New Jersey Vacation Information...Great Vacation Guide NJ... NJ vacation info, New Jersey Vacation Bi-Weekly Newsletter

Edition 15, Volume 3
August 1, 2008

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The Great Vacation Staff
“Making Vacations Great in 2008!”

Cape May Stage Hosts a Talk-Back with the cast of
“Private Lives”

   Have you ever wondered how those Cape May Stage actors memorize all their lines? Do they kiss 'for real' in the romantic scenes?
   On Tuesday August 5th, Cape May Stage, Cape May’s premier professional Equity theatre will host an up close and personal talk-back session with the cast of Noel Coward’s classic comedy Private Lives. All audience members are invited to stay for an informal gathering immediately following the performance where the cast will answer all your questions and listen to your comments.
   Hailed by the Newark Star Ledger as “…a production well worth attending,” Private Lives is directed by Michael Carleton, whose previous directing credits at Cape May Stage include Moonlight & Magnolias, The Price, Around the World in 80 Days, The Woman in Black, and Hyde, In the Shadows.
   The production stars Cape May favorites, Grace Gonglewski as the glamorous Amanda Prynne and Mark Rector as the sophisticated Elyot Chase. Rector, previously seen in Moonlight and Magnolias (2007), Around the World in 80 Days (2005), Hyde, in the Shadows (2004), returns for his eighth season to share the spotlight with Barrymore Award winner Grace Gonglewski. Ms. Gonglewski, the recipient of four Barrymore Awards, F. Otto Haas Award, and the Dorothy Haas Fellowship, has appeared most recently at Cape May Stage in Going to St. Ives (2007), The Guys (2005) and Park Your Car in Harvard Yard (2004). These Cape May favorites appear alongside New York-based actor Rob Maitner (previously seen in 2006’s The Big Bang) as Victor and newcomer and Orlando based-actress Kristin Collins in the role of Sybil.
   Playwright Noel Coward brings together two unsuspecting newlywed couples whom meet unexpectedly on the adjoining balconies of their honeymoon suites. Passions are rekindled and old wounds re-opened as they scratch and claw their way towards true love. “Anyone seeing Private Lives should have a grand time and the show should provide fodder for lots of scintillating conversation,” hails the Cape May Star and Wave.
“Private Lives” performances are Tuesdays thru Sundays at 8pm thru August 16th at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse of the Cape May Stage. Tickets are $35 adults, $25 seniors, and $12.50 students. Call (609) 884-1341 for reservations and information or (click here)
This production is generously sponsored by La Mer Beachfront Inn and co-sponsored by Capri Motor Lodge.

Karen Case Cook makes her East Lynne Theater Company Directing Debut
Artistic Director Gayle Stahlhuth of East Lynne Theater Company
interviews Director Karen Case Cook

