Buoys in the IntraCoastal Waterway are silhouetted by the sunrise.  The Stone Harbor water tower is visible in the distance.

OUR LOCAL MUSEUMS do a fantastic job of preserving and highlighting the early days of Avalon and Stone Harbor.  From the railroad lines and early automobiles, to stories about old-time establishments and Taylor Swift’s vacation home, you’ll find it, and more!  ​A visit to one or both of our local museums is a real treat.  Visit the Avalon History Center at 215 39^th Street, Monday through Saturday, from 10am.  Visit the Stone Harbor Museum at 9410 Second Avenue, Monday through Saturday, 9am to noon.

GOTTA DO IT: UNIQUE EATS!  We all have our favorite restaurants that we visit regularly.  How about some “unique eats” for a change?  A variety of unique (and delicious!) options are available on and off the island!  Who knows, maybe one of these options will become your “new old favorite!”

Have a “unique eats” favorite of your own?  Tell me about it!

THE SCHOONER AJ MEERWALD is back at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, offering two-hour public sails several times a week through September 12th.  The 115′ AJ Meerwald is a 1928 oyster schooner that spent her working career plying the waters of the Delaware Bay.  Now fully restored, she offers public and educational sails in and around New Jersey waters.  She’s also the official tall ship of New Jersey.  Treat yourself to a sunset sail with friends or loved ones—it’s a ride you won’t forget!  For tickets and info visit: ​https://www.bayshorecenter.org/

B.O.L.O.: SEA TURTLES IN DISTRESS!  The Marine Mammal Stranding Center posted a reminder last week asking everyone to be on the lookout for sea turtles that may be in distress.  The center described how upwelling due to offshore winds can rapidly lower surf temperatures, causing sea turtles to experience “cold stunning”.  Those suffering from cold stunning can be immobilized, even appearing deceased.  If you observe a turtle in distress, entangled in netting, or even one appearing deceased, please notify the Marine Mammal Stranding Center at 609-266-0538 or the Sea Turtle Recovery hotline at 609-667-4076 so these two agencies can coordinate emergency help for the sea turtle.  If you are on a boat and do not have cellular service, contact the United States Coast Guard on VHF channel 16 to relay your report.  Do not attempt to warm, move, or disentangle a sea turtle on your own.  The MMSC thanks you for keeping an eye out for sea turtles in need of help!

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: Mortgage rates have drifted down to their lowest levels of 2024, with thirty-year, fixed rate loans averaging 6.59% as of August 13th, according to Bankrate.  When opportunity knocks…answer the door!  If you’re considering a shore purchase, let’s talk!

PLEASE FORWARD this message to someone who loves Avalon & Stone Harbor!  To subscribe, simply send me an email.  Your email address will not be shared or sold.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

WEEKLY EVENTS:

New Listings:

1708 Ocean Drive, Unit 6, Avalon, $1,695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242334

8610 3rd Avenue, Stone Harbor, $2,150,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242356

215 60th Street, Avalon, $3,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242323

225 7th Street, Avalon, $4,799,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242332

10521 Golden Gate Drive, Stone Harbor, $9,999,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242333

Under Contract:

2109 Dune Drive, C, Avalon, $849,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242319

8923 2nd Avenue, 8923, Stone Harbor, $1,425,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241316

3908 W Ocean Drive, West, Avalon, $1,500,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242321

2899 Dune Drive, Avalon, $1,795,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242265

238 68th Street, Avalon, $3,199,999, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242249

65 W 17th Street, Avalon, $3,795,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242104

111 120 Street, Stone Harbor, $5,250,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 240102

238 66th Street, Avalon, $5,950,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242233

211 121st Street, Stone Harbor, $6,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242121

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

Properties Sold:

560 24th Street, East, Avalon, $2,995,000, SOLD MLS#: 241492

4318 Fifth Avenue, Avalon, $10,900,000, SOLD MLS#: 232777

Summertime fun continues!

A SATURDAY NIGHT THUNDERSTORM put a damper on the Stone Harbor Festival of Lights boat parade this past weekend.  Combined with trouble opening and closing the 96^th Street Bridge, only a half dozen decorated and lighted boats persevered through heavy rain showers and intermittent lightning.  With significant rainfall in the forecast for the rest of this week, see below for my recommendations on rainy day activities!

