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Edition 4, Volume 2
February 15, 2007
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Welcome to our Newsletter...
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It’s hard to believe but February is half over, and if the recent weather has reminded us of anything, it has been teeth-chatteringly clear that warm weather, surf, a sandy beach and the sound of seabirds cannot get here soon enough. Brrrrr! It’s been cold! However, at Great Vacation our thoughts are always on the fun things you can do no matter what season of the year.
We thank you for being part of the Great Vacation family, with a special thanks to those folks who have shared their favorite shore photographs with us. On that note, you’ll read here about sending in your photos – if you haven’t done so already – to show everyone where your favorite spot at the shore happens to be.
With about five weeks left until spring we’re getting pumped up for warm weather, but it will get here soon enough. Meanwhile, let’s enjoy the remaining days of winter. You’ll find places to go, things to see, places to stay, dine and have a good time in this issue. You’ll also discover great places to shop, real estate companies to help you line up that summer rental or purchase that vacation home, featured businesses, and who is coming to the Atlantic City casinos.
You’ll find another boardwalk to walk at the New Jersey shore, fishing news, community notes and more in this issue.
Again, we invite you to share the Great Vacation newsletter with everyone you know (and even with people you don’t) because it’s FREE, and they just might discover a great place for their next great vacation, too. If you want to check out our main website (click here) to see back issues of the newsletter, it’s all here, plus shore town photo galleries, and so many places to stay, eat and have fun that we could never fit them into a single issue of our website. This newsletter is the “gateway” to so many good things, and we’re sure you’ll want to check them out for yourself.
It’s not too early to book this year’s great vacation now. Our goal is to show you what you can do, but it’s up to you to make your own decision as to where you’ll stay, eat, shop, and have fun. That’s why Great Vacation newsletter exists – to help you have a great time. Thanks again – and share us with a friend!
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. Be sure to check out the photos sent in by Great Vacation newsletter subscribers, and if you would like to send us your photos, read more in this issue about our ongoing photo contest.
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We’ve Got Pictures!
Your response has been terrific! Check out the super favorite shore photos sent in by our readers (click here). Keep on sending them in. See more in future issues of the Great Vacation newsletter! If you haven’t sent us your favorite shore vacation and getaway photographs (the ones you’d like to share because they’re good!) send them along and we’ll put them in the newsletter. Some might even end up in one of our in-room magazines. You’ll be given full credit for what you send. Thanks again!
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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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February 2007
February 17: Event: Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner – Clubhouse. Cape May, N.J. Information: 609-884-8888
February 17: Event: Buckets by the Beach Basketball Skills Clinic, Wildwood, N.J. Optimist Basketball league - Wildwood Sweetheart’s Ball - Wildwood
February 19: Event:President’s Day Roller Skating Party, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., Convention Hall, Cape May, New Jersey Information: 609-884-9565
February 24: Event: Law Enforcement Annual Polar Bear Plunge, Seaside Heights, N.J. Information: 609-896-8000
February 26: Event: Spinning Worlds: Emerging Artists exhibit – Noyes Museum, Oceanville, N.J.
Information: 609-652-8848
March 2007
Mommy & Me Children’s Program: Fridays in March, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Nature Center of Cape May.
Information: 609-898-8848
Higher Up-Birding & Nature. Saturdays in March, 10:30 a.m. Nature Center of Cape May. Information: 609-898-8848
March 2-3: Event: Step back in time, on Friday March 2 and Saturday March 3 at 8:00p.m., when the Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company in Cape May presents Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "Sherlock Holmes' Adventure of the Copper Beeches" in the style of a vintage radio broadcast, complete with live sound effects and commercials, just like the Sherlock Holmes' radio series on NBC that premiered in 1930. After two years of performing "Copper Beeches" as part of Cape May's "Sherlock Holmes' Weekends," these are the final performances of this crowd- pleasing production.
March 3-4: Event: Cheer Tech Inc. National Championships – Wildwood, N.J.
March 4: Event: Belmar & Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Belmar, N.J. Information: 732-280-2648 or www.belmarparade.com
March 7: Event: Special Olympics New Jersey Motor Activity Program, Wildwood, N.J.
March 9: Event: “A Night in Rome” Silent Auction & Italian Buffet, Wildwood, N.J.