     "When directing, I like to bring to light the heart of the story while creating a world enveloped in a sense of childlike play and wonder," said Karen Case Cook, sitting comfortably on the living couch as the storm blew wildly outside. "And I feel very fortunate to be directing "The Guardsman" and the world premiere of "Helpful Hints" for East Lynne Theater Company."
     Certainly not a good day for the beach, but a great time to grab a few moments with Karen for an interview.
Karen and I met while performing in "Two-Headed," a co-production between The Women's Theater Company (WTC) in Parsippany, NJ and East Lynne Theater Company, directed by WTC's artistic director Barbara Krajkowski, in 2006. Karen had previously performed the leading role in "Wit" for WTC, receiving rave reviews. I was thrilled when she was able to perform in "You and I" in 2007 and 2008, and agreed to direct Franz Molnar's comedy and Susan Tischler's witty world premiere.
     "I feel very fortunate to be directing for ELTC," she continued. "I am drawn to plays whose stories are heartfelt and inform the human experience. For me, theater is a communal experience – the give and take between actor and director in rehearsal and ultimately with the audience in performance."
     "From the moment I walked into The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May,” she continued, "I fell in love with the space—it felt so open and expansive. It's the first time I've directed in a church and I love that it is a functioning church - a place to gather. I see "The Guardsman" as a play about illusion vs. reality, which opens up many possibilities for set design, costumes, and how actors move in space. I'm having fun using this space in a very unexpected way."
     Theater was a part of Karen's background. Her great-aunt and uncle performed on Broadway before moving to Sharon, CT where they founded the Sharon Playhouse. Although she grew up in Connecticut, her mother took her to Broadway shows and played Broadway musical albums on the stereo.
     "I tried to move away from theater and earned a degree in bacteriology from Ohio Wesleyan, but my passion for theater won out," she said, when I asked her about her studies. "I trained as a director at T. Schreiber Studio in NYC, and directed several productions there. I've also directed for Theatre by the Blind, Oasis Theatre Company, and shows for the NYC International Fringe Festival, all in Manhattan, and Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey.
     Karen also directed several productions for Dave McCracken and DJM Productions, Inc., including a highly-acclaimed production of "Ghosts." Marvin Carlson, the leading Ibsen Scholar for the Ibsen Society of America, sited this production as one of the finest he'd ever seen. In the spring, she's directing the world premiere of "Macbeth in the Other Room" for DJM.
     Karen's talent for directing first caught my eye with The Phoenix Theatre Ensemble's production of "On the Verge" in NYC. I had seen the original production, and preferred Karen's take on the show. Having worked with Karen as a performer and seen her work as a director, I asked her which she preferred.
     "When I committed to acting as a career, I plunged into it, but ironically, was offered more work as a director, although I still wanted to continue acting. Now that I'm getting older, parts that I'm right for in plays are dwindling, and I'm finding that I'm very, very happy directing, and directing has become my prime focus."
     I asked her how she ended up directing in Beijing, China.
"I was invited by Joe Graves, the artistic director and founder of the Peking University Institute of World Theatre and Film, to direct an English-speaking version of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" with students at the university. It was a wonderful opportunity. I'd met Joe when I played opposite him in "Othello" at Arkansas Repertory Theatre, directed by Eve Adamson, the founder of the Jean Cocteau Repertory (JCR) in NYC."
    She further explained that she worked with JCR for only a year, but relationships were developed there that continue to this day. Two JCR members, Craig Smith and Elise Stone, founded The Phoenix Theatre Ensemble. Ironically Craig and Elise have been coming to Cape May for R&R for over ten years now, and have seen several ELTC productions.
     Ironically, too, Karen had been visiting Cape May before performing and directing here. A friend since third-grade had relatives who owned the Bonner House on Columbia Avenue, and she'd been coming down to stay at this house and visit friends for seven years before working at ELTC.
     "I was aware of East Lynne Theater Company," she commented, "and always hoped one day to work there, and here I am. I like being able to support actors, and to explore, and work together as we create the world of the play. It's been a joyful collaboration on all levels at ELTC, and I'm looking forward to having an audience so we can continue the experience of the play."
     I thanked Karen for her time, as the thunder continued to roll outside.
There are only sixteen performances of "The Guardsman," playing Wednesdays through Saturdays, August 6-30 at 8:30p.m., where ELTC is in residence at the First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes Street, in Cape May. Tickets are $25 general admission; $20 for seniors and those with disabilities and their support companions; and $10 for full-time students. Children ages 12 and under are always free.
There is an after-show opening night party on August 6 at Lucky Bones Backwater Grille, 1200 Route 9, where theater-lovers are invited to mingle with the cast and crew. The food is free, with a cash bar. For those who can't attend on opening night, but would still like to talk to the actors, there is an after-show discussion on Friday, August 8.
     On Friday, August 22, is an American Sign Language Interpretation.
The cast includes Mark Edward Lang, Alison J. Murphy, Edward Furs, Thomas Raniszewski, and Gayle Stahlhuth.
Meanwhile, there are only a few performances left of "Magic by Robert Aberdeen" playing through August 2.
      East Lynne Theater Company's season would not be possible without the support of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, The Cape May Freeholders' Fund administered by the Cape May County Division of Culture and Heritage, Curran Investment Management, La Mer Beachfront Inn, Aleathea's Restaurant, and the generosity of many patrons. ELTC also received funding this year through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.
    East Lynne's popular American short stories read on the porches of Cape May's lovely B&Bs and inns, 4:00p.m. on Thursdays, "Tales of the Victorians," continues, with a ticket price of only $7.00. Anyone age 12 and under is free, and children are welcome. The next few locations are: July 31: Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St; Aug. 7: Cliveden Inn, 709 Columbia Ave.; Aug. 14: The Chalfonte Hotel, 301 Howard St.; Aug. 21: Windward House, 24 Jackson St.; Aug. 28: The Fairthorne, 111 Ocean St., and Sept. 4: Victorian Lace Inn, 901 Stockton Ave.
     The Dinner-and-an-ELTC-Show-Combo is at the following restaurants: Aleathea's, Bloody Mary's Bar & Grill, 410 Bank Street, Frescos, The Mad Batter, Martini Beach, The Washington Inn, The Merion Inn, and the Church of the Advent. For an ELTC-B&B-And-A-Show, contact the Henry Sawyer Inn at 884-5667 and The Victorian Lace Inn at 884-1772.
     For information and reservations, contact ELTC at 884-5898, or (click here).

