…And a happy April 15th to you! We hope it’s not too “taxing!” Booo! Hisss! Sorry. We didn’t mean to remind you of something unpleasant, but April 15^th means we’re closer to the sunny days and balmy nights of vacation time, and Great Vacation newsletter is here to help you prepare for it with places to stay and dine, things to see and do, plus the unveiling of our BIG SECRET! (It’s not a secret any longer!)

   You’ll read about it following this introduction. We have a fantastic way to bring vacation property owners and vacationers together, and a tremendous amount of good work has gone into its creation. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished because there really isn’t anything like it elsewhere – for reasons we won’t go into because it involves a lot of proprietary work and innovation.

   So, now you’ll have another fine reason to email this newsletter to everyone you know – far and near – because our new service is going to benefit everybody no matter where they live. Remember, Great Vacation newsletter is FREE to you and everyone else. We’re here all year long to bring you information you can actually use, and THAT IS THE POINT – to make your vacation a Great Vacation!

   As time passes Great Vacation’s online presence is going to make a real difference for folks in where they go, how they discover what there is to see and do, where they’ll choose to stay on their vacations and getaways, and on all the fun things they’ll choose to do with family and friends. To use the phrase that is becoming synonymous with the words “Great Vacation,” we are “…your direct connection!”

   So, our BIG SECRET is out! Thank you again for your readership and support. Share us with a friend. Email us to everybody you know. Help spread the word. There is a brand new member of our family: GreatVacationPropertyRentals.com, and we’re looking forward to being “…your direct connection!”

Your attention please, Vacation Rental Property Owners!
A brand new (and very different) Vacation Property Rental System has arrived just in time for the 2007 season!

Event: Join the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey for the 4th Annual Make-A-Wish Weekend on Thursday and Friday, May 3^rd and 4^th, 2007 in Cape May County! The weekend consists of two incredible events.

Thursday evening, May 3, 2007 “Garden State Dredging Celebrity Bartender Night” will be held at Menz Restaurant, 985 Route 47 South, Rio Grande, N.J. (609-886-9500)

Friday, May 4, 2007, the Make-A-Wish Golf Outing will take place at the Cape May Par 3 and Driving Range, next to Menz’s Restaurant off Fulling Mill Road. (609-889-2600). Year after year this has been a sold out event with 200+ golfers.

Times: Thursday, May 3, 2007 at 5:00 PM at Menz Restaurant.

Friday, May 4, 2007- 12:00PM and 4:00 PM start times at Cape May Par 3 and Driving Range.

Contact: Stacy Redelheim sredelheim@wishnj.org 908-964-5055

Bayshore Discovery Project, Inc.
2800 High Street (Bivalve); Port Norris, NJ 08349
www.bayshorediscovery.org

AJ MEERWALD VISITS BURLINGTON APRIL 20 THROUGH APRIL 29, 2007
WHAT:  Education Sails, Public Sails, Oysters Overboard! event, FREE Onboard Open House
WHEN:   Wednesday April 20 through Sunday April 29, 2007
WHERE:  City of Burlington Riverfront Promenade, near the Oneida Boat Club

Burlington, NJ—New Jersey's official Tall Ship, the authentically restored oyster schooner AJ MEERWALD offers Burlington-area residents a full schedule of programs and activities, including:

FREE Onboard Open House on Friday April 20 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm – Tour the deck and meet the AJ MEERWALD’s captain and crew. No reservations required.

Public Sails include Morning Sails (10:00am – 12:00pm); Afternoon Sails (1:00pm – 3:00pm); and Evening Sails (5:30pm – 7:30pm). There are also Special Sails including a Pirate Lore Sail on April 21, Music Sail on Earth Day April 22, Red Hat Sail on April 28, and a Family Special on April 29.

For ticket prices and more information, call 856-785-2060 ext. 100.

The AJ MEERWALD will participate in the third annual Oysters Overboard! event on Friday April 27, 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Tickets are $25 each. This special evening on the Riverfront is for adults only and features live music, oyster bar, hors d’oeuvres, oyster stew, wine, prize drawings, and more. For more information and to buy tickets
call 609-387-4528 ext. 2111.
During the week of April 23, several Burlington-area school groups will come aboard the AJ MEERWALD for three-hour Education Sails that focus on New Jersey’s environmental resources and maritime history.  

The Schooner AJ MEERWALD is owned and operated by the Bayshore Discovery Project (BDP) a non-profit 501(c)(3) education organization, serving more than 50,000 children and adults annually. BDP'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. BDP received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

April 2007

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)

Capri Motor Lodge
Located on the beach, Capri Motor Lodge offers your choice of efficiencies and suites, plus off-street parking. Open April through December. (click here)

Montreal Inn
Located on the oceanfront in Cape May at Madison Avenue. Seventy (70) units, most rooms with a private balcony or patio. (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)

Sea Crest Inn
Where do you go for a great vacation or a weekend at the shore? It’s time you checked out Cape May’s Luxury Oceanfront Suites at Sea Crest Inn. It’s the place to go for access to all Historic Cape May has to offer. (click here)

Victorian Motel
Excellent service and warm hospitality await you at the best location in town – close to the promenade, the beach, restaurants and shops that make Cape May the perfect getaway.(click here)

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

Beach Club Hotel
On the boardwalk overlooking the Atlantic, where you’re welcomed with warmth and style. (click here)

Harris House Hotel
Located at 12^th Street and Ocean Avenue in Ocean City, N.J. (click here)

Impala Island Inn
In America’s greatest family resort, this is an island of tranquility and a memorable place for the perfect vacation or getaway. (click here)

Pavilion Motor Lodge
This is a beautiful location without streets to cross to get to the beach and the water and a family friendly atmosphere. The perfect place to stay. (click here)

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

The Flanders Hotel
Tradition, substance, beauty – words that apply to The Flanders Hotel, the finest Grand Hotel in southern New Jersey, located at 719 E. 11^th Street, Ocean City, New Jersey. (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!

