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Edition 1, Volume 2
January 1, 2007
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Welcome to our Newsletter...
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A brand spanking New Year is here, and we hope it’s really great for you and your family. As we begin 2007 we look forward to adding more features and information to help you plan your great vacations, weekend getaways and day trips. We ask you to send the newsletter along to your friends because it’s FREE, and it can benefit them, too. Simply email it to them with a note saying that it’s a great source to check out for vacations and weekends.
Those who are new to Great Vacation newsletter quickly discover the connection to a wealth of solid information about lodging, dining and fun things to do. As we continue to add features this year folks will find the scope of their destinations expanding as we cover more and more of New Jersey (and eventually a whole lot more!).
As usual, we ask for your insights. Tell us about your favorite places to go, stay, eat, and enjoy. Share your thoughts about why you really like a place, and don’t be shy about telling us when something did not measure up to your expectations – that’s just as important.
We’ve learned over the years that when you provide feedback to people who serve you in the hospitality, food and service areas, especially when something didn’t turn out the way it should, most of the businesses do their best to make it better. They understand their success depends on the quality of what they do, and they know your opinion counts.
You’ll find information in this issue on accommodations, dining, things to do, featured businesses, Atlantic City entertainment, attractions, and more. When you link to the Great Vacation website through this newsletter you’ll find a complete archive of past issues you can check out for all sorts of information – literally more to see and do than most people could do in a lifetime of fun.
So, welcome to those of you who’ve been with us from the beginning, to those who joined us along the way, and to those who are reading the Great Vacation newsletter for the first time. As we said earlier – email us to a friend. The more people who read the letter and then share their input with us, the better we are able to serve all of you. After all, information about vacation spots and getaways is our focus in every issue, and the more we learn the sooner we’ll be able to pass it along to you! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Sincerely,
-The Editors
Search Our Site Now
Visit our blog "ROAR AT THE SHORE"
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Picture Perfect!
See the pictures on our main website: www.GreatVacationGuide.com Go to the homepage and click on “Photo Galleries.” When it opens, select a set of pictures by town or category and see if your favorite photos match up to some of ours. In fact, we’d love to share your favorite photos from “…down the shore.” Check out the details in this issue. Eventually we’ll have as many shore “shots” as possible so when winter winds blow, and thoughts turn to spring and summer while we push up our thermostats and dream of warm, balmy days again, we can all go to GreatVacationGuide.com and do a little dreaming ourselves.
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Photo Contest
YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE! Continue to send us copies of your favorite photos from “…down the shore.” We’ll be choosing the best to feature in our Great Vacation newsletter. Include your name, address and phone number so we can properly identify your photo if it’s featured. We’ll be running a feature of all the winning photos that were shown in the newsletter during the year, and the best photos may be featured in the Great Vacation in-room guide appropriate to the photo, (i.e. In the Cape May in-room guide, the Stone Harbor/Avalon in-room guide, the Ocean City in-room guide, etc.) Full credit will be given to you if your photo is used.Send all photos here info@greatvacationguide.com
All photos must be no larger than 640 pixels wide and 72 dpi ( formats can be .jpg - . jpeg - .gif )
All photos submitted and/or used become the property of Successful Seasons and Great Vacation enterprise. Proper credit/acknowledgement will be given to those who have taken the photos.
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2007
January 3 – 11: Event: A Legacy of Time: One Hundred Years of West Jersey Tall Case Clocks. Salem County Historical Society, Salem, New Jersey. Information: 856-935-5004. www.salemcountyhistoricalsociety.com
January 3 - 14: Event: Working It: A Collaboration with the Clay College of Cumberland County College. Noyes Museum, Oceanville, New Jersey. Information: 609-652-8848. www.noyesmuseum.org
January 6, 13, 27: Event: Birding and Nature From The Deck. Nature Center of Cape May, 1600 Delaware Avenue, Cape May, New Jersey. Information: 609-898-8848.
January 13: Event: The Law Enforcement Plunge for Special Olympics. Wildwoods Convention Center, 4500 Boardwalk, Wildwood, New Jersey. Information: 609-896-8000.
January 20-21: Event: “Deep Freeze” at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey. Information: 856-365-3300. www.adventureaquarium.com
January 20: Event: Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey Winter Concert Eastern Regional High School, Voorhees, New Jersey Information: 856-779-2600. www.psnj.org
January 31- February 4: Event: Atlantic City International Power Boat Show, Atlantic City Convention Center, One Miss America Way, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Information: 609-449-2000.
