We are closing in on the end of our first year and the beginning of year number two at the Great Vacation newsletter, and the many things we’ve written about make quite an archive on www.GreatVacationGuide.com. We invite you to go there and check them out.

   This is issue # 23, and since we began many good things have happened. Your response has been super, and we thank you for your readership and participation, and send a special thank you out to all who have supplied their favorite photos from their time at the shore. See the photo galleries, check out the photos sent in my readers, and be sure to send us your favorite shore photos, as well. See details here under the heading “Photo Contest.”

   We’ve welcomed two member services to the Great Vacation family: GreatVacationPropertyRentals.com and GreatVacationShoreRentals.com, and both are your  “…direct connection.” to a whole new way of interactively finding the perfect vacation rental. Check them out!

   As usual, we remind you that because this newsletter is FREE you can send it to everyone you know (and even to perfect strangers) so they can discover everything from how to plan the best vacation, weekend getaway and day trip to all the places they can visit, attractions to see and enjoy, places to shop, eat, unusual sights and sounds (Did you see a huge elephant recently? Have you taken a horse drawn carriage ride? Have you been deep sea fishing? Have you been parasailing? Have you been to the Nature Center of Cape May? Have you enjoyed the amusements on the Ocean City Boardwalk? Who is coming to the stage in Atlantic City? Want to enjoy great golf? There’s more to see and do than you could do in several lifetimes, and Great Vacation is the place to begin.

   June is here. Summertime is here! The good times are here! School is out for some and will be out soon for all the rest, and we’re all geared up to bring you the information you need to plan for a truly Great Vacation! Read on. You never know what you’ll find that’s new in the Great Vacation newsletter.

June...

Event: Harbor Safaris, Nature Center of Cape May, Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. 609-898-8848
Aqua Trails Kayaking Nature Tours Daily – 11:00 a.m. Nature Center of Cape May 609-898-8848
Every Thursday through Labor Day (beginning June 28th)
Market Days, 10am-1pm, Asbury Ave: Entertainment - Face painters, Balloon sculptors in Ocean City.              
Family Night, 8pm-10pm Entertainment on the Boardwalk In Ocean city

1 - 3: Event: Flower Show: See beautiful commercial and amateur displays at the Music Pier, Boardwalk & Moorlyn Terrace in Ocean City. 609-525-9300.

2: Event: Summer Recreation Programs Sign-up: 9am – 12pm at the Sports & Civic Center, 6th St off the Boardwalk in Ocean City.

2 - 3:     Event: Boardwalk Spring Family Fun Fest: Face Painters, Clowns, Live Characters, Pony rides (11th St. Beach) Good Tymes Band, Juried Craft Show in Ocean City 609- 399-4662.

2: Event: WCMBA Strawberry Festival, Wilbraham Park, West Cape May  609-884-8382

2: Event: Kiwanis Market Place, Convention Hall, Cape May. 609-884-8888

2: Event: Celebrate National Trails Day: Special Harbor Safari, Nature Center of Cape May, 10:30 a.m.                             609-898-8848

2: Event: 5K Heart Walk/Run, Kennedy Blvd. & The Promenade, 10 AM, 263-2968

4-5: Event: Cape May Youth Choral Festival, Convention Hall, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 609-884-9565

6: Event: Natural Habitats Trolley Tour, Nature Center of Cape May: 10:30 a.m. 609-898-8848

7-10: Event: 26^th Annual South Jersey Shark Tournament, South Jersey Marina 609-884-2400

9: Event Family Fishing Clinic, Nature Center of Cape May, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 609-898-8848

9: Event: Avalon Garden Club Flower Show in Avalon – Noon.

13 - 16: Event: Miss New Jersey: Boardwalk Parade, preliminary competitions, and the finals in Ocean City. Find out who will represent New Jersey at the Miss America Competition. 609-525-9300.

14: Event: Civic Club Card Party in Avalon

15-17: Event: Skimmer Festival Weekend

15: Event: Dance Contest, Five Age Groups, 7 PM

16: Event: Seaside Market, Live Entertainment, Food Court, 9am-4pm (Rain Date: June 17)

16: Event: Promenade Dance Party, 7:30 PM

16: Event: Cape May Point 5 Mile Run: 8:30 a.m. 609-884-1087

16: Event: Historical Society Triathlon Race in Avalon

17: Event: Sandsculpting Contest, 9am-12pm,

17: Event: Antique Auto Show, 9am-1pm, Live Music,

17: Event: Free Guided Trolley Tours, JFK & Landis Ave., 10am-12:30 PM

17: Event: Antique Auto Parade, 1:30pm

18: Event: Tidal Wave Band (Beach Party Tunes) 7:30 PM

19:Event: Pet parade, 7:30pm

19: Event: Women’s Civic Club – Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon, Stone Harbor Yacht Club.