GOTTA DO IT: RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES!  There’s lots of rain in the forecast, but that’s not a reason not to enjoy your time here on the island.  Here are some great rainy day activities:

CONSIDER MAKING A BLOOD DONATION while you’re here!  Often, we’re so busy that a blood donation is hard to squeeze into our day, but if you’ve got a little bit of extra time while you’re visiting, a donation would be greatly appreciated, as the Red Cross is experiencing a blood shortage.  There are several donation sites within a short drive.  Check them out or search for others here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?dt=WB:PL:DR:PM&ed=08%2F19%2F2024&order=DATE&range=10&sd=08%2F06%2F2024&zipSponsor=08202

MORTGAGE RATES REACHED THEIR LOWEST LEVELS OF 2024, decreasing to 6.62% last week.  If you’re contemplating a shore purchase take advantage of this dip in rates now, enjoy your shore house, and then refinance if rates drop in the future.  Marry the house, date the rate!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

WEEKLY EVENTS:

New Listings:

551 22nd Street, 2nd Floor, Avalon, $1,250,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242252

440 21st Street, Rear, Avalon, $1,449,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242240

2778 Dune Drive, E, Avalon, $1,475,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242269

2899 Dune Drive, Avalon, $1,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242265

199 12th Street, Avalon, $2,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242251

1100 Ocean Drive, Unit 211, Avalon, $2,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242274

238 68th Street, Avalon, $3,199,999, ACTIVE MLS#: 242249

4033 Ocean Drive, Avalon, $3,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242216

9815 Corinthian Drive, Stone Harbor, $4,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242246

283 85th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242238

1819 Dune Drive, Avalon, $4,895,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242262

238 66th Street, Avalon, $5,950,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242233

106 120th Street, Stone Harbor, $8,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242284

13 Pelican Drive, Avalon, $11,850,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242277

Under Contract:

177 80th Street, 111, Avalon, $699,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241175

2487 Ocean Drive, 2487, Avalon, $1,799,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242188

921 Stone Harbor Boulevard, West, Stone Harbor Manor, $2,150,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241090

214 121st Street, Stone Harbor, $4,195,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 240870

35 Seagull Drive, Avalon, $9,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242187

Properties Sold:

177 80th Street, 304, Avalon, $685,000, SOLD MLS#: 241161

247 109th Street, Stone Harbor, $1,900,000, SOLD MLS#: 240975

613 Sunrise Drive, 613, Avalon, $3,460,000, SOLD MLS#: 241953

8631 First Avenue, Stone Harbor, $4,700,000, SOLD MLS#: 233301

93 E 17th Street, Avalon, $11,950,000, SOLD MLS#: 240590

Boats of all types and sizes will parade along the bayfront Saturday evening.  See below for details!

THE STONE HARBOR FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS takes place Saturday evening along Stone Harbor’s bayfront.  Decorated boats will gather at the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor at 8pm, proceed to the south end of the island, and then parade northward along the bayfront.  Watch the parade from any bayfront location or street end.  The parade concludes at the 81^st Street Municipal Marina, where a huge viewing party begins at 7pm and lasts until the parade concludes.  Food trucks will be on hand at the viewing party, and it’s a great time.  To register your boat, decorated dock, or to attend the after party at YCSH, call 609-368-1201.

HOW’S THAT SUMMER BUCKET LIST COMING ALONG?  As the busy summer weeks roll by, make it a point to set aside time for what’s important to you!  Catch a sunrise on the beach, read a good book on the deck, or try a new restaurant with friends.  Block out the time on your calendar to check off a few of your “Summer Bucket List” items!

GOTTA DO IT: WATERSPORTS!  There are several ways to experience a wet and wild adventure on the water while you’re visiting.  Here are a few ideas:

BUYERS, DID YOU KNOW?  If you’re a prospective buyer, here are some things you should know about the Avalon & Stone Harbor real estate market:
–After two years of extremely limited supply, there are more great properties to choose from right now!
–Interest rates have declined slightly over the past couple of weeks.
–Some mortgage lenders are offering reduced costs on future refinancing: make your purchase now, then refinance inexpensively if interest rates decline.
–Despite our average and median prices, properties are available at $500,000, $1,000,000, and $1,500,000, too!
–Rental income c​an help pay a significant portion of your carrying costs.  Ask me how!
–You could enjoy a magnificent fall season—in your very own shore property!  Let’s talk—call or email me!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

