Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update March 12, 2026

By

So simple, and yet so beautiful!

A TASTE OF SPRING!  After what has felt like an endless winter, Tuesday’s high hit 72 degrees, giving us a taste of spring!  Blue skies and warm sunshine do wonders for the mood on the island.  From the office to Wawa to restaurants, everybody seems to be a bit happier after the warm up!  The only downside to the warm up has been intermittent patchy fog, sometimes heavy, that has occasionally enveloped the area.

BUT IT’S TIME TO SHIVER!  Despite the recent warm weather, it’s time for the Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge this weekend!  The annual event includes a pre-Shiver party at the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor Friday evening, plus Saturday morning pre-gaming at Fred’s Tavern.  Participants will parade to the beach at noon for the Shiver Showdown, followed by the main event—the Polar Plunge—about 1:15pm.  The after party at Fred’s, complete with music by the Quinn Brothers, is not to be missed!  If you’re thinking the recent warm up will make the Polar Plunge a walk in the park, think again…although Saturday’s high is forecast to be about 50, the ocean water temperature is still a very chilly 38 degrees!

IT MAY NOT BE OVER!  The latest forecast from Accuweather indicates a polar vortex split may bring more cold air to our area before it finally warms up for good, according to an article in the Atlantic City Press.  Though not a guarantee of cold air in our region, the polar vortex split is “stronger than normal,” and may “trigger a pattern of rough weather” and an “ugly spring,” according to the article.  Read the article here: https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/weather/article_501618d0-7373-4d13-a714-8f1f3f3574fe.html?utm_source=pressofatlanticcity.com&utm_campaign=breaking-news&utm_medium=cio&lctg=f1f30704861bc7c407&tn_email_eh1=1c1a26630fb8aeac24e39468ff8bf40b8cfa9189b795040754c10024e4c82912

PARK THE CAR, TAKE THE GOLF CART:  You’ve surely seen them on 7 Mile Island—low speed vehicles, otherwise known as golf carts.  The battery powered vehicles are ideal for the low-speed traffic on the island, and provide an open-air experience that just feels like summer.  Interested in renting one during your stay?  Several companies rent them during the summer:

WHAT’S YOUR SUMMER PLAN?  Need a week’s vacation?  Or are you looking to make it permanent?  Or thinking about selling?  I’m ready to help!  Call or email me!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge Weekend.
    • Pre-Shiver party at Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, Friday, March 13th, 6pm.  $35 entry fee at the door, cash bar.
    • Pre-game at Fred’s Tavern, Saturday, March 14th, 10am
    • Parade to the beach, Saturday, March 14th, 12 noon.
    • Shiver Showdown, 96th Street & the beach.
    • Polar Plunge, 96th Street & the beach, 1:15pm
    • After party at Fred’s Tavern with music by the Quinn Brothers.
  • Tide to Table Pre-Fixe Weekend.  The Washington Inn, Friday & Saturday, March 13th & 14th.  For details and reservations, visit: https://www.washingtoninn.com/upcoming-events/tidetotable
  • St Patrick’s Day Celebration & Parade.  Ceremony & parade starting at 2nd & Olde NJ Avenue and proceeding north on Olde NJ Avenue.  Saturday, March 14th, 12pm, North Wildwood.
  • Winter Wine Dinner Series.  Carefully curated four-course menu paired with exceptional wines.  Cape May Winery, Friday, March 20th, 6pm.  https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/capemaywinery/items/160519/calendar/2026/03/?full-items=yes&flow=205353&g4=yes
  • Somm’s Table: Chile.  Explore and taste Chilean wine.  The Washington Inn, Saturday, March 21st, 3pm.  https://www.washingtoninn.com/upcoming-events/somms-table-chile
  • Bird Migration 101.  Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, March 28th, 1pm.
  • Easter Bunny Express.  Cape May Seashore Lines, Tuckahoe & Richland Stations, Saturday & Sunday, March 28th & 29th, and Saturday, April 4th.  For schedules and fares visit: https://www.seashorelines.org/easter-bunny-express
  • Avalon’s Bunny Hop.  Meet the Easter Bunny!  Veterans Plaza, Saturday, April 4th, 11am to 2pm.
  • Easter Brunch at Icona Avalon.  Sunday, April 5th, 10am to 2pm.  Details here: https://www.icona.com/events/easter-brunch-at-icona-avalon/
  • Easter Brunch By the Bay.  The Reeds at Shelter Haven, Sunday, April 5th, 10:30am to 3:30pm.  https://reedsatshelterhaven.com/reeds-events/easter-brunch/
  • Stone Harbor Job Fair. Details to follow.  Saturday, April 11th.
  • Avalon Garden Club Spring Card Party:  Cheers to 50 Blooming Years!  Avalon Community Hall, Thursday, April 16th, 11:30am to 3pm.  Contact Joanna Morrison for tickets at 609-675-6846.
  • Spring Dune Grass Planting.  Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, April 18th, 8:30am.  Please RSVP to Jordan Sykes at Community Hall: 609-967-3066 or jsykes@avalonboro.org
  • Garden Club of Stone Harbor 2026 Plant Sale.  (Order deadline April 13th.)  Saturday, May 9th, 9am to noon.  To order visit https://gardenclubofstoneharbor.org/plant-sale/
New Listings:

658 Avalon Boulevard, Avalon Manor, $250,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260552

392 83rd Street, 392, Stone Harbor, $1,450,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260505

923 Stone Harbor Boulevard, West, Stone Harbor Manor, $2,399,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 260499

164 84th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,983,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260515

92 E 23rd Street, Avalon, $6,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260512

Under Contract:

55 W 32nd Street, 1A, Avalon, $1,185,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260375

700 First Avenue, 305, Avalon, $1,289,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260005

859 Dune Drive, Avalon, $3,595,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 253381

Properties Sold:

1838 First Avenue, Avalon, $2,360,000, SOLD MLS#: 253530

158 32nd Street, Avalon, $3,775,000, SOLD MLS#: 253141

Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update March 5, 2026

By

This fellow is enjoying his bay view, while not the least bit worried about the sign!

MARKET STATS: Despite the ice and snow we experienced in January and February, the real estate market kept moving along.  14 properties have sold year-to-date in Avalon, and 5 in Stone Harbor.  For a detailed look at the market, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute reports:

Avalon: https://reports.longandfoster.com/r?boundary=5ea32953da2e325e445c76da

Stone Harbor: https://reports.longandfoster.com/r?boundary=5ea463bdda2e325e445ccbe3

ELECTRONIC KEYPAD LOCKS are a great upgrade for your vacation home or rental property!  Benefits include: no keys to keep track of for visitors or tenants; assign custom codes to specific visitors; lock or unlock your door remotely (for wifi equipped smart locks) ; change your codes periodically for security.  Electronic keypad locks can be purchased from home centers for about $50 and up; smart keypad locks can be purchased for about $75 and up.

JOIN A CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM: Avalon Beach Patrol is hiring for the 2026 season!  Lifeguards are needed to protect swimmers on our beaches this summer.  Think you have what it takes?  Visit this link to apply: https://linktr.ee/avalonbeachpatrol

