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Edition 9, Volume 3
May 1, 2008
Welcome to our Newsletter...

   Hooray…it’s May! The surf is warming, the sand is ready, the flowers are blooming, the breeze is blowing, and thoughts are turning to…SUMMER AT THE SHORE!

If you’re new to the Great Vacation family of newsletter readers – Welcome! Glad you’re here! We’re here to serve you, your family and friends. Clicking on the words above this introduction will take you to all sorts of information that you can use to plan the very best vacations and weekend getaways. Check them out!

This letter is free, and because so few things are free these days, we ask you to send it to everyone you know. Send it to family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and perfect strangers. Help everyone have a Great Vacation this year.

At May’s end the Great Vacation in-room guide to the Jersey Shore will be waiting for guests to arrive in thousands and thousands of hotel, motel, Bed & Breakfast, guest house and summer rental accommodations rooms. Although we’ve been publishing guides since 1992, this is the first year the in-room guide becomes one volume covering all of the southern New Jersey shore region! Are we excited about it? You bet!

   
Then, there’s the World Wide Web, and have we ever grown!

www.GreatVacationGuide.com – the website for everything fun seekers need to know.

From www.GreatVacationAllenhurstNJ.com to www.GreatVacationWildwoodCrestNJ.com and the other 50 New Jersey shore and bay towns in between, Great Vacation covers it all from Sandy Hook to Cape May point under the Great Vacation banner.

Next up, www.GreatVacationShoreRentals.com brings you all you need to know for shore vacation accommodation rentals.

Then, www.GreatVacationPropertyRentals.com is growing to cover everything else!

Great Vacation is the USER-FRIENDLY PLACE online with all the links you’ll need to plan the greatest vacations of a lifetime, so welcome aboard.  You’ve come to the right place.

Sincerely,
The Staff at Great Vacation / Successful Seasons Inc.
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Are you searching for your weekly vacation rental property?

   Great Vacation News! We’ve changed the world for vacation property owners and vacationers.
Our service is called:  GreatVacationShoreRentals.com  - and it provides all you need to find the perfect vacation rentals!   How is it different from other listing services? It’s very different, but you’ll need to log on now to discover what makes us unique. Log on now and learn why we refer to ourselves as”…your Direct Connection.”  Our sister site GreatVacationGuide.com  provides you all of the tools you’ll need to plan every detail of your next Great Vacation!


2008 Photo Contest
   Please join our Photo Contest for 2008! Send us copies of your favorite photos from “…down the shore.” Include your name, address and phone number so we can properly identify your photo if it’s featured. We’re running a special contest featuring photos that are shown in the newsletter during the year, and the best photos chosen by Great Vacation newsletter readers will be in the final competition. Winners will receive wonderful prizes, and the best photos will appear in the newsletter, and also in 2009 Great Vacation in-room guides!
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 enterprises.  Proper credit/acknowledgement will be given to those who have taken the photos.


Cape May Stage Nears the End of Project Encore

   "Incredible!" "I don't believe it!" Those exclamations have been typical reactions from Cape May Stage's early-season visitors as they hustled past the box office into the newly renovated Robert Shackleton Playhouse recently. The interior of the building has received a mighty do-over since last season.

It has been a busy off-season for the architects, painters, carpenters, electricians, drapery-makers, seat-builders, floor-refinishers and carpet-layers who have diligently worked their trades at the theatre under the direction of Project Encore's volunteer restoration leaders - Dave Clemans and Tom Carroll. The results are nothing less than spectacular!

Last December the Project Encore Restoration Committee agreed upon an architectural plan, by FMG Architects, that would include seven rows of permanent theatre seats - with the first two rows at floor level and the remaining five rows built into a steel riser platform. The rows are divided by a center aisle allowing visitors to view the stage and the apse upon entering the theatre. The Committee also agreed on the style and size of the new stadium-type seats.

The installation of the new stage lights and a supporting electrical system have been completed along with the installation of the new, soft, comfortable seats. The final touch will be the hanging of the draperies - generously donated by Jan Schmidt of Dragonfly Interiors.

Four years after the launch of Project Encore the planned work is close to being finished. Project Chairman Jim Moffatt said: "From the public perspective there is basically nothing else to restore or renovate. Next year we want to install a state-of-the-art sound system; build new steps, railing and ramp outside; upgrade our air-conditioning system; and, possibly build an office in the balcony area -if we can raise the funding thru our Buy-a-Brick campaign that we are launching this month. Right now we are getting ready to enjoy the 2008theatre season in the finest Equity performance venue in South Jersey.” Moffatt concludes, “Everyone in Cape May should treat themselves and visit Cape May Stage's restored theatre during our Opening Weekend, May 22 thru 25. This body of work will knock your socks off."