WEEKLY EVENTS:

New Listings:

280 28Th St, East Unit, Avalon, $1,650,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242173

2487 Ocean Drive, 2487, Avalon, $1,799,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242188

302 79th Street, 302, Avalon, $1,999,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242166

53 E 25th Street, Avalon, $5,645,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242192

335 104th Street, BAY FRONT, Stone Harbor, $5,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242171

35 Seagull Drive, Avalon, $9,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242187

Under Contract:

10115 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, $2,895,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241816

280 86th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 240290

Properties Sold:

275 92nd Street, East, Stone Harbor, $1,700,000, SOLD MLS#: 241432

549 24th Street, 549, Avalon, $3,750,000, SOLD MLS#: 240895

179 113th Street, Stone Harbor, $7,545,000, SOLD MLS#: 240582

MARKET STATS: 9 property sales occurred during June 2024, including numerous high-end sales that pushed the median sale price to $4,900,000.  20 properties were placed under contract for future settlement.  For a detailed look at the market see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report here: https://marketminute.longandfoster.com/Market-Minute/NJ/Avalon-Stone-Harbor.htm

CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN TO AVALON BEACH PATROL, this time for winning the David J. Kerr Memorial Lifeguard Races held at Avalon’s 35^th Street beach.  This was the 40^th Anniversary of the event, making the win extra special for Avalon Beach Patrol members.

FORMER AVALON MAYOR MARTIN PAGLIUGHI has retired from his position as Director of the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management earlier this year, and was replaced this month by Chris Leusner.  Pagliughi had held the position since prior to Superstorm Sandy occurred in 2012.

SANTA’S STONE HARBOR VACATION continues through Thursday, July 25th.  Santa will be visiting downtown Stone Harbor making appearances and talking with children.   Maybe you’ll catch him on your way to your favorite shop or restaurant!

GOTTA DO IT:  On the water cruises!  There are a variety of ways to get out and enjoy some time on the water, even if you’re not a fisherman or sailor yourself.  Here are some great options:

UPCOMING EVENTS:

WEEKLY EVENTS:

New Listings:

7800 Dune Drive, 231, Avalon, $430,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242143

2048 Ocean Drive, 2042 N, Avalon, $2,600,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242102

293 87th Street, N, Stone Harbor, $2,695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242116

65 W 17th Street, Avalon, $3,795,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242104

399 20th Street, 399, Avalon, $4,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242081

93 W 13th Street, Avalon, $4,950,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242091

274 64th Street, Avalon, $5,099,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242113

6212 Dune Drive, Avalon, $5,695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242071

211 121st Street, Stone Harbor, $6,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242121

Under Contract:

177 80th Street, 304, Avalon, $699,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241161

311 42nd Street, Avalon, $2,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 240117

613 Sunrise Drive, 613, Avalon, $3,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241953

585 7th Street, Avalon, $3,999,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 242112

301 84th Street, Stone Harbor, $5,395,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241348

Properties Sold:

1178 1st Avenue, Avalon, $2,537,500, SOLD MLS#: 241803

Sunrise is a great reason to get up early—but other things can be seen in the pre-dawn sky.  Shown above is a SpaceX rocket​ shortly after being launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida.  The rocket was carrying 20 Starlink satellites, and was visible from most of Seven Mile Island.

AVALON BEACH PATROL won the Cape May County Lifeguard Championships earlier this week, posting 29 points versus second place Ocean City’s 24 points.  Avalon Beach Patrol will host the 40^th Annual David J. Kerr Memorial Lifeguard Race Friday evening (July 19th) at 6:15pm on the 35^th Street beach.  If you’re here, check it out!

HAZY, HOT, & HUMID!  A strong southwesterly flow of warm air brought hazy, hot, and humid conditions to our area.  Temperatures and humidity levels increased each morning—until afternoon seabreezes took over, helping to cool things down.  Ocean water temperatures remain chilly for this time of year, and the hot and humid conditions have lead to frequent patchy fog.

GOTTA DO IT: Summer concerts at the shore!  There’s nothing quite like good music by the beach, with a salty breeze rustling your hair.  There are several great (and free!) ways to enjoy good music while you’re here!

In Avalon, the Thursday Nights at Surfside Park summer concert series features the B-Street Band (A Tribute to The Boss) on Thursday, July 18th.

