• Ladies Night!  20% off most 1st floor items; charcuterie, appetizers, wine; mini massages by 7 Mile Island Massage Custom Henna Artist Amanda Moonbaby; more!  Seashore Ace, Friday, May 10th, 5-7pm.
• Avalon Volunteer Fire Department Flower & Plant Sale, Avalon Firehouse, Saturday, May 11th, 8am-2pm.
• Paper Shredding Day, Avalon Public Works facility, Saturday, May 11th, 9am until 2pm (or until the machine is full.)
• Community Wide Yard Sale, Avalon, Saturday, May 11th, 8am to 3pm.
• Mother’s Day Candle Making Workshop by Blue Eden.  The Reeds, Saturday, May 11th, Noon to 1:30pm.  Reserve your space at www.seafoamsoapcompany.com/event-list
• Bicycle Auction, Avalon Public Works facility, Saturday, May 11th, 12 noon.
• Shorebird and Horseshoe Crab Celebration Days.  The Wetlands Institute, May 11th to 19th.  Tickets and info here: https://wetlandsinstitute.org/events/spring-shorebird-and-horseshoe-crab-festival/
• Mother’s Day Brunch, The Reeds at Shelter Haven, Sunday, May 12th, 10am-3pm.  Reservations required—call 609-368-0100.
• Bulk Trash Collection, Avalon, May 3rd to May 12th.
• Bulk Trash Collection, Stone Harbor.  May 13th.
• Community Yard Sale sponsored by the Garden Club of Stone Harbor.  94th Street Parking lot at Second Avenue.  Saturday, May 18th, 8am to 1:30pm.
• Memorial Day Weekend begins!  Friday, May 24th.
• Turtle Trot 2024: 5k run/2-mile walk.  Sunday, May 26th, 8am.  Register at https://raceroster.com/events/2024/85176/stone-harbor-turtle-trot-5k

• Spring into Summer Event & Sidewalk Sale, Stone Harbor, Saturday, May 4th, 10am to 4pm.
• Watch the Kentucky Derby!  Wear your fancy hat & cheer on your favorite horse.  The Princeton Bar & Grill.  Saturday, May 4.  Races begin at 6:45pm.
• Avalon Garden Club Plant & Bake Sale, 39th Street Greenhouse, May 4th & 5th.
• Ladies Night!  20% off most 1st floor items; charcuterie, appetizers, wine; mini massages by 7 Mile Island Massage Custom Henna Artist Amanda Moonbaby; more!  Seashore Ace, Friday, May 10th, 5-7pm.
• Paper Shredding Day, Avalon Public Works facility, Saturday, May 11th, 9am until 2pm (or until the machine is full.
• Community Wide Yard Sale, Avalon, Saturday, May 11th, 8am to 3pm.
• Mother’s Day Candle Making Workshop by Blue Eden.  The Reeds, Saturday, May 11th, Noon to 1:30pm.  Reserve your space at www.seafoamsoapcompany.com/event-list
• Bicycle Auction, Avalon Public Works facility, Saturday, May 11th, 12 noon.
• Shorebird and Horseshoe Crab Celebration Days.  The Wetlands Institute, May 11th to 19th.  Tickets and info here: https://wetlandsinstitute.org/events/spring-shorebird-and-horseshoe-crab-festival/
• Mother’s Day Brunch, The Reeds at Shelter Haven, Sunday, May 12th, 10am-3pm.  Reservations required—call 609-368-0100.
• Bulk Trash Collection, Avalon, May 3rd to May 12th.
• Bulk Trash Collection, Stone Harbor.  May 13th.
• Community Yard Sale sponsored by the Garden Club of Stone Harbor.  94th Street Parking lot at Second Avenue.  Saturday, May 18th, 8am to 1:30pm.
• Memorial Day Weekend begins!  Friday, May 24th.

A gorgeous summertime view, as seen from Avalon Boulevard, looking toward Sea Isle City.  It won’t be long!