The thrilling 20th season opens with an immensely entertaining one-man tour-de-force, followed by a classic Noel Coward romantic comedy, a Pulitzer Prize winning drama, a perfect ‘World Series’ theatre treat, a smoky, jazzy story about a legendary blues singer, and a tender homage to one of the greatest holiday films of all time. Join the Cape May Stage family as a Season Ticket Holder so you don’t miss a moment!  The 2008 schedule is as follows:

“Fully Committed” by Becky Mode: May 21- June 28

“Private Lives” by Noel Coward: July 2- August 16

“Doubt” by John Patrick Shanley: August 20- September 27

“Rounding Third” by Richard Dresser: October 1- November 1

“Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill” by Lanie Robertson: November 5- November 22

“This Wonderful Life” by Steve Murray, Conceived by Mark Setlock: November 28- December 21st

Be a part of an ever-growing audience of season subscribers who enjoys professional productions at a 33% savings off the regular ticket prices. In 2008 at Cape May Stage you will experience intimate performances in one of our new 110 stadium-style seats, and a variety of productions — all of the highest quality.
For info (click here)


East Lynne Theater Company
   
Get East Lynne Theater Company's 2008 Season Tickets now. One size fits all and the recipient can choose what days to attend – and even bring friends! Purchase between now and July 1, and the price is $75 for 5 tickets,  a considerable savings. 2008 ticket prices are $25 for general admission; $20 for senior citizens; and $10 for full-time students.

   
For 2008 Season Tickets, mail a check to the office at 121 Fourth Ave., West Cape May, NJ 08204, and tickets will be mailed to you.  For information and reservations, call East Lynne at 609-884-5898 or (click here) for information.



Great Vacation Things To Do

Avalon
May 2008
9...Chamber Wine Tasting
10...Town wide yard sale: Information: 609-967-3936
10...Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary Plant Sale: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
10...Fire Company Hoagie Sale: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
15...Garden Club Fashion Show & Card Party: Golden Inn – 12 Noon
16–17...Garden Club Plant Sale
16...Bake sale: Noon to 3:00 p.m.
17...Bake Sale: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
18...MS Bikeathon.
24...Bayberry Twiggs Antique Show: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
24...
Brass Quintet: Avalon Elementary School: 8:00 p.m.
26... Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

Cape May
May 2008
3,10,24,31...Mommy & Me Children’s Program: Nature Center of Cape May: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 609-898-8848
3 - 4...Secret Garden Tours: 609-884-5508
3,10,24,31...Harbor Safaris: Nature Center of Cape May – 609-898-8848
7,14,21,28...Cape Island Eco Tour: Nature Center of Cape May – 609-898-8848
10...Twenty-fifth Annual World Series of Birding: 609-884-2736
15 – 18...Spring Sidewalk Sale: Washington Street Mall & Square
16–18...New Jersey Audubon Society’s Cape May Spring Weekend. 609-884-2736
16–18...Spring Weekend Open House: Nature Center of Cape may. 609-898-8848
17... Twenty-ninth annual Great Cape May Footrace (10k and 5 k) at Convention Hall. 8:30 a.m. 609-884-5508
17...Netting an Avian’s Cuisine. 1:30 pm. at the Nature Center of Cape may. 609-898-8848
May 21–June 15...“Fully Committed” at Cape May Stage: 609-884-1341
28...Memorial Day Ceremony – Convention Hall: 11:15 a.m. 609-884-9565
31...Pond Seekers: 10:00 a.m. at Nature Center of Cape May – 609-898-8848

