Stone Harbor, Avalon NJ Real Estate Sales and Vacation Rentals by Nancy Alexander, Long & Foster: Avalon/Stone Harbor NJ Weekly Update, Upcoming Events May 12, 2016

CAPE MAY COUNTY TOURISM generated a record $6 billion in 2015, up 4% over 2014 according to an Atlantic City Press article. Favorable weather and low gas prices helped fuel tourism last year, which marked the sixth straight year of growth. Tourism in Cape May County supports over 25,000 jobs, more than half the total in Cape May County. Statewide, tourism generated $37 billion in GDP. Most expect 2016 to be another strong year. If Mother Nature cooperates and brings us more beautiful summer weather it should be a great season!

THE WORLD SERIES OF BIRDING arrives in Cape May County on Saturday, May 14th, for 24 hours of birding. Over 100 teams from around the world will participate to identify as many species as possible. A team from The Wetlands Institute will compete in the event. If you’d like to make a pledge or donation to the Wetland’s Institute team, please click here: http://wetlandsinstitute.org/conservation/world-series-of-birding/

A colorful sunset over Cape Island Creek, Cape May.

AFTER A $15 MILLION RENOVATION, the Golden Inn is expected to reopen in mid-June, according to a Philadelphia Business Journal report. Icona Resorts purchased the hotel at the end of last year and immediately began renovation work. Initially the resort was expected to reopen in July, but has started taking reservations for June 15th and after.

COMING SOON—TREE TO TREE ADVENTURE PARK! Zip lines, nets, and Tarzan swings will soon challenge every age and ability at the Cape May County Zoo. The new adventure course is set to open this summer. Stay tuned for more details!

RENTAL PROPERTIES—GET ‘EM READY! The season is drawing near—make sure your rental property is ready for your first guests! Take some time to review all aspects of your rental property NOW to avoid problems later. Use the general checklist below as a starting point for your property:

- Rental license applied for & received
- Spring cleaning completed
- Water & outside shower turned on
- All utilities turned on
- Telephone & cable TV turned on and hooked up (plan ahead—Comcast no longer has an office in Avalon!)
- Internet/WiFi turned on and tested, and password provided to L&F to keep on file
- Landscaping, pest control, and weed control service set up
- Deck furniture placed outside
- Check all appliances for correct operation
- HVAC system serviced & ready
- Gas/charcoal grill set up & ready, and propane tank filled
- Pool opened & maintenance contract established
- Provide enough trash/recycling cans

If you need a recommendation for a contractor or other service provider, please call or email me—but don’t wait too long, as the approaching season means most are very busy.

UPCOMING EVENTS: (View/Print Events List) Spring/Summer 2016 Activities - Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ

Avalon Historical Society Annual Photo Contest, Monday, May 2-Tuesday, May 31

Cape May County Senior Jamboree, Avalon Community Hall, 10AM-2PM, Thursday, May 12

Avalon Garden Club Plant Sale, Avalon Community Hall, Noon-4PM on Friday, May 13 & 9AM-4PM on Saturday, May 14

Avalon Home & Land Owners Association Meeting, Police Chief William McCormack & Fire Chief Edward Dean will address Public Safety issues, Avalon Senior Center,10AM, Saturday, May 14

Stone Harbor Garden Club Community Yard Sale, 96th Street Parking Lot, 8AM-2PM, Saturday, May 14

IPhones Workshop, popular apps for reading books, magazines & news, register at 609-967-7155, Avalon Public Library, 10AM-Noon, Saturday, May 14

Cape May Traditional Jazz Society presents the Ben Mauger Vintage Jazz Band, proceeds benefit the Food Bank of Southern NJ, VFW Post #386, 419 Congress Street, Cape May, 2-4PM, Sunday, May 15

Stone Harbor Bulk Pick-up, items to curb up to 72 hours prior to pick-up on Monday, May 16

Spring Shorebird & Horseshoe Crab Festival, interactive activities for all ages, Wetlands Institute, 9:30AM-4:30PM, Saturday & Sunday, May 21 & 22

Wetlands Institute Native Plant Sale, plant & garden naturalists will be on hand to answer questions regarding the offered species, 9:30AM-4:30PM, Saturday & Sunday, May 21 & 22

Avalon Garden Club Fashion Show & Luncheon, Avalon Yacht Club, Noon, Wednesday, May 25

Stone Harbor Beach Opening Ceremony, 95th Street Beach, 9:30 AM, Friday, May 27

Cape Regional Auxiliary Antique Show, Avalon Community Hall, Preview Gala on Friday, May 27 at 6PM & antique show on Saturday, May 28

Annual Turtle Trot 5K Run & 2 Mile Fun Walk, 95th & First Avenue, 6:45AM registration, 8AM race start, 8:05AM walk start, Sunday, May 29

Stone Harbor Farmer’s Market, Water Tower Plaza, 8AM-12:30PM, Sunday, May 29

Matthew Mullin Memorial Beach 5K Run & 1 Mile Fun Walk, all proceeds benefit Friends in Need organization, 30th Street & the Beach, 8:30AM, Sunday, May 29

Avalon Memorial Day Parade, starts at 32nd Street & Dune down Dune Drive to Veteran’s Plaza for a ceremony, parade starts at 9AM, ceremony to follow, Monday, May 30

Stone Harbor Memorial Day Parade, starts at bridge, down 96th Street to the Women’s Civic Club on the 96th Street beach for a service, parade starts at Noon, service to follow, Monday, May 30

American Legion Post #331 Open House, 117th Street & Second Avenue, 1-4PM, Monday, May 30

Aviation Museum Runway 5K Run/Fun Walk & Bike, Cape May County Airport, bike preview 8:10-8:40AM, race starts at 9AM, Saturday, June 4

Stone Harbor Garden Club House Tour, 12:30-4PM, Saturday, June 4

Avalon Performing Arts Council ‘Lights Out Tribute to Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons,’ Avalon Community Hall, 6:30PM doors open, 7PM show starts, Saturday, June 4