Two kinds of light: evening fireworks (right) competed with distant lightning (left) during fireworks displays on the island.  (Photo by Grace Leiser)

WHAT A WEEKEND:…”One of the best we’ve had in a long time,” said Diane Wieland, Cape May County’s tourism director, in a Cape May County Herald article.  High temperatures and holiday events brought big crowds to the shore over the long weekend.  Beaches were full, as were shops and restaurants.

OH BOY, IT WAS HOT!  Really hot!  Atlantic City Airport reported a high temperature of 106F, tying the all-time record, according to meteorologist Joe Martucci.  The island was slightly cooler—but just slightly!  Late afternoon sea breezes eventually appeared, finally bringing a bit of relief.  Beachgoers sought shade under umbrellas and boaters caught breezes on sandbars, but the only way to truly beat the heat this weekend was to be in the water—ocean temperatures were around 70F, and very refreshing!  This week saw the return of more normal daytime highs in the upper 70s and low 80s.

STILL PLANNING YOUR SUMMER VACATION?  Avalon and Stone Harbor vacation guides serve as useful references for all things local—stores, restaurants, events, beach access, borough phone numbers, and more.  Check them out here:

• Avalon 2026 Recreation Guide: https://view.publitas.com/seven-mile-publishing/avalon-information-recreation-guide-2026/page/1
• Stone Harbor 2026 Visitor’s Guide: https://stoneharborchamber.com/2026-visitors-guide

AND IF YOU NEED A PLACE TO STAY, check out our website featuring great rental options!  Whether your budget is $1,000 to $2,000 per week, or $10,000 to $20,000, we’ve got something for you.  Browse rental properties here:

• Avalon rentals: https://www.lfvacations.com/vacation-rentals/results/?searchform=1&State=NJ&Destination=Avalon
• Stone Harbor rentals:  https://www.lfvacations.com/vacation-rentals/results/?searchform=1&State=NJ&Destination=Stone%20Harbor

GOTTA DO IT:  RENT A BOAT!  Want to go fishing in the back bay, crabbing in a narrow creek, or just cruise local waters?  Try renting a boat!  Local marinas rent a variety of boats, from small fishing skiffs to large center consoles to pontoon “party barges.”  Check out these local options!

• Boat Day Luxury Rentals, Avalon:  https://boatdaymarinegroup.com/pages/rentals
• Bay Breeze Marina, Sea Isle City:  https://baybreezeboatrentals.com/boat-rentals
• Two Chums Rentals, Sea Isle City:  https://www.twochumsrentals.com/#Explore-Boats
• Pier 88 Marina, Sea Isle City:  https://www.pier88marina.com/plan-your-visit-1#RPpijM
• Dad’s Place Marine, North Wildwood:  https://www.dadsplacemarina.com/rent-a-make-boats-dealership–rentals
• Hereford Marina, North Wildwood:  https://herefordmarina.com/boat-rentals-wildwood-nj
• Bunkers Marina, Wildwood:  https://bunkersmarina.com/all-rentals/
• Pier 47 Marina, Wildwood:  https://www.pier47marine.com/boat-rentals/

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Thursdays at Surfside: Big Hix.  Surfside Park, Thursday, July 9th, 7pm.
• Summer Concert: Congress Street Brass Band.  Cape May County Park & Zoo Bandstand, Saturday, July 11th, 2pm-3:30pm.
• Stone Harbor Triathlon.  Quarter mile swim, 11 mile bike ride, 5k run.  Stone Harbor Yacht Club, Sunday, July 12, 7am to 9am.
• Somm’s Table: Natural & Biodynamic.  Explore wines made with minimal intervention and a deep respect for the ecosystem.  Washington Inn & Wine Bar.  Sunday, July 12th, 3pm to 4pm.  https://www.washingtoninn.com/upcoming-events/somms-table
• Tuesdays at the Tower: Three & One.  Water Tower Plaza, Tuesday, July 14th, 7pm.
• Concert on the Green: Split Decision.  Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, Wednesday, July 15th, 5:30pm.
• Thursdays at Surfside: Best of the Eagles.  Surfside Park, Thursday, July 16th, 7pm.
• Yoga at the Zoo, with a certified yoga instructor.  Bring a mat and water, and meet at the Zoo entrance.  Cape May County Zoo, Saturday, July 18th, 8:45am to 10am.  $15-20 donation suggested.
• Tuesdays at the Tower: Dane Anthony Band.  Water Tower Plaza, Tuesday, July 21st, 7pm.
• Concert on the Green: Jimmy & The Parrots.  Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, Wednesday, July 22nd, 5:30pm.
• Santa’s Stone Harbor Vacation.  Catch Santa on the beach and in town! July 22nd to July 25th.
• Thursdays at Surfside: Don Jovi.  Surfside Park, Thursday, July 23rd, 7pm.
• Stone Harbor Festival of Lights: US History 250.  Saturday, August 1st.