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Spend Your Holidays At The Jersey Shore
A GREAT VACATION Awaits You!
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| Accommodations... |
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AVALON |
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Avalon Inn
The Avalon Inn Resort is a peaceful retreat from the world, located at 7929 Dune Drive in Avalon, New Jersey. It’s a quiet, family-oriented motel with all the amenities, and just steps away from the beach. (click here)
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Beachcomber Resort
Beautiful beaches and tall dunes, a relaxed, refreshing atmosphere, secluded pool – it’s “The suite approach to your seashore vacation.” (click here)
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Concord Suites
For the perfect getaway, the Concord Suites have the perfect package. (click here)
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Desert Sand Inn
The ocean is calling you to its waters for sun, surf, fun, relaxation, and a tranquil haven away from the hustle and bustle. It’s the Desert Sand Resort – perfect! (click here)
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Sealark Bed & Breakfast
Lovely accommodations, a light and airy atmosphere, and incredible breakfasts. It doesn’t get any better than the Sealark Bed & Breakfast. (click here)
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The Windrift Resort Hotel
For fine dining, entertainment, swimming and more, the Windrift Resort Hotel, 80th and the beach in Avalon, New Jersey is the perfect place for a fantastic weekend, week, or for season. (click here)
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Abbey Bed and Breakfast
Centrally located in the heart of the historic district, convenient to everything, The Abbey offers elegant accommodations with full breakfast, and afternoon tea in an absolutely lovely setting. (click here)
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Bedford Inn
A cozy fireplace, Victorian parlor, airy verandas, afternoon tea – simple a lovely place to stay. Open year round.
(click here)
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Gingerbread House
In the heart of Victorian Cape May’s historic district, a half block from the beach and promenade, and in walking distance for the attractions and fine restaurants. (click here)
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John F. Craig House
In the center of the historic district, this marvelous inn dating to 1866 offers all the modern comforts you could want. (click here)
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Luther Ogden Inn
Opened in 1900, this lovely inn features a large wrap-around porch, beautiful chestnut interior pillars, ceiling beams and trim, and two fireplaces in the guest common areas. (click here)
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Mainstay Inn
The Mainstay Inn began life as an elegant pleasure palace for gentlemen back in the 19th century call “The Clubhouse.” Today, it’s a wonderful Bed and Breakfast inn filled with museum quality pieces. (click here)
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Mason Cottage
Mason Cottage is located in the heart of Cape May’s historic district, and just a block from the beach and the water. (click here)
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Summer Cottage Inn
You’ll enjoy a warm, friendly atmosphere and gracious hospitality in the historic district on a quiet tree-lined street just a block from the beach and the Victorian mall. (click here)
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The Mooring
Designed to accommodate the fashionable Victorian on seaside holiday, The Mooring is an enchanting place within a short walk to the beach, restaurants and shops. (click here)
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Thorn and the Rose
Beautiful Victorian guest suites with access to all that historic Cape May has to offer. Open April through December. (click here)
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CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE |
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The Doctors Inn
Vacations, weekend getaways, business luncheons, conferences, weddings, showers, special events – they all happen at The Doctors Inn, and for all the right reasons. (click here) |
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The Hyland Motor Inn
The inexpensive alternative to beachfront accommodations. (click here)
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MARMORA |
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Econo Lodge
Ideally located off the Garden State Parkway just minutes from popular attractions. (click here) |
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OCEAN CITY AREA |
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Brown’s Nostalgia
Brown’s Nostalgia Bed and Breakfast, a 1900’s inn in the center of Ocean City, N.J., within walking distance of the beach and boardwalk. (click here)
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Butterfly Breeze Bed and Breakfast
A beautiful 1900’s Victorian cottage in Ocean City’s historic district within walking distance of everything you’ll want to see and do. (click here)
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Ocean Manor Inn
Ocean Manor Inn has been expressly designed for comfort with a family-friendly atmosphere and welcoming hospitality in the perfect setting for families, couples, intimate weddings, meetings and reunions. (Click here)
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Plymouth Inn
An 1898 seashore inn that has been authentically restored and elegantly furnished, this is a lovely retreat away from the world, but only a block from the beach and the boardwalk. (click here)
