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Edition 2, Volume 2
January 15, 2007
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Welcome to our Newsletter...
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Time slips away. January is half gone. It’s the season of quiet we call winter, and it’s the time when thoughts turn to, well, spring. Great Vacation in-room magazine guides, website, newsletter and blog have many things in common, and the warm days can’t return soon enough for many of us.
Winter is also a great time to visit the beach. If you’ve never visited a beach in winter– even though you usually have to be dressed warmly to do it – we urge you to pick a day when the sun is shining and the winds aren’t too stiff and set out for your walk along the shore. We visit the beach year round, and the various seasons reveal their own forms of beauty in water, waves and sky as we walk the sands. The ocean is breathtakingly beautiful in all the seasons of the year - from the gray, moody days that remind us of New England, to the hot summer days when the waters beckon us to cool off in the surf.
We’ve discovered that few venture onto the beaches in winter, and that simply means there’s more room for us to enjoy the views and the smell of salt air. So, dress appropriately for the day and hit the beach. It makes you appreciate the world you live in, and when you return to the warmth of your automobile, your home, or the place you’re staying for a weekend visit, it helps you appreciate being inside, too.
As usual, we remind you that this newsletter is absolutely free, so we ask you to email it to your friends. Winter may be here, but they’ll discover places to stay and eat, things to see and do, entertainment and more in the Great Vacation newsletter, and they’ll learn, as you do, about things worth experiencing for themselves.
If you want to share anything with us please pass it along to us. Because we’re in the “communication” business, we depend on many sources for important information, and one of the most important of all is input from our readers. We thank you in advance for telling us about the special places and fun you’ve enjoyed, as well as those things that might need some TLC (tender-loving care) to improve them.
Note: Even though it’s mid-January and there’s a lot of winter left at this point, it’s not too early to check out the Great Vacation website to learn more about your options as to where you’ll spend your great vacation at the shore this year. Read and learn.
We hope your winter is peaceful and safe and that you’re enjoying the “quiet” season, as well. We’ll be bringing you information all year long, and we look forward to serving you. Remember, a great vacation begins in the pages of the Great Vacation newsletter, on our website and within the pages of the in-room guide that’s appropriate to you. Please tell your friends.
Sincerely,
-The Editors
Search Our Site Now
Visit our blog "ROAR AT THE SHORE"
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Pictures for You!
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 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 www.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 27: Birding and Nature From The Deck. Nature Center of Cape May, 1600 Delaware Avenue, Cape May, New Jersey. Information: 609-898-8848.
January 20-21: “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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Antoinette’s
A friendly, family-oriented inn where children are always welcomed, featuring large, spacious 1 and 2-bedroom Victorian suites that can accommodate 1 to 8 people, or groups up to 24. (click here)
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Bacchus Inn
In the heart of the primary historic district and a short walk to the beach, restaurants and shops. Enjoy relaxing in their Victorian parlor. (click here)
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Brass Bed Inn
This lovely inn features 19th century brass beds, oriental carpets, vintage wallpapers, antiques, old-fashioned porches and comfortable amenities that wil make it your private retreat in Cape May’s historic district. (click here)
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Cliveden Inn
Cliveden Inn is a late 19th century Victorian cottage ideally located on Cape May’s popular Columbia Avenue in the primary historic district. (click here)
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Dormer House
A center hall colonial revival built in 1899 for John Jacoby, founder and first commodore of the Cape May Yacht Club. Simply wonderful. Open year round. (click here)
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Henry Sawyer Inn
An 1877 Victorian gable-roofed, cottage-style home lovingly restored to its original elegance on Columbia Avenue in the heart of the historic district. (click here)
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Linda Lee
A Victorian bed and breakfast inn, the Linda Lee is also located on Columbia Avenue in Cape May’s historic district, and convenient to the beach, shops and restaurants. (click here)
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Majestic Star Inn
This extraordinary cottage built in the early 1870’s features exterior and interior touches to delight each guest. It’s also located on popular Columbia Avenue in the primary historic district. (click here)
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Southern Mansion
This is Cape May’s premier luxury bed and breakfast inn/boutique hotel with the largest, most luxurious and romantic accommodations. (click here)
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Twin Gables
An 1879 Victorian home in the historic district on Columbia Avenue, it’s the perfect play to stay for your visit in Cape May. (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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Ebb Tide Suites
Ebb Tide Suites with one and two-bedroom apartments for perfect family vacations with more amenities than we can mention here, and just steps away from the Boardwalk, beach and ocean breezes. (click here)
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Impala Island Inn
In America’s greatest family resort, this is an island of tranquility and a memorable place for the perfect vacation or getaway. (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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Osborne’s Inn
Just a short distance from the beach and the boardwalk. (click here)
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Port-O-Call Hotel
Ocean City’s Number One Resort, with spectacular beachfront accommodations. (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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Shopping? Have We Got Shopping!
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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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The Best for Shore Real Estate and Seasonal Rentals!