March 9: Event: Center for Community Arts 11th Annual Gala, Congress Hall, Cape May, New Jersey. Information: 609-884-9525
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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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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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Ashley Rose Victorian Inn
Lovely restored Gothic Revival Victorian house and cottages that can accommodate as few as 2, or as many as 30 people in marvelously attractive surroundings. (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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John Wesley Inn
An all-American classic just a half block from the beach, the John Wesley Inn is one of the original Stockton Row Cottages dating to 1869. (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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Marquis de Lafayette Hotel
The finest accommodations in the best location in Cape May, with special offers available year round – subject to availability. (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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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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Bryn Mawr Hotel
724 Ocean Avenue, Ocean City, New Jersey. Your room is waiting! (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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Charleston Bed & Breakfast Inn
Designed for year-round getaways, the Charleston Bed and Breakfast Inn is hospitality at its best. (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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The Bayberry Inn
Open year round, and built in the early 1900’s, the Bayberry Inn welcomes guests to the most pleasant surroundings in Ocean City. (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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Cabanas on the Beach
Great fun, great food, great drinks, great times – they all begin at Cabanas on the Beach, the year-round place to go in Victorian Cape May, New Jersey. Cabanas, where the focus is on you! (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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New Jersey Festival of Ballooning
To see an outstanding use of hot air you don’t have to go to Trenton or Washington. Instead, attend the 25th Silver Anniversary of the New Jersey Festival of (hot air) Ballooning this summer on July 27,28 and 29th at Solberg Airport in Readington, New Jersey. (click here)
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New Jersey State Film Festival
If you love films and filmmakers, you’ll want to celebrate the best New Jersey films and their makers with the special events, parties, galas and more at the New Jersey State Film Festival in Cape May. (click here)
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Noyes Museum of Art
The Noyes Museum of Art in Oceanville, New Jersey showcases exhibitions, permanent collections, special events, their gift shop, and educational programs and activities for students, children and adults. (click here)
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Old Barracks Museum
The Old Barracks Museum in Trenton, New Jersey re-opens February 26, 2007. See this outstanding place that commemorates the First Battle of Trenton on December 26, 1776, a key battle in the American Revolution. (click here)
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This Newsletter's Featured Businesses
John Wesley Inn
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1869 was an extraordinary year in Cape May, New Jersey. That was the year the Stockton Hotel and cottages were constructed on Gurney Street. At four stories, over 300 rooms, and four city blocks in size, the Stockton was thought to be the largest hotel in America at that time. However, sheer size doesn’t always mean success, and the hotel was demolished in 1911 when it could no longer turn a profit.
Across the way on “Stockton Row” the “cottages” remained, and one of them was destined to become the John Wesley Inn bed and breakfast and offer guests an extraordinarily lovely place to stay. A true American Classic, the John Wesley Inn, a “Carpenter Gothic” structure, is just a half block from Cape May’s beach, has on-site parking, and also features a fully restored two-story carriage house that houses two apartments that are ideal for your stay at the shore, in addition to their beautiful rooms in the inn.
The John Wesley Inn is under new ownership, and the new owners will celebrate their second year anniversary on March 17, 2007 – St. Patrick’s Day. Lance and Bonnie cordially invite you to come and stay at the John Wesley Inn. While you’re there you might want to check out another of Lance’s favorite restoration projects - the original American sports car - his Corvettes.
John Wesley Inn bed and Breakfast: part of historic Cape May’s history since 1869.
For more information: (click here)
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Century 21 Gilmartin & Co,
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When it comes to real estate in Cape May, New Jersey, the Century 21 system is the best known and most recognized image in the real estate industry today. There are many reasons why this is so.
Century 21 Gilmartin & Company, on Lafayette Street in Cape May bring the real estate buyer and seller, as well as seasonal renters, the help they need in finding the right property, selling a property, and finding the perfect rental property for vacations and getaways.
The Century 21 advertising programs and sophisticated marketing tools go to work each and every day at Century 21 Gilmartin & Co. for everyone in Cape May, Cape May Point, Cold Spring, Erma, Fishing Creek, North Cape May and the Town Bank areas. The professionals at Century 21 Gilmartin & Co. stand ready to serve all your real estate needs, and they do so with integrity and a commitment to excellence that is outstanding.
If you’re seeking a second home, investment property, a bed & breakfast inn, to sell a property in their area of coverage, or the vacation rental of your dreams, make the right call today to Century 21 Gilmartin & Co. in Cape May, New Jersey. You’ll love the way you’re treated the Century 21 way! For more information: (Click here)
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The Artist’s Corner
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Perhaps we should call this “It Runs in the Family!” because our artist in this issue has continued the family tradition. Mark Natale is our featured artist this time, and he’s the nephew of Marie Natale, the extraordinary artist who was our very first artist in the pages of Great Vacation newsletter.
A native of Somers Point, New Jersey, Mark Natale received his formal training as an oil painter at Philadelphia’s University of the Arts where he completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He lived in historic Savannah, Georgia, where he painted portraits of historic homes, scenic landscapes, and striking images of nature and architecture in the coastal southeast region for five years before he returned to this area.
Light, shadow, intriguing angles and perspectives command attention in Mr. Natale’s work, which is detailed in smaller editions of landscapes depicting scenic views, historic buildings and area points of interest.
To see a comprehensive selection of his paintings go to MarkNatale.com
Click on “Paintings” and then click on the various paintings at the bottom of the page. Scroll from left to right to see more examples of his work. Click on MarkNatale.com store to purchase prints, greeting cards and other displays of his paintings. You can also receive news of upcoming shows and exhibits by signing up to receive email.
Speaking of shows and keeping it in the family, don’t miss “Coastal Connections: A Family Perspective,” when Mark Natale and his aunt Marie Natale have their collaborative show at the Chalfonte Hotel in cape May, New Jersey. The joint show is scheduled for May of this year.
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