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Edition 10, Volume 1
November 15, 2006
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Welcome to our Newsletter...
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The days fly by at warp speed. November is half over and Thanksgiving is almost here. Can the holidays be far behind? No, they’ll be here quickly. The activity at the shore slows as people gear up for all that goes on at this time of year. “Black Friday,” (the day after Thanksgiving) is one of the biggest shopping days of the year, and merchants are prepared to serve the crowds.
The Great Vacation newsletter is here to remind you once again of what’s going on, things to see and do, activities, entertainers who will be appearing, featured businesses, another article about still another boardwalk (Asbury Park), and you’ll discover another artist whose work we urge you to see.
We thank you for your interest, and, as usual, ask you to send the newsletter onto your friends. We’re here all year round, and there is a lot to check out here, on our website, and in our magazines. Your thoughts may be focused on gifts and wrapping paper, parties and gatherings, and all the fun things associated with the year’s end, but we’re busily preparing so many, many things to write about that our collective heads are filled to the brim and running over with things you’ll learn about in future issues.
Our focus is simple in one sense: We exist to make your leisure time – whether it’s a day trip, a week, or a season – truly a Great Vacation, a respite from the stress of work and responsibility. For that reason, we strive to be as interactive as we can and urge you to let us know about things we may miss: a great place to stay, a fantastic restaurant, a dynamite concert, a fabulous attraction you visited, or whatever you want to share with us and others about where you go and what you enjoy. Let us know. Stay in touch.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, we sincerely hope you and your family have some wonderful things to be thankful for this year. We’re thankful for you, our readers, and we’re very happy about the warm reception you’ve given us. This is the tenth issue of our Great Vacation newsletter, a minor milestone admittedly in the grand scheme of things, but we mark the event as important as we continue moving ahead to bring you as much good information as possible.
So, Happy Thanksgiving and full speed ahead!
Sincerely,
-The Editors
Search Our Site Now
Visit our blog "ROAR AT THE SHORE"
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Pictures…We Get Pictures
Actually, we’ve GOT pictures on our main website: just click here and you’re invited to check them out. 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. In fact, we’d love to share your favorite photos from “…down the shore.” Check out the details in this issue. Eventually we’ll have as many shore “shots” as possible so when the leaves fall, the cool winds blow, and thoughts turn to spring and summer while we push up our thermostats and dream of warm, balmy days again, we can then go to www.GreatVacationGuide.com and do a little dreaming ourselves.
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Photo Contest
YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE! Send us a copy of your favorite photo from “…down the shore.” We’ll be choosing the best entries to feature in our Great Vacation newsletters. Include your name, address and phone number so we can properly identify your photo if it’s featured. At the end of the year 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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The Great Holiday Cookie Caper
Ah, the holidays, when your thoughts turn to (with an apology to Sesame Street) Cookies! “Yes, want cookie…now!” Actually, you probably get enough unwanted “cookies” already on your computer, but we’re speaking of the Great Vacation Holiday Cookie Caper. Please share your favorite Holiday Cookie Recipe with us, or, if you make some other delicious food at this time of year, share that recipe with us. Go to our blog and write your recipe. Include your name, address and the telephone number you prefer to be contacted at. (Some folks can’t be called at work) We’ll choose the winners and publish their recipes in the December 15th issue, along with their initials. (We’ll identify winners only by their initials – no names and addresses in order to protect their privacy) So send us your recipes today. “Need cookie…NOW!”
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Please visit our advertisers while visiting the Jersey Shore!
They will help you have a GREAT VACATION!
You won't be dissappointed!
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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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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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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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Beauclaires
A wonderful Victorian-style bed and breakfast inn located in the heart of the historic district. Romantic guest rooms decorated with period antiques. Open all year. (click here)
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Bedford Inn
A cozy fireplace, Victorian parlor, airy verandas, afternoon tea – simple a lovely place to stay. Open year round.