Great Vacation Things To Do

Dock Mike's Restaurants
1231 Route 109
Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone 1-609-884-2855

Dock Mike's Pancake House has over 30 years experience in making pancakes and still loves it! They have a super unique tasty menu that will make your mouth water with delight. They specialize in a wide variety of breakfast and lunch entrees and feature moderately priced, high quality food with generous portions in an attractive and comfortable atmosphere. Although Dock Mike's is famous for pancakes, french toast pockets, omelettes and other breakfast specialties, they are open for lunch and offer a selection of burgers, chicken, salads and traditional American sandwiches. Dock Mike's invites you to dine at one of our friendly locations. We have a diverse awesome selection for kids. Each entree is specifically made only for a child's taste buds. Not only is Dock Mike's Pancake house creating delicious sweet food for kids but their chefs have designed the food visually entertaining. Your children will truly enjoy their time at Dock Mike's.
3 Locations to serve you, Cape May, Rio Grand and Sea Isle City (click here)

The 9th Annual Cape May Amateur Sand Sculpting Contest
Friday August 8th 2008 at the 2nd Street Jetty & Cove Beach
From 9AM till 1PM
The categories for this years event are as follows

Sand Fleas: Up to age 8: 1 to 6 contestants
Sand Hoppers: 9 to 12 years: 1 to 6 contestants
Sand Tribes: Families/Groups Up to 6 adults unlimited children
Sans Shapers: 13 and up solo
Here's some other things you'll need to know!
1) Registration is free to all!
2) Registration begins at approximately 8:45 and will continue till 11:15 so you may arrive when you like but you will need to be a registered contestant to win.
3) You'll need to bring your own tools and equipment the day of the contest; We recomend a good shovel, some Can You Dig It Sand Tools, you're imagination and some muscle if you plan to build big! Don't forget a bucket or two to carry water. All we will provide on the day of the event is water, sand and the perfect scenario for a great day at the beach!
4) Judging begins at about 12:30 and winners are announced by 1:30PM.
5) Prizes are awarded to 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place in each of the categories listed above as well as one prize to the "Best On The Beach!" for the best sculpture of the day.
6) We believe beach tags are required but a call to Cape May Recreation for out-of-towners to double check may be worth it.
7) Accesorizing sculptures with things found at the beach or brought from home is allowed: but please take home decorations back home at the end of the day.
8) Coloring the sand is allowed, but only by mixing water with food coloring: NO PAINTS ARE ALLOWED!
9) For the ambitious sculptors, shoveling may begin at 8AM but ABSOLUTELY no sculpting can begin before 9AM! Any sculpting work started before 9AM will be 'erased' by event staff immediately before the start of the contest.

Sunset Beach
No visit to Historic Cape May, New Jersey is complete without a stop at Sunset Beach, located at the tip of New Jersey. When you’re there, be aware that the glories of nature, including sunrise and sunset, are only the beginning of what awaits you at this special spot. You’re not far from the State Park, the Lighthouse, shopping, sea birds, dolphins, the Concrete Ship and much more! (click here)

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse

Opened for duty on May 11, 1874, Hereford Inlet Lighthouse began service to 19^th century mariners to help keep them safe. Today, visitors enjoy the lighthouse, its gardens, and the gift shop. Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is listed on the national and state historic registers. For more information: (click here)

Great Vacation Guide / Successful Seasons Inc.
Copyright © 2008 All Rights reserved
info@greatvacationguide.com
All content above is subject to change without notice, please check with the event organizers before making plans!

