Clapton Tribute. Thursday, August 24^th, 7pm.
Sea Isle City Food Truck Festival. Food trucks, music, crafters. 63^rd Street & Landis Avenue. Friday & Saturday, August 25^th & 26^th, 12pm to 8pm.
Merchant’s Day Sidewalk Sale, Stone Harbor Business District. Shop, dine, enjoy! Saturday, August 26^th, 9am to 7pm.
Harbor Bike & Beach End-of-Season rental bike sale, Saturday, August 26^th, 9am.
Symphony at Surfside—Bay Atlantic Symphony. Surfside Park, Sunday, August 27^th, 7pm.
Tuesdays at the Tower: The Seabillys, Tuesday, August 29^th, 7pm.
Airfest, Naval Air Station Wildwood Museum. F-16 fly by, displays, tours, performances, beer & wine. Friday-Monday, September 1^st-4^th. Visit https://usnasw.org/airfest-2023/ for info.
Pebbles Guest House Cocktail Reception. See the restored Pebble Guest House! Saturday, September 2^nd, 4pm to 6pm. For tickets visit https://www.stoneharbormuseum.org/pebbles-house-tour/
Tuesdays at the Tower: NJ British Invasion. Tuesday, September 5^th, 7pm.
Stone Harbor Savor En Blanc, Friday, September 22^nd.
Savor September, Wine Beer, & Food Festival. Live music & entertainment, regional beer & wine, food, artisans. Downtown 96^th Street, Saturday, September 23^rd, 11am to 7pm.
“The Fabulous Greaseband,” Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, September 23^rd, 6pm (DJ Joel Stephens pays tribute to Jerry; 8pm, The Greaseband. Tickets go on sale starting Friday, August 18^th at Avalon Community Hall.
Harvest Tide Festival: Craft beers, music, local vendors. Sea Isle City, Saturday, September 30^th, 12pm to 6pm.
Avalon Fall Dune Grass Planting, Saturday, October 21^st, 8:30am.

WEEKLY EVENTS:

Stone Harbor Farmers Market, under the Water Tower, Sundays, 8am to 12:30pm.
Tuesdays at the Tower, summer concert series.
Crafty Wednesdays, Avalon Free Public Library, 10am.
Dune Walks, guided by the Wetlands Institute, every Wednesday, 48^th Street beach path, 9:30am, through August 30^th.
LEGO Thursdays, Avalon Free Public Library, 10am.
Thursdays at Surfside, weekly concerts at Surfside Park, Avalon, Thursdays, 7pm.
Thursdays on the Lawn, free weekly concerts, 7pm, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 95^th Street & Third Avenue.

New Listings:

252 89th Street, E/S, Stone Harbor, $2,075,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232171

4120 Bayberry Road, Avalon, $6,900,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232164

10521 Golden Gate Drive, Stone Harbor, $9,999,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232209

4607 5th Avenue, Avalon, $10,285,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232177

Properties Under Contract:

492 20th Street, East, Avalon, $1,695,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 232094

3546 Ocean Drive, 3546, Avalon, $2,895,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 231926

231 98th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,975,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 232133

151 32nd Street, Avalon, $3,350,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 231060

Properties Sold:

792 Sunrise Drive, East, Avalon, $2,295,000, SOLD MLS#: 230874

11917 2nd Avenue, Stone Harbor, $3,675,000, SOLD MLS#: 221324

4435 4th Avenue, Avalon, $4,750,000, SOLD MLS#: 231620

Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update August 17, 2023

August 17, 2023 By Bill and Kay Leahy

Boats of all types and sizes are found cruising local waterways during summer evenings.

HAZY, HOT, & HUMID! The past several days have brought very typical summer weather—hazy, hot, & humid during the day, with a chance of thunderstorms in the later afternoons or early evenings. The outlook is much the same for the next several days. When we’re lucky enough to get an afternoon seabreeze, it brings welcome relief in the form of a noticeable temperature reduction!

MARKET STATS: 23 new purchase contracts were written during the month of July (up 5% over last July) while 22 new listings hit the market (down 29% from last July.) The median sale price was $1,900,000. For a detailed look at the market, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute Report: https://marketminute.longandfoster.com/Market-Minute/NJ/Avalon-Stone-Harbor.pdf

THE MIDATLANTIC TOURNAMENT will take place from August 20^th through 25th, as dozens of sportfishing vessels converge on Cape May as well as Ocean City, MD, to fish in the annual event. Captains’ meetings, weigh ins, and celebrations take place dockside, but the real action is in the offshore canyons, typically 65 to 75 miles from land, where crews do battle with each other to land “the big one.” Anglers will compete in a variety of categories, including blue marlin, white marlin, tuna, wahoo, and dolphin (mahi mahi). In addition to the tournament fee boats participate in “calcuttas” with prizes often worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Last year “Low Profile”, captained by local Avalon fisherman Joe Trainor, won the blue marlin category!

