Greetings fun seekers! August is half gone (hard to believe) but that means there is still half of it left! (The old glass is half full or half empty thing.) That means there’s still time to have a lot of fun in the sun, on the sand and in the surf in your favorite spot “…down the shore!”

   Reports have it that it has been a great year so far, and since there is still time to get on out there and have a great time, what are you waiting for? Hmmm?

   Check out the photos in this issue sent in by our readers, the many things to do, all those places to stay, eat and visit, what’s happening in Atlantic City, where to shop, and the attractions that are waiting for you, your friends and family.

   Are we excited or what! You better believe it. Great Vacation is making BIG changes! You’ll read about them here in the coming weeks and months. We’re growing, expanding, moving into new areas – and the best part of it is that we’re doing it to be of better service to you, our readers.

   We’ll be covering new things, new places to stay, new restaurants, and many more fun things to do. Watch for them in the pages of Great Vacation newsletter – coming your way every two weeks: 24 issues a year!

   Remember, the links you find here will take you to places that have one objective in mind: to see to it that your vacation time, weekend time and day trips are the best they can be!

   As always, email this newsletter to everyone you know, as well as to perfect strangers! In fact, you know those emails you get where they urge you to email them to 10 more people, etc. Well, go ahead and do that! It’s FREE, and the information we provide will help everyone have a GREAT Vacation! Thanks for reading! We appreciate your continued support.

Special Nights for Seniors at Cape May Stage

   Cape May Stage, Cape May's renowned professional Equity theatre, is hosting a special evening of theater for all senior citizens.  On Friday, August 17th at 8PM, all seniors, 62 and over, are invited to attend the “Moonlight and Magnolias” performance at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse at Bank & Lafayette Streets in downtown Cape May at the discounted rate of $10 per ticket. ‘Senior Nights’ sell out very quickly, so reservations are a must!

   “Moonlight and Magnolias” is a side-splitting behind-the-scenes account of the collaboration between producer David O. Selznick (Scott Greer), director Victor Fleming (Jim FitzGerald) and screenwriter Ben Hecht (Mark Rector) as they crafted the script that became the classic, Gone With The Wind. Fleming and Selznick vividly bring to life each role in this legendary movie with lines that are all too familiar. As Hecht grapples with his conscience, he tries to turn a massive homage to The Old South into a socially conscious piece of art.  Egos and ideologies collide in this last-minute, beat-the clock, madcap comedy!

The final public performance of the current run is at 8pm on Saturday evening, August 18th.
Tickets are $28 adults, $20 seniors, and $10 students. Call (609) 884-1341 for reservations and information or visit the theatre’s web-site, www.capemaystage.com.

This production is generously sponsored by La Mer Beachfront Inn and co-sponsored by Homestead Real Estate Co., Inc. Founded in 1988, Cape May Stage is located in the heart of the historic district. The theater seats 110 people and is handicap accessible. The mission of the company is to present the best theater experience possible with an outstanding selection of plays, set designs, direction and professional equity actors. This is world-class theater in beautiful Victorian Cape May, New Jersey.

 2007 Cape May Stage Schedule (continuing)

 “Going to St. Ives” August 22 – September 22
The story of two impressive women brought together by personal need but divided by political reality. Both women are intent on accomplishing the greatest good. One is the mother of a monstrous sub-Saharan African dictator who is in need of the healing services of an English eye surgeon.

 “Turn of the Screw” September 26 – October 27
A young governess goes to a lonely English manor house to care for two recently orphaned children, but she is frightened and tormented by ghostly fiends who appear to want to destroy the children.

“Flying Solo Festival IV” October 31 – November 10
For the fourth year in a row the Flying Solo Festival features virtuoso performances, unsupported by elaborate sets and props – or other actors! It’s a tour-de-force featuring original one-person performances in American theater.

“The Annual Holiday Show” November 23 – December 30
You’ll see not one, but TWO shows – “Every Christmas Story Ever Told,” a wonderful romp through all the holiday traditions, and “This Wonderful Life,” based on the Frank Capra film classic. Two fantastic productions! Happy Holidays!

Cape May Stage: Ticket reservations and subscriptions: 609-884-1341. More Information: www.capemaystage.com

Avalon
August

18...Brendan Borek Movie Night: 7:00 p.m.
19...Brendan Borek Day Surfing Contest and Beef ‘n Beer
26...Historical Society Life Guard Ball: 8:00 p.m.