SPRING FORWARD!  Don’t forget to set your clock ahead by one hour Saturday night—daylight savings occurs at 2am Sunday morning.  We’ll lose an hour of sleep but gain an hour of daylight in the evening!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • Shop-A-Holics: Sip, Shop, Sales.  The Princeton, Thursday & Friday, March 5th & 6th, 4pm to 8pm, Saturday, March 7th, 12pm to 7pm
  • Blues, Brews, & Country Festival.  Mudhen Brewing, Wildwood.  March 6th to 8th.
  • The Fiddle Club Presents: Irish Folk Music.  Irish jigs, reels, hornpipes and ballads as well as some classical music.  Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, March 7th, 2pm.
  • Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge Weekend.
    • Pre-Shiver party at Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, Friday, March 13th, 6pm.  $35 entry fee at the door, cash bar.
    • Pre-game at Fred’s Tavern, Saturday, March 14th, 10am
    • Parade to the beach, Saturday, March 14th, 12 noon.
    • Shiver Showdown, 96th Street & the beach.
    • Polar Plunge, 96th Street & the beach, 1:15pm
    • After party at Fred’s Tavern with music by the Quinn Brothers.
  • Tide to Table Pre-Fixe Weekend.  The Washington Inn, Friday & Saturday, March 13th & 14th.  For details and reservations, visit: https://www.washingtoninn.com/upcoming-events/tidetotable
  • St Patrick’s Day Celebration & Parade.  Ceremony & parade starting at 2nd & Olde NJ Avenue and proceeding north on Olde NJ Avenue.  Saturday, March 14th, 12pm, North Wildwood.
  • Winter Wine Dinner Series.  Carefully curated four-course menu paired with exceptional wines.  Cape May Winery, Friday, March 20th, 6pm.  https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/capemaywinery/items/160519/calendar/2026/03/?full-items=yes&flow=205353&g4=yes
  • Somm’s Table: Chile.  Explore and taste Chilean wine.  The Washington Inn, Saturday, March 21st, 3pm.  https://www.washingtoninn.com/upcoming-events/somms-table-chile
  • Bird Migration 101.  Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, March 28th, 1pm.
  • Easter Bunny Express.  Cape May Seashore Lines, Tuckahoe & Richland Stations, Saturday & Sunday, March 28th & 29th, and Saturday, April 4th.  For schedules and fares visit: https://www.seashorelines.org/easter-bunny-express
  • Avalon’s Bunny Hop.  Meet the Easter Bunny!  Veterans Plaza, Saturday, April 4th, 11am to 2pm.
  • Easter Brunch at Icona Avalon.  Sunday, April 5th, 10am to 2pm.  Details here: https://www.icona.com/events/easter-brunch-at-icona-avalon/
  • Easter Brunch By the Bay.  The Reeds at Shelter Haven, Sunday, April 5th, 10:30am to 3:30pm.  https://reedsatshelterhaven.com/reeds-events/easter-brunch/
  • Stone Harbor Job Fair. Details to follow.  Saturday, April 11th.
  • Avalon Garden Club Spring Card Party:  Cheers to 50 Blooming Years!  Avalon Community Hall, Thursday, April 16th, 11:30am to 3pm.  Contact Joanna Morrison for tickets at 609-675-6846.
  • Spring Dune Grass Planting.  Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, April 18th, 8:30am.  Please RSVP to Jordan Sykes at Community Hall: 609-967-3066 or jsykes@avalonboro.org
  • Garden Club of Stone Harbor 2026 Plant Sale.  (Order deadline April 13th.)  Saturday, May 9th, 9am to noon.  To order visit https://gardenclubofstoneharbor.org/plant-sale/

New Listings:

440 98th Street, Stone Harbor, $6,900,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260449

198 40th Street, Avalon, $7,599,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260443

Under Contract:

255 117th Street, 2, Stone Harbor, $1,999,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260411

281 7th Street, Avalon, $6,050,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 253177

Properties Sold:

867 Avalon Avenue, Avalon, $5,400,000, SOLD MLS#: 260095

83 E 13th Street, Avalon, $6,500,000, SOLD MLS#: 253185

46 E 18th Street, Avalon, $7,495,000, SOLD MLS#: 260099

Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update February 26, 2026

By

Avalon Fishing Pier, behind the dunes and beach blanketed with snow.  See below for more photos!

THE WINTER THAT WON’T QUIT brought heavy snow to the island early this week. After a brief period of rain on Sunday, precipitation switched to heavy wet snow and fell at a rapid pace at times.  Strong, gusty winds impeded visibility during periods of heavy snowfall and brought minor coastal flooding during high tides.  Early reports indicate that beaches suffered erosion due to storm winds and waves.   Reported snow totals varied from 12 to 18 inches around Cape May County.  Roads were cleared very quickly in Avalon and Stone Harbor, and throughout the county, but numerous power outages occurred as crews struggled to keep up with downed power lines.  Fortunately, unlike our last snowfall, this one is not expected to stick around—daytime highs are expected to be in the mid 40s by Saturday.

HAVE A LOOK AROUND at a few of the scenes on the island this week!

The 32nd Street beach path, covered in snow but still looking inviting.


Surfside Park…who’s ready for summer concert?


Avalon Supermarket behind a mountain of plowed snow!  The roads are clear, but all that snow has to go somewhere!