Weekly Activities:

• Every Sunday:  Stone Harbor Farmer’s Market, Water Tower Plaza, Sundays, 8am to 12 noon.
• Every Tuesday: Tuesdays at the Tower Concert Series.  7pm to 9pm.  Beginning July 7th.
• Every Wednesday: Summer Concert Series at the Cape May Ferry Terminal, 5:30pm to 8:30pm.  Beginning July 8th.
• Every Thursday: Thursdays at Surfside Concert Series.  7pm to 9pm.

Daily Activities:

• Every Day: Salt Marsh Safari, Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor Boulevard.  Info here: https://wetlandsinstitute.org/events/event-calendar/

New Listings:

9903 Second Avenue, Unit 2 Rear, Stone Harbor, $1,799,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261812

9903 Second Avenue, Unit 1 Front, Stone Harbor, $1,799,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261813

289 65th Street, West, Avalon, $3,375,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261760

5726 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $3,499,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261823

261 45th Street, Avalon, $4,695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261810

141 30th Street, Avalon, $4,699,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261817

199 12th Street, Avalon, $4,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261797

93 E 11th Street, Avalon, $6,799,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261803

283 6th Street, Avalon, $8,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261781

Under Contract:

17 Seabreeze Lane, Avalon Manor, $1,125,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260911

135 110th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,595,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 261742

288 86th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,695,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 252051

177 71st Street, Avalon, $5,750,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 261365

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

103 116th Street, Stone Harbor, $13,499,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260228

Properties Sold:

7929 Dune Drive, Unit 212, Avalon, $577,500, SOLD MLS#: 252847

10803 Third Avenue, 6, Stone Harbor, $1,799,000, SOLD MLS#: 260818

281 69th Street, Avalon, $3,595,000, SOLD MLS#: 261257

Catch fireworks on the beach twice this weekend!  See Avalon & Stone Harbor July 4^th lineups are below!

TWO NIGHTS OF FIREWORKS FUN!  A huge lineup of July 4^th activities is on tap this weekend, including two nights of fireworks.  Stone Harbor’s fireworks show takes place Friday evening, and Avalon’s Saturday evening.  See below for the full weekend lineup for each town!

OFFSHORE FISHING—IT’S HOT!  Sport fishing reports indicate that catches of yellowfin and bluefin tuna are on fire in canyon waters.  Many dockside and social media reports show anglers showing off their catches.  Tuna fishing is often good at this time of year, but as always, subject to change caused by winds or storms.  Inshore, flounder fishing has been good, again with numerous dockside and social media reports highlighting exceptional catches.

STRONG EL NINO, FEWER HURRICANES: Meteorologist Joe Martucci explains why a strong El Nino in the Pacific this fall could mean fewer Hurricanes in the Atlantic this season.  El Nino is a warmer-than-average equatorial sea surface temperature in the Equatorial Pacific.  Those warmer temperatures lead to stronger trade winds, which churn Atlantic waters more than normal, bringing cooler water to the surface, dampening Hurricane activity.  See Joe Martucci’s full explanation here: https://youtu.be/xF3re7cgXdo?si=MM68mgWXLkd4Z95y

“Billy Joel” rocks the piano while “Elton John” works the crowd at Surfside Park at last week’s concert.  Missed the show?  See below for more music options this summer!

GOTTA DO IT: SONGS BY THE SEA!  Good music, right next to the ocean!  Gotta do it!  Last Thursday, “Billy Joel” and “Elton John” rocked Surfside Park to a full crowd!  The Yellow Brick Joel tribute band featuring David Clarke as Bill Joel and Bill Connors as Elton John played to a packed lawn and full boardwalk, as concert goers of all ages enjoyed favorite songs from two icons.   There are many options to enjoy live music—free–by the sea!  This week, catch the American Soul Band at Surfside Park, Marnie’s Jubilee Jam at Water Tower Plaza, and the Soul Cruisers at the Cape-May Lewes Ferry Terminal!  See my events list below.  (Back by popular demand, my “Gotta Do It” list will appear each week during the summer season!)