IT’S FEELING LIKE SPRING!  We’ve had a few sunny days, and daytime temperatures are rising.  And, just like every year, “chance of showers” appears frequently in our forecast, and there’s always the possibility of a cool sea breeze in the later afternoon.  This weekend we’re expecting mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the upper fifties.  The ocean water temperature is still in the low to mid fifties, but is warming gradually.

WE’RE ABOUT A MONTH AWAY from our unofficial summer season kick off!  Property preparations are being made, landscaping and flowers are coming alive, stores and restaurants are preparing for the summer season, and you can feel the excitement in the air!  Buy your beach tags—it won’t be long before you’re sittin’ on the sand!

PREDICTIONS for an active hurricane season along the Atlantic coast were made last week by Colorado State University.  Complex factors affecting those predictions include the effects of La Nina and El Nino wind patterns, water temperatures in the Atlantic, and even water temperatures in the Pacific.  But local expert weather forecaster NorEaster Nick urges caution and calm, and says “it’s not Armageddon.  Remember the winter forecasts calling for 50″ [of snow] this past season? Yeah…”

INTERESTING PURCHASE OPTIONS are always available, and now is no exception.  Interested in an affordable one-bedroom condo with a pool for $429,900?  How about a beach block condo for $585,000?  Or maybe a four-bedroom townhouse a couple of blocks to the beach for $1,685,000?   An there are others, such as a bayfront building lot in Stone Harbor Manor for $1,895,000; a three-bedroom rancher in Avalon for $2,095,000; a brand new five-bedroom townhome in Avalon for $2,795,000; a gorgeous bayfront with westerly views in Stone Harbor for $9,999,000.  Whatever your price range, chances are we have something interesting for you!  Let’s talk—call or email me!​

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Arbor Day Celebration, 48^th Street & Dune Drive, Friday, April 26^th, 10:30am.
• Jazz Night, Spiaggetta Restaurant, Friday, April 26^th.
• Spring into Summer Event & Sidewalk Sale, Stone Harbor, Saturday, May 4^th, 10am to 4pm.
• Avalon Garden Club Plant & Bake Sale, 39^th Street Greenhouse, May 4^th & 5^th.
• Paper Shredding Day, Avalon Public Works facility, Saturday, May 11^th, 9am until 2pm (or until the machine is full.)
• Mother’s Day Candle Making Workshop by Blue Eden.  The Reeds, Saturday, May 11^th, Noon to 1:30pm.  Reserve your space at www.seafoamsoapcompany.com/event-list
• Bicycle Auction, Avalon Public Works facility, Saturday, May 11^th, 12 noon
• Mother’s Day Brunch, The Reeds at Shelter Haven, Sunday, May 12^th, 10am-3pm.  Reservations required—call 609-368-0100.
• Bulk Trash Collection, Avalon, May 3^rd to May 12^th.
• Bulk Trash Collection, Stone Harbor.  May 13^th.
• Memorial Day Weekend begins!  Friday, May 24^th.

New Listings:

7800 Dune Drive, Concord Suites, Avalon, $435,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 241116

9816 Second Avenue, 11, Stone Harbor, $565,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 241135

2513 Dune Drive, Avalon, $769,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 241142

14 2nd Drive, BAY FRONT BUILDING LOT, Stone Harbor Manor, $1,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 241146

168 19th Street, Avalon, $2,999,500, ACTIVE MLS#: 241133

178 19th Street, Avalon, $2,999,500, ACTIVE MLS#: 241134

274 86th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,850,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 241136

10403 3rd Avenue, Stone Harbor, $7,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 241101

Properties Sold:

215 89th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,000,000, SOLD MLS#: 232720

The market is still active!  

MARKET STATS:  The number of units sold in March increased over last year, while the median sale price decreased slightly to $2,280,000.  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.htm

NEW IRRIGATION REGULATIONS were approved by Avalon’s council, in an effort to conserve water and avoid the need to drill a new well.  Homes with even numbered addresses may water on even numbered days, between midnight and 9am, for up to 30 minutes.  Odd numbered addresses may do the same on odd numbered days.  Newly installed lawns may be irrigated with no limit for the first 21 days, with the above limits kicking in on the 22^nd day.  Flower boxes may be watered daily.