Ocean City
May 2008
1...Switchfoot in Concert with special guest “Athlete.” 6:00 p.m. at the Music Pier: Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Information: www.fcasurf.org
1...Martin Z. Mollusk Day – 11:00 a.m. at the Ninth Street beach. 609-525-9300
2,4,6...Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant Table Sales (No vendors). On the Boardwalk and Asbury Avenue. 609-398-4662
3...Spring Block Party – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fifth – Fourteenth Streets on Asbury Avenue. Over 350 crafters, food vendors, music and more. 609-525-9300 or 609-399-2269
4...Walk MS 2008. Ocean City boardwalk: Walk For The Cure. 1-800-883-9255.
5...City of Ocean City Vehicle Auction: 10 a.m. at the Abandoned Vehicle Compound, Shelter Road off Tennessee Avenue. Call 609-525-9356 for details.
10...Cystic Fibrosis 10K Walk. Register at 10 a.m. at the Music Pier. Four mile walk begins at 11 a.m.
Information: 1-800-378-8423 or www.cff.org
10–11...Mother’s Day Weekend: Information: 609-398-4662
11...Ocean City Barons Soccer. 7:30 pm. at Carey Stadium. Come celebrate their 12th season! Information: 609-525-9999
17...American Heart Association Heart Walk: Register: 9:00 a.m. at Sports & Civic Center, Sixth and Boardwalk. Walk: 10:30 a.m. Information: 609-223-3762.
18...Ocean City Triathlon: 6:00 a.m. at the Aquatic & Fitness Center, Seventeenth & Simpson. Information: 609-525-9317
23...Business Persons Plunge. Participants dressed in business suits carrying brief cases march into the ocean to “Pomp & Circumstance.” Hilarious.  12 Noon at Moorlyn Terrace beach. Information: 609-525-9300.
24...Memorial Day Arts & Crafts Spectacular. Indoor and outdoor. Civic Center and Carey Stadium, Sixth Street & boardwalk. Information: 1-800-822-4112.
25...Youth Group Competition. Afternoon and evening: Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Avenue.
26...Memorial Day Service. 11:00 a.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park, Fifth Street & Wesley Avenue.
30–June 1...Ocean City Flower Show: Music Pier at Moorlyn Terrace and Boardwalk.
Friday: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: 609-525-9300
31...Boardwalk Spring Family Fun Fest: Juried Craft Show. Face painters, bands, And pony rides at Eleventh Street. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Info: 609-398-4662.

Sea Isle City
May 2008
2...Aromatherapy Lecture: Sea Isle City Public Library. 2:00 p.m. Valid library card required. Information: 609-263-8485
10...DVSA Surf Fishing Tournament, Marina Building, 346 Forty-second Place. Registration: 5:30 a.m.
Fishing: 7:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
17...Good Counsel Home Walkathon: 9 a.m. – Noon on the Promenade.
17...
Garden Club Flower Show: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Marina Building: 609-263-1157
24...Veterans Triathlon – on behalf of Injured Marine Semper Fi fund and Sea Isle’s VFW Post 1963 to rebuild the veteran’s memorial. Register: www.piranha-sports.com
31...ESA Surf Contest: May 31 and June 7:00 a.m. at JFK Boulevard beach. 609-884-5277

Stone Harbor
May 2008
3–4...Boat Show and Seafood Festival Weekend: Ninety-sixth Street. May 3 from 10 to 5, and May 4 from 10 to 4.
10...Plant & Bake Sale: 9 a.m. to Noon – Waterworks Building, 96th Street: 609-368-5916
17...Community Yard Sale: Women’s Civic Club Parking Lot, 96th Street and the beach: 8a.m. to 2 p.m. 609-368-5916
25...Ninth Annual Turtle Trot 5k and 2-mile fun walk for all ages. 95th Street and beach parking lot
26...Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony: Sponsored by the American Legion. Noon on 96th Street


The Wildwoods
May 2008
1–4...Tournament of Bands Weekend: Wildwoods Convention Center and Middle Township High School.
Tickets: 856-935-4940
3...Sixteenth Annual Surf Fishing Tournament. Register 5:30 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. at Anglesea Firehouse. Tournament to be held of Wildwood Crest beaches.
8–11...Sixteenth annual East Coast Boardwalk National Car Show on the boardwalk and at the Wildwoods Convention Center. Information: 609-523-8051 or www.Thundermoto.com
16–18...Spring Beach Jam
17...Pirate Day with Captain Kidd Parade registration 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. at Wildwoods Convention Center. Parade steps off at 10:15 a.m and proceeds north on Boardwalk to 16th St. Treasure hunt and special surprise appearances on the beach at end of parade. Information: 609-522-2955
23...Unlocking of the Ocean Media Day Event Wildwoods Beach, next to Wildwoods Convention Center. Join the official start of the 2008 Summer Season at noon. Guest speakers, kites in the air, time to get your feet sandy! 609-729-9000 or        www.WildwoodsNJ.com
23-26...Wildwoods International Kite Festival on the beach at Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. America's largest kite festival, featuring world-renowned kite builders and competitors, kite making workshops and exhibits, andchildren's activities. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Daily. Fri: 9 p.m. Illuminated night kite fly. Entrance fee for participants. Free to spectators.
24–25...Boardwalk Craft ShowThe Boardwal at Rio Grande Avenue. All hand-made products. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 609-522-0378 or 609-522-0198
24–25...State Gymnastics Championships Wildwoods Convention Center. A gymnastics competition, Sat & Sun:9 am-6 pm. Tickets are $10 for Adults and $5 for Children. www.usaigc.com/default.cfm
26...Memorial Day Ceremony Ceremony at Veterans Monument, 1st Avenue & Spruce Avenue, North Wildwood. 10 a.m. Event then moves to American Legion Post 184, Wildwood for all service organizations to attend. Visit www.wildwoodpost184.com for additional details. Free. 609-729-5832
May 30 June 1...Spring Thunder in the Sand Motocross Pro/Am on the beach.    AMA-sanctioned Pro-Am races for beginners to pros. Sat: Noon and Sun: 10 a.m. Admission fee. 609-523-8051 or www.Thundermoto.com