STONE HARBOR CRAFT SHOW REVIVAL?  Stone Harbor Borough Council approved an event for August 28th & 29th aimed at reviving the annual arts & craft festival that previously ran for many years, until it was paused in 2020 for the pandemic.  The proposed new event would seek to follow a similar theme, featuring high quality hand crafted items.

THINKING POSITIVE:  Our snow is still melting and the ocean water temperature is still 35 degrees, but let’s think positive!  Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 8th, adding an hour of daylight to our evenings!  Our first 7pm sunset occurs on Tuesday, March 10th!  And Memorial Day is only 90 days away!

UPCOMING EVENTS: 

  • Estate Planning Discussion.  Attorney Marianne Johnston will discuss Estate and Long-Term Care Planning. Topics will include protecting retirement plans, protecting children’s inheritance through a Bloodline Trust, and protecting assets from Nursing Homes and Medicaid. No registration required.  Avalon Free Public Library, Friday, February 27th, 2pm to 3pm.
  • Shop-A-Holics: Sip, Shop, Sales.  The Princeton, Thursday & Friday, March 5th & 6th, 4pm to 8pm, Saturday, March 7th, 12pm to 7pm
  • The Fiddle Club Presents: Irish Folk Music.  Irish jigs, reels, hornpipes and ballads as well as some classical music.  Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, March 7th, 2pm.
  • Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge Weekend.
    • Pre-Shiver party at Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, Friday, March 13th, 6pm.  $35 entry fee at the door, cash bar.
    • Pre-game at Fred’s Tavern, Saturday, March 14th, 10am
    • Parade to the beach, Saturday, March 14th, 12 noon.
    • Shiver Showdown, 96th Street & the beach.
    • Polar Plunge, 96th Street & the beach, 1:15pm
    • After party at Fred’s Tavern with music by the Quinn Brothers.
  • Tide to Table Pre-Fixe Weekend.  The Washington Inn, Friday & Saturday, March 13th & 14th.  For details and reservations, visit: https://www.washingtoninn.com/upcoming-events/tidetotable
  • Winter Wine Dinner Series.  Carefully curated four-course menu paired with exceptional wines.  Cape May Winery, Friday, March 20th, 6pm.  https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/capemaywinery/items/160519/calendar/2026/03/?full-items=yes&flow=205353&g4=yes
  • Somm’s Table: Chile.  Explore and taste Chilean wine.  The Washington Inn, Saturday, March 21st, 3pm.  https://www.washingtoninn.com/upcoming-events/somms-table-chile
  • Bird Migration 101.  Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, March 28th, 1pm.
  • Easter Bunny Express.  Cape May Seashore Lines, Tuckahoe & Richland Stations, Saturday & Sunday, March 28th & 29th, and Saturday, April 4th.  For schedules and fares visit: https://www.seashorelines.org/easter-bunny-express
  • Avalon’s Bunny Hop.  Meet the Easter Bunny!  Veterans Plaza, Saturday, April 4th, 11am to 2pm.
  • Easter Brunch at Icona Avalon.  Sunday, April 5th, 10am to 2pm.  Details here: https://www.icona.com/events/easter-brunch-at-icona-avalon/
  • Easter Brunch By the Bay.  The Reeds at Shelter Haven, Sunday, April 5th, 10:30am to 3:30pm.  https://reedsatshelterhaven.com/reeds-events/easter-brunch/
  • Stone Harbor Job Fair. Details to follow.  Saturday, April 11th.
  • Avalon Garden Club Spring Card Party:  Cheers to 50 Blooming Years!  Avalon Community Hall, Thursday, April 16th, 11:30am to 3pm.  Contact Joanna Morrison for tickets at 609-675-6846.
  • Spring Dune Grass Planting.  Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, April 18th, 8:30am.  Please RSVP to Jordan Sykes at Community Hall: 609-967-3066 or jsykes@avalonboro.org
New Listings:

2905 Dune Drive, Avalon, $8,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 260401

74 W 13th Street, 74, Avalon, $1,185,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260410

173 33rd Street, 3, Avalon, $1,185,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260419

255 117th Street, 2, Stone Harbor, $1,999,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260411

154 98th Street, Stone Harbor, $7,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260434

Under Contract:

9511 Sunset Drive, 401, Stone Harbor, $650,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260061

248 81st Street, Unit A, Stone Harbor, $1,599,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260334

256 42nd Street, Avalon, $2,750,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 253542

247 85th Street, Stone Harbor, $3,350,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260344

11200 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, $4,280,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 251082

Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update February 19, 2026

By

It hasn’t warmed up THAT much yet…but it won’t be long! 

