How is it possible that it is September? Where did the time go? Well, September is here and it brings some of the best beach days of the year. Schools start up again (Sorry kids!), and folks start thinking about fall activities, but September days on the beach can be absolutely fabulous. Summer doesn’t officially end until the second half of this month, and that means the water, the sunshine and the fun can be enjoyed with a few less people on the sand.

   When you check the Great Vacation things to do in this issue, plus the attractions, special events, places to stay, dine and have fun, you’ll admit that this is a very busy month with all kinds of things to do, so you won’t lack for activities and events. Don’t miss the featured businesses in this issue, or what’s going on in Atlantic City!

   Autumn is just around the corner, but the boardwalks and the beaches, the beach chairs and the umbrellas are still in play. If you like to bike, or walk, jog or run, this is a great month to get outside and enjoy the air.

   Check out the photo galleries on our main website, and if you have some photos you’d like to share see the details coming up. For a whole host of ideas of where to have a great time go to www.GreatVacationGuide.com and check out your options. While you’re on our main website click on the word “Newsletter” on the homepage and see the past issues of this newsletter.  For great ideas about where to stay you can go to GreatVacationShoreRentals.com and find the perfect place in the best spot for your family, friends and you for your next vacation or weekend getaway.

   Great Vacation is growing – again. Watch in the coming weeks and months for all the new things that are developing. Please email this newsletter to everyone you know – and to perfect strangers, as well. It’s FREE, and it helps folks learn about the great things they can do throughout the area. Thanks again for being part of the Great Vacation family. If you have suggestions about things you would like to see in this newsletter, please let us know! Now, enjoy the weather and your time outdoors! It’s a great time to spend a day at the beach!

 “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: (click here)

Avalon
September
1...Event: Avalon Recreation Antique Show: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
1...Event: Tim Kerr 7 Mile Island Run: Registration Noon – 5 p.m. Blind Home – 26^th Street
2...Event: Tim Kerr 7 Mile Island Run: 8:00 a.m. – Noon
2...Event: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
9...Event: Fox Chase Cancer Walk: 8:30 a.m.
9...Event: Chamber of Commerce Street Faire: Downtown – 21^st Street 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
15...Event: Bay Atlantic String Quartet: Avalon Elementary School – 8 p.m.
15-16...Event: Wings & Water Festival, Wetlands Institute
22...Event: Garden Club House Tour
27...Event: Civic Club Card Party: Noon
29...Event: Avalon Performing Arts Council: Cabaret Night: 6 p.m.
30...Event: Knights of Columbus Bocce Tournament: 39^th Street – Noon

Cape May
September

1...Tomato Festival, West Cape May Borough Hall Parking Lot 609-884-8382
1-2...Summer Send-Off Craft Show, Boardwalk, 10-5 609-884-9565
8...Grandma’s Attic, Convention Hall, 10-5 609-884-9565
13-16...Fall Sidewalk Sale, Washington Street Mall & Square
15...Kids Art & Craft Show, 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., auction: 7:00 p.m., Convention Hall 609-886-6633    
15...Kiwanis Roast Beef Dinner, Clubhouse, Beach Avenue  609-884-8888
19-Thru Oct 13...“You and I” Wednesdays through Saturdays, East Lynne Theater  609-884-5898
22...24^th Annual Beachfront Run, Convention Hall, 9:00 a.m. 609-884-9565
28-30...Irish Ceili Dance Weekend, Convention Hall 301-933-2926
29...Oktoberfest, Chamber of Commerce  609-884-5508
TBA...8^th Annual Scholarship Gold Tournament 609-884-5508
TBA...Cape May Kiwanis Pet Parade, 11:00 a.m.,
Registration at 10:00 a.m. at Cape May Elementary School   609-884-8888

Ocean City
September

7 - 9...Street Rod Weekend: Features classic cars on display at the Sports & Civic Center, 6th St. off the Boardwalk
and on the Boardwalk.  For information call 609-525-9300.
22...Air Festival: Ocean City's Annual Air Festival at the Municipal Airport, 26th & Bay Ave.
For more information call 309-525-9223.
23...Cavalcade of Marching Bands: For more information call 398-4662
23...Corvette Show: on the Boardwalk from 6th – 10th St.
For more information call 609-457-0081.
28...Folk Festival by the Sea: Come and experience our 4th annual citywide yard sale
(Sat. only) plus two evenings of traditional folk music performances.  For more information call 60-399-2629.
29...Citywide Yard Sale: at Tabernacle (Sat. only), Boardwalk table sales (Sat. & Sun.), plus two evenings of traditional folk music performances. For more information call 609-398-4662.
29...Boardwalk Tables Sales: For more information call 398-4662.