HAPPY 250TH BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!  Enjoy the holiday weekend with family and friends!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Avalon Reading of the Declaration of Independence.  Surfside Park, Thursday, July 2nd, 6:30pm.
• Thursdays at Surfside: American Soul Band.  Surfside Park, Thursday, July 2nd, 7pm.
• Avalon Golf Cart Parade.  Begins at 29th Street parking lot.  Friday, July 3rd, 6pm.
• Fireworks Express aboard Cape May Seashore Lines.  Celebrate America 250 with the return of the Fireworks Express round trip train ride.  Richland Village Train Station, Friday, July 3rd, 7:45pm.  Info and tickets here: https://www.seashorelines.org/fireworks-express
• Stone Harbor Fireworks.  82nd Street Recreation Field.  Friday, July 3rd, dusk.
• July 4th Activities at the 82nd Street Recreation Field:  10am: Home Run Derby; Sandcastle Building Contest; Kids Bike Parade.  Noon: USA Decorated Golf Cart Parade (St. Paul’s parking lot to 82nd Street Rec Field.  All Day: Revolutionary War Encampment at Water Tower.
• Reading of the Declaration of Independence.  101st Street Pavillion, Saturday, July 4th, 10am.  Sponsored by SHPOA.
• Avalon Boat Parade.  Begins at Avalon Yacht Club.  Saturday, July 4th, 12 noon.
• Avalon Fireworks.  Saturday, July 4th, 9pm.
• Stone Harbor American Idol.  Seven singers ages 12 & up will compete to be the Stone Harbor American Idol champion.  Water Tower Plaza, Tuesday, July 7th, 6pm.
• Tuesdays at the Tower: Marnie’s Jubilee Jam.  Stone Harbor Water Tower Plaza, Tuesday, July 7th, 7pm.
• Sound Bowl Meditation.  Relaxation via soothing sounds.  Avalon Free Public Library, Tuesday, July 7th, 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
• Cape May-Lewes Ferry Concert Series: Soul Cruisers.  Free concert by the Cape May Canal.  Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, Wednesday, July 8th, 5:30pm to 8:30pm.
• SH Museum Talk: Local Signers of the Declaration.  Stone Harbor Museum, Wednesday, July 8th, 7pm to 8pm.
• Stone Harbor Triathlon.  Quarter mile swim, 11 mile bike ride, 5k run.  Stone Harbor Yacht Club, Sunday, July 12, 7am to 9am.
• Somm’s Table: Natural & Biodynamic.  Explore wines made with minimal intervention and a deep respect for the ecosystem.  Washington Inn & Wine Bar.  Sunday, July 12th, 3pm to 4pm.  https://www.washingtoninn.com/upcoming-events/somms-table
• Yoga at the Zoo, with a certified yoga instructor.  Bring a mat and water, and meet at the Zoo entrance.  Cape May County Zoo, Saturday, July 18th, 8:45am to 10am.  $15-20 donation suggested.

Weekly Activities:

• Every Sunday:  Stone Harbor Farmer’s Market, Water Tower Plaza, Sundays, 8am to 12 noon.
• Every Tuesday: Tuesdays at the Tower Concert Series.  7pm to 9pm.  Beginning July 7th.
• Every Wednesday: Summer Concert Series at the Cape May Ferry Terminal, 5:30pm to 8:30pm.  Beginning July 8th.
• Every Thursday: Thursdays at Surfside Concert Series.  7pm to 9pm.

Daily Activities:

• Every Day: Salt Marsh Safari, Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor Boulevard.  Info here: https://wetlandsinstitute.org/events/event-calendar/

New Listings:

1100 Ocean Drive, Unit 205, Avalon, $2,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261745

135 110th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261742

1878 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $4,940,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261724

Under Contract:

647 Barry Road, Avalon, $1,449,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 252353

890 21st Street, Avalon, $2,399,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 250005

162 75th Street, Avalon, $7,250,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 261570

250 104 Street, Stone Harbor, $8,649,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 261251

Properties Sold:

207 120th Street, Stone Harbor, $7,100,000, SOLD MLS#: 260086

Two nights of fireworks—coming soon to a beach, deck, or dock near you!  See below for details on Independence Day Celebrations on Seven Mile Beach!