(click here)
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Camelot Motel
A great location overlooking the ocean with luxurious accommodations, including deluxe motel rooms, two-room efficiency suites, and one and two-bedroom apartments. Open year round. (click here)
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Fairthorne
The Fairthorne bed & breakfast & Cottage in the heart of the historic district was constructed by a whaling captain in 1892. Today, it is an inviting Colonial Revival-style inn awaiting your welcomed arrival. (click here)
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Humphrey Hughes House
Nestled in the historic district’s heart, authentically restored to its 1903 luxury, the hospitality and warmth flow freely in this lovely home. (click here)
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Inn of Cape May
The grand, gracious Victorian retreat for visitors for 110 years, it is Victorian splendor in every sense of the word. (click here)
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Leith Hall Inn
A hearty Victorian breakfast, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and home baked breads – this is just the beginning of your day at the wonderful inn. (click here)
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Manor House
Located in a quiet residential neighborhood, this bed & breakfast is set on Hughes Street, thought by many to be the loveliest street in Cape May, and a short walk to the restaurants and other attractions. (click here)
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Saltwood House
Named after the Thomas a Becket’s castle on the coat of Kent near Canterbury, England, this gracious Victorian home was built for local real estate magnate Charles Campbell and his family in 1906. (click here)
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The Mooring
Designed to accommodate the fashionable Victorian on seaside holiday, The Mooring is an enchanting place within a short walk to the beach, restaurants and shops. (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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Beach Club Hotel
On the boardwalk overlooking the Atlantic, where you’re welcomed with warmth and style. (click here)
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Beach Club Suites
Well-appointed one-bedroom apartments, European kitchens, with connecting suites available. Close to the boardwalk and the beach. (click here)
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Harris House Hotel
Located at 12th Street and Ocean Avenue in Ocean City, N.J. Call them at 609-399-7800. (click here)
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Ocean Front Motel
Natural beauty, relaxing atmosphere, and one of the best beaches in North America. (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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Tahiti Inn
Ocean City’s place to stay – just 50 yards from the Boardwalk, the beach, and everything you’ll want to do.
(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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Dunes Motel
The Dunes Motel is just one block from the beach with three different types of units from which to choose.
(click here)
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Harbor Inn Motel
Harbor Inn Motel offers a variety of tastefully decorated and varied accommodations for your vacation getaway.
(click here)
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The Seaward Motel
Whether you’re seeking rest and relaxation, or access to active fun, this is the place to stay in Stone Harbor.
(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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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 Garde
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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Well, Don’t Just Stand There – It’s Time To Shop!!!
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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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Deal with the People Who Know Shore Real Estate and Rentals Best! |
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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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Coldwell Banker, Sol Needles Real Estate, Inc.
Over 100 years of serving (established in 1901) the Cape May area with the finest professional service in real estate. (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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Bayshore Discovery Project
Its mission is to protect the environment through a careful and thoughtful presentation of the history and the culture of New Jersey’s bayshore region through education, preservation and example. It also serves as the home to New Jersey’s Official Tall Ship, the 1928 schooner A.J. Meerwald, on the National Register of Historic Places.
(click here)
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Cape May-Lewes Ferry
There are a number of ways to travel from north to south and back again, but few are as enjoyable as a trip aboard the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, sailing between Cape May, New Jersey and Lewes, Delaware. The 17-mile, 80-minute voyage across Delaware Bay is a wonderful way to enjoy your day. Phone for information, schedules, details, reservations and tickets. Call toll-free: 800-643-3779, or log onto www.capemaylewesferry.com/
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Tuckerton Seaport
A recreated maritime village located along the Tuckerton Creek in historic Tuckerton, New Jersey, and a project of the Barnegat Bay Decoy and Baymen’s Museum, Inc., this is the place to discover the rich and colorful maritime history of Barnegat Bay. (click here)
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U.S. Coast Guard Base
The nation’s only Coast Guard Recruit Training facility, located at 1800 Pennsylvania Avenue in Cape May, New Jersey. Group tours may be arranged by calling the Public Affairs Officer at 609-898-6969. Come and see the special place where our nation trains the guardians
of the sea. (click here)
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This Newsletter's Featured Businesses
Sunset Beach at Cape May Point
Sunset Beach Gift Shop The Concrete Ship (Photo: Spirit Catcher Photography)
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What’s in a name? William Shakespeare had a lot to say about that when it comes to roses, but even the Bard of Avon might have a little difficulty in describing Sunset Beach because of the many, many things that go on there. If you haven’t visited, Sunset Beach is located at the tip of New Jersey in Historic Cape May.