In Stone Harbor, catch the Tuesdays at the Tower concert series featuring Pure Jerry: A Tribute to The Grateful Dead on Tuesday, July 23rd.

Another fun option is the Wednesday Night Concert Series at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal.  The free concerts are staged on the lawn next to the Cape May Canal and Delaware Bay, with a view of passing boats as well as arriving and departing ferries.  On Wednesday, July 24^th, Legacy is featured at 5:30pm.

SELLING IN THE FALL?  Let’s talk now!  If you’re considering selling your property in the fall, let’s discuss your plans now.  Fall may seem like it’s a long way off, but it’ll be here soon.  By discussing your plans now, we can formulate our strategy together

UPCOMING EVENTS:

New Listings:280 36th Street, Avalon, $4,550,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 241984

150 64th Street, Avalon, $10,500,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 242027

Under Contract:

242 29th Street, East, Avalon, $1,699,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 240190

1528 Dune Drive, Avalon, $2,500,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241956

2188 Harbor Ave, Avalon, $2,750,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241454

A boat passes under the Avalon Boulevard Bridge on a sunny summer afternoon, under puffy white clouds.

THE JULY 4TH WEEKEND was a great success by all measures!  Hot, sunny weather brought great crowds to town, and our beaches, waterways, restaurants, and shops were filled with visitors enjoying the holiday weekend.  The weather cooperated all weekend, with the exception of some patchy fog at certain times.  Although the island was a bit less busy on Monday morning, it’s clear that summer is in full swing!

HAVE YOU NOTICED THE FOG?  We’ve had lots of warm, sunny days, but many of them have started—or ended—with foggy conditions on or around the water.  Conditions have been ideal for the formation of fog: warm and humid air, cool ocean water, and light winds.  Generally sunshine helps to “burn off” the fog.  A change to cooler, dryer conditions will prevent the formation of fog altogether.

BALLOONS AND PLASTIC BAGS are the enemies of sea life.  Despite a plastic bag ban in New Jersey, and rising public awareness, spotting bags and balloons in the ocean is still common.  Foil balloons tend to float for days or weeks before eventually sinking, while traditional balloons sink sooner.  Both types of balloons, and all plastic bags, are a threat to sea life via entanglement.  Sea turtles also mistake plastic bags for food—jellyfish are part of a sea turtle’s diet and look remarkably similar to plastic bags.  Ingesting a plastic bag, or becoming entangled in a balloon, can be fatal to sea turtles, birds, and other marine life.  If you make use of plastic bags, take care to make sure they don’t blow away and wind up in the water; and if you enjoy balloons, please don’t release them into the air, as they’ll eventually wind up in the ocean.

THERE’S STILL TIME to purchase your own shore home and enjoy the rest of the summer here!  Ready to begin your search?  Let’s talk—call or email me!  If you’re not quite ready to make it permanent, but need a week at the beach, I can help with that, too!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

New Listings:

1528 Dune Drive, Avalon, $2,500,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 241956

141 8th Street, Avalon, $2,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 241963

8302 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, $2,999,990, ACTIVE MLS#: 241940

8314 Sunset Drive, Stone Harbor, $2,999,990, ACTIVE MLS#: 241941

613 Sunrise Drive, 613, Avalon, $3,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 241953

281 71st Street, Avalon, $3,500,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 241972

8306 Sunset Drive, #2, Stone Harbor, $4,299,990, ACTIVE MLS#: 241942

8310 Sunset Drive, 8310, Stone Harbor, $4,299,990, ACTIVE MLS#: 241943

280 36th Street, Avalon, $4,550,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 241984

274 106th Street, Stone Harbor, $5,950,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 241939

102 116th Street, Stone Harbor, $9,999,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 241985

Under Contract:

477 Avalon Boulevard, Avalon Manor, Avalon Manor, $225,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241744

1719 Ocean Drive, 7, Avalon, $1,150,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241456

234 84th Street, Unit A (Front), Stone Harbor, $1,599,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241999

166 99th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,700,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241968

1178 1st Avenue, Avalon, $2,849,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241803

153 24th Street, Avalon, $3,395,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 241859

Properties Sold:

7800 Dune Drive, 122, Avalon, $395,000, SOLD MLS#: 240442

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

3011 Dune Drive, 6, Avalon, $1,195,000, SOLD MLS#: 240786