AVALON HODGE PODGE has announced it will be closing at the end of the season, after 25 years of bait & tackle sales. While many local fishers will miss the shop, you can still visit and purchase bait, tackle, ice, and marine supplies for the next few weeks. Everything (except bait & ice) is on sale through September 4th! Visit Avalon Hodge Podge at 24^th Street & Ocean Drive.

GOTTA DO IT: WINE AND BEER TASTING. If you enjoy trying new craft beers and tasting wine, Cape May County offers numerous options! Our local breweries have many favorites on tap, plus seasonal offerings, while our local wineries offer tastings plus bottles for purchase. Make an afternoon of it! Here are some places to check out:

Local Breweries:

Ludlam Island Brewery
Slack Tide Brewing Company
Bucket Brigade Brewery
Coho Brewing Company
Anglesea Aleworks
MudHen Brewing Company
Behr Brewing
Cape May Brewery
Cold Spring Brewery
Gusto Brewing Company

Local Wineries:

Natali Vineyards
Jessie Creek Winery
Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery
Cape May Winery
Turdo Vineyards & Winery
Willow Creek Winery & Farm

OUR SALE MARKET remains active with properties steadily being placed under contract, as new listings hit the market. While higher interest rates have had an effect on purchase demand, many transactions are cash purchases. From two-bedroom getaway condos, to luxury townhomes, to grand single-family homes on the beach, chances are we’ve got the right property for you! Email or call me—we can discuss prices and availability, financing options, potential rental income to help cover expenses, and more!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Thursdays at Surfside—Parrotbeach. Thursday, August 17^th, 7pm.
Friday Nights at Surfside—Royal Princess Showcase. Friday, August 18^th, 6:30pm.
SHPOA Harbor Hustle, 5k run, 1M run, 1M walk. Sunday, August 20^th, beginning at 7:30am. Sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/StoneHarbor/SHPOAHarborHustle?fbclid=IwAR29Wgux5CpMbggWrPO_k2o3y_zqmaFX3eT6s7YklKxDT3bIXaC0m4dCx08
Monday Funday: Turtlesinger. Avalon Free Public Library, Monday, August 21^st, 10am.
Tuesdays at the Tower: Fat Mezz. Tuesday, August 22^nd, 7pm.
Beach Movie: The Little Giants. 30^th Street Beach, Tuesday, August 22^nd, dusk.
6^th Annual Stone Harbor Museum Tour Through Time Gala, The Reeds at Shelter Haven. Tickets $150 per person. Wednesday, August 23^rd, 5pm to 8pm. Please call 609-368-0100.
Thursdays at Surfside: Bell Bottom Blues, A Clapton Tribute. Thursday, August 24^th, 7pm.
Merchant’s Day Sidewalk Sale, Stone Harbor Business District. Shop, dine, enjoy! Saturday, August 26^th, 9am to 7pm.
Harbor Bike & Beach End-of-Season rental bike sale, Saturday, August 26^th, 9am.
Symphony at Surfside—Bay Atlantic Symphony. Surfside Park, Sunday, August 27^th, 7pm.
Tuesdays at the Tower: The Seabillys, Tuesday, August 29^th, 7pm.
Airfest, Naval Air Station Wildwood Museum. Displays, tours, performances, beer & wine. Friday-Monday, September 1^st-4^th. Visit https://usnasw.org/airfest-2023/ for info.
Pebbles Guest House Cocktail Reception. See the restored Pebble Guest House! Saturday, September 2^nd, 4pm to 6pm. For tickets visit https://www.stoneharbormuseum.org/pebbles-house-tour/
Tuesdays at the Tower: NJ British Invasion. Tuesday, September 5^th, 7pm.
Stone Harbor Savor En Blanc, Friday, September 22^nd.
Savor September, Wine Beer, & Food Festival. Live music & entertainment, regional beer & wine, food, artisans. Downtown 96^th Street, Saturday, September 23^rd, 11am to 7pm.
“The Fabulous Greaseband,” Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, September 23^rd, 6pm (DJ Joel Stephens pays tribute to Jerry; 8pm, The Greaseband. Tickets go on sale starting Friday, August 18^th at Avalon Community Hall.
Avalon Fall Dune Grass Planting, Saturday, October 21^st, 8:30am.