Cape May
August
     
      Jersey Fresh Farmer’s Market, every Tuesday,
      3:00 p.m. – Sunset at West Cape May Borough Hall 609-884-8382
      Youth Arts Summer Program, Ages 6-14, Mon-Fri 609-884-7525
      Aqua Trails Kayaking Nature Tours Daily – 11:00 a.m.
      Nature Center of Cape May 609-898-8848
July 4 - August 18...Moonlight and Magnolias, Cape May Stage 609-884-1341 www.capemaystage.com
July 1-Sept. 1...Lizzie Borden Live, East Lynne Theater Company 609-884-5898
11-12...30^th Promenade Craft Show, Boardwalk, 10-5 609-884-9565
16...Kiwanis Auction Night, Convention Hall, 7:00 p.m. 609-884-8888
16-19...Ladies Charity Billfish Tournament, South Jersey Marina 609-884-2400
19-24...“The Main Event” Mid-Atlantic Sport Fishing Tournament, South Jersey Marina 609-884-2400
27...Hotel & Guest Community Talent Show, “A Cape May

Ocean City
August               
     
    Ocean City Pops Orchestra has performances throughout the summer at the Music Pier – www.oceancitypops.org      or 609-525-9245.
     Every Tuesday through Labor Day:
     Funtastic Tuesdays: 10am - 1pm on Asbury Ave. Entertainment, Face Painters, Balloon Sculptors.
     Family Film & Fun Night: 7:15pm, Cornerstone, 2nd Floor of Staintons, 8th & Asbury Ave, $4 per person or max      $15 per family. For more information call 399-4662.
     Beach Walks: South End Location - 59th St & Central Ave (entrance to Corsons Park) 9am; North End Location -      OC/Longport Bridge Parking Lot (Gardens Parkway) 6:30pm. Tickets may be purchased on-site.
     Adults: $1.00, Children $0.50.
     Every Wednesday through Labor Day
     Beginning July 11th, Farmer's Market at the Tabernacle Grounds every Wednesday 8am-1pm.
     Beginning July 11th, Evenings on Asbury Ave. 5pm-8pm. Free family entertainment along the Avenue.
     Beach Walks: South End Location - 59th St & Central Ave (entrance to Corsons Park) 6:30pm; North End Location      - OC/Longport Bridge Parking Lot (Gardens Parkway) 9am. Tickets may be purchased on-site. Adults $1.00,       Children $0.50.
     Every Thursday through Labor Day
     Market Days, 10am-1pm, Asbury Avenue
     Family Nights, 8pm to 10pm on the Boardwalk.
     Beginning July 11th: Inn to Inn Tours. 2pm-4pm, pickup at 7th & Central Ave.
13 – 17 Weird Week: Wacky But Not Tacky, these events are fun for the entire                           family.  11:00am each day at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace.  Call 525-9300 for more information.
16...Twins Contest: 6:30pm at the Music Pier, prizes for those who look the most and least alike. For more information call 609-525-9304.

Sea Isle City
August

15...Just In Time (Rock N Roll), 7:30 PM
16...Family Night Dance Party, 7:30 PM
20...Tidal Wave Band (Beach Party Tunes), 7:30 PM
21...Movies Under The Stars, JFK & Pleasure, Dusk
22...Hawkins Road Country Band, 7:30 PM
23...Family Night Dance Party, 7:30 PM
27...Good Tymes Band (Oldies), 7:30 PM
28...Movies Under The Stars, 7:30 PM
29...String Band, 7:30 PM
30...Family Night Dance Party, 7:30 PM

Stone Harbor
August

15...Women’s Civic Club – Covered Dish Luncheon & Card Party Clubhouse – Noon.
17-18...Kid’s Art & Craft Classes – Dorothy Carroll Gifts
19...Merchant’s Day Sidewalk Sale – Downtown Stone Harbor 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
21...Family Night – Cunard Clowns 7:00 p.m. Firehouse parking lot. Bring a blanket.
24-25...Kid’s Art & Craft Classes – Dorothy Carroll Gifts
28...Family Night – Magic Show – Tom McDonnell 7:00 p.m. Firehouse parking lot. Bring a blanket.

