It’s August already? You must be kidding! Why does time slip by so quick in the summertime? Guess we’ll have to go buy a day-stretcher somewhere. (You’ll find them in the same aisle as smoke shifters and round tuits.) So, August it is, but there’s still a lot of summer remaining and much to tell you.

   At Great Vacation we’re growing again. We expect a lot of new folks will be joining our newsletter family soon, and to them we say, “Welcome aboard! You’ve come to the right place for information to help make every vacation a great one!”

   For new members of the Great Vacation family who may be just arriving, we urge everyone to share this newsletter with everyone they know. Simply email it to them. It’s FREE, and it supplies vital information on where to stay, dine, shop, and have fun. You’ll read about our featured businesses, entertainers who are appearing in Atlantic City, special attractions, Great Vacation Things to Do, and still more.

   You can send your favorite shore photos to us to share with our readers (see details in this issue), go on our website www.GreatVacationGuide.com and click on the word “Newsletter” and access all our past issues of this newsletter for a wealth of information about the New Jersey coastal region (as well as attractions in the interior), and discover all kinds of in-depth information about the resort areas we cover with more information about such things as lodging, dining, and shopping (and links to all of them for still more information).

   The Great Vacation newsletter also lists special events announcements so you can plan accordingly. You’ll also want to check out our sister service:
GreatVacationShoreRentals.com & GreatVacationPropertyRentals.com for even more information on where to stay.

   So, we welcome you aboard. Thanks for reading the Great Vacation newsletter. We’re new every two weeks of the year all year long – that means we’re here even when you’re not at the shore to keep you up to speed on what’s happening. That’s because there’s fun things going on during the fall, winter and early spring, too. Weekend getaways and day trips are for all seasons of the year. Email this newsletter to everybody. It’s FREE!

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS ONBOARD AJ MEERWALD IN CAPE MAY IN AUGUST

   Special educational and entertaining presentations will take place onboard the historic oyster schooner AJ MEERWALD in Cape May during the month of August. The presentations will be part of several scheduled public sails. The AJ MEERWALD departs from Utsch’s Marina at 1121 Route 109 during her stay in Cape May.

Thursday August 2, 1:30pm - 4:00pm: Don Taggart from the New Jersey Federation of Camera Clubs will talk about and demonstrate photography techniques.

Thursday August 9, 1:30pm – 4:00pm: Matt Blake from the American Littoral Society will present “Natural History of the Delaware Bay.”

Saturday August 11, 1:30pm - 4:00pm: Don Cossaboon and his fellow pirate re-enactors from Millville NJ present “Pirate Lore.” Includes activities for kids - come dressed as a pirate and join in the fun!

Sunday August 19, 1:00pm - 4:00pm – Oyster Sail with Raw Bar and presentation about oysters and oystering.

Thursday August 23 and Thursday August 30, 1:30pm – 4:00pm: Learn about Commercial Fishing.

Sunday, August 26, 1:30pm – 4:00pm: A South Jersey musician will entertain passengers.

Saturday afternoon sails (1:30pm – 4:00pm) will include education stations by AJ MEERWALD crew/educators:
August 4 – Nautical Knots – Passengers can participate in hands-on Knot Tying!
August 18 – Charting the Course – Learn about Tall Ship Navigation!
August 25 – Trawling – Help haul in the trawl and discover the living sea creatures that are captured!

   In addition to these special presentation sails, there are several regular public sails scheduled in the Morning (10:00am – 12:00PM), Afternoon (1:30pm – 4:00pm) and Evening (5:00pm – 7:30pm).
Reservations are required for all public sails. Space is limited.
Please call 856-785-2060 for reservations, ticket prices and more information.

   The Bayshore Discovery Project is a not-for-profit educational organization that owns and operates the historic oyster schooner. The Bayshore Discovery Project’s mission is to motivate people to take care of the environment, the history and the culture of New Jersey’s Bayshore region through education, preservation and example.

Avalon
August

1...National Night Out – Beach Movie: 30^th Street Beach
3-6...Avalon Players: Times to be announced
12...Avalon Home and Land Owners Association Annual Meeting 10:00 a.m.
18...Brendan Borek Movie Night: 7:00 p.m.
19...Brendan Borek Day Surfing Contest and Beef ‘n Beer

