Spring is here! Wow, isn’t it great to look forward to the rebirth of the world at this time of year? We think so, and we’ve got BIG news in this issue of the Great Vacation newsletter about another way we can help you and your friends and family guarantee that your vacation will be a great one…but more about that in just a moment.

   April brings many changes to the world in our climate, and spring breezes and warmer temperatures make us all anticipate the warm days at the shore, and the sun, sand and surf that follow. This is a great time of year for weekend getaways and day trips, and you’ll find lots of information in this issue to help you plan a fun adventure in your favorite resort area. Check the “Great Vacation Things to Do” in this issue, as well as the entertainment line-ups in Atlantic City.

   See the favorite shore photos folks have been sending in, plus the photo galleries on our website, and also find out where to shop, stay, eat, and enjoy the spring “…down the shore.”

   Our BIG new thing is almost ready…but we’ve been sworn to secrecy. You’ll see more about this following this introduction, and you’ll find a lot more is this issue, as well, so email it to everyone you know. After all, as we always remind you: this newsletter is absolutely FREE, and it’s a great source of information to connect you to all sorts of things at the shore. We suspect that when our new “service” is announced you’ll want to email it to the world! Have a wonderful spring! Enjoy yourself even more with a little help from the Great Vacation newsletter!

April 2007

April 1: Event: Inspire Greatness in Atlantic City: an evening of dinner and dancing to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey. Information: 609-896-8000. www.sonj.org

April 1: Event: Fishing Flea Market: Convention Hall in Cape May, N.J. Information: 609-898-8848.       

April 1: Event: Annual Palm Sunday Egg Hunt in Seaside Heights, N.J. Information: 732-854-8000. www.seasideheightstourism.com

April 3,4,5, 6,11,12,13: Events: Family Habitat Hikes in various locations beginning at 11:00 a.m. sponsored by The Nature Center of Cape May, New Jersey. Information: 609-898-8848

April 5: Event: Community Health Screening, Wildwood, N.J.

April 6-7: Event: War at the Jersey Shore Wrestling, Wildwood, N.J.

April 6-8: Event: Half Price Ticket Sale at Funtown Pier in Seaside Heights, N.J. Information: 732-854-8000. www.seasideheightstourism.com

April 7: Event: The Gardens of Dr. West, Daffodils & Camelias, sponsored by The Nature Center of Cape May. 10:30 a.m. Information: 609-898-8848

April 7: Event: Woofin’ Paws Pet Fashion Show – 11:00 a.m. at Carey Stadium, 6^th Street off boardwalk, Ocean City, N.J. Information: 609-525-9300.

 April 7: Event: Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. 9:00 a.m. – Noon at The Chatterbox, 9^th & Central, Ocean City, N.J., sponsored by Retail Merchants Association.

April 7: Event: The Great Egg Hunt: 2:30 p.m. 11^th Street to 14^th Street beaches in Ocean City, N.J. Five (5) age groups, 20,000 eggs, 2,000 prizes. Information: 609-399-1412.

April 7: Event: Elks Annual Raster Egg Hunt, Wildwood, N.J.

April 7: Event: Greater Wildwood Jaycees Easter Egg Hunt, Wildwood, N.J.

April 8: Event: Easter Fashion Stroll, Washington Street Mall, Cape May, 1:00 p.m. Information: 609-884-9565. 

April 8: Event: Easter Fashion Promenade: 1:00 p.m. at The Music Pier, Boardwalk & Moorlyn Terrace, Ocean City, N.J. Wear your Best Easter fashions and meet the Easter Bunny. Information: 609-525-9300.

April 8: Event: Easter Opening Day Celebration: Wildwood, N.J.

April 8: Event: Easter Sunday Egg Hunt & Cotton Candy Eating Contest, Wildwood, N.J.

April 8: Event: Resurrection “Son” Rise Service, Wildwood, N.J.

April 8: Event: Annual Easter Promenade in Seaside Heights. Information: 732-854-8000. www.seasideheightstourism.com

April 10-12: Event: Wildwood Wholesale Gift Show.

April 14: Event: 14^th Annual Spring Craft Show: Convention Hall, Cape May, N.J. 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Information: 609-884-9565

April 14: Doo Wop Duathlon and Wildwood Duathlon Awards Breakfast.

April 15: Beast of the East Cheerleading Championship: Wildwood, N.J.

April 20-22: Event: Cape May Jazz Festival Information: 609-884-7277.

April 21: Event: Kids Can Grow Container Gardens, Nature Center of Cape May, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Information: 609-898-8848.

April 21: Event: Dune Grass Planting, Avalon, New Jersey. Information: 609-967-3066.

April 21: Event: Annual Doo Dah Parade with over 500 Basset Hounds beginning at Noon on Asbury Avenue between 6^th and 12^th  Streets,  and then up to the Boardwalk ending at the Music Pier in Ocean City, N.J.
Information: 609-525-9300

April 27: Event: Natural Habitats Trolley Tour, Nature Center of Cape May. 3:00 p.m. Information: 609-898-8848.

April 25: Event: Business at the Beach Expo, Wildwood, N.J.

April 25: Event: Moscow International Circus: Wildwood, N.J.