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)

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)

Cabanas on the Beach
Great fun, great food, great drinks, great times – they all begin at Cabanas on the Beach, the year-round place to go in Victorian Cape May, New Jersey. Cabanas, where the focus is on you! (click here)

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)

Szechwan Garden
Family-owned and operated, offering wonderfully delicious, healthy food in a friendly, comfortable atmosphere in Ocean City since 1981. (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)

The Mad Batter

   When it comes to absolutely delicious food there is a very special restaurant in historic Victorian Cape May that shines as an example of what may be accomplished when people really know what they’re doing – and do it very well!

   If you haven’t been there, you simply haven’t been to one of the best restaurants on the New Jersey coast:  The Mad Batter at the historic Carroll Villa Hotel in Cape May, a unique dining experience for your family and friends.

   Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Mad Batter features a Happy Hour daily from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., and their Early Bird special Sunday through Thursday when you can buy one entrée and receive your second entrée at half price, and my oh my, what entrees they are!

   The Mad Batter literally serves dining patrons from one end to the other – from the front porch under their yellow striped awning, to the lovely dining room, to the garden terrace at the rear of the building. The menus are wonderfully eclectic, from fruits bowls, cereals, pancakes, eggs, omelets and much more at breakfast, through soups, salads and marvelous entrees at lunch, to the culmination of appetizers, incredible salads and dinner entrees that range from the wonderful to the spectacular.

   The Mad Batter restaurant at the Carroll Villa Hotel in Cape May. In two words: “Absolutely delicious!” For much more: (click here)

   This is a fabulous boutique for young women with a full line of clothing, shoes and accessories that are trendy and ahead-of-the-curve in fashion. Shoppers will discover brands such as Dollhouse, Free People, Frankie B, Hot Kiss and many more, plus one-of-a-kind handbags found exclusively at Lula the Boutique.

   Shopping, after all, should never be dull, and shopping at Lula the Boutique is anything but boring. Browse as long you want. You’ll find that their selections are outstanding, their variety is vast, and their service is smooth and efficient.

Lula the Boutique is a fashion statement to the world of young women, and that statement is “Wow!” Lula the Boutique, 4805 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, New Jersey. For more information: (click here).

Cape May National Wildlife Refuge

WHAT: The Delaware Bay Days Photography Contest, “Scenes of the Bay”, is now accepting entries.
WHEN: Deadline for entries is Friday May 25, 2007. Mailed entries must be postmarked by this date.
WHERE: Entries can be delivered to Bayshore Discovery Project; 2800 High Street (Bivalve); Port Norris, NJ 08349
WHY: To involve the public in the arts activities of the annual Delaware Bay Days Festival.
COST: Entry fee is $5.00 per 3 print entry. Limit 6 prints per person.

The “Scenes of the Bay” Photography Contest is part of the annual Delaware Bay Days Festival that celebrates the Bay’s maritime history and outstanding natural resources.

All entries must depict an aspect of life in New Jersey’s Delaware Bayshore Region. Suggested subject areas include: Resources, Landscapes, Towns & Villages, Wildlife, Nature, Local Life. Entries must be 8”x10” or 8”x12” and mounted on foamcore or mat board.

Entry forms can be downloaded from www.bayshorediscovery.org  or call 856-785-2060; extension 108 to have one mailed to you.

All entries are subjected to jury review and judging is restricted to approved entries only. Approved entries are judged on subject matter, composition and technical excellence by a team of professional photographers. ALL entries will be exhibited during the Delaware Bay Days Festival on Saturday June 9 and Sunday June 10, 2007.

Prizes: Grand Prize $100 cash; First, Second, Third Place and Honorable Mentions receive gift certificates for photographic services at area camera shops. Prizes will be presented at the Delaware Bay Days Festival on Saturday June 9th. All winners will be notified during the week prior to the Festival. Winners need not be present to receive an award.

Bay Days is a FREE two-day family-oriented event beginning on Saturday June 9 with an old-fashioned Street Parade in Port Norris at 11:00am. Spectacular Fireworks are scheduled on Saturday evening, weather permitting. Festival hours on Sunday are 12:00 Noon to 5:00 pm. There is FREE parking at designated areas on Main Street (Route 553) in Port Norris and FREE air-conditioned shuttles to the festival sites.

Visitors who have special needs and require special parking arrangements and/or wheelchair accessible seating, please call 856-785-2060 x112 two weeks prior to the event.

The Bayshore Discovery Project (BDP) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) education organization, serving more than 50,000 children and adults annually.  BDP'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.

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