GET YOUR BEACH TAGS ONLINE at preseason prices!  Jersey Cape Tags manufactures beach tags for local towns and is authorized to sell them.  Tags can be shipped right to your door! Avalon & Stone Harbor full season beach tags are available for purchase online at https://jersey-cape-tags.myshopify.com/collections/currentbeachtagsbadges  Get ’em early and save!

PLANNING YOUR SUMMER FUN!  If you’ve already booked your summer vacation, take the next step and plan your summer fun!  Consider booking the Beach Set Up Guy so you don’t need to carry your beach equipment to and from the sand each day.  And why not try something different while you’re here, such as a charter fishing trip, or a private boat tour around area waterways.   Another great way to capture your memories for a lifetime is to book a beach photo session for your family!  Need any recommendations?  Call or email me!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Avalon Spring Dune Grass Planting, Saturday, April 20^th.  Volunteers will gather at Avalon Community Hall at 8:30am where a brief demonstration will occur.  A light lunch will be provided for all volunteers.  To volunteer, please call Sue Keen at (609) 967-5924 or Chuck McDonnell at (609) 967-3066 no later than April 11th.
• Arbor Day Celebration, 48^th Street & Dune Drive, Friday, April 26^th, 10:30am.
• Jazz Night, Spiaggetta Restaurant, Friday, April 26^th.
• Spring into Summer Event & Sidewalk Sale, Stone Harbor, Saturday, May 4^th, 10am to 4pm.
• Avalon Garden Club Plant & Bake Sale, 39^th Street Greenhouse, May 4^th & 5^th.
• Paper Shredding Day, Avalon Public Works facility, Saturday, May 11^th, 9am until 2pm (or until the machine is full.)
• Mother’s Day Candle Making Workshop by Blue Eden.  The Reeds, Saturday, May 11^th, Noon to 1:30pm.  Reserve your space at www.seafoamsoapcompany.com/event-list
• Bicycle Auction, Avalon Public Works facility, Saturday, May 11^th, 12 noon.
• Mother’s Day Brunch, The Reeds at Shelter Haven, Sunday, May 12^th, 10am-3pm.  Reservations required—call 609-368-0100.
• Bulk Trash Collection, Avalon, May 3^rd to May 12^th.
• Bulk Trash Collection, Stone Harbor.  May 13^th.

New Listings:

727 Stone Harbor Boulevard, #B, Stone Harbor Manor, $1,199,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 241074

2507 Dune Drive, 2507, Avalon, $1,975,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 241063

6486 Dune Drive, Avalon, $3,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 241017

188 33rd Street, Avalon, $4,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 241070

Under Contract:

551 22nd Street, B, Avalon, $949,900, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 240909

247 109th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,875,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 240975

220 85th Street, 0, Stone Harbor, $1,998,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 240451

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

Sold:

X-18 Linden Lane, Stone Harbor, $1,250,000, SOLD MLS#: 240452

893 21st Street, 893, Avalon, $3,250,000, SOLD MLS#: 233016

65 E 10th Street, Avalon, $6,000,000, SOLD MLS#: 233135

5475 Dune Drive, Avalon, $10,300,000, SOLD MLS#: 223535

5475 Dune Drive, Avalon, $10,300,000, SOLD MLS#: 223484

A solar eclipse at the beach!

“ECLIPSING” ALL EXPECTATIONS!  Avalon and Stone Harbor beaches proved to be a great location for watching Monday’s solar eclipse, as did local recreation fields, decks, and docks.  The weather cooperated for much of the event, with partly cloudy skies offering long stretches of good viewing between cloud cover.  If you missed Monday’s eclipse, you can look forward to March 2025, when New Jersey will experience both a total lunar eclipse and another partial solar eclipse, according to timeanddate.com.  If you’re holding out for a total solar eclipse in New Jersey, you’ll have to wait until May 1, 2079!

96TH STREET BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: The 96^th Street Bridge is slated for replacement in the next few years.  A majority of design work is completed, and a final design is expected to be submitted for NJDOT approval in early 2025. When construction of the new bridge begins, there will be a series of road closures for long periods of time.  Additionally, a temporary span will be constructed to carry vehicular traffic, but that fixed span will limit navigation by boats until it is removed.  Bridge construction could begin as early as 2026, with completion in 2028.  Road closures during construction are expected to be confined to off-season times.