April 27-29: Event: Sensational 60’s Weekend: Wildwood, N.J.

April 28: Event: Doo Wop Museum Grand Opening, Wildwood, N.J.

April 28: Event: Children’s Garden Dedication: Nature Center of Cape May. 1:00 p.m.
Information: 609-898-8848.

April 28: Event: Performing Arts Spring Show, Avalon, New Jersey.

April 28-29: Event: Ocean City, New Jersey’s Citywide Yard Sale (Saturday only) At Tabernacle; Boardwalk Table Sales (both Saturday and Sunday) Information: 609-398-4662.

April 28-29: Event: Cape May Home & Garden Show: Convention Hall, Cape May. Information: 609-884-5508.

April 29-29: Event: Secret Garden Tours in Cape May, N.J. Information: 609-884-5508

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)

John Wesley Inn
An all-American classic just a half block from the beach, the John Wesley Inn is one of the original Stockton Row Cottages dating to 1869. (click here)

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)

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

The Mission Inn
“Extraordinary!” “Absolutely enchanting!” “Reminds you of the California missions.” “Each guest room is charming and unique!” There is nothing in Cape May quite like The Mission Inn. (Click here)

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

Brown’s Nostalgia
Brown’s Nostalgia Bed and Breakfast, a 1900’s inn in the center of Ocean City, N.J., within walking distance of the beach and boardwalk. (click here)

Charleston Bed & Breakfast Inn
Designed for year-round getaways, the Charleston Bed and Breakfast Inn is hospitality at its best. (click here)

Inn the Gardens Bed and Breakfast
Celebrations, getaways, retreats, reunions – they all begin in this charming bed and breakfast. Open year round.
(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)

Plymouth Inn
An 1898 seashore inn that has been authentically restored and elegantly furnished, this is a lovely retreat away from the world, but only a block from the beach and the boardwalk. (click here)

Budget Inn
Open year round, the Budget Inn Motel and suites offer you wonderful hospitality and service at reasonable rates in Somers Point. (click here)

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

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

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

Risley House
Victorian flair. Awake to the aroma of fresh coffee and home-baked muffins, and enjoy your newspaper in a high backed rocker on the veranda. (click here)

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

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

Aztec Resort Motel
This is a great place to stay for all the events year round, and it’s two blocks from the boardwalk and a block from the beach. (click here)

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

Bella Vida
Bella Vida Café’ on “Broadway” (406 North Broadway, West Cape May, New Jersey) begins with breakfast, presents lunch, and ends with dinner. Their homemade soups & quiches, made daily, are the talk of the town. (click here)

The Cape Orient Oriental Restaurant
This is Historic Cape May’s only oriental restaurant open from 11:30 a.m. for lunch and dinner daily. Cantonese and Szechuan favorites, plus Sushi and Sashimi. (click here)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Carli’s Country Connection

When someone does something very well it’s only logical that its goodness multiplies. That’s why there are two locations for Carli’s Country Connection:

   When it comes to restaurants, a restaurant becomes a “tradition” for patrons because of three factors: excellent food, reasonable prices and the passage of time.

   Uncle Bill’s Pancake House, 261 Beach Avenue and Perry Street, Cape May, N.J. has become a tradition for all the right reasons. All of their delicious food is prepared fresh daily, your coffee cup doesn’t stay empty for very long, and the service is outstanding.

   Uncle Bill’s offers twenty (20) different kinds of pancakes, just as many different kinds of waffles (and all the eggs and “sides” you would expect), and they serve breakfast all day long! In fact, they open at 6:30 a.m. for the early risers, and serve breakfast until closing at 2:00 p.m. We should mention that they also have a super lunch menu, as well.

   Uncle Bill’s Pancake House in lovely, historic, Victorian Cape May, New Jersey has another feature that adds even more to their attractive, comfortable atmosphere: their view of the ocean right across the way.

   Get your day off to a great beginning, and be sure your lunch time is as close to perfection as possible:  Uncle Bill’s Pancake House, Cape May, New Jersey. Make it part of your tradition, too. Open daily March through December. For more information: (click here)

May/June 07

Marie Natale, an annually featured artist in the Chalfonte Hotel’s Magnolia Room joins forces with her nephew, Mark, kicking off the 2007 summer season. Marie has a long history of using watercolor to document New Jersey’s Shore communities especially the Cape May area. Mark Natale has just returned to New Jersey after five years in Savannah, GA, another historic East Coast community; he has spent the past five years using oil paintings to document the landscape and architecture of Savannah and its surrounding coastal communities. Both artists have been inspired by communities along the East Coast and the exhibition will feature the similarities and differences between Georgia’s and New Jersey’s coastal communities. This connection is especially significant for the Chalfonte hotel considering its historic Cape May location and the Magnolia Room’s focus on Southern Hospitality and cuisine.

Let Them Entertain You…….

Box Office Telephone Numbers:

Atlantic City Hilton (609) 340-7160

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

Boardwalk Hall (800) 736-1420 (TicketMaster)

Borgata (609) 317-1000

Caesar’s (800) 677-SHOW (7469)

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

Harrah’s (800) 2HARRAH (242-7724)

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

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

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

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

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

Trump Plaza (800) 759-8786

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

TicketMaster

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