Cape May
August
     
      Jersey Fresh Farmer’s Market, every Tuesday,
      3:00 p.m. – Sunset at West Cape May Borough Hall 609-884-8382
      Youth Arts Summer Program, Ages 6-14, Mon-Fri 609-884-7525
      Aqua Trails Kayaking Nature Tours Daily – 11:00 a.m.
      Nature Center of Cape May 609-898-8848
July 4 - August 18...Moonlight and Magnolias, Cape May Stage 609-884-1341 www.capemaystage.com
July 1-Sept. 1...Lizzie Borden Live, East Lynne Theater Company 609-884-5898
3...74^th Annual Baby Parade, Beach Avenue, 11:00 a.m. 609-884-9565
3...Sand Sculpture Contest, Beach Avenue, 10:00 a.m. 609-884-9565
11-12...30^th Promenade Craft Show, Boardwalk, 10-5 609-884-9565
16...Kiwanis Auction Night, Convention Hall, 7:00 p.m. 609-884-8888
16-19...Ladies Charity Billfish Tournament, South Jersey Marina 609-884-2400
19-24...“The Main Event” Mid-Atlantic Sport Fishing Tournament, South Jersey Marina 609-884-2400
27...Hotel & Guest Community Talent Show, “A Cape May

Ocean City
August               
     
    Ocean City Pops Orchestra has performances throughout the summer at the Music Pier – www.oceancitypops.org      or 609-525-9245.
     Every Tuesday through Labor Day:
     Funtastic Tuesdays: 10am - 1pm on Asbury Ave. Entertainment, Face Painters, Balloon Sculptors.
     Family Film & Fun Night: 7:15pm, Cornerstone, 2nd Floor of Staintons, 8th & Asbury Ave, $4 per person or max      $15 per family. For more information call 399-4662.
     Beach Walks: South End Location - 59th St & Central Ave (entrance to Corsons Park) 9am; North End Location -      OC/Longport Bridge Parking Lot (Gardens Parkway) 6:30pm. Tickets may be purchased on-site.
     Adults: $1.00, Children $0.50.
     Every Wednesday through Labor Day
     Beginning July 11th, Farmer's Market at the Tabernacle Grounds every Wednesday 8am-1pm.
     Beginning July 11th, Evenings on Asbury Ave. 5pm-8pm. Free family entertainment along the Avenue.
     Beach Walks: South End Location - 59th St & Central Ave (entrance to Corsons Park) 6:30pm; North End Location      - OC/Longport Bridge Parking Lot (Gardens Parkway) 9am. Tickets may be purchased on-site. Adults $1.00,       Children $0.50.
     Every Thursday through Labor Day
     Market Days, 10am-1pm, Asbury Avenue
     Family Nights, 8pm to 10pm on the Boardwalk.
     Beginning July 11th: Inn to Inn Tours. 2pm-4pm, pickup at 7th & Central Ave.
1...Sand Sculpting Contest: 9am at the 6th St. Beach, the second one of the season. For more information 525-9300.
1...Miss Crustacean Hermit Crab Beauty Pageant: the original beauty contest for crustaceans.  The winner receives the Coveted Cucumber Rind Cup and gets to walk down a flowery runway.  1pm at the 6th St. Beach. For information call 525-9300.
1...Hermit Crab Races: Watch as some of the fastest crabs in the universe compete for the King of Klutz Plaque immediately following Miss Crustacean at the 6th St. Beach.
7...Pamper Scamper: Annual baby crawling race 9am registration and 9:30am start at the 6th St. Beach. For more information call 525-9300.
9...98th Annual Baby Parade: One of the oldest baby parades in the country held on our amazing boardwalk.  For more information call 525-9300.
13 – 17 Weird Week: Wacky But Not Tacky, these events are fun for the entire                           family.  11:00am each day at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace.  Call 525-9300 for more information.
16...Twins Contest: 6:30pm at the Music Pier, prizes for those who look the most and least alike. For more information call 609-525-9304.

Sea Isle City
August

1...Jimmy & The Parrots (Jimmy Buffet Tunes) 7:30 PM
2...Family Night Dance Party, 7:30 PM
4...10 Mile Island Run, 5:30 PM
6...Juicy Band, 7:30 PM
7...National Night Out, JFK & Pleasure, 6:30 PM
7...Movies Under The Stars, JFK & Pleasure, Dusk
8...Harmony Show Choir, 7:30 PM
9...Family Night Dance Party, 7:30 PM
13...The Danny Eyler Band (Dance Music), 7:30 PM
14...Movies Under The Stars, JFK & Pleasure, Dusk
15...Just In Time (Rock N Roll), 7:30 PM
16...Family Night Dance Party, 7:30 PM
20...Tidal Wave Band (Beach Party Tunes), 7:30 PM
21...Movies Under The Stars, JFK & Pleasure, Dusk
22...Hawkins Road Country Band, 7:30 PM
23...Family Night Dance Party, 7:30 PM
27...Good Tymes Band (Oldies), 7:30 PM
28...Movies Under The Stars, 7:30 PM
29...String Band, 7:30 PM
30...Family Night Dance Party, 7:30 PM