WEATHER FORECASTER “NorEaster Nick” reported last week that we’ve had twenty inches of rain since January first.  All of Southern New Jersey has received at least double the normal rainfall amounts, with Cape May at 211%, Cape May Court House at 238%, and Atlantic City at 222%.  All that rain has eased drought concerns—currently all of New Jersey is drought free.

PREPARING YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY in advance of the busy rental season is wise, and can save you both money and headaches.  Here are some things to think about now, to avoid problems later:

• Schedule pest and weed treatments now.  It’s easier to avoid pests and weeds than to combat them later.
• Replace all batteries in smoke detectors, CO detectors, and remote controls, if you haven’t recently done so.
• Set up you cable television and internet service, and verify that both are working.  Post your WI-FI username and password on the refrigerator (if either have changed, please email them to me so I can keep them on file, too.)
• Have your air conditioning system checked and tuned up.  Ensure its in good working order before the summer heat is upon us.

Have any questions?  Contact me!

MAKE YOUR SEASHORE PURCHASE DREAMS COME TRUE, using rental income to cover part of your carrying costs.  Curious?  Let’s talk!  Call or email me!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Clean Ocean Action Spring Beach Sweep, Saturday, April 13^th, 9am-12:30pm.  Register here: https://cleanoceanaction.org/beach-sweeps/sites-and-registration
• Let’s Play Ball—A History of Baseball in America.  39^th Street Tennis Building, Saturday, April 13^th, 1pm.
• Avalon Spring Dune Grass Planting, Saturday, April 20^th.  Volunteers will gather at Avalon Community Hall at 8:30am where a brief demonstration will occur.  A light lunch will be provided for all volunteers.  To volunteer, please call Sue Keen at (609) 967-5924 or Chuck McDonnell at (609) 967-3066 no later than April 11th.
• Arbor Day Celebration, 48^th Street & Dune Drive, Friday, April 26^th, 10:30am.
• Spring into Summer Event & Sidewalk Sale, Stone Harbor, Saturday, May 4^th.
• Avalon Garden Club Plant & Bake Sale, 39^th Street Greenhouse, May 4^th & 5^th
• Paper Shredding Day, Avalon Public Works facility, Saturday, May 11^th, 9am until 2pm (or until the machine is full.)
• Bicycle Auction, Avalon Public Works facility, Saturday, May 11^th, 12 noon.
• Bulk Trash Collection, Avalon, May 3^rd to May 12^th.
• Bulk Trash Collection, Stone Harbor.  May 13^th.

New Listings:

247 109th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,875,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 240975

137 109th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 240991

40 N Inlet Drive, Avalon, $5,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 240998

5 W 32nd Street, Avalon, $10,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 240970

Under Contract:

9511 Sunset Drive, Unit 200, Stone Harbor, $485,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 240946

276 26th Street, W, Avalon, $1,620,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 240803

220 85th Street, 0, Stone Harbor, $1,998,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 240451

212 105th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,650,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 240876

312 92nd Street, Stone Harbor, $4,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 240593

Properties Sold:

389 21st Street, Avalon, $2,900,000, SOLD MLS#: 240059

212 19th Street, Avalon, $3,400,000, SOLD MLS#: 232391

It won’t belong before boats large & small will be cruising local waters!

MISS AVALON opened her fishing season earlier this week with a tog fishing trip.  The crew reported good catches up to 8 pounds, with the day’s “high hook” catching three keepers, and breaking off a fourth.  Miss Avalon is fishing Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays this month.  Visit www.MissAvalon.com or www.Facebook.com/MissAvalon

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY!  After 8 inches of rain and countless rainy days in March, we’re ready for some sunshine.  Mother Nature did not cooperate the first couple days of April…after a bit of sunshine over the weekend, rain appeared again, with another couple of inches in the forecast.  It’ll begin to dry out toward the end of this week.