Sea Isle City
September

1...Townsends Inlet Civic Center Annual Shell Party
14...Fall Family Festival Weekend – Dance Contest (Five age groups)
15...Fall Family Festival Weekend – Promenade Dance Party
15...Seaside Market
16...Sand Sculpting Contest
16...Fall Festival Family Weekend – Antique Auto Show & Parade

Stone Harbor
September

15...12^th Annual Nun’s Beach Surf Invitational. Villa Marie by the Sea: 111^th Street & Beach.
29-30...Local artists display their talents on the downtown streets of Stone Harbor.

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)

Elaine's Victorian Inn
One of Cape May’s premier attractions. Just two blocks from the beach and a block from the Washington Street Mall.
(click here)

Summer Station
Fully-equipped condos right across from the beach with a full kitchen, separate bedroom and daily maid service – the ideal home away from home. Open all year. (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)

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)

Homestead Hotel and Condominiums
A cozy European-style hotel with old world charm, friendly service, and convenient to everything you’ll want to do. (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)

Wild Dunes Inn
Imagination becomes reality when you stay at the Wild Dunes Inn in Ocean City, the ideal spot for all the events with special rates and packages. (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!

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)

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)

410 Bank Street
Your mind may tell you you’re in Historic Cape May, but the menu says New Orleans French & Seafood. Let the good times roll! (click here)

Frescoes
A seafood trattoria voted “best fine Italian Restaurant” in Cape May by the readers of New Jersey Monthly. Prepare for an incredible dining experience. (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)

   In 1930, as the United States was struggling to recover from the financial “crash” of the previous year, William J. Diller & Marshall M. Fisher confidently predicted the future growth of the Seven Mile Beach Island.  Fisher, a native of Cape May County with experience in local real estate and Diller, an experienced realtor from the Philadelphia area, joined forces to establish Diller & Fisher Real Estate.

   It was the beginning of the expansion and upgrading of single family residences in Stone Harbor and eventually, Avalon.  As success followed success, a building company was formed to be known as the Stone Ava Corporation.  Working with builders such as Weatherby and Lester Norbury, the new group developed the small cottage often and alternately referred to as “the Diller & Fisher House”, the “Studio Cottage” or the “Cape Cod”. 

   The one and one-half story structure was marked by its unique interior with a cathedral ceiling over the living room-dining area and a balcony at the half story level.  To keep the price low because of the economic conditions of the time, the interior walls were unfinished and could be completed or left as-is subject to the buyers desire—and wallet.  As the economy recovered this simple cottage expanded to include fully finished interiors, modern kitchens and baths and finally added bedrooms and appealing exteriors.  It pioneered the upgrading of all residences on the island.  True to the founders’ foresight, the company grew to be the premium real estate agency on the island.

   Service to its property owners motivated both staff and officers of the company and in the early years an Insurance Department was added.  It continues to provide property coverages today. 

   Over the years the business survived fires, storms and floods.  A fire in 1982, with remodeling of the office about 90% completed, resulted in the new building being erected at 9614 Third Avenue the long-time location of the business office.  It was the same year in which the corporation opened its Avalon Office in a building adjacent to what was then known as “The Rockin’ Chair”.  In 1985 the office was moved to a unit in a new building erected at 3101 Dune Drive where it continues today. 

   The growth and success of the business is evident in its expansion from one small office to two larger offices and an increased, full time staff from 5 agents and 6 clerical people to 20 professional agents and collectively, they represent 450 years of experience and 10 clerical personnel of which 7 are also licensed agents so as to assist the more active agents.