Accommodations	Activities/Attractions	Atlantic City	Dining/ Gourmet Shops	Featured Businesses

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*Featured Businesses*

*Dock Mike's Restaurants* 1231 Route 109 Cape May, NJ 08204 Phone 1-609-884-2855 Dock Mike's Pancake House has over 30 years experience in making pancakes and still loves it! They have a super unique tasty menu that will make your mouth water with delight. They specialize in a wide variety of breakfast and lunch entrees and feature moderately priced, high quality food with generous portions in an attractive and comfortable atmosphere. Although Dock Mike's is famous for pancakes, french toast pockets, omelettes and other breakfast specialties, they are open for lunch and offer a selection of burgers, chicken, salads and traditional American sandwiches. Dock Mike's invites you to dine at one of our friendly locations. We have a diverse awesome selection for kids. Each entree is specifically made only for a child's taste buds. Not only is Dock Mike's Pancake house creating delicious sweet food for kids but their chefs have designed the food visually entertaining. Your children will truly enjoy their time at Dock Mike's. 3 Locations to serve you, Cape May, Rio Grand and Sea Isle City (click here)

*Green Cuisine* 302-96th Street Stone Harbor, NJ 08247 Phone 1-609-368-1616 Let's begin with the word Healthy! Add the words Delicious! and Fantastic! and Just plain good! Why, you must be at Green Cuisine, 302 96th Street in Stone Harbor, where folks go to participate in a healthy Stone Harbor tradition of naturally exotic crispy salads, gourmet sandwiches, tropical fresh fruit creations. Homemade soups, quiche, refreshing yogurt fruit smoothies, plus a children's menu, too! The Zagat surveys of 2001-2003 voted Green Cuisine "One of America's Best Meal Deals," and that means you've come to the right place. Perhaps you'll sample brie and avocado with green grapes and alfalfa sprouts on pumpernickel bread, or a veggie burger followed by a protein shake, or one of the other wonderful creations at Green Cuisine. They have the best yogurt shakes ever! It might be cholesterol-heaven elsewhere, but Green Cuisine is the alternative you've been searching for and it's delicious, too! (click here)

*Harpoon Henrys* Beach Drive and Browning North Cape May, NJ 08204 Phone 1-609-886-5529 How do you know you’re in the right place for great food and drinks? One big clue is that the locals can be found there. Locals know where to go, and the place to go in the Cape May area is Harpoon Henry’s. This is a slice of the Caribbean with the most fantastic sunsets anywhere! The water views, the outside cabana bar, two inside bars, palm trees, over 200 frozen drinks on the menu, and great food! It’s like going to the Florida Keys, but not paying for the airfare or dealing with airport check-in lines and long waits. Harpoon Henry’s is a tank of gas - or less - away from Washington, Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia and New York, and their menu is designed with good food at reasonable prices. Most entrees range from $10.00 to $21.00. They have specials every week, use transfat-free oil for cooking, and they’re known far and wide for Henry’s Fish Sandwich, warm crab & spinach dip, excellent wings that are marinated instead of fried, ribs, crab cakes & burgers, and much, much more. Harpoon Henry’s is open for lunch and dinner, they’re handicapped accessible, they have plenty of free parking, and, as we said, the locals go there. They go there for finger foods, seafood platters, sandwiches, entrée’ sized salads, delicious soups, Land Lover’s favorites, build-your-own burgers, sides, baskets, their kid’s menu and more! Oh yes, they have an absolutely huge sandbox for the kids to have fun in…so bring along their pails, shovels and toys. Join the locals at Harpoon Henry’s. The experience may very well make you want to become a local, too! For more information: (click here)

*Seagars* 261 96th Street Harbor Square Mall Unit 119 Stone Harbor, NJ Phone 1-609-368-0035 For those who like a good cigar, you’ll like Seagars, where you’ll find most major brands in their walk-in humidor. Smoking is allowed - in fact, it’s encouraged at Seagars. They also have specialty cigarette brands such as imports from Canada, Britain and elsewhere, including clove cigarettes. These specialty brands can’t be found in ordinary stores. Also featured are brands made from all natural tobacco without preservatives. For a truly unique experience at the shore, Seagars spotlights Hookah Nights on Tuesday nights beginning at 8:00 p.m., and lasting until the last customer leaves. Seagars offers customers the use of Egyptian six-hose hookahs (water pipes) and the customer’s choice of tobaccos to sample. For just $8.00 a customer can sample three bowls, or flavors of tobacco. A bowl typically lasts an hour to an hour-and-a-half. Seagars also hosts private hookah parties at the store, or at your location. Call for details. If you like pipes and pipe tobacco, Seagars is also the place to go. They feature Meerschaum pipes, as well as other brands and styles. Seagars is open from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p..m. on Sundays. For more information: (click here)