LAUGHING GULLS ARE BACK!  The Wetlands Institute reports that the first Laughing Gulls have appeared on Ring Island, near the Institute.  Commonly known as seagulls, the iconic birds are now arriving for the summer season.  Ring Island is a marshy island behind Stone Harbor that is the summer home of thousands of seagulls.

SAFETY REMINDER: CHECK YOUR DRYER VENT!  When is the last time you checked and cleaned your dryer duct and vent?  Ducts or vents clogged with lint present a serious fire hazard.  While your lint filter should be cleaned before each use of the dryer, your dryer duct (which should be metal, not plastic) and vent should be checked periodically to make sure they’re clear.  A buildup of lint in the duct can clog it, leading to an overheated dryer, greatly increasing the risk of a fire.  Whether you have a vacation property or a rental property, checking and cleaning your dryer duct and vent prior to the heavy usage during the season is smart.  Don’t want to DIY? Call an appliance company or handyman.

LOCAL CRAFT BREWERIES have had a busy month!  Here’s the latest:

Coho Brewing has been rebranded as Whale Tale Brewing.  Located on Indian Trail Road in Cape May Court House, Whale Tale Brewing features events and specials several nights a week:  www.whaletalebrewing.com/upcoming

Cape May Brewing Company has reintroduced their pale Helles lager “Boat Ramp Champ,” describing it as the perfect brew to crack open after a day on the open sea.  Located on Hornet Road at the Cape May County Airport, Cape May Brewing’s tasting room is open seven days a week beginning at noon.  www.capemaybrewery.com 

Slack Tide Brewing Company has its three newest releases on tap, including Penny Knot, Catch and Release 001, and Paddy’s Hole, as well as several of its year-round and seasonal brews.  Slack Tide, located on Route 9 just above Avalon Boulevard, is open seven days a week beginning at noon, and this Friday at 5pm will feature Pint Night, donating $1 from every pint to the Ocean City High School crew team:  www.slacktidebrewingco.com/events

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Easter EGGStravaganZoo, a week of Easter-related activities at Cape May County Zoo, through  Sunday, April 7^th.
• Stone Harbor Job Fair, Saturday, April 6^th.  Visit participating businesses to apply in person.
• Clean Ocean Action Spring Beach Sweep, Saturday, April 13^th.
• Avalon Spring Dune Grass Planting, Saturday, April 20^th.
• Arbor Day Celebration, 48^th Street & Dune Drive, Tuesday, April 26^th, 10:30am.
• Spring into Summer Event & Sidewalk Sale, Stone Harbor, Saturday, May 4^th.
• Avalon Garden Club Plant & Bake Sale, 39^th Street Greenhouse, May 4^th & 5^th.

New Listings:

272 21st Street, Avalon, $35,940, ACTIVE MLS#: 240933

9511 Sunset Drive, Unit 200, Stone Harbor, $485,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 240946

317 83rd Street, 4, Stone Harbor, $889,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 240940

551 22nd Street, B, Avalon, $949,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 240909

2934 Ocean Drive, North, Avalon, $2,400,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 240885

2988 1st Avenue, Avalon, $3,499,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 240939

549 24th Street, 549, Avalon, $3,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 240895

11108 2nd Avenue, Stone Harbor, $4,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 240901

11116 2nd Avenue, Stone Harbor, $4,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 240922

11100 2nd Avenue, Stone Harbor, $4,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 240878

135 112th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 240944

212 105th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,650,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 240876

125 112th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 240953

568 22nd Street, Avalon, $4,999,995, ACTIVE MLS#: 240919

Properties Under Contract:

243 80th Street, Avalon, $1,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 233088

Properties Sold:

7888 Dune Drive, 322, Avalon, $565,000, SOLD MLS#: 231685

265 19th Street, Avalon, $2,175,000, SOLD MLS#: 232624

11 Marine Way, 11, Avalon, $2,592,500, SOLD MLS#: 240437

244 103rd Street, Stone Harbor, $2,600,000, SOLD MLS#: 232834

5349 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $3,100,000, SOLD MLS#: 232388

178 33rd Street, Avalon, $4,400,000, SOLD MLS#: 231693

7488 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $4,995,000, SOLD MLS#: 232292