SIX PERCENT, ZERO POINTS!  Thirty-year mortgage rates have inched downward again and reached 6% last week, for both conforming and jumbo (above $832,750) loan amounts, with zero points.    Fifteen-year rates reached 5.5% for both conforming and jumbo loan amounts, also with zero points.  If you’ve been watching mortgage rates before making your shore purchase, this may be a good time to jump in!  Call or email me if you’d like the names of reliable mortgage lenders that can provide you with a pre-approval, improving your negotiating position as a buyer.

AVALON’S LEGENDARY LIFEGUARD, Murray Wolf passed away earlier this week.  Wolf retired as Captain of the Avalon Beach Patrol in 2021, after 65 years of service.  One of Avalon’s competition life boats proudly wears the name “Captain G. Murray Wolf” on its bow, honoring Wolf’s 65 years with ABP.  Wolf’s son Matt has followed in his footsteps, and currently serves as the captain of the ABP.

THE ICE MAY BE GONE, but some damage remains.  Some pilings not protected by bubbler or deicer systems were “ice jacked,” or lifted out of the mud by ice gripping the pilings as the tide rose.  Similar damage has been reported to some Intracoastal Waterway day markers (pilings with red or green navigation markers on top), as shifting ice flows lifted the day markers or pushed them over during tide changes.

FUNDING FOR BEACH PROJECTS is an ongoing concern for shore communities, who rely on beaches for both tourism and storm protection.  After last year’s cut to federal beach funding, Representative Jeff Van Drew has introduced bipartisan legislation along with Rep. Laura Gillen of New York, to create a permanent source of funding for US Army Corps of Engineers beach replenishment projects.  Meanwhile, Avalon Mayor John McCorriston and Business Administrator Scott Wahl met with New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill’s staff to press for the governor to declare a state of emergency regarding beach funding.  Such a declaration would allow easier access to federal funds.  Prior NJ Governor Phil Murphy denied a similar request in December.  Avalon, Stone Harbor, Sea Isle City, Ocean City, Upper Township, and Cape May have all passed resolutions asking Governor Sherrill to issue the declaration.

UPCOMING EVENTS: 

  • Estate Planning Discussion.  Attorney Marianne Johnston will discuss Estate and Long-Term Care Planning. Topics will include protecting retirement plans, protecting children’s inheritance through a Bloodline Trust, and protecting assets from Nursing Homes and Medicaid. No registration required.  Avalon Free Public Library, Friday, February 27th, 2pm to 3pm.
  • The Fiddle Club Presents: Irish Folk Music.  Irish jigs, reels, hornpipes and ballads as well as some classical music.  Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, March 7th, 2pm.
  • Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge Weekend.
    • Pre-Shiver party at Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, Friday, March 13th, 6pm.  $35 entry fee at the door, cash bar.
    • Pre-game at Fred’s Tavern, Saturday, March 14th, 10am
    • Parade to the beach, Saturday, March 14th, 12 noon.
    • Shiver Showdown, 96th Street & the beach.
    • Polar Plunge, 96th Street & the beach, 1:15pm
    • After party at Fred’s Tavern with music by the Quinn Brothers.
  • Winter Wine Dinner Series.  Carefully curated four-course menu paired with exceptional wines.  Cape May Winery, Friday, March 20th, 6pm.  https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/capemaywinery/items/160519/calendar/2026/03/?full-items=yes&flow=205353&g4=yes
  • Somm’s Table: Chile.  Explore and taste Chilean wine.  The Washington Inn, Saturday, March 21st, 3pm.  https://www.washingtoninn.com/upcoming-events/somms-table-chile
  • Bird Migration 101.  Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, March 28th, 1pm.
  • Avalon’s Bunny Hop.  Meet the Easter Bunny!  Veterans Plaza, Saturday, April 4th, 11am to 2pm.
  • Easter Brunch at Icona Avalon.  Sunday, April 5th, 10am to 2pm.  Details here: https://www.icona.com/events/easter-brunch-at-icona-avalon/
  • Easter Brunch By the Bay.  The Reeds at Shelter Haven, Sunday, April 5th, 10:30am to 3:30pm.  https://reedsatshelterhaven.com/reeds-events/easter-brunch/
  • Stone Harbor Job Fair. Details to follow.  Saturday, April 11th.
  • Avalon Garden Club Spring Card Party:  Cheers to 50 Blooming Years!  Avalon Community Hall, Thursday, April 16th, 11:30am to 3pm.  Contact Joanna Morrison for tickets at 609-675-6846.
  • Spring Dune Grass Planting.  Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, April 18th, 8:30am.  Please RSVP to Jordan Sykes at Community Hall: 609-967-3066 or jsykes@avalonboro.org
New Listings:

55 W 32nd Street, 1A, Avalon, $1,185,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260375

248 81st Street, Unit A, Stone Harbor, $1,599,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260334

181 7th Street, Avalon, $2,899,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260325

247 85th Street, Stone Harbor, $3,350,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260344

243 87th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,699,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260352

145 112th Street, Stone Harbor, $7,695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260320

Under Contract:

29 E 28th Street, 7, Avalon, $729,777, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 253044

285 14th, 285, Avalon, $1,300,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260221

301 80th Street, Cambridge Greene – Unit B24, Avalon, $1,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 252742

164 93rd Street, Stone Harbor, $4,399,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 252920

25 W 32nd Street, Avalon, $5,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 252919

Properties Sold:

10108 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, $3,100,000, SOLD MLS#: 260140

Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update February 12, 2026

By

This duck swam across a patch of water and then climbed up on the ice, took a walk around, then jumped back in the water!  Finding unfrozen areas became difficult as the extreme cold lingered.

FINALLY, SOME WARMING!  Daytime highs finally climbed above freezing this week, and will continue to inch up over the next several days, as will overnight lows.  Ice has finally begun to melt and loosen its grip on the area.

OUR FIRST 5:30PM SUNSET occurred this week!  As sunsets occur a moment or two later each evening it makes a real difference in the afternoon hours, and it’s an early sign that spring is (finally) on its way.

MARKET STATS: The market is still moving—10 properties have sold year-to-date in Avalon, and three in Stone Harbor, despite the unusually cold weather.  76 properties are available in both towns, with prices ranging from $325,000 to $13 million.  For a detailed look at the market, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute reports:
Avalon: https://reports.longandfoster.com/r?boundary=5ea32953da2e325e445c76da
Stone Harbor: https://reports.longandfoster.com/r?boundary=5ea463bdda2e325e445ccbe3

THE LAST ICE PHOTOS?  We’ll see what next week brings, but in the meantime here is another look at some of the unusual sights around the island this week:


Most bayfront areas fully froze this past week.  Here, Great Channel is all ice, near the 96th Street Bridge.  Only areas nearest the ocean, with the deepest, warmest water, remained open.


Fire & Ice!  A fiery red sunset over the frozen bay is quite a dramatic contrast!


Please don’t try this!  Yes, ice skating on the bay was possible in some areas, including this one in Sea Isle City—but not recommended.  Watch the original video clip on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HS7ATkH8z/


Perhaps the only thing more unusual than ice skating on the bay is ice skating on the beach in Wildwood!  Watch the original video clip on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BwHySiWvL/

UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • Galentine’s at the Wine Bar.  Live music, thoughtfully crafter cocktail menu and delectable small bites.  Join the Wine & Chocolate Tasting with Sommelier Tyler for $25 per person.  The Washington Inn, Thursday, February 12th.  Tickets for the Wine & Chocolate portion of the evening are available now: https://www.washingtoninn.com/upcoming-events/galentines-at-the-wine-bar
  • Valentine’s Dinner at The Reeds at Shelter Haven.  A romantic dinner for two at SAX.  Thursday-Sunday, February 12th to 15th, from 5pm.  https://reedsatshelterhaven.com/reeds-events/valentines-day/
  • Valentine’s Dining Experience at Icona Avalon.  An elegant Valentine’s Dinner in the Sea Glass Ballroom, featuring live piano entertainment.  Saturday, February 14th, 6pm to 8pm.  https://www.icona.com/events/valentines-dining-experience-at-icona-avalon/
  • Introduction to Birding.  Cape May County Library, Lower Township Branch, Wednesday, February 18th, 6pm.  Info and registration: https://njaudubon.org/event/black-duck-basics-biology-and-habitat-restoration-in-nj-2/
  • Estate Planning Discussion.  Attorney Marianne Johnston will discuss Estate and Long-Term Care Planning. Topics will include protecting retirement plans, protecting children’s inheritance through a Bloodline Trust, and protecting assets from Nursing Homes and Medicaid. No registration required.  Avalon Free Public Library, Friday, February 27th, 2pm to 3pm.
  • The Fiddle Club Presents: Irish Folk Music.  Irish jigs, reels, hornpipes and ballads as well as some classical music.  Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, March 7th, 2pm.
  • Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge Weekend:
    • Pre-Shiver party at Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, Friday, March 13th, 6pm.  $35 entry fee at the door, cash bar.
    • Pre-game at Fred’s Tavern, Saturday, March 14th, 10am
    • Parade to the beach, Saturday, March 14th, 12 noon.
    • Shiver Showdown, 96th Street & the beach.
    • Polar Plunge, 96th Street & the beach, 1:15pm
    • After party at Fred’s Tavern with music by the Quinn Brothers.
  • Avalon’s Bunny Hop.  Meet the Easter Bunny!  Veterans Plaza, Saturday, April 4th, 11am to 2pm.
  • Stone Harbor Job Fair. Details to follow.  Saturday, April 11th.
  • Avalon Garden Club Spring Card Party:  Cheers to 50 Blooming Years!  Avalon Community Hall, Thursday, April 16th, 11:30am to 3pm.  Contact Joanna Morrison for tickets at 609-675-6846.
  • Spring Dune Grass Planting.  Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, April 18th, 8:30am.  Please RSVP to Jordan Sykes at Community Hall: 609-967-3066 or jsykes@avalonboro.org
New Listings:

7900 Dune Drive, C315, Avalon, $449,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260288

260 21st Street, Avalon, $515,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260248

55 W 32nd Street, C-2B, Avalon, $1,225,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260257

174 23rd. Street, Avalon, $5,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260281

Under Contract:

1668 Ocean Drive, Unit B1, Avalon, $1,595,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260203

162 33rd Street, Avalon, $3,350,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 253027

34 W 13th Street, Avalon, $5,500,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 253367

Properties Sold:

23 W 23rd Street, Avalon, $2,800,000, SOLD MLS#: 260249

2988 1st Avenue, Avalon, $2,935,407, SOLD MLS#: 250086

Avalon and Stone Harbor Weekly Update February 6, 2026

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The pier at Avalon Bay Park Marina, looking toward Heron Drive, and the frozen bay & marsh!  See more photos below!

PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL says “six more weeks of winter,” but we’ve already had our fair share!  The entire island was gripped by a deep freeze for more than a week.  Although roads were clear and dry, a frozen layer of snow and ice blanketed everything else.  It wasn’t until Tuesday that the first bit of thawing occurred.  Daytime highs the rest of this week were expected to be just above freezing, with nighttime lows dropping into the 20s and teens.

TAKE A TOUR of our frozen island!  Here’s look at some frosty scenes around the island…very different from what we usually see!

Ice began forming in the bay soon after sub-freezing temperatures arrived.  Here, a thin layer of ice has begun to form over Pleasure Bay in Stone Harbor.


By Monday, after more than a week of frigid temperatures, thick ice had formed in areas of the bay that are shallow and with little tidal current.


Smuggler’s Cove in Stone Harbor iced over; bubbler systems are in used to keep ice from lifting pilings out of the mud during a rising tide.


The frozen marsh has a peaceful beauty to it.  This view is from Avalon Boulevard, looking toward the Stone Harbor water tower.


Not far from the island, the Delaware Bay shore was lined with huge chunks of ice. The shipping channel remained open, but the western end of the Cape May Canal was frozen.  The Cape May-Lewes Ferry suspended operations due to the ice blocking the route and ferry terminals.