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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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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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Avalon Museum and Historical Society
Created to preserve the history of the community of Avalon, New Jersey through its collection of written, spoken and pictorial records, this is a great place for education, research…and fun, too! Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (click here)
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Barnegat Lighthouse
Located on the northern end of Long Beach Island, Barnegat Lighthouse began operation to protect mariners from dangerous offshore shoals in 1832. Today, it’s a picture perfect place for visitors to enjoy. (click here)
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Somers Point Historical Museum
Housed in the former Baptist Church dating to 1886, the museum contains over 2,000 vintage and current photographs, over 100 scrapbooks from the years 1941 – 1968, and historical artifacts. (click here)
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Wildwood Doo Wop Museum
The Doo Wop Museum, Wildwood concert band shell and fantastic Neon Garden is the newest cultural and recreational attraction coming to the Wildwoods across from the Wildwoods Convention Center. The pinwheel-shaped Surfside Restaurant building is the model for the new center that will house the historic display devoted to the 1960’s Doo Wop era. The Grand Opening is scheduled for Saturday, April 28, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. during the Sensational 60’s Weekend. Free admission during the Grand Opening.
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This Newsletter's Featured Businesses
The TOY SHOP of Cape May
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Want to see a “grown-up” turn into a kid again? Take him or her by the hand and lead them into The TOY SHOP of Cape May. After all, most toys were designed by “grown-ups” for kids because they wanted to become kids again, too! (We suspect there’s a “kid” inside every “grown-up,” and the looks on their faces confirm it when they visit The TOY SHOP of Cape May!) Take kites, for example. Put a kite in the hands of “grown-ups,” lead them to a beach,* (*You can do this in Cape May, thank heavens!) and set them loose. The real kids will have trouble getting their turn. Speaking of kids, The TOY SHOP of Cape May has travel activities, beach toys, games, LEGO, Groovy Girls, kites, water toys, craft kits, Thomas the Tank, TY Plush Toys, and much, much more.
The TOY SHOP of Cape May is fun for the kids (& grown-ups, too!). They’re open every day March through December. ( Closed during January and February) You can call them at (609) 884-0442, but it really is much more fun to stop in and see their selection of wildly imaginative toys for young and old. Once again, the objective is to find the perfect toy for that special person (even if that person is you, and you happen to be a “grown-up.”)
Why should kids have all the fun? Well, they should because they’re “kids,” but you can join in the fun, too! Take the kids to The TOY SHOP of Cape May. When you pick out your favorites, take them to the counter. They do free gift bagging. You can wink at the friendly clerks in the store and say, “These aren’t really for me. They’re for little Johnny or Jane! I know they’re going to love them! I just couldn’t resist! Honest!”
They’ll understand. After all, they’re in the business of making kids of all ages and sizes happy. Even if the toys you choose are just for you they’ll pretend not to notice. They promise! The TOY SHOP of Cape May, where you’ll discover shelves packed with fun waiting for you (and the kids, too!) (Click Here)
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Mangia Mangia
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Horace Greeley said, “Go west, young man…” and to that we add, “…to West Cape May and bring along your friends and family to Mangia Mangia, the quintessential Italian restaurant. Great beginnings in dining begin at Mangia Mangia with appetizers such as Shrimp Cocktail, Fried Calamari, Steamed Clams, Fried Ravioli, Steamed Mussels and much more. Next, onto your entrée. This is, of course, a wonderful Italian restaurant, and you may choose such favorites as Fettuccini Alfredo, Penne Primavera, Eggplant Parmesan, Chicken Florentine and Tortellini Alfredo.
You’ll also discover many other veal, chicken and seafood entrees, delicious pasta prepared in many variations, sauces, butter, garlic, meatballs, manicotti, cheese ravioli, baked ziti, Schumann’s Stuffed Shells, and the list goes on. Are you hungry yet? Did we hear a “We’re REALLY hungry now!”? Good! That’s the reason we wrote this article.
Mangia Mangia is about what you’re CRAVING RIGHT NOW! Please note that the entrees are served with a house salad and fresh bread. They’re also a BYOB establishment, so bring along your choice of wine or beer to compliment your meal and they’ll be happy to serve it for you. Mangia Mangia does not take reservations. Large parties of 8 or more people should plan to get there around 5:00 p.m. because bigger groups are harder to seat after that hour.
If you’ve gotten the point that Mangia Mangia is the place for what you CRAVE, wonderful Italian food, you know our story and we’re sticking to it! They also prepare orders for takeout so if you can’t stay you can call ahead and take it home. They also have a children’s menu. Mangia Mangia is Italian for “Eat, enjoy, celebrate, dance, sing, and…well, maybe we have embellished a little bit, but you understand what we mean. So, Mangia Mangia! You could try waiting until you get home to sing and dance out of consideration for other diners – unless they want to join in!
(Click Here)
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The Artist’s Corner
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Nancy Palermo is an artist who works in both commercial and residential settings. One of her specialties is murals and wall- coverings. Her art includes hand painted murals, including accents, borders, paintings and portraits, photographic murals, poster murals, indoor and outdoor murals, as well as beautiful paintings and sculptures. She creates very special art for children’s rooms and “themed” rooms with portraits and murals.
Ms. Palermo also does decorative painting, faux painting, illustrations, custom murals, art and artwork. From a 95-foot long mural in a library to lovely portraits of children on stretched canvas, her work graces hundreds of homes and commercial properties throughout southern New Jersey. To see her work go to www.nancypalermo.com and click on the choice headed “Murals by Nancy Palermo.” When the homepage comes up, click on “Gallery” (at the top of the page) to view various samples of her work.
If you would be interested in discussing personal artwork or a mural for your home or company, contact Nancy Palermo at 609-601-0511, or email to: info@nancypalermo.com
In a very real sense Nancy Palermo is an artist who has set out to beautify the world – one home or company at a time. Her work is, as we said at the beginning, hand painted, and it’s beautiful to behold!
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