Stone Harbor
August

3-4...Kid’s Art & Craft Classes – Dorothy Carroll Gifts
5-6...The Borough of Stone Harbor’s Annual Arts & Crafts Show 80^th Street recreation field.
7...Family Night – Pet Show 7:00 p.m. Firehouse parking lot. Bring a blanket.
10-11...Kid’s Art & Craft Classes – Dorothy Carroll Gifts
14...Family Night – Cape May County Zoo visits 7:00 p.m. Firehouse parking lot.
15...Women’s Civic Club – Covered Dish Luncheon & Card Party Clubhouse – Noon.
17-18...Kid’s Art & Craft Classes – Dorothy Carroll Gifts
19...Merchant’s Day Sidewalk Sale – Downtown Stone Harbor 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
21...Family Night – Cunard Clowns 7:00 p.m. Firehouse parking lot. Bring a blanket.
24-25...Kid’s Art & Craft Classes – Dorothy Carroll Gifts
28...Family Night – Magic Show – Tom McDonnell 7:00 p.m. Firehouse parking lot. Bring a blanket.

The Wildwoods
August

1-3...Touch Soccer Camp
1...76ers Hoops Tour at Crest Pier Recreation Center Beach Aerobics
1- on-going...College/Men’s Summer Basketball League
1...Gazebo Concert Series
1...Pier Playmates Day Camp Session 1
1...Spirit Factory Cheer Experience
1...Stringband performances
1 – on-going...Summer Basketball League
2...Beach Yoga
2...Boardwalk Family Fun Nights
2...Doo Wop Back to the 50’s Tour
2-ongoing...High School Boys Basketball League
2...Lou Boothe Amphitheater Concerts
2...Pier Playmates Day Camp Session II
3...Beach Aerobics
3...Fridays – Fireworks on the Beach
3-on-going...Grade School Summer Basketball League
3...Pier Playmates Day Camp Session III
4-5...Battle at the Beach Grappling Tournament
4...Beach Yoga
4-5...Boardwalk Craft Show
4-5...Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Craft Show
4...Lou Boothe Amphitheater Concerts
4...Reality Fighting
5...Fox Park Amphitheater Concert
6...Beach Aerobics
6-ongoing...Buckets by the Beach Basketball Camp
6...Captain Ocean’s Ecological Program
6...Crest Pier Summer Concert Series
6...Irish Pipe & Drum Brigades
6...Weird Al Yankovic
7...Doo Wop Back to the 50’s Tour
7...Radio Disney AM 640 Party Patrol
8...76ers Summer Basketball League
8...Beach Aerobics
8...Gazebo Concert Series
8...Stringband performances
9...Beach Yoga
9...Boardwalk Family Fun Nights
9...Doo Wop Back to the 50’s Tour
9...Lou Boothe Amphitheater Concerts
10...Beach Aerobics
10...Buckets by the Beach Basketball Camp
10...Fridays – Fireworks on the Beach
10...WWE RAW
11...Beach Yoga
11...Lou Boothe Amphitheater Concerts
11....Philadelphia Soul Summer Slam
11...Philomena Monastero Boardwalk for the Cure
11...Survivors of Cancer Fund Raiser – SOCS
12....Fox Park Amphitheater Concert
12...United Way of Cape May County’s Rubber Ducky Regatta
13...Beach Aerobics
13...Captain Ocean’s Ecological Program
13...Crest Pier Summer Concert Series
13...Irish Pipe & Drum Brigades
14...Around the Island Row
14...Beach Yoga
14...Doo Wop Back to the 50’s Tour
14...Radio Disney 640 AM Party Patrol
15...76ers K-2 Summer Basketball league
15...Beach Aerobics
15...Gazebo Concert Series
15...Stringband Performances

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)

Linda Lee
A Victorian bed and breakfast inn, the Linda Lee is located on Columbia Avenue in Cape May’s historic district, and convenient to the beach, shops and restaurants. (click here)

Periwinkle Inn
The only oceanfront accommodation in Cape May with a lovely flower-filled courtyard that is just steps away from the beach and the water. (click here)

Stockton Motor Inns
Spacious motel rooms and fully equipped efficiencies with all the amenities, plus Stockton Manor Inn – an 1872 Victorian guest house celebrating Cape May’s opulent past with all the conveniences. (click here)

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

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

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)

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

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

Wild Dunes Inn
Imagination becomes reality when you stay at the Wild Dunes Inn in Ocean City, the ideal spot for all the events with special rates and packages. (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)

Dunes Motel
The Dunes Motel is just one block from the beach with three different types of units from which to choose.
(click here)

Harbor Inn Motel
Harbor Inn Motel offers a variety of tastefully decorated and varied accommodations for your vacation getaway. (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)

Sun ‘N Sand Motel
A Stone Harbor tradition since 1952 – open year-round. (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!