   With the physical expansion of the buildings, latest in technology, mass mailing, target mailing, print advertising, search engine key positioning, easy to use website, Diller & Fisher is the prime agency on the Seven Mile Beach Island and is open 7 days a week.  
Avalon Office (click here)               Stone Harbor Office (click here)

   It is sometimes difficult to make choices, particularly when the options are extraordinary and you simply don’t want to miss out on a superb dining experience. For that reason, we fully understand the dilemma you’re about to face: Choosing between 410 Bank Street and Frescos (next door at 412 Bank Street) in Cape May, N.J. The good news is that you can go to both, but not at the same time.

   Here are the reasons why you’ll became a “regular” at both of these extraordinary restaurants: First, 410 Bank Street in Cape May, New Jersey features New Orleans French & Seafood cuisine in a lovely historic 1840 carriage house, with a winding slate path though overhanging vines and tropical foliage leading to incredible dinners.

   As ceiling fans spin and the aromas of superb New Orleans cooking reach you, you see yourself seated in romantic old New Orleans, or perhaps in Key West or near the water in the Caribbean. Dining at 410 Bank Street is a romantic experience meant to be savored and never hurried. Your dinner, which you may enjoy in the candlelit verandah or in the canopied garden, involves delicious options: perhaps smoked, grilled and blackened steaks, Prime Rib, locally caught tuna and swordfish, and lobster and shellfish, with fabulous sauces, salads, and desserts. Featuring the acclaimed cuisine of Master Chef Henry Sing Cheng, 410 Bank Street was the 1^st Place Winner as the “Best Restaurant in Southern New Jersey” in New Jersey Monthly, and the New York Times has noted that “…people drive down to Cape May just to eat at 410 Bank Street.”  Reservations should be made by calling 609-884-2127.

   Now, as to Frescos, the Seafood Trattoria right next door at 412 Bank Street in Cape May,  New Jersey Monthly readers voted Frescos “Best Fine Italian Restaurant” and ZAGAT says of Frescos: “Divine, marvelous and creative!” while the New York Times writes rave reviews, as well.

   With cuisine inspired by the varied regions of Italy, diners delight in entrees of local fish and seafood prepared by award-winning chef Cotton Raph, with grilled Tuscan garlic bread and chilled melon soup leading to shrimp, lobster, crab, seafood, sauces and incredible desserts.

   The food at Frescos is amazing, and so is the service. You can literally tour Italy’s culinary hot spots from Tuscany to Venice without ever leaving your table. Located in an 1880 Victorian carriage house, you’ll dine on the front porch or in the Tuscan inspired dining rooms. Reservations may be made by phoning 609-884-0366.

   Now, back to your original dilemma: Do you choose 410 Bank Street or Frescos? The correct answer is, “Both!” There, that wasn’t too difficult was it?        410 Bank Street (click here)         Frescos (click here)

   If it was possible to define the fantastic seafood and produce at Avalon Seafood and Produce Market, 29^th Street and the Bay in Avalon, New Jersey in one word it would be “Fresh!”

   A shore tradition for three decades, Avalon Seafood and Produce Market is the FIRST stop folks make when dinner is on their minds because their selection of FRESH fish, shrimp, clams, scallops, live Maine lobsters, and fresh Jersey produce in-season is enough to make your mouth water – even before you go in their door.

   When Jersey-fresh corn, tomatoes, blueberries and other fresh produce are available, you’ll find them waiting for you at Avalon Seafood and Produce Market on a daily basis.

   You might think it can’t get any better than this, but it does, with their expanded Gourmet-To-Go market, specializing in such things as homemade tuna salad made from their #1 tuna steaks. Discover a complete line-up of gourmet foods ranging from appetizers to desserts. Plus, their dinners are available broiled, fried or steamed – it’s your decision!

   Party foods and party trays, freshly baked breads and pies, wonderful home-made salads, dips, salsas, dinners and desserts, the largest and freshest selection of fresh fish on the island, and live Maine lobsters cooked, cracked and cleaned FREE…it doesn’t get any better than this!