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS are planned in both Avalon and Stone Harbor.  Best of all, we get TWO nights of fireworks!  Here’s the line up for each town:

AJ MEERWALD, NEW JERSEY’S TALL SHIP, arrives this week at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal for summer sailing!  AJ Meerwald is a 115-foot restored Delaware Bay oyster schooner.  Take a ride on the very waters the ship used to work!  If you’ve never been aboard, it’s a fun experience for sailors young and old–no sailing experience needed!  A variety of trips are available including morning family educational sails, afternoon historic sails, and even local oyster sails.  Find more info or purchase tickets here: https://www.bayshorecenter.org/

PROPOSED LIBRARY & HISTORY CENTER: Avalon has proposed a new Library & History Center to provide more space, along with a renovated community space in the current library.  A new library in the 200-block of 39^th Street would double the size of the current library to 18,000 square feet, and incorporate the History Center.  The current library would be renovated to include both a school library and a 6,000 square foot Community Event Space.  The proposal anticipates no additonal tax burden.  For details and Q&A visit: https://www.avalonfreelibrary.org/project

AVALON’S TIDAL DASHBOARD is the result of a partnership with meteorologist Joe Martucci and ShorelySafe.  The dashboard includes current and projected tidal conditions using real time data, historical high tide info, and more.  The site will prove useful for everything from routine checking of current tides to planning in advance of anticipated flooding.  Check it out here: https://hondrospj.github.io/Avalon/

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Lunch & Learn: The Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet with Cold Spring Village.  Cape May County Library, Cape May Court House, Thursday, June 25th, 12pm to 1pm.  Registration opens June 11th: https://cmcl.org/event/14966436
• Islandman Triathlon.  Quarter-mile ocean swim, 12-mile bike ride, 5K beach run.  Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, June 27, 7:20am to 9:20am.
• Stone Harbor Fire Department Hoagie Sale.  Come early because they go fast!  Stone Harbor Fire House, Saturday, June 27th, 8am to 10am.
• Islandkids Triathlon.  100-meter ocean swim, 5k bike ride, 1k beach run.  Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, June 27th, 9am to 11am.
• Stone Harbor Walking House Tour.  Tour eight homes on Bower, Weber, and Stone Courts.  $40 per person.  Saturday, June 27th, 12pm to 4pm.  www.StoneHarborMuseum.org
• Avalon Reading of the Declaration of Independence.  Surfside Park, Thursday, July 2nd, 6:30pm.
• Avalon Golf Cart Parade.  Begins at 29th Street parking lot.  Friday, July 3rd, 6pm.
• Fireworks Express aboard Cape May Seashore Lines.  Celebrate America 250 with the return of the Fireworks Express round trip train ride.  Richland Village Train Station, Friday, July 3rd, 7:45pm.  Info and tickets here: https://www.seashorelines.org/fireworks-express
• Stone Harbor Fireworks.  82nd Street Recreation Field.  Friday, July 3rd, dusk.
• July 4th Activities at the 82nd Street Recreation Field:  10am: Home Run Derby; Sandcastle Building Contest; Kids Bike Parade.  Noon: USA Decorated Golf Cart Parade (St. Paul’s parking lot to 82nd Street Rec Field.  All Day: Revolutionary War Encampment at Water Tower.
• Avalon Boat Parade.  Begins at Avalon Yacht Club.  Saturday, July 4th, 12 noon.
• Avalon Fireworks.  Saturday, July 4th, 9pm.
• Stone Harbor American Idol.  Seven singers ages 12 & up will compete to be the Stone Harbor American Idol champion.  Water Tower Plaza, Tuesday, July 7th, 6pm to 8pm.
• Sound Bowl Meditation.  Relaxation via soothing sounds.  Avalon Free Public Library, Tuesday, July 7th, 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
• SH Museum Talk: Local Signers of the Declaration.  Stone Harbor Museum, Wednesday, July 8th, 7pm to 8pm.
• Stone Harbor Triathlon.  Quarter mile swim, 11 mile bike ride, 5k run.  Stone Harbor Yacht Club, Sunday, July 12, 7am to 9am.
• Somm’s Table: Natural & Biodynamic.  Explore wines made with minimal intervention and a deep respect for the ecosystem.  Washington Inn & Wine Bar.  Sunday, July 12th, 3pm to 4pm.  https://www.washingtoninn.com/upcoming-events/somms-table

Weekly Activities:

• Every Sunday:  Stone Harbor Farmer’s Market, Water Tower Plaza, Sundays, 8am to 12 noon.
• Every Tuesday: Tuesday’s at the Tower Concert Series.  7pm to 9pm.  Beginning July 7th.