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Northwood Inn
A Queen Anne-style Victorian inn, circa 1894. One of the first 200 houses built on the island, this magnificently restored bed and breakfast is a splendid place to escape the cares of the world. (click here)
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The Flanders Hotel
Tradition, substance, beauty – words that apply to The Flanders Hotel, the finest Grand Hotel in southern New Jersey, located at 719 E. 11th Street, Ocean City, New Jersey. (click here)
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SOMERS POINT AREA |
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Budget Inn
Open year round, the Budget Inn Motel and suites offer you wonderful hospitality and service at reasonable rates in Somers Point. (click here)
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Economy Motel Inn & Suites
Somers Point’s home-away-from home, with all that Somers Point and Ocean City have to offer. (click here)
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Owl Motel
Open all year. The Owl Motel in Somers Point is the place to stay for business or pleasure. (click here)
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Pier 4 Hotel
The ideal place to stay on Broadway Avenue and the bay. (click here)
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STONE HARBOR |
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Risley House
Victorian flair. Awake to the aroma of fresh coffee and home-baked muffins, and enjoy your newspaper in a high backed rocker on the veranda. (click here)
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The Colonial Lodge
Located in a beautiful residential area with varied accommodations in a quiet and friendly atmosphere. (click here)
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The Lark Motel
A very special place just one block from the beach. (click here)
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THE WILDWOODS |
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American Safari Motel
A block from the beach and two blocks from the boardwalk. (click here) |
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Aztec Resort Motel
This is a great place to stay for all the events year round, and it’s two blocks from the boardwalk and a block from the beach. (click here)
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Dining at the Shore...all within a short walk or drive from your accommodations!
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Aleatheas Restaurant
Cape May elegant! Dine in their Victorian parlor or on the front porch overlooking the beach. Wonderful gourmet food with an extensive wine list. (click here.)
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Alexander’s Inn
This is truly superb – elegant Victorian dining in the Gilded Age of Victorian style in Cape May - and the menu is fantastic! (click here)
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Bella Vida
Bella Vida Café’ on “Broadway” (406 North Broadway, West Cape May, New Jersey) begins with breakfast, presents lunch, and ends with dinner. Their homemade soups & quiches, made daily, are the talk of the town. (Click here)
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The Cape Orient Oriental Restaurant
This is Historic Cape May’s only oriental restaurant open from 11:30 a.m. for lunch and dinner daily. Cantonese and Szechuan favorites, plus Sushi and Sashimi. (Click here)
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The Chatterbox
It’s the “big pink building” on Ninth Street in Ocean City – a favorite place for breakfast, lunch and dinner for over 65 years. (Click here)
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Deauville Inn
One of the most fun places to east at the sdhore at the foot of Corson’s Inlet Bridge in Strathmere between Ocean City and Sea Isle City. (Click here)
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Mangia Mangia
For lotsa pasta it’s Mangia Mangia. There’s no reason to go hungry with good food at family affordable prices. Their breakfast buffet begins at 7:00 a.m. and lunch and dinner follow. (click here)
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No. 1 Chinese Restaurant
Open year round for lunch and dinner, when you sample their fare you’ll them one of your number ones choices for great food in Ocean City! (click here)
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Oyster Bay Restaurant and Bar
Cape May’s choice for steamed lobster, succulent steak, or both – and that’s just the beginning of the good food and good times. (click here)
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Szechwan Garden
A family-owned and operated restaurant offering wonderfully delicious, healthy food in a friendly, comfortable atmosphere in Ocean City - since 1981. (click here)
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The Mad Batter
Breakfast, lunch or dinner with an international cuisine listed as “tops” in food reviews for over 30 years. Dine on the porch, the garden terrace or in the art-filled dining room in Historic Cape May. (click here)
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Union Park
Chef John Schatz cordially invites you to dine at Union Park Dining Room, Beach Avenue and Howard Street in historic Cape May for an extraordinary dining experience. (Click here)
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Yesterday’s Heroes Ballpark Café
A real family place in Cape May with a delicious menu and one of the largest public displays of Babe Ruth memorabilia to be found anywhere. (Click here)
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Well, Don’t Just Stand There – It’s Time To Shop!!!
