December 18 2025

 
Avalon and Stone Harbor woke up to snow this past weekend, and temperatures were cold enough that it stuck around for quite a while.  Above, a Christmas tree on Avalon's 30th Street beach is covered with snow and decorations.

THE WETLANDS INSTITUTE has posted an article describing the ongoing marsh restoration efforts in local back bay areas, including adjacent to the Institute.  Appearing in Seven Mile Times and written by Wetlands Institute director Dr. Lenore Tedesco, the article describes the ongoing work of the Seven Mile Innovation Lab, a joint partnership between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, and the The Wetlands Institute.  Using clean dredge materials, the elevation of the marsh has been raised to help combat sea level rise and keep the marsh resilient in the future.  Read more  

WORRIED ABOUT YOUR PIPES during freezing weather? Avalon has introduced an app that allows you to monitor water consumption while you're away from your shore house.  Notifications can be set to alert you to water usage which could indicate a broken or leaking pipe.  Check out the app at avalon.my360-app.com.  Have your water bill handy to set up access to the app.
 
CONSIDER A GIFT to one of your favorite organizations this holiday season.  While lots of worthy organizations are deserving of your support, here a few local ones to consider:
Avalon Historical Society
Stone Harbor Museum
The Wetlands Institute
Cape May County Park & Zoo
 
GIVE THE GIFT OF SEASHORE MEMORIES!  Nothing brings the family together like a week at the shore!  If you're ready to book your family vacation—and lock in a week's worth of seashore memories - call or email me!  Want to make it permanent? Let's discuss your real estate goals and find the perfect seashore retreat to call your own!  I'll throw in the big red bow!

upcoming Events:

Wine Bar Local Thursday.  2-for-1 oysters, 25% off bottles of wine, and a rotating $25 bar plate.  The Washington Inn, Thursday, December 18th, 3:30pm to 8:30pm. Holiday Charcuterie: Build your own sample box to take home!  Avalon Free Public Library, Friday, December 19th, 1pm.  Registration required: call 609-967-7155. 
 
Icona Christmas Pop-Up.  A joyfully decorated Avalon Brew Pub is ready to serve libations, seasonal cuisine, and craft brews.  Through January 1st. The Santa Express: Ride with Santa aboard vintage railcars from Tuckahoe and Richland Stations.  Daytime, nighttime, coach class, lounge car, and private family cars are available!  Cape May Seashore Lines, through December 23rd.  For schedules and tickets
 
Let's Catch Santa.  Cape May Stage, through December 28th.  Read More 
 
Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall.  Decked out with festive decor, experience the grandeur of Congress Hall, the Enchanted Vendor Village, and the Congress Hall Carousel.  An enormous Christmas tree on the lawn makes for great photos, too!  Congress Hall, Cape May, through December 31st. 
 
Christmas In Cape May.  Cape May is beautifully decorated and transformed into a Dickens village for the holidays with garlands of fragrant greens and twinkling gaslights.  Activities of all kinds are available, including trolley rides, tours, breakfast with Santa, lighthouse tours, and more.  Now through January 4th. 
 
Happy Noon Year! Celebrate Noon Year's Eve at the Avalon Free Public Library with a special family friendly dance party.  Avalon Free Public Library, Wednesday, December 31st, 11am. 
 
Midnight Tide New Year's Eve Party.  DJ, hors d'oeuvres, cocktails.  The Reeds at Shelter Haven, Wednesday, December 31st, 7:30pm to 12:30am. Read More 
 
New Year's Eve at The Washington Inn.  Expertly crafter four-course dinner to ring in 2026.  Pair it with a cocktail, wine, or brew or your choice.  The Washington Inn, Wednesday, December 31st, 4:30pm to 10:00pm.  Read More
 
Avalon's New Year's Eve Fireworks Celebration.  A family friendly celebration begins at 3:30pm, followed by a dazzling fireworks display of the 35th Street beach at 5pm.  Surfside Park, Wednesday, December 31st, 3:30pm.

Recent Listings:

7800 Dune Drive, #205, Avalon, $430,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 253527