Daily Activities:

• Every Day: Salt Marsh Safari, Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor Boulevard.  Info here: https://wetlandsinstitute.org/events/event-calendar/

New Listings:

378 83rd Street, C0008 – Boat Slip, Stone Harbor, $125,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261644

675 Avalon Boulevard, Avalon Manor, $2,299,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261663

5 Meadow View Lane, Avalon Manor, $2,399,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261672

25 Channel Road, Avalon Manor, $2,399,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261673

679 Avalon Boulevard, Avalon Manor, $2,499,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261664

685 Avalon Boulevard, Avalon Manor, $2,499,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261668

22 Meadow View Lane, Avalon Manor, $2,649,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261670

9 Meadowview Lane, Avalon Manor, $2,669,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261643

7 Meadowview Lane, Avalon Manor, $2,699,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261622

8 Meadowview Lane, Avalon Manor, $2,699,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261628

24 Meadow View Lane, Avalon Manor, $2,699,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261671

6 Meadowview Lane, Avalon Manor, $2,749,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261679

12 Meadow View Lane, Avalon Manor, $2,749,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261669

14 Meadow View Lane, Avalon Manor, $2,749,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261666

10 Meadow View Lane, Avalon Manor, $2,799,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261641

235 122nd Street, Stone Harbor, $6,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261649

9835 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, $8,700,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261642

5499 Dune Drive, Avalon, $23,950,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261639

2 88th Street, 4 88th Street, Stone Harbor, $23,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261678

Under Contract:

389 22nd Street, Avalon, $2,599,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 252512

262 110th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,750,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 261195

189 11th Street, Avalon, $2,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 261472

182 65th Street, Avalon, $6,985,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 252917

Properties Sold:

700 Ocean Drive, F5, Avalon, $1,330,000, SOLD MLS#: 260491

118 28th Street, Avalon, $3,160,000, SOLD MLS#: 261103

211 23rd Street, Avalon, $3,700,000, SOLD MLS#: 260008

226 107th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,250,000, SOLD MLS#: 260141

164 84th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,550,000, SOLD MLS#: 260515

• Avalon Historical Society 19th Olde House Tour.  Featuring four churches and three homes, all built between 1892 and 1935.  Friday, June 19th, 1pm to 4pm.  For tickets visit the Avalon History Center at 215 39th Street, or call 609-967-0090.
• Surfside Concert: Peter Mayer Group.  Bring beach chairs and blankerts.  Surfside Park, Friday, June 19th, 7pm.
• Summer Solstice Festival.  Food vendors, beer & wine sales, balloon artists, face painters, and live music.  Surfside Park, Saturday, June 20th, 5pm to 8:30pm.
• Jimmy and the Parrots.  Jimmy Buffett music performed by Jimmy and the Parrots at the Summer Solstice Festival.  Surfside Park, Saturday, June 20th, 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
• Father’s Day Fish Fry, Cape May Winery, Sunday, June 21st, seatings at 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm.  Reservations are required.  Book here: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/capemaywinery/items/726222/calendar/2026/06/?full-items=yes
• SHPOA’s Harbor Hustle.  5k Run, 1M Walk/Run.  Net proceeds benefit Shells of Hope, to support pediatric cancer research.  96th Street & First Avenue, Sunday, June 21st, 8am. https://www.shellsofhopenj.org/
• Flyers Legend Joe Watson.  Stories, book signing.  Surfside Park, Sunday, June 21st, 4pm to 5pm.
• Comeback Story for the Ages—The Osprey in New Jersey.  Avalon Community Hall, Wednesday, June 24th, 6pm to 7pm.
• Lunch & Learn: The Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet with Cold Spring Village.  Cape May County Library, Cape May Court House, Thursday, June 25th, 12pm to 1pm.  Registration opens June 11th: https://cmcl.org/event/14966436
• Fireworks Express aboard Cape May Seashore Lines.  Celebrate America 250 with the return of the Fireworks Express round trip train ride.  Richland Village Train Station, Friday, July 3rd, 7:45pm.  Info and tickets here: https://www.seashorelines.org/fireworks-express

• Every Sunday:  Stone Harbor Farmer’s Market, Water Tower Plaza, Sundays, 8am to 12 noon.