June 20 –July 14: Event: “Why Marry?” playing at East Lynne Theater Company Cape May: Wednesdays  through Saturdays 609-884-5898

20: Event: Irish Night with Blarney/Gibson School of Irish Dance, 7:30 PM

21: Event: Family Night Dance Party, 7:30 PM

23: Event: Antique Auto Show: Over 300 vintage vehicles. Ocean City Tabernacle grounds, 9am-2pm. Boardwalk parade after 2pm. For more information call  609-525-9300

23: Event: Chamber Craft Show, 24^th Street & Avalon Avenue in Avalon: 11-5

24: Event: Performing Arts Council 20^th Annual Art Show in Avalon

25: Event: Second To None (Rock N Roll), 7:30 PM

25: Event: Start of Summer Daily Activities in Avalon

25: Event: Avalon Players registration: 6 – 8 p.m.

25: Event: Family Night: Firehouse Parking Lot. In Stone Harbor: 7:00 p.m. Bring a blanket or beach chairs.

26: Event: Red Cross Blood Drive: 2 – 7 p.m. in Avalon

26 - 30: Event: Summer Youth Arts Program, Monday-Friday, Cape May. Ages 6-14  609-884-7525

26: Event: Sara the Turtle Festival, 6-8pm (Rain Date: June 28)

26 -30 Event: July Jubilee: A fun filled week of contests leading up to July 4th in Ocean City, complete with taffy sculpting, treasure hunts and more.  For more information call 525-9300.

27: Event: Al Santoro & The Hi Liters (Oldies), 7:30 PM

28: Event: Family Night Dance Party

29: Event: John Walters Band Concert: Veterans Plaza in Avalon:  7 p.m.

30: Event: Chamber Casino Night in Avalon.

BAYSHORE DISCOVERY PROJECT PRESENTS JUNE ACTIVITIES ON WATER AND ON LAND
IN BIVALVE

 The Bayshore Discovery Project presents exciting and educational activities for adults and children in June, including:

1. Wetlands Discovery Tour on Saturday June 2, 10:00am to 12:00p.m.  Explore the beauty and diversity of the wetlands on a walking tour of Bivalve’s tidal salt marsh. Tours are led by Bayshore Discovery Project’s educators. Binoculars and comfortable shoes recommended. Cost: Adults $10 / Children age 3-12 $5 / Seniors 60 and over $10

2. Music Sail with Jim Albertson on Sunday June 3, 6:00pm to 8:30 p.m.  Enjoy a relaxing evening on the water. South Jersey’s own Jim Albertson will entertain passengers on the AJ MEERWALD with sea chanties and other maritime songs. Cost: Adults $35 / Children age 3-12 $15 / Seniors 60 and over $30

3. Bay Days Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday June 9, 7:00pm to 10:00pm* Be part of the Bay Days Lighted Boat Parade on New Jersey’s Tall Ship and enjoy a spectacular view of the Bay Days fireworks from out on the Maurice River! Cost: $35 All Passengers

4. Fathers Day Fishing Sail on Sunday June 17, 8:00am to 12:00pm* Fathers and their families bring your own fishing gear and sail out onto the Delaware Bay and drift fish. Includes continental breakfast. Bring rain gear in case of salt spray and bring your own snacks. Cost: $35 Adults / $15 Children age 3-12 / Seniors 60 and over $30

5. Regular Evening Sails on the AJ MEERWALD on Saturday June 2 and Saturday June 16, 6:00pm to 8:30pm. Cost: $35 All Passengers

6. FAMILY SAILING CAMP on June 20, 21, and 22. This 2 ½ day camp for adults and their children sails from Bivalve into the Delaware Bay and up the Delaware River to Penns Landing, Philadelphia. Campers become part of the AJ MEERWALD’S crew, sailing and living aboard an historic tall ship. ONLY 4 SPOTS LEFT!
Cost: $310 per passenger; Includes all meals and onboard accommodations.
Campers must arrange their own transportation to and from points of departure and arrival.
Reservations required for all sails - Call 856-785-2060 for reservations and information.