THE MARKET certainly isn’t frozen!  Check below for new listings, plus three more under contract this week!

WHAT’S YOUR NEXT MOVE?  It won’t be long before ice and snow are a distant memory, and summer will be upon us!  Now is the time to plan your next move!  Buying, selling, placing your house on the rental market…let’s discuss your next move and take action to make it happen!  Please call or email me and we’ll get started!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • South Jersey Folklore: Exploring the Supernatural in the Pine Barrens.  Avalon Free Public Library, Friday, February 6th, 2pm.
  • The Valentine’s Express.  Enjoy a ride aboard a vintage rail car with that special someone! Cape May Seashore Lines, Saturday & Sunday, February 7th & 8th.  https://www.seashorelines.org/
  • Super Bash XXII.  23rd Anniversary of the Friend in Need Super Bash.  The Princeton, Sunda, February 8th, 4:30pm.  Get tickets here: https://www.friendinneednj.org/events-projects/
  • Galentine’s at the Wine Bar.  Live music, thoughtfully crafter cocktail menu and delectable small bites.  Join the Wine & Chocolate Tasting with Sommelier Tyler for $25 per person.  The Washington Inn, Thursday, February 12th.  Tickets for the Wine & Chocolate portion of the evening are available now: https://www.washingtoninn.com/upcoming-events/galentines-at-the-wine-bar
  • Valentine’s Dinner at The Reeds at Shelter Haven.  A romantic dinner for two at SAX.  Thursday-Sunday, February 12th to 15th, from 5pm.  https://reedsatshelterhaven.com/reeds-events/valentines-day/
  • Valentine’s Dining Experience at Icona Avalon.  An elegant Valentine’s Dinner in the Sea Glass Ballroom, featuring live piano entertainment.  Saturday, February 14th, 6pm to 8pm.  https://www.icona.com/events/valentines-dining-experience-at-icona-avalon/
  • Estate Planning Discussion.  Attorney Marianne Johnston will discuss Estate and Long-Term Care Planning. Topics will include protecting retirement plans, protecting children’s inheritance through a Bloodline Trust, and protecting assets from Nursing Homes and Medicaid. No registration required.  Avalon Free Public Library, Friday, February 27th, 2pm to 3pm.
  • The Fiddle Club Presents: Irish Folk Music.  Irish jigs, reels, hornpipes and ballads as well as some classical music.  Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, March 7th, 2pm.
  • Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge Weekend.  Friday night pre-Shiver party, Saturday parade and showdown.  March 14th & 15th.
  • Avalon’s Bunny Hop.  Meet the Easter Bunny!  Veterans Plaza, Saturday, April 4th, 11am to 2pm.
  • Stone Harbor Job Fair. Details to follow.  Saturday, April 11th.
  • Spring Dune Grass Planting.  Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, April 18th, 8:30am.  Please RSVP to Jordan Sykes at Community Hall: 609-967-3066 or jsykes@avalonboro.org
New Listings:

285 14th, 285, Avalon, $1,300,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260221

1668 Ocean Drive, Unit B1, Avalon, $1,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260203

100 96th Street, Unit 304, Stone Harbor, $1,850,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260205

118 22nd Street, Avalon, $4,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260194

107 116th Street, Stone Harbor, $6,999,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260234

1 108th Street, Stone Harbor, $11,499,999, ACTIVE MLS#: 260214

103 116 Street, Stone Harbor, $13,499,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260228

Under Contract:

212 25th Street, End Unit, Avalon, $1,850,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260147

58 E 15th Street, Avalon, $4,595,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 253228

10546 Corinthian Drive, Stone Harbor, $7,595,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 253073

Properties Sold:

25 Seabreeze Lane, Avalon Manor, $1,587,500, SOLD MLS#: 253454

William and Kay Leahy of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc

Meet Bill

Bill Leahy of Long & Foster Real Estate is your go to luxury home professionals at the South Jersey Shore! From the top of the market, multi-million dollar listings and sales to the finest homes in all of Avalon and Stone Harbor - Bill has you covered.

Take advantage of Bill's local real estate market knowledge and expertise to find the home of your dreams! 100% of his energies will be devoted to finding just the right property for you.

Want to tour a property or are ready to list your home? Contact Bill today!