• Every Day: Salt Marsh Safari, Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor Boulevard.  Info here: https://wetlandsinstitute.org/events/event-calendar/

Turtle fences along local roadways help keep egg laying diamondback terrapins safe.  You can help, too!  See below for more.

A MAJOR BEACH REPLENISHMENT PROJECT for Avalon and Stone Harbor has been announced by the US Army Corps of Engineers.  A $15.8 million contract has been awarded to Norfolk Dredging Company for hydraulic beach replenishment to occur this summer.  Sand will be dredged from Townsend’s Inlet and Hereford Inlet borrow sites and pumped onto Avalon and Stone Harbor beaches.  In Avalon, approximately 941,032 cubic yards of sand will be placed from 9^th Street to 28^th Streets; In Stone Harbor approximately 538,867 cubic yards of sand will be placed from 98^th to 114^th Streets and from 120^th Street to the terminal groin.  Norfolk Dredging is expected to begin work after completing operations on a nearby project in Sea Isle City and Strathmere.  More details will be shared in the coming weeks.

ACTRESS JANE SEYMOUR will be at Ocean Galleries this weekend, sharing the story behind her paintings.  Seymour’s collection will be on display Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and 10% of all artwork sales will benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Cooper University Healthcare.  Find more info and an RSVP form at https://go.oceangalleries.com/jane-seymour

IT’S TURTLE TIME!  Please keep an eye open for turtle crossings while travelling local roadways!  At this time of year diamondback terrapins seek high ground on which to lay eggs and often cross roadways while doing so.  Although some of our roadways have turtle fences along them, turtles can still be found crossing in many areas.  Please slow down to avoid them!  If you’re inclined to help a turtle across the road, please take all necessary steps to ensure your own safety in traffic, and then cross the turtle in the direction it was headed.

SHE SAID YES!  Christina was surprised when Connor proposed on the dock…as Miss Avalon pulled up with a boatload of cheering fans onboard!  Watch the fun here!  https://www.facebook.com/reel/988075414084312

STONE HARBOR RESTAURANT WEEK runs through June 14th.  Enjoy an old favorite or try a new place! Check out participating restaurants and menus here: https://stoneharborchamber.com/restaurant-week

UPCOMING EVENTS: 

• Privateering in New Jersey During the American Revolution.  Tennis Building, 250 39th Street, Thursday, June 11th, 1pm.
• Stone Harbor Restaurant Week.  Participating restaurants will offer dining specials through Saturday, June 13th.
• Spring into Summer Surfside Concert: The Rock N’ Roll Collective.  The next generation of musicians ages 13-18 perform at Surfside Park.  Bring chairs and blankets.  Saturday, June 13th, 6pm.
• Avalon Historical Society 19th Olde House Tour.  Featuring four churches and three homes, all built between 1892 and 1935.  Friday, June 19th, 1pm to 4pm.  For tickets visit the Avalon History Center at 215 39th Street, or call 609-967-0090.
• Summer Solstice Festival.  Food vendors, beer & wine sales, balloon artists, face painters, and live music.  Surfside Park, Saturday, June 20th, 5pm to 8:30pm.
• Jimmy and the Parrots.  Jimmy Buffett music performed by Jimmy and the Parrots at the Summer Solstice Festival.  Surfside Park, Saturday, June 20th, 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
• Father’s Day Fish Fry, Cape May Winery, Sunday, June 21st, seatings at 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm.  Reservations are required.  Book here: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/capemaywinery/items/726222/calendar/2026/06/?full-items=yes
• Lunch & Learn: The Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet with Cold Spring Village.  Cape May County Library, Cape May Court House, Thursday, June 25th, 12pm to 1pm.  Registration opens June 11th: https://cmcl.org/event/14966436
• Fireworks Express aboard Cape May Seashore Lines.  Celebrate America 250 with the return of the Fireworks Express round trip train ride.  Richland Village Train Station, Friday, July 3rd, 7:45pm.  Info and tickets here: https://www.seashorelines.org/fireworks-express

• Every Sunday:  Stone Harbor Farmer’s Market, Water Tower Plaza, Sundays, 8am to 12 noon.