WEEKLY EVENTS:

Stone Harbor Farmers Market, under the Water Tower, Sundays, 8am to 12:30pm.
Tuesdays at the Tower, summer concert series.
Crafty Wednesdays, Avalon Free Public Library, 10am.
Dune Walks, guided by the Wetlands Institute, every Wednesday, 48^th Street beach path, 9:30am, through August 30^th.
LEGO Thursdays, Avalon Free Public Library, 10am.
Thursdays at Surfside, weekly concerts at Surfside Park, Avalon, Thursdays, 7pm.
Thursdays on the Lawn, free weekly concerts, 7pm, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 95^th Street & Third Avenue.

New Listings:

492 20th Street, East, Avalon, $1,695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 2320942507 Dune Drive, 2507, Avalon, $1,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232143

231 98th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,975,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232133

590 24th Street, Avalon, $2,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232153

56 W 24th Street, Avalon, $3,250,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232148

2988 1st Avenue, Avalon, $3,699,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232103

11200 2nd, Stone Harbor, $4,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232128

280 36th Street, Avalon, $4,850,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232154

576 7th Street, Avalon, $7,900,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232145

5 W 32nd Street, Avalon, $11,855,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232138

Properties Under Contract:

125 80th Street, B-1, Avalon, $1,300,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 231838

2159 Sixth Avenue, Avalon, $1,690,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 232085

403 7th Street, Avalon, $2,350,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 230421

211 65th Street, Avalon, $3,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 231555

395 20th Street, 395, Avalon, $3,999,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 231318

526 7th Street, Avalon, $7,500,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 223542

Properties Sold:

264 34th Street, East, Avalon, $1,510,000, SOLD MLS#: 230899

171 24th Street, Avalon, $4,400,000, SOLD MLS#: 230105

271 47th Street, Avalon, $4,550,000, SOLD MLS#: 230654

Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update August 10, 2023

August 10, 2023 By Bill and Kay Leahy

The skies of summertime take on many different colors and looks! From lightning strikes to storm clouds to traditional sunsets, every evening Mother Nature puts on a new show!

THERE’S NO BETTER TIME! It’s still prime time for summer activities! Make sure you set aside time for your Summer Bucket List! Walk the beach at sunrise, try that new restaurant with friends, watch a movie on the beach, share a bag of Kohler’s Donuts for breakfast! Whatever is on your list, there’s no better time to make it happen!

WATER RESCUES occur more frequently in the summer, when more people are out enjoying the beach, boat, and other water activities. Recent rescues have been made by local lifeguards on our beaches, while others have been made by Avalon & Stone Harbor Fire Departments in Townsend’s Inlet, Hereford Inlet, and the back bays. Further offshore, the Coast Guard, SeaTow, and TowBoat US have rescued and towed boaters in distress. Whether you’re taking a quick dip in the ocean, going for a kayak ride, or fishing local waters, make sure you’re properly prepared for conditions, have all required safety gear (and know how to use it) in order to maximize your safety, and that of those who might otherwise need to rescue you.

YOUR BEST SHOT: Local photographers can submit their best shot to one of the local photo contests going on right now!

The Stone Harbor Property Owners Association invites you to submit your Stone Harbor photos to their photo contest, which runs through September 3rd. Rules and more info can be found here: https://www.stoneharborpoa.org/shpoa-photo-contest/2023-amateur-photo-contest-information/?fbclid=IwAR1IQVWrIq7Xb3d9zFDWavf2rHnk5TIvxHJoZbdHjODERN1eEMfnBUmILk0
The Avalon Chamber of Commerce invites you to submit your best photo to the 2023 7 Mile Summer Memories contest. Send your favorite photo to info@visitavalonnj.com for a chance to win! Photos will be uploaded to our Facebook page and the photo with the most ‘likes’ will win a prize!

OUR LOCAL LIBRARIES are a tremendous resource for both residents and visitors. They offer a variety of programs and activities, including classes for seniors, activities for kids, plus much more. Stop in for a visit in Avalon or Stone Harbor and learn more about what’s available—and maybe sign up for a free library card while you’re there!