Avalon Seafood & Produce Market
It’s your first stop in Avalon for your complete seashore dinner and the expanded gourmet-to-go market. Dine in or take out. It’s your choice. (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)

410 Bank Street
Your mind may tell you you’re in Historic Cape May, but the menu says New Orleans French & Seafood. Let the good times roll! (click here)

Frescoes
A seafood trattoria voted “best fine Italian Restaurant” in Cape May by the readers of New Jersey Monthly. Prepare for an incredible dining experience. (click here)

Nemo’s Family Restaurant
Love Italian food? Love pizza? You’ll love Nemo’s in Avalon. You can enjoy your meal at Nemo’s, or enjoy taking it home. (click here)

Stumpo’s Italian Grill
A Cape May tradition on the Washington Street Mall, for homemade pizzas, antipastos, mouthwatering garlic knots, and so much more! (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)

   If you define “good times” as great food and your favorite drinks with friends, then you can insure that you’re having those times in the best place of all by heading for Yesterday’s Restaurant and Bar, 316 Roosevelt Boulevard, in Marmora, New Jersey. Yesterday’s is the local restaurant and bar that’s open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner and late night snacks, from 11:00 a.m. until closing. It’s where all the locals go to relax and enjoy great food, drinks and friends. Dress is casual and there is plenty of on-premises parking. Yesterday’s is handicapped accessible, features a brand new menu with incredible selections, and every day is a day to celebrate at Yesterday’s.

   Take Mondays, for example: Don’t miss My Way Mondays with DJ Sonatra mixing it up inside along with surf videos playing on the 6 flat screen TVs, and $3.00 Flying Fish drafts all night long. Also on My Way Mondays you can enjoy live acoustic sets outside on the open air deck with $6.00 Three-Olive martinis and $4.00 Cherry Bombs. Yum!
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   Don’t miss Afternoon Delights Sunday through Friday, noon to 4:00 p.m., with a positively great line-up of favorite culinary delights including chicken parm, tilapia, crab cakes, coconut shrimp, sirloin steak and sea scallops – all priced perfectly for a fabulous meal.

   Did we mention Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. with free munchies. Yesterday’s also offers martini specials for $5.00 7 days a week from noon till closing, and their selection changes weekly. They also have a weekly beer special for $2.00 from noon til 6:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Yesterday’s, the local restaurant and bar that has it all, in Marmora, New Jersey – open year round for great food, great drinks and great times with your favorite people. (click here) Enjoy!

   If you’re not hungry as you begin to read about Obadiah’s, 321 Roosevelt Boulevard in Marmora, New Jersey, you will be by the time you’ve finished this article. Fresh Seafood – Prime Steaks – Crab – sandwiches – pizza – clams – and much more, open seven days a week from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. It simply cannot be better than Obadiah’s!

   Let’s drop a few names: Clams Casino, Crab Napoleon, Mozzarella a la Marinara, Jamaican Me Crazy Wings, Crabby Clams, Calypso Coconut Shrimp, Oysters Rockefeller, Barbecued Clams, Steamed Shrimp Dumplings…and these are just the appetizers. Move on to the soups and salads, and then take aim at the entrees…like Crab Imperial Casserole, Prime Rib, Whole Maine Lobster, Tilapia Obadiah, Scallops Vero Beach, and Maryland Crab Cake.

   But wait…there’s more, much more! You can enjoy lighter fare such as their giant crab cake sandwich or their homemade  lobster roll. Then, there’s the Steamer Station with Alaskan Crab Legs, Steamed Shrimp and more. Obadiah’s also offers you great drinks, bottled beer, wine by the glass, a fantastic seafood raw bar, delicious side orders, and a complete children’s menu.

   Obadiah’s also has Monday through Friday specials with all-you-can-eat snow crabs on the patio, and Wednesdays they feature DJ Sonatra playing the oldies in the Crab House starting at 6:00 p.m. with all-you-can eat shrimp. They also have their Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. You’ll enjoy free mussels and clams at the bar along with your drafts and bar pour specials

   If you thought there was still more to this story, there is! Go next door to Captain Obadiah’s Seafood Market, the “Home of the Lobster Jacuzzi,” They offer a complete menu of the freshest in seafood, shellfish and crabs on their deck, along with your favorite adult beverages, plus an almost unbelievable (Thank goodness it’s TRUE!) take-out menu of the freshest seafood you can buy and take home and cook yourselves.  Check out their weekly specials, party trays, salads, homemade soups, crabs, lobsters  and much more.

Obadiah’s Seafood Market in Marmora, open Monday through Thursday 10 to 8, Friday and Saturday 10 to 9, and Sundays 10 to 8. Obadiah’s…Oh My! Obadiah's... (click here) Captain Obadiah's Seafood Market...(click here)

Click here for the newest fishing reports...

Let Them Entertain You…….

Box Office Telephone Numbers:

Atlantic City Hilton (609) 340-7160

Bally’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)

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