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Andrews LTD
Offering an extraordinary selection of gifts for everyone, including antiques, collectibles, vintage toys and more! (Click here) |
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Artisans Alcove Estate Jewelers
Cape May’s most unique jewelry store brings you treasures from the Victorian past, when craftsmanship really mattered. Discover quality jewelry, vintage watches, and a large selection of antiques. (click here) |
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Cheeks at the Beach
The FLAX capital of the world, featuring the best in women’s casual clothing in natural fibers that are cool and comfortable. Bryn WALKER, Sarah Arizona and more. (Click here)
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Fiber Arts Yarn Studio
If you have a yen for yarns, and you haven’t been able to find exactly what you need, Fiber Arts Yarn Studio can help. (Click here) |
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Harley-Davidson of Wildwood
The fun begins at Harley-Davidson of Wildwood – with sales, service, parts, accessories, apparel, and their fantastic rental program. Once you rent a Harley you’ll want to buy a Harley from Harley-Davidson of Wildwood. (Click here)
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Hoy’s 5 & 10
For all your needs under the sun for the beach and for your fun, with four locations to serve you better: 7th Street and Asbury Avenue and 34th Street and West Avenue – both in Ocean City, 28th & 2nd Avenue in Avalon, and at 219 96th Street in Stone Harbor.
Avalon (click here)
Ocean City (click here)
Stone Harbor (click here)
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Mary Ann’s Contemporary & Estate Jewelry
You’ll find a large selection of colored diamonds, plus old watches, antiques, collectibles, antique dolls, glassware, toys, Hummels, and much more. (Click here) |
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Oma’s Doll Shop
Playable dolls, collectible dolls, doll clothes and accessories for all ages, located in the Washington Mall in Historic Cape May. You’ve got to experience Oma’s Doll Shop. It’s delightful! (Click here)
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Sunset Beach
A great place to shop for area collectibles, Cape May fashions, the largest collection of jewelry in Cape May, apparel for men, women and children, home décor needs, and much more. Enjoy a meal at the Sunset Beach Grill, dolphin watching in warm weather, bird watching, and don’t miss the evening flag ceremony, a Cape May tradition for 40 years. (Click here)
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Toy Shop of Cape May
Incredibly imaginative toys that are great fun for kids, and those big kids disguised as grown-ups! You’ll find games, beach toys, kites, water toys, LEGO and much, much more! (Click here)
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Deal with the People Who Know Shore Real Estate and Rentals Best! |
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Diller-Fisher Realtors
Serving Stone Harbor and Avalon, New Jersey since 1930 with the best in real estate sales, rentals and insurance. Avalon (click here)
Stone Harbor (click here)
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Century 21 Gilmartin & Co.
From the most “well-known name in real estate – Century 21” we offer sophisticated marketing tools and advertising programs that work for you. (click here)
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Chris Clemans & Co., Inc., Realtors
Professionalism, responsive service, and experience – setting the standard for the real estate market in Victorian Cape May, New Jersey. (click here) |
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Coastline Realty
A family-owned, full-service agency, Coastline Realty offers you the experience and expertise you need and expect when buying, selling or renting for your vacation. (click here)
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Coldwell Banker, Sol Needles Real Estate, Inc.
Over 100 years of serving (established in 1901) the Cape May area with the finest professional service in real estate. (click here) |
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Homestead Real Estate Company, Inc.
Their award-winning agents provide you with courteous, honest service with integrity for all your real estate needs in Cape May, West Cape May, Cape May Point and surrounding areas. (click here)
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More GREAT VACATION Things To Do! |
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Atlantic City Historical Museum
A great family destination with free admission, Atlantic City Historical Museum displays numerous exhibits detailing the colorful history of Atlantic City, as well as a collection of Miss America pageant memorabilia. For more information: (click here)
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Hereford Inlet Lighthouse
Opened for duty on May 11, 1874, Hereford Inlet Lighthouse began service to 19th century mariners to help keep them safe. Today, visitors enjoy the lighthouse, its gardens, and the gift shop. Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is listed on the national and state historic registers. For more information:
(click here)
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The Restored Historic Town of Smithville, New Jersey
Smithville, New Jersey has been centered around the historic Smithville Inn for over 200 years, and it is home to wonderful shopping, dining, family fun and recreation. There is, quite literally, something for everyone in Smithville. Smithville also has great places to dine from simple fare, to ice cream, delicious baked goods, and dinner at the Smithville Inn where hungry travelers have been dining for over two centuries. For information: (click here)
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Wetlands Institute
At the Wetlands Institute, their primary goal is summed up in these words: “To promote appreciation and understanding of the vital role wetlands and coastal ecosystems play in the survival of life on this planet.” In other words, prepare for an extraordinary experience when you visit. (click here)
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This Newsletter's Featured Businesses
Chris Clemans & Co.., Inc., Realtors
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Christina P. Clemans, Broker-Owner, founded Chris Clemans & Company, Inc. Realtors in 1990 in historic Cape May, New Jersey to bring the highest degree of professionalism to the community in real estate sales. As a past president of the Greater Cape May County Board of Realtors, and having served as 2003 President of the New Jersey Association of Realtors, Ms. Clemans holds the National Association of Realtors ABR, CRS, GRI and PMN designations.