The Schooner AJ MEERWALD is owned and operated by the Bayshore Discovery Project (BDP) a non-profit 501(c)(3) education organization, serving more than 50,000 children and adults annually.
BDP received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.
Bayshore Discovery Project, Inc. 2800 High Street (Bivalve); Port Norris, NJ 08349 www.bayshorediscovery.org

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)

Beachcomber Resort
Beautiful beaches and tall dunes, a relaxed, refreshing atmosphere, secluded pool – it’s “The suite approach to your seashore vacation.” (click here)

Concord Suites
For the perfect getaway, the Concord Suites have the perfect package. (click here)

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)

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)

The Windrift Resort Hotel
For fine dining, entertainment, swimming and more, the Windrift Resort Hotel, 80^th and the beach in Avalon, New Jersey is the perfect place for a fantastic weekend, week, or for season. (click here)

Buttonwood Manor
You’ll enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere in a comfortably beautiful turn-of-the-century home at the bed and breakfast inn closest to the Cape May Bird Observatory and the Nature Conservancy’s Cape May Meadows Refuge (click here)

Reeves Motel
On four acres in a quiet country setting, the Reeves Motel is just four miles from Cape May Beach or the Wildwood Boardwalk. (click here)

West Cape Motel
The closet motel to the bird sanctuary, boat and surf fishing, Cape May diamonds, and much more. (click here)

The Hyland Motor Inn
The inexpensive alternative to beachfront accommodations. (click here)

Beach Club Hotel
On the boardwalk overlooking the Atlantic, where you’re welcomed with warmth and style. (click here)

Crossings Motor Inn
Located in the beautiful south end of Ocean City. (click here)

Osborne’s Inn
Just  a short distance from the beach and the boardwalk. (click here)

Ocean Front Motel
Natural beauty, relaxing atmosphere, and one of the best beaches in North America. (click here)

Port-O-Call Hotel
Ocean City’s Number One Resort, with spectacular beachfront accommodations. (click here)

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)

Economy Motel Inn & Suites
Somers Point’s home-away-from home, with all that Somers Point and Ocean City have to offer. (click here)

Owl Motel
Open all year. The Owl Motel in Somers Point is the place to stay for business or pleasure. (click here)

Pier 4 Hotel
The ideal place to stay on Broadway Avenue and the bay. (click here)

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)

The Colonial Lodge
Located in a beautiful residential area with varied accommodations in a quiet and friendly atmosphere. (click here)

The Lark Motel
A very special place just one block from the beach. (click here)

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)

Dining at the Shore...all within a short walk or drive from your accommodations!

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.)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

The Chatterbox

   When something is really good there’s a good chance it will last. The Chatterbox in the “big pink building” at the corner of 9^th and Central in Ocean City began serving great food to local residents and seasonal visitors in 1937. Delicious steaks, fresh seafood, pasta dishes, your favorite hamburgers, old fashioned milkshakes made the way milkshakes were meant to be made, sundaes – The Chatterbox has them all.

   From a great breakfast, a relaxing lunch, to a full-course dinner, The Chatterbox is there to serve you and yours at family-style prices. The Repici family became the owners of The Chatterbox in 1972, and today they and their staff are ready to make your dining experience a delicious one whenever you stop by. Reservations aren’t necessary, but you can call 609-399-0113 for hours, directions and with other questions you may have.

   The Chatterbox opens at 7:00 a.m., and their closing time varies with the season. They’re open seven days a week in the summertime, and they’re one more great reason why Ocean City, New Jersey is “America’s Greatest Family Resort.” After all, when you’ve been serving the public great food for 70 years, you know The Chatterbox is doing it right. Stop by today and enjoy an Ocean City tradition. (click here)

 
   Avalon Hodge Podge, located at 24^th & Ocean Drive in Avalon, New Jersey, is the ultimate bait and tackle shop. Family owned and operated since 1962, Avalon Hodge Podge provides everything you need to catch fish except the gas.

   In addition to bait and tackle, Avalon Hodge Podge has crab traps, fly fishing equipment, clam rakes, lures, jigs, plugs, hooks, fishing line and sinkers, and you’ll also find information on fishing charters and tours. They have rods & reels for sale and for rent, and they repair rods & reels, too. They are your one stop for bait, tackle, soda, snacks and ice - both cubes and blocks.

Click here for the newest fishing reports...

Let Them Entertain You…….

Box Office Telephone Numbers:

Atlantic City Hilton (609) 340-7160

Balley’s Park Place (609) 340-2709/(800) 772-7777

Boardwalk Hall (800) 736-1420 (TicketMaster)

Borgata (609) 317-1000

Caesar’s (800) 677-SHOW (7469)

Claridge (609) 340-3700 / (800) 752-7469

Harrah’s (800) 2HARRAH (242-7724)

Resorts (609-340-6300 / (800) 322-SHOW (7469)

Sands (609) 441-4137/ (800) AC-SANDS

Showboat (609) 343-4000/(800) 621-0200

Tropicana (609) 340-4020 / (800) 526-2935

Trump Marina (800) 284-8786 / (800) 777-8477

Trump Plaza (800) 759-8786

Trump Taj Mahal (609) 449-5150 / (800) 825-8888

TicketMaster

1-800-736-1420 or www.ticketmaster.com