Where on the Shore?

Old Dec 2nd, 2003, 10:10 AM
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Where on the Shore?

Hi! We are thinking of renting a house on the beach at the Jersey Shore this summer. WE includes three families with six children ages 1,3,3,5,5,and 8 and six adults ranging in age from 30 to 60 - - but all young at heart.

In general, our tastes run a little more toward the charming/upscale side, but want fun for the kids.

Can anyone point me in the right direction it terms of which locales to consider? Many thanks!!

Anita
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Old Dec 2nd, 2003, 10:36 AM
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I'm far from an expert on NJ or vacation rentals there. I do know Spring Lake is a lovely, upscale Victorian looking town. Not sure how long a period you're looking for, but I'd guess large, nice houses there might be hard to find for rental for short stays (ie 1-2 weeks).

You might have a look at vrbo.com (vacation rental by owner-but remember-be cautious) for some ideas. Long Beach Island may have more short term rentals available but it's not as "upscale"-more beachy.
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Old Dec 2nd, 2003, 11:41 AM
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How about Cape May? A larger town with lots of beach, lodging options, restaurants and shops. It is definitely charming and upscale, but also family oriented.
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Old Dec 2nd, 2003, 11:46 AM
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Second the Spring Lake recommendation. Nice upscale town with a big playground in a very scenic park smack in the middle of town. (Plenty of ducks in the Lake!)

It's also a fairly short ride to Point Pleasant, if you wanted to take the kids to the Boardwalk for a bit.

Alternatively, you might look at Long Beach Island. While a little less charming than Spring Lake, just as good for the beach and plenty of activities.
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Old Dec 2nd, 2003, 01:13 PM
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Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Cape May all would fit the bill.
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Old Dec 2nd, 2003, 01:50 PM
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As a youth, (many years ago) we spent several summers in Ocean City. Close to Atlantic City with all of the adult fun, but a very nice place w/o the larger city problems.
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Old Dec 2nd, 2003, 02:20 PM
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The Stone Harbor/Avalon area is just great when traveling with kids as young as yours. Very family-oriented and fairly quiet. Stone Harbor has a pleasant 'downtown' with some good restaurants.
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Old Dec 2nd, 2003, 02:22 PM
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I will have to second the Ocean City suggestion. The boardwalk,in my opinion, offers all you could ask for to entertain children of all ages. VERY family oriented with 2 amusement piers, waterpark,movie theater,mini golf etc. Although Avalon and Stone Harbor are considered more upscale, I have experienced both as well as Cape May and continue to return to O.C.
Some rental sites to refer to are ocnj.com and hagar.com. Cape May would be my second choice.
 
Old Dec 2nd, 2003, 05:09 PM
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Thanks so much for all these suggestions - - this definitely narrows the field for me. I didn't even know where to begin! I appreciate the time each of you took to share your thoughts.

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Old Dec 3rd, 2003, 07:45 AM
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Well..for truly upscale look at Bay Head.
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Old Jan 20th, 2004, 11:34 AM
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I'm for Avalon and Stone Harbor. Both are nice and more upscale. You can always drive to Ocean City for the Boardwalk experience. Avalon and Stone Harbor have nice beaches, decent nightlife and some good restaurants.

Have a blast!
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Old Jan 20th, 2004, 03:18 PM
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How much do you want to cook, and how important are upscale restaurants? Some NJ towns (Avalon, Stone Harbor) have surprisingly few restaurants; I guess people there generally cook their own meals. Ocean City is dry, which frankly means mediocre restaurants--you have to drive out of town to find an upscale restaurant.

That said, we love Ocean City--we've spent many happy summers there. It's one of the best places in the world for young children. The southern end has the newer/more upscale rentals. Just be careful that you don't rent TOO far south--ideally, you want to be able to walk to the boardwalk, or you'll have the hassle of driving and parking.
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Old Jan 20th, 2004, 05:10 PM
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South of Atlantic City I also would suggest looking into Wildwood.
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Old Jan 21st, 2004, 05:26 AM
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Lavallette, NJ is a very pretty, safe, family-oriented beach town with a charming main street.

The great thing about Lavallette is that you are just a mile or two from all the action and excitement and amusements on neighboring Seaside's boardwalk. A great treat for the kids.

While Spring Lake is stunningly beautiful and quiet, you could be bored because there is very little to do nearby. And there is not so much as a public restroom, soda machine or hot dog vendor anywhere near the beach. You would have to run back to the house every time you wanted something.

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Old Jan 21st, 2004, 05:57 AM
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Wherever you end up staying make sure you take the kids to the Cape May County Zoo. Its a great zoo located on Rt. 9 between Avalon and Stone Harbor. There is also a large playground there and a bike trail.
Stone Harbor has lots of family restaurants (and some upscale ones for the parents, too)None will be cheap. Nothing at the shore is. Marabellas is a favorite and the diner over the Parkway in Cape May Courthouse is another. There are 3 fun playgrounds in Stone Harbor for the young ones.
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Old Jan 21st, 2004, 02:51 PM
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Avalon, Stone Harbor, or Ocean City. All nice & family -oriented.
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Old Jan 22nd, 2004, 06:03 AM
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My sister and I and our families (1,3,7 yr olds.) rented a house in avalon a few years ago. Nice, close to shore, and other activities.(minnie golf, mazes, ice cream) Beach is quiet. Plus with little ones, meals can be quick, kids can go home to nap. Resaurants and clubs good too.
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Old Jan 23rd, 2004, 10:25 AM
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Since I am from the Spring Lake area (a few beaches down) I cant say enough about my neck of the woods. We have lots of great beaches, excellent restaurants indoor/outdoor in the summer. It is popular with the college crowd but also with families. You are so close to the Point Pleasant boardwalk with every kid enjoys and will beg to go back.
I would try rentals in Spring Lake, Sea Girt or Manasquan. You will have a blast.
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Old Jan 23rd, 2004, 10:31 AM
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People in my family really enjoy Ocean City New Jersey in the 50's, towards the boardwalk it gets crowded and cheesy. I also like Cape May and Long Beach Island. I would just steer clear of places like Wildwood and Belmare. I have not been on the boardwalk in Point Pleasant in years but I remember it being pretty uneventful even for kids.

Avalon and Stoneharbor are nice trips to make from Ocean City. The point made earlier though is true it there is more activity in O.C. That means more dinner options, shops, life...

Stone Harbor has a lovely ice cream shop that I have seen on national documentaries on Ice Cream. You absolutely want to take the family on a drive for this. It is CREAMY and a lovely view on the drive.
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Old Jan 23rd, 2004, 11:00 AM
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We have been traveling for the last 9 years to Long Beach Island. Rent a house on the ocean side or Bay(ifyou want a boat).We have four families that rent one big house every year. The house has about 7 bedrooms. There are several like that. Is is a nice island with nice restaurants and fast food stuff. There is a kiddie park that is very nice and geared to children under 12. They have a wristband day on fridays where you can ride for one price. There is a singing ice cream parlor called Showtime? There is a theater that has shows like Cinderella acted out. (good for the fives and eight year old). This is a nice area and we have enjoyed it for years. Call HcH realty or harvey cedars realty and tell them you need a big house! This year we are unfortunately not able to go because we all have other places we need to go! Enjoy.
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