Featured Businesses

Aztec Resort Motel

Welcome to the Aztec Motel! Come sit and relax on two spacious sundecks, take a swim in the pool or use one of our two gas BBQ Grills. We are one block to the beach and only two blocks to the boardwalk fun. There are numerous restaurants within walking distance and an Ice Cream Parlor next door. Fill your afternoons by renting a bike only one block away. Come see & enjoy! Let Adamo Sr., Jeanette, and Adamo Jr. show you what a Wildwood, New Jersey Luxury Vacation is all about! Heated Swimming Pool - Spacious Sun Deck - Daily Maid service - Free Ice and gas barbeque - Short walk to Boardwalk and Restaurants. For more: (click here)

aztec motel wildwood crest nj

American Safari Motel

Come sit and relax. Take a swim in the pool. There are numerous restaurants within walking distance. We are one block to the beach and only two blocks to the boardwalk fun. Enjoy the poolside barbeque party Saturdays: 12:30 PM. Located just 250 feet from beach, with refrigerators in all the rooms, a heated swimming pool, color cable TV in every unit, telephones in the rooms, daily maid service, and off-street parking (one car per unit). You’ll find a restaurant and coffee shop across the street. There is a coin laundry on premises. Patrons also get golf and country club privileges. Fully heated and air-conditioned, with a southern exposure, two sun decks, and a poolside patio lounge, American Safari Motel is easily accessible to nearby stores and churches.

When you contact the American Safari Motel, ask about their fall getaway packages, and also about the Fabulous 50’s Weekend Package in October that includes tickets for all the concerts with VIP seating. You can also visit their “sister” motel – the Aztec Resort Motel – right next door. For more: (click here)

american safari motel wildwood crest nj

Mary Ann’s Contemporary & Estate Jewelry

Mary Ann's offers fine old pocket watches, a large selection of Hummels and Lladr'o collectible figures, antique dolls, glassware, toys, antiques and other collectibles, a large selection of colored diamonds, and they offer jewelry repair, as well. Their superior inventory of contemporary and estate jewelry is outstanding, with many unique pieces available. Mary Ann's is open in Victorian Cape May all year long, and you'll be amazed at what you'll discover when you stop by looking for gifts for others, or if you're shopping for yourself. Whether you're seeking the perfect gift for a birthday, anniversary, wedding, retirement or special event, or simply browsing, the selection at Mary Ann's Contemporary & Estate Jewelry is Cape May is astounding. You may also visit Mary Ann's Antiques & Coins Unlimited, 15 N. Blackhorse Pike in Runnemede, New Jersey, where for over 25 years they've been buying gold, silver and diamonds, and they feature an amazing selection of engagement and wedding ring with an equally superior inventory and unique pieces. For more information about Mary Ann's Contemporary & Estate Jewelry in Cape May, New Jersey Mary Ann's Antiques & Coins Unlimited in Runnemede, New Jersey call 856-939-0230.
(click here)

mary ann's contemporary & estate jewelry cape may nj

East Coast Parasail and Jet Ski

What’s the most fun you can have on the water? How about the most fun you can have above the water? The answer to both questions is waiting for you at East Coast Parasail and Jet Ski. If it’s above the water, there’s nothing in the world like a single or tandem flight at 500 feet above the ocean towed by the powerful U.S. Coast Guard approved HIGHSTRUNG or CHUTEFACED.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, from 8:00 a.m. to sunset, a trip aloft is an absolute thrill as you glide above the ocean. This a safe, fun and wonderful experience for the whole family, and they recommend that you call and book your parasail adventure when you begin your vacation because folks book these flights as fast as possible. The boats leave every 90 minutes from two locations: in Cape May and Wildwood, so call now.

Group rates are available for parties of six or more. The 8:00 a.m. trip offers s $15.00 discount.

If you prefer your fun on the water then rent a new Wave Runner jet ski and take off for a great time. There are two telephone numbers to call…one for high-flying fun, and one for jet skis:

609-898-UFLY (8359) for parasailing. • 609-898-USKI (8754) for jet skiing.