The Wildwoods
August

15- on-going...College/Men’s Summer Basketball League
15 – on-going...Summer Basketball League
15-ongoing...Buckets by the Beach Basketball Camp
15...76ers K-2 Summer Basketball league
15...Beach Aerobics 
15...Gazebo Concert Series
15...Stringband Performances
15- 17  Touch Soccer Camp
16...Beach Yoga
16...Boardwalk Family Fun Nights
16...Doo Wop Back to the 50’s Tour
16...Lou Boothe Amphitheater Concerts
16...Wildwoods Baby Parade
17...Beach Aerobics
17...Fridays – Fireworks on the Beach
17-19...Sport Card, Comic Book and Toy Expo
18-19...69^th Greater Wildwood Yacht Club Regatta
18-19...Boardwalk Craft Show
18...Lou Boothe Amphitheater Concerts
19...Fox Park Amphitheater Concerts
20...Beach Aerobics
20...Captain Ocean’s Ecological Program
20...Crest Pier Summer Concert Series
20...Irish Pipe & Drum Brigades
20-22...Wildwood NJ Boardwalk Classic Car Auction
21...Beach Yoga
21...Doo Wop Back to the 50’s Tour
22...76ers K-2 Summer Basketball League
22...Beach Aerobics
22...Gazebo Concert Series
22...Stringband Performances
23...Beach Yoga
23...Boardwalk Family Fun Nights
23...Doo Wop Back to the 50’s Tour
23...Lou Boothe Amphitheater Concerts
24...Beach Aerobics
24...Fridays – Fireworks on the Beach
25...Beach Yoga
25...Lou Boothe Amphitheater Concerts
25...Tri-Du The Wildwoods
25-26...Boardwalk Craft Show
25-26...Wildwoods Classic Cup XXIII Hobie Cat Races
26...Fox Park Amphitheater Concert
26...The Cheetah Girls
26...Wildwood Block Party & Festival
27...Beach Aerobics
27...Captain Ocean’s Ecological Program
27...Crest Pier Summer Concert Series
27...Irish Pipe & Drum Brigades
28...Beach Yoga
28...Doo Wop Back to the 50’s Tour
29...Beach Aerobics
29...Gazebo Concert Series
29...String Band Performances
30...Beach Yoga
30...Boardwalk Family Fun Nights
30...Doo Wop Back to the 50’s Tour
30...Lou Boothe Amphitheater Concerts
31...Beach Aerobics
31...Fridays – Fireworks on the Beach
31...Labor Day Fireworks

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)

Mainstay Inn
The Mainstay Inn began life as an elegant pleasure palace for gentlemen back in the 19^th century call “The Clubhouse.” Today, it’s a wonderful Bed and Breakfast inn filled with museum quality pieces. (click here)

Pharo’s Inn
Pharo’s Inn is conveniently located in the heart of the historic district, and a short walk to the beach and the Washington Street Mall. (click here)

Summer Cottage Inn
You’ll enjoy a warm, friendly atmosphere and gracious hospitality in the historic district on a quiet tree-lined street just a block from the beach and the Victorian mall. (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)

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)

The Blue Water Inn
A turn-of-the-century hotel just two blocks from the beach and the boardwalk with comfortable accommodations for your next vacation. (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)

The Georgian Hotel
Just a block and a half from the beach and boardwalk, The Georgian Hotel offers old world charm, modern conveniences and affordable prices. (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)

Dunes Motel
The Dunes Motel is just one block from the beach with three different types of units from which to choose.
(click here)

Harbor Inn Motel
Harbor Inn Motel offers a variety of tastefully decorated and varied accommodations for your vacation getaway. (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)

Sun ‘N Sand Motel
A Stone Harbor tradition since 1952 – open year-round. (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)

Bloom’n Tulip
An Ocean City tradition since 1975 for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It’s bloomin’ great, mate! (click here)

Café Loren
Avalon’s first fine dining BYOB, offering an atmosphere of seashore elegance with a friendly, professional staff. (click here)

Donna’s Place
An award-winning seafood restaurant in Stone Harbor – plus an ice cream parlor, bakery, and fresh seafood and produce to take home! (click here)

The Mirage Bar & Grill
Good times begin with the contemporary cuisine served in the three dining rooms at The Mirage Bar & Grill in Avalon. (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)

   Wildwood Harley-Davidson, 127 W. Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood, New Jersey, has the complete Harley-Davidson line-up waiting for you, whether you've ever ridden a Harley-Davidson motorcycle or not. The expert, courteous staff will show you the entire line - and help you pick the perfect model.

   Wildwood Harley-Davidson is your headquarters for sales, service, parts, accessories, and apparel plus their fantastic rental program is ideal for a weekend getaway, or a mid-week ride. Ralph and Sonny, the rental agents, can set you up for a perfect weekend. A two-day rental - pick up anytime Friday and return anytime Sunday - is just $299.95 for all their rental bikes; a 3-day rental runs from anytime Friday to anytime on Monday, for $399.95, and a one-day midweek rental is just $149.95. (Just $99.00 for each additional day).

   All Wildwood Harley-Davidson rentals are current model motorcycles rigorously serviced and maintained to Harley-Davidson standards. With your rental you have the security of available 24-hour emergency roadside assistance, and raingear and helmet are provided with each rental. They also offer insurance. You must be 21 or older, have a valid driver's license, a valid credit card, and be able to handle and operate a heavyweight motorcycle. To reserve your Harley-Davidson, as well as for directions and other information, call 609-522-7151, or email info@wildwoodharley.com

   Don't miss the 14th annual "Roar to the Shore" motorcycle rally September 6th through September 9th, 2007, with local and national vendors onsite at Wildwood Harley-Davidson to show you all that's new! The festivities also include the annual Biker Bash at the Bolero with entertainment and surprises.