*Good Scents* 327 Carpenter's Lane Cape May, NJ 08204 Phone 1-609-884-9840 The temptation is there when you see the name, but if you have good sense, and we’re sure you do, then you’ll stop by and browse at Good Scents. Good Scents has scented and unscented candles, beeswax candles, votive candles, candle holders and all the candles you need to make your trip rewarding. Good Scents offers you jewelry in Sterling Silver and 24 karat gold, and name brand bath and body products and fragrances that are very much on everyone’s must-have list. Good Scents is headquarters for truly hard-to-find music including old jazz (traditional jazz), blues and world music. The stock at Good Scents is changed regularly, gift items are rotated throughout the year, and seasonally, as well, to bring you the good designs, values and affordable pricing that make GOOD SCENTS rewarding for repeat shoppers and first-time browsers. For more information: (click here)

*Oishii Sushi & Tea* 507 Ninth Street Ocean City, NJ 08226 Phone 1-609-391-8900 There is one word to describe Oishii Sushi and Tea, and that word is “Delicious!” Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, Oishii Sushi & Tea has combo platters featuring your choice of two sushi rolls and soup or salad for both lunch and dinner. Everything on their menu is delicious, and two customer favorites are the Spicy Tuna Roll and the Shrimp Tempura Roll. Oishii Sushi & Tea features Bubble Tea, Flavored Teas and Fruit Smoothies, and their teas are all brewed fresh daily. Oishii Sushi & Tea is open Sunday through Thursday from Noon to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from Noon until 10 p.m. They accept VISA and MasterCard. So, if you’re in Ocean City on vacation, a weekend getaway, or anytime of the year – and you love sushi and tea – the best place to go is Oishii Sushi & Tea. In a word: “Delicious!&rd For more information: (click here)


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Great Vacation Guide / Successful Seasons Inc. Copyright © 2008 All Rights reserved info@greatvacationguide.com All content above is subject to change without notice, please check with the event organizers before making plans!


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*More GREAT VACATION Things To Do!*

The 9th Annual Cape May Amateur Sand Sculpting Contest Friday August 8th 2008 at the 2nd Street Jetty & Cove Beach From 9AM till 1PM The categories for this years event are as follows Sand Fleas: Up to age 8: 1 to 6 contestants Sand Hoppers: 9 to 12 years: 1 to 6 contestants Sand Tribes: Families/Groups Up to 6 adults unlimited children Sans Shapers: 13 and up solo Here's some other things you'll need to know! 1) Registration is free to all! 2) Registration begins at approximately 8:45 and will continue till 11:15 so you may arrive when you like but you will need to be a registered contestant to win. 3) You'll need to bring your own tools and equipment the day of the contest; We recomend a good shovel, some Can You Dig It Sand Tools, you're imagination and some muscle if you plan to build big! Don't forget a bucket or two to carry water. All we will provide on the day of the event is water, sand and the perfect scenario for a great day at the beach! 4) Judging begins at about 12:30 and winners are announced by 1:30PM. 5) Prizes are awarded to 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place in each of the categories listed above as well as one prize to the "Best On The Beach!" for the best sculpture of the day. 6) We believe beach tags are required but a call to Cape May Recreation for out-of-towners to double check may be worth it. 7) Accesorizing sculptures with things found at the beach or brought from home is allowed: but please take home decorations back home at the end of the day. 8) Coloring the sand is allowed, but only by mixing water with food coloring: NO PAINTS ARE ALLOWED! 9) For the ambitious sculptors, shoveling may begin at 8AM but ABSOLUTELY no sculpting can begin before 9AM! Any sculpting work started before 9AM will be 'erased' by event staff immediately before the start of the contest.

Sunset Beach No visit to Historic Cape May, New Jersey is complete without a stop at Sunset Beach, located at the tip of New Jersey. When you’re there, be aware that the glories of nature, including sunrise and sunset, are only the beginning of what awaits you at this special spot. You’re not far from the State Park, the Lighthouse, shopping, sea birds, dolphins, the Concrete Ship and much more! (click here)

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Opened for duty on May 11, 1874, Hereford Inlet Lighthouse began service to 19^th century mariners to help keep them safe. Today, visitors enjoy the lighthouse, its gardens, and the gift shop. Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is listed on the national and state historic registers. For more information: (click here)