The Avalon Free Public Library is open to all. Library cards are available free to Avalon residents and property owners and to residents of Cape May County. Seasonal cards are available for Avalon visitors. Find out more here: https://www.avalonfreelibrary.org/connect/about-library or fill out a new library card application here: www.avalonfreelibrary.org/sites/default/files/Library%20Card%20Form-interactive.pdf
Stone Harbor Library cards are available free to residents and property owners in Cape May County. Vacation visitors may also obtain a free library card. (Note: because Ocean City and Avalon are NOT part of the county library system, residents of those towns must pay a $90 fee for a Stone Harbor Library card.) Find more info here: https://cmclibrary.org/about-the-library/get-a-library-card

RENTALS: WE’RE THINKING ABOUT 2024 ALREADY! Yes, Summer 2023 is still in full swing, but we’re planning ahead for 2024. How about you? Rental property owners: get your 2024 rates to me as soon as you can! Tenants: It’s time to reserve a week for next summer!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Thursdays at Surfside: The Best of the Eagles. Thursday, August 10^th, 7pm.
Friday Nights at Surfside Park—Star Wars, Jedi Master Class. Balloon art, face painting, music. Surfside Park, Friday, August 11^th, 6:30pm.
Cape Regional Designer House Tour, Saturday, August 12^th, 11am-4pm. Visit https://www.caperegional.com/designer-tour/ for tickets.
Avalon Flood Insurance meeting. Informational session on flood insurance; bring your flood elevation certificate and flood insurance policy. Avalon Borough Hall, Tuesday, August 15^th, 5pm.
Tuesdays at the Tower: Marnie’s Musicians. Water Tower parking lot, Tuesday, August 15^th, 7pm.
SHPOA Harbor Hustle, 5k run, 1M run, 1M walk. Sunday, August 20^th, beginning at 7:30am. Sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/StoneHarbor/SHPOAHarborHustle?fbclid=IwAR29Wgux5CpMbggWrPO_k2o3y_zqmaFX3eT6s7YklKxDT3bIXaC0m4dCx08
6^th Annual Stone Harbor Museum Tour Through Time Gala, The Reeds at Shelter Haven. Tickets $150 per person. Wednesday, August 23^rd, 5pm to 8pm. Please call 609-368-0100.
Merchant’s Day Sidewalk Sale, Stone Harbor Business District. Shop, dine, enjoy! Saturday, August 26^th, 9am to 7pm.
Airfest, Naval Air Station Wildwood Museum. Displays, tours, performances, beer & wine. Friday-Monday, September 1^st-4^th. Visit https://usnasw.org/airfest-2023/ for info.
Savor September, Wine Beer, & Food Festival. Live music & entertainment, regional beer & wine, food, artisans. Downtown 96^th Street, Saturday, September 23^rd, 11am to 7pm.
“The Fabulous Greaseband,” Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, September 23^rd, 6pm (DJ Joel Stephens pays tribute to Jerry; 8pm, The Greaseband. Tickets go on sale starting Friday, August 18^th at Avalon Community Hall.

WEEKLY EVENTS:

Stone Harbor Farmers Market, under the Water Tower, Sundays, 8am to 12:30pm.
Tuesdays at the Tower, summer concert series.
Crafty Wednesdays, Avalon Free Public Library, 10am.
Dune Walks, guided by the Wetlands Institute, every Wednesday, 48^th Street beach path, 9:30am.
LEGO Thursdays, Avalon Free Public Library, 10am.
Thursdays at Surfside, weekly concerts at Surfside Park, Avalon, Thursdays, 7pm.
Thursdays on the Lawn, free weekly concerts, 7pm, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 95^th Street & Third Avenue.

New Listings:

3011 Dune Drive, 6, Avalon, $1,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232070120 14th Street, Avalon, $2,499,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232053

321 99th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,750,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232048

5878 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $7,999,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232051

75 E 24th Street, Avalon, $7,999,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232026

10521 Sunset Dr, Stone Harbor, $8,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 232052

Properties Under Contract:

502 20th Street, 502, Avalon, $1,990,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 232003

274 64th Street, Avalon, $5,199,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 223078

7698 Dune Drive, Avalon, $5,750,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 223055

327 88th Street, Stone Harbor, $7,895,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 230904

501 42nd Street, Avalon, $7,950,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 230366

344 104th Street, Stone Harbor, $9,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 232011

5475 Dune Drive, Avalon, $12,999,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 223484

Properties Sold:

4126 Ocean Drive, 4126, Avalon, $1,789,000, SOLD MLS#: 230805

8 E 27th Street, 8, Avalon, $3,550,000, SOLD MLS#: 231100

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