Note: Remember which location you called: (Cape May or Wildwood). For more information: (click here)

east coast parasail and jet ski cape may nj wildwood nj

The Flanders Hotel

The Flanders Hotel has 111 rooms or units.
Flanders Hotel...the finest Grand Hotel in Southern New Jersey. The Ocean City landmark features luxury, two room suites with ocean, bay and city views and is centrally located on the boardwalk - steps to the beach, amusements and concessions. Come enjoy the grandeur of the 30's and 40's mixed with the modern amenities of today. Relax and meet your fellow guests in our beautifully restored lobby. The Deluxe and Ocean Front Suites have fully equipped kitchens and are elegantly decorated. The Flanders offers a gateway to fun and excitement for the whole family. Our professional staff is ready and eager to make your stay with us memorable. So bring your family to meet our family and we are sure you will return again and again to the magic of The Flanders Hotel. Handicapped accessible, with plenty of off-street parking in their own lot, stay at The Flanders Hotel, where the tradition of gracious hospitality lives on. For more information:
(click here)

flanders hotel ocean city nj

Marquis de Lafayette

Open year round, the Marquis de Lafayette Hotel offers the finest ocean view accommodations in Cape May in your choice of smoke-free rooms and suites, including an All-American Breakfast-for-two each morning in the Victorian Garden Restaurant. You’ll enjoy the ocean and the beach, the heated pool (in-season), and the easy access to Victorian Cape May’s fine shops, museums, galleries, theaters, shopping, sights and attractions. An AAA-Approved lodging, the Marquis de Lafayette Hotel staff has one goal in their minds: to make your stay with them as pleasant and relaxing as possible. There are special packages available during the year subject to availability. Please ask about them when you call. For more information: (click here)

marquis de lafayette cape may nj

Andrews LTD

One of the very special stores on the Washington Street Mall in historic Victorian Cape May, New Jersey, is Andrews LTD. Shoppers discover antiques, collectibles for all ages, estate jewelry and more - extraordinary gifts for the special people in your life,  and a wide selection at reasonable prices. You'll see vintage toys dating from the 1930s and 1940s, beautiful decorative stain-glass panels, antique men’s watches, music CDs, hand-colored photographs by renowned artist Wallace Nuttings, and much more.

Open year round, Andrews LTD is a storehouse of very special gifts for  all your favorite people, as well as for colleagues at work, special events, birthdays, anniversaries and corporate gifts. You're sure to find hidden treasures waiting for you to discover on your next visit to Andrews LTD. If you've never been there before there's no better time than now to shop at Andrews LTD. For more information: (click here)

Andrew's LTD cape may nj

Atrium Inn

The Atrium Inn has 23 rooms or units. Come stay with us and enjoy our twenty-three brand new rooms in the Atlantic City area! Newly built in 2006, The Atrium sits in quiet natural surroundings. We offer our guests serenity, but with the convenience of being close to all of the action! Whether you are going on a family trip, or a romantic getaway, the Atrium Inn will be sure to please. We are eleven miles from the center of Atlantic City with a microwave and refrigerator in all our rooms. The Inn offers easy access to Garden State Parkway and the Atlantic City Expressway, as well as to the World Class Atlantic City casinos with gambling, headline entertainment, and fabulous restaurants. The Atrium Inn is near great golf courses, shopping, and close to beaches and the world famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. Our rooms are non-smoking, we have handicapped accessible and Jacuzzi suites, cable TV and HBO, in-room movies, guest laundry facilities, Free high-speed Internet access, and Free parking at the hotel. For more information: (click here)

atrium inn absecon nj galloway nj

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More GREAT VACATION Things To Do!

Historic Cold Spring Village

Nestled between Route 9 and Seashore Road (Route 626) three miles north of Cape May, New Jersey, this is a wonderful destination for families and friends that will take you back in time to the America of the 1800s. (click here)

atlantic city aquarium

Ocean City Arts Center

An independent, non-for-profit organization offering weekly classes in painting, drawing, pottery, sculpture, jewelry making, basket weaving, photography, classic ballet, tap, jazz and music lessons, Tai Chi, and meditation with qualified teachers. Open year round with many programs for children, teens and adults. (click here)


ocean city arts center

Abbey Bed and Breakfast Tour

Tour the fourteen rooms in two restored homes in the historic district of beautiful Victorian Cape, New Jersey. Built for a Pennsylvania coal baron, The Abbey is a wonderful example of life in the Victorian era. (click here)


the abbey bed and breakfast

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All content above is subject to change without notice, please check with the event organizers before making plans!