To get there from Cape May and West Cape May drive down Lafayette Street to Broadway (Wilbraham Park) and you’re on Sunset Boulevard. Simply follow it to the end. Sunset Beach is home to great shopping for women, men and children, which, of course, is a very important during this holiday season. You’ll discover apparel for all age groups, home décor items, area collectibles, a wonderful garden shop, the largest selection of jewelry in Cape May, as well as the famous Cape May “diamonds.”
Cape May diamonds are pure quartz crystals that began their journey hundreds of miles up the Delaware River thousands of years ago. When they arrive at the mouth of the Delaware Bay they’re washed ashore at Sunset Beach. Native Americans used them for trade hundreds of years ago. Today they’re polished, set in precious and semi-precious metals, and make wonderful gifts.
You may assume that Sunset Beach got its name from the spectacular sunsets that occur there, and you would be right. Sunrise and sunset are both great times to be there. However, sunset is made even more meaningful by a 40+ year tradition that occurs each day at dusk: The evening flag ceremony. Utilizing flags provided by the families of deceased veterans who served this nation, as the sun sets and the music is played, it is a soul-stirring scene as visitors gaze in silence and respect for those who are making it, and have made it possible to live freely in America.
Sunset Beach is also the place to visit the concrete ship Atlantus. Constructed of concrete because of a critical shortage of steel in World War One, the ship was used as a coal steamer in New England before being towed to Cape May over 50 years ago. A storm caused the ship to founder, and today it’s just one more thing to see in the waters off Sunset Beach. Depending on the time of year you might see the dolphins who swim by in warm weather, and the millions of birds following a main migratory route north and south each year.
Sunset Beach is also in walking distance to the Lighthouse and State Park, has free parking, and is handicapped accessible. Click here for information. Sunset Beach is open all year long, and holiday time is a wonderful time to find real bargains for gift giving.
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Fiber Arts Yarn Shop
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Some places must be experienced. The Fiber Arts Yarn Shop is one of them. With two locations at 315 Ocean Street, Washington Commons in Cape May, and 541 Tilton Road in Northfield (across from Tilton Beauty Supply) you’ll discover natural fibers from around the world, exceptional yarns, as well as instruction and classes designed for both the novice and those who are experienced in the crafts of creating beautiful things through knitting and crocheting.
Once on their website you’ll be able to join their mailing list to receive the latest Fiber Arts specials. Their website features links to the many manufacturers represented in their list of vendors, and you can see colors, textures and much more as your browse among the selections available.
You may even want to join their online chat group to share knitting tips with others.
Fiber Arts Yarn Shop in open year round, and you can call them in Cape May at 609-898-8080, and in Northfield at 609-641-8878. Fiber Arts Yarn Shop is the one-stop choice for every thing to knit up a storm, or, at the very least, a beautiful sweater, scarf, hat or Throw. For much more information (click here)
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The Artist’s Corner
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Linda McAdams
As an artist, Linda McAdams takes reality – in her case, photographs – and adds her artistic genius to create images that hover between the world the camera sees and the fantasy that her mind creates. Ms. McAdams uses emulsion-altered and painted Polaroid images to achieve her end results.
A photograph is taken with a Polaroid bellows camera and then heated to soften and manipulate the image’s lines and blend its colors. The process removes some of the realism and replaces it with a painted quality. When appropriate to the subject matter, the artist may add color directly to the image using oil pastels or photographic oils. The result is called Painterly Photography.
Linda McAdams has traveled the world in search of marvelous photographs that she transforms into wonderful images, and her timeless Painterly Photographs have been created from our local region, as well as in Italy, Spain, the American southwest, resort areas and elsewhere.
Ms. McAdams lives in southern New Jersey, and if you are interested in seeing her work you can visit her website at www.lindamcadams.com If you want to purchase or license her images, you’ll find the information on her website. Simply go to her home page and click on “prices and frames.” Take some time to review her portfolio of work while you’re on the site.
You may also call toll-free to 1-800-272-2801,
or email her at linda@lindamcadams.com
Anyone who mentions “Great Vacation Guide” when making a purchase of her work from now until Christmas will receive a 15% discount off the prices posted on her main website. Delivery for Christmas is guaranteed on orders placed up to December 18, 2006.
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