   Avalon Seafood and Produce Market suggests you try a New England Lobster dinner followed by the best Key Lime pie available on Seven Mile Island. Be sure to call ahead for prompt take-out service. The telephone number for their seafood market is 609-967-7555, and their gourmet market number is 609-967-3909. (click here)
   Use your VISA and MasterCard. There’s plenty of free parking. Always make Avalon Seafood & Produce Market , Avalon’s ORIGINAL seafood take-out restaurant, your first stop in Avalon for your complete dinner at the shore!

   Many will argue that the best meal of the day is breakfast, and that’s true at Uncle Bill’s Pancake House, Perry Street & Beach Avenue, Cape May, New Jersey, where breakfast begins at 6:30 a.m. and lasts until 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon.

   Uncle Bill’s does breakfast best – with 20 different kinds of pancakes, crepes and just as many kinds of waffles (with fruits and whipped cream if that’s your preference)…and then they add eggs, omelets (anyway you want them), and home fries, hash browns, fries, bacon, sausages, scrapple…you select it and they’ll prepare it as ordered!

   Uncle Bill’s is a family affair, and that means your family and friends are well taken care of by their attentive staff. They offer you fresh fruit dishes, a variety of juices, Cape May’s best coffee, tea and the beverages enjoyed by the youngsters, too.

   Please note that although you can also enjoy breakfast until 2:00 in the afternoon, Uncle Bill’s Pancake House also has a great lunch menu, as well.  Discover great sandwiches, burgers, hotdogs, salads, combos and more.

   The tradition that is Uncle Bill’s Pancake House in historic Victorian Cape May exists because of three factors: excellent food and service, reasonable prices, and the passage of time – resulting in a level of performance that’s based on experience.

   The food at Uncle Bill’s is freshly prepared daily, your coffee cup doesn’t stay empty for long, and the service is outstanding! Become part of the tradition at Uncle Bill’s Pancake House. Bring your family and friends!

   For information call 609-884-7199. Uncle Bill’s, where breakfast is served all day, and where the customers claim you’ll find the best pancakes in the world! (click here)

Artist’s Corner

   Cape May’s new SOMA New Art GALLERY continues it’s showcasing of important emerging artists with a spectacular exhibition of Cape May artist Victor Grasso’s  newest work. Known to South Jersey residents for his fabulous work as a muralist working on a monumental scale, Grasso comes to Soma New Art Gallery fresh from his museum debut at the Noyes Art Museum.

   Victor’s show premiers the release of three large masterfully rendered oil paintings documenting disastrous events in recent history. Grasso calls the show “Goat Head Gumbo” (a recipe for disaster).

   The three disasters depicted are The War in Iraq, Hurricane Katrina, and The Asian Tsunami. Grasso has found in these themes a subject worthy for his powerful talent. The paintings tear their way out of Grasso’s imagination to produce a personal vision of life in these unique and sometimes tragic times, a true vision of twisted inspiration documenting the spikes of catastrophe in our new Century.

   Grasso’s mastery of jaw-dropping realism, mixed with his baroque blend of dark humor, irony and sexuality, has propelled his meteoric rise to artistic stardom. Grasso is sure to take us on an emotional journey brush stroke by brush stroke, serving up fierce visuals as only he can do, and leaving his viewers hungry for more.

Opening night reception to meet the Artist, Sat. Sept. 8^th, 6-9 PM.

The exhibition continues through November 8^th.  SOMA Gallery is open daily from 10AM to 9PM.

About SOMA NewArt Gallery
On June 22, SOMA NewArt Gallery opened in Carpenters Square Mall in Cape May, NJ.  (SOMA is an acronym for ‘South of the Mall’) Each month the new gallery showcases the work of an outstanding regional artist.

The Victor Grasso show will be followed this fall by a retrospective and group show of new regional artists.

Gallery owner Janet Miller hopes that her new gallery will bring yet another dimension to the revitalization of the arts in Cape May.  “There’s been a renaissance of the arts in Cape May, with two thriving theater companies, music, film and jazz festivals, and the Center for Community Arts, now we want to bring a NYC style art gallery to Cape May.

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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