• Every Day: Salt Marsh Safari, Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor Boulevard.  Info here: https://wetlandsinstitute.org/events/event-calendar/

The blue ocean water of the Mid-Atlantic Bight has been even more blue in recent weeks.  See below for more!  Photo from NASA Earth Observatory, May 3, 2026.

AVALON announced the closure of beach paths at 11^th to 13^th Streets for safety reasons due to beach erosion caused by strong northeasterly winds over the Memorial Day Weekend.  The paths may have to remain closed until a much-anticipated hydraulic beach fill takes place.  Bids for the hydraulic beach fill were opened by the borough last week, and the low bid is currently undergoing a full legal review.  Emergency funding for the hydraulic beach replenishment has been earmarked by the federal government, with no local funding contribution required.  No start date has been announced, but it is hoped that the beach fill will take place during the summer.

MARKET STATS: 14 properties sold in Avalon last month (May 2026), and 4 sold in Stone Harbor.   An additional 40 properties are under contract across both towns.  For a detailed look at the market, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report:

• Avalon:  https://reports.longandfoster.com/r?boundary=5ea32953da2e325e445c76da
• Stone Harbor:  https://reports.longandfoster.com/r?boundary=5ea463bdda2e325e445ccbe3

• Avalon Bay Park Marina Ribbon Cutting.  Ceremony and tours of the marina.  54th Street & Ocean Drive, Friday, June 5th, 1pm.
• Avalon Garden Club Flower Show.  Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, June 6th, 10am to 3pm.
• Retail Wine Tasting at The Washington Inn & Wine Bar.  Sunday, June 7th, 3pm to 4pm.  Reservations are required: https://www.washingtoninn.com/upcoming-events/junewinetasting
• Cape May Restaurant Week.  More than 20 restaurants offering special menus and pricing.  Through June 7th.
• Family Promise of Cape May County 16th Anniversary Gala.  Entertainment by The Fabulous Grease Band, Silent Auction, Raffles, 50/50.  The Grand Hotel Penthouse Ballroom, Cape May, June 5th, 5pm to 10pm.  For info & tickets visit https://familypromisecmc.org/events
• Escape the Cape Triathlon.  Swim off the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, bike 23 miles, run 5 miles.  Sunday, June 7th.  Details and registration here: https://www.delmosports.com/events/escape-the-cape-new-jerseys-best-triathlon
• Stone Harbor Restaurant Week.  Participating restaurants will offer dining specials.  Sunday, June 7th through Saturday, June 13th.
• Birding South Cape May, presented by the Cape May Bird Observatory.  Wednesday, June 10th, 4pm to 6pm. Registration and info here: https://cmcl.org/event/15409912
• Privateering in New Jersey During the American Revolution.  Tennis Building, 250 39th Street, Thurday, June 11th, 1pm.
• Spring into Summer Surfside Concert: The Rock N’ Roll Collective.  The next generation of musicians ages 13-18 perform at Surfside Park.  Bring chairs and blankets.  Saturday, June 13th, 6pm.
• Avalon Historical Society 19th Olde House Tour.  Featuring four churches and three homes, all built between 1892 and 1935.  Friday, June 19th, 1pm to 4pm.  For tickets visit the Avalon History Center at 215 39th Street, or call 609-967-0090.
• Summer Solstice Festival.  Food vendors, beer & wine sales, balloon artists, face painters, and live music.  Surfside Park, Saturday, June 20th, 5pm to 8:30pm.
• Father’s Day Fish Fry, Cape May Winery, Sunday, June 21st, seatings at 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm.  Reservations are required.  Book here: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/capemaywinery/items/726222/calendar/2026/06/?full-items=yes
• Lunch & Learn: The Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet with Cold Spring Village.  Cape May County Library, Cape May Court House, Thursday, June 25th, 12pm to 1pm.  Registration opens June 11th: https://cmcl.org/event/14966436
• Fireworks Express aboard Cape May Seashore Lines.  Celebrate America 250 with the return of the Fireworks Express round trip train ride.  Richland Village Train Station, Friday, July 3rd, 7:45pm.  Info and tickets here: https://www.seashorelines.org/fireworks-express

• Every Sunday:  Stone Harbor Farmer’s Market, Water Tower Plaza, Saturdays, 8am to 12 noon.

• Every Day: Salt Marsh Safari, Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor Boulevard.  Info here: https://wetlandsinstitute.org/events/event-calendar/