When it comes to the selection of a real estate agency, buyers and sellers alike should choose an organization that is sensitive to their needs and responsive to the competitive atmosphere in the real estate market. When you add the sincerity and the high level of commitment that Ms. Clemans brings to her work, you begin to understand why her 20+ year career has helped to make her company so extraordinary. However, Ms. Clemans is also surrounded by an outstanding staff of professionals, and their collective education, background and accomplishments reads like a “Who’s Who” in real estate!
Each member of the team brings a broad range of real estate experience to the company, and their professionalism is evident in the way customers are treated: with an integrity that creates a level of trust that is absolutely essential when buying or selling real estate.
If you’re seeking a primary, secondary, investment property or summer rental, let the experienced agents at Chris Clemans & Co., Inc., Realtors carefully guide you through the buying process. If you’re selling a property, you receive the same level of professionalism and integrity that is the hallmark of this fine company. Chris Clemans & Company, setting the standard for the real estate market in Victorian Cape May, New Jersey. (Click here)
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Oyster Bay Steak and Seafood Restaurant and Bar
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When you have the words “oyster,” “steak” and “seafood” as part of your name, the chances are good that what you’re offering to the dining public is absolutely delicious, and that’s the right assumption when it comes to the menu at this wonderful restaurant, featuring three dining rooms with a nautical theme, located at 615 Lafayette Street in historic Cape May, New Jersey.
Let’s start with the first part of their name. It comes from their presentation of Long Island and Chesapeake oysters prepared in a variety of ways, and also as an appetizer. Next, four different cuts of dry-aged certified Angus beef mean that steak and beef lovers can choose the perfect meal, as well. As to seafood, they have many seafood offerings including “heart smart” dishes such as steamed salmon and a stuffed portabella and seafood combo served over linguini.
Then, Oyster Bay goes beyond what you might expect to offer new versions of classic meat and seafood combinations, such as veal and shrimp in a spicy tomato sauce, chicken with lump crabmeat in a key line hollandaise, and filet mignon with lobster & crab béarnaise.
They also have a new bar featuring a martini menu and a great wine list. When you add the fact that their portions are huge (“Monster-sized portions” according to reviews), and that they’re perfect for two people all the way up to large parties, Oyster Bay Steak and Seafood Restaurant & Bar becomes the perfect place for your next great meal with the special person, or people, in your life.
Whoops, we forgot to mention steamed whole lobsters, stuffed rack of lamb, the New England Clambake, and…well, you get the picture.
For more information simply (click here)
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The Artist’s Corner
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In this the first issue of our newsletter in 2007 we revisit one of the extraordinary artists who make the southern New Jersey area so phenomenal - Marie Natale. She has been instrumental in guiding us to artists throughout the region, and thanks to her we’ve made many contacts in the art community. We’re indebted to her for her kindness, hospitality, and gracious advocacy on the part of Great Vacation newsletter, in-rooms guides and website. Our holiday greeting card that was sent to all of you in December featured her work.
An advocate of art education with a Master’s degree in Art Education from Rowan University, Marie Natale taught in the public school system and received the “Teacher of the Year” award. She went on to found Paw Togs/Enchanted Beginnings, a designer clothing line for infants and children, has done industrial design and created products and containers distributed in such national chains as Wal-Mart and Lowes.
Ms. Natale produced a total of eight lighthouses for the “Beacons of the Sea” fund raising project sponsored by Cape Atlantic Community College in 2003. She also had two designs showcased in the Nipper Dog (RCA Victor’s famous symbol) in Moorestown, New Jersey last summer. (2006).
Marie captures the experience of the southern New Jersey area in her many watercolors and murals, featuring Victorian homes, rustic boating shacks, and seashore scenes. Many of her paintings have been done in Historic Cape May, New Jersey. She teaches watercolor privately at her home, as well as at the Ocean City Art Center in Ocean City, New Jersey, where she shares her knowledge of art theory and design, as well as techniques in the medium, with students.
Marie Natale, one of the truly extraordinary artists who capture the lovely images found at the Jersey shore. For more on her work, log onto www.MarieNatale.com
Thanks to Ms. Natale’s support, as well as the acceptance of so many others, we look forward to a year filled with more and more images captured on canvas and in other mediums by talented artists to grace these pages in future issues.
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