   Wildwood Harley-Davison has over 300 motorcycles available in their newly expanded showroom, plus the newest and hottest motorcycle apparel for summer and fall. Their summer hours run seven days a week for your convenience: Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Check out the new engine performance shop on your next visit.

   The fun starts at Wildwood Harley-Davidson. Whether you're cruising down-the-shore, taking a side road to take in the sights, heading to the beach, the boardwalk, or the bay, there's no better way to get there than on a Harley. Discover what real fun and freedom are all about.

   Coming up on September 30, 2007 be sure to come out for the 4th Annual Bikers for Paws and Claws. This event benefits The Beacon Animal Rescue. 100% of dollars and donations go to the aniamls. There will be a Poker Run from Wildwood Harley-Davidson to the Bolero Hotel for live music, food and giveaways! Also, coming in October, a very special "Ladies Garage Party"! Call or go online for more details. Wildwood Harley-Davidson - where traveling the roads becomes fun again!
(click here)

   The Inn of Cape May was built in 1894. Aleathea’s Restaurant and Porch Bar, the extraordinary facility noted for its marvelous American cuisine in the Inn of Cape May, was modernized in 1993, but it has kept its Old World charm.

   Patrons may have a cocktail or lunch in the full service bar, and the casually elegant dining experience at Aleathea’s in the Victorian dining room features wonderful appetizers, with such favorites as Crab Cake Duet with Smoky Pepper Sauce and Roasted Corn Relish, or you might try the Ahi Tune Nori Roll with pickled Dakon and Pea Sprouts – to savor the Asian influence of this delectable delight.

   The entrees are equally delicious: quality meats and the freshest seafood, USDA Choice steaks and chops, Aleathea’s has quite a line-up of favorites, including Soy Lacquered Cod with Oyster Mushrooms and Baby Bok Choy, or  a fresh 2 lbs. Maine Lobster Pan Roasted with Meyer Brown Butter.

   Aleathea’s also offers you pasta, grilled fish, chicken and more, and just when your marvelous meal appears to be over, out come the homemade desserts. It’s time you visited the Inn at Cape May, at the corner of Beach and Ocean, in Cape May and enjoy the extraordinary good and great drinks at Aleathea’s Restaurant and Porch Bar. (click here)

   From April  through October people who enjoy great food, drinks and good times with family and friends make it a point to go to The Mirage Bar & Grill (formerly The Mirage) in the Desert Sand Resort at 79^{th Street} and 3^rd Avenue in Avalon, New Jersey.

   Not only is the name new, but so is the menu with contemporary American cuisine featuring steaks, seafood, pasta, your favorite beverages and fantastic desserts. You can begin your day with breakfast at The Mirage Bar & Grill, take a mid-day break for lunch there, and end your day the perfect way with dinner-for-two, or dinner for the whole gang. Even then, the day’s not over because you can still stop by for a late night snack at The Mirage Bar & Grill in Avalon.

   You’ll find that the dining atmosphere is casually comfortable, and reservations are suggested so that you won’t be disappointed. (click here)

   The Mirage Bar & Grill located in the Desert Sand Resort in Avalon, New Jersey. It’s where great meals, drinks and good times begin every day. Visit them soon.

   Michaelina Marabella opened her first restaurant back in 1940 using family recipes that were passed along to Angelo Marabella, and so the tradition continued when he opened Marabella’s Family Restaurant at 95^th Street and 3^rd Avenue in Stone Harbor, New Jersey in 1972.

   Today, Marabella’s specializes in homemade Italian food that is very fresh, served in a very festive atmosphere, priced very reasonably, and it very Italian. Their fresh seafood dishes are prepared daily.

   You’ll fall in love with Nonnie’s homemade chicken soup, and their antipasti, pasta, penne pasta specials and chicken, veal, beef and seafood entrees are so good that people rave about them..and go back for more.

   Marabella’s Family Restaurant is open year round, and between Memorial Day and Labor Day each year they served breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. till noon, and dinner 7 nights a week: Monday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

   During the fall and winter seasons Marabella’s serves dinner beginning at 5:00 p.m., and they offer traditional Holiday Dining for your family prepared by their family. Marabella’s is also perfect for private parties, wedding rehearsal dinners, Christmas parties, and they do fantastic off site catering, as well.

   Here’s a very important note: Marabella’s Family Restaurant has a “Call ahead” policy. Call them at least 30 minutes before you arrive so they’ll be ready to serve you. Phone 609-368-5037. They accept VISA and MasterCard, and gift certificates are available. It’s BYOB at Marabella’s, so bring your favorite adult beverages and they’ll be glad to serve them for you. Marabella’s Family Restaurant:

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Let Them Entertain You…….

Box Office Telephone Numbers:

Atlantic City Hilton (609) 340-7160

Bally’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)

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

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