aranda

Finally after over twenty years I am retired from teaching, and I always promised myself that someday I would spend the first week of school at the beach, instead of in the classroom. Well, that time has come, so perhaps you can help me celebrate.

I love the beach and have been going to the Jersey shore for years (Spring Lake, LBI, Long Beach Island), however I have never been to Wildwood, Avalon, or Cape May and I am undecided about which to choose. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I am looking for peace, quiet, I prefer nature, hiking, and sand dunes, but also enjoy boardwalks and the shore vibe. I'm not looking for a total family or party atmosphere.

So which beach would be the best? Also, can you suggest a place to stay? Close or on the beach, $180 - $200 range tops.

Thanks soooo much!
Aranda

njsusan

HI Aranda
I would stay away from Wildwood,September 10-13 is Harley weekend and the town gets CRAZY!
Avalon or Cape May would be a better choice.Avalon is a nice small shore town,and Cape May is a tourist shore town(more things to do).
Susan

capxxx

I think the beach has more sand dunes and ``nature'' at Avalon, but the town of Cape May is walkable, with pretty cottages with gingerbread, and more restaurants and such. I don't think either has a real beachside boardwalk, though.

You could split the difference and go to Stone Harbor -- beach more like Avalon, but a nice boardwalky downtown area.

Broncett

Ohh Stone Harbor for sure.....

judy9077

I would definitely recommend either Cape May, or Avalon for your upcoming stay. Many restaurants and stores stay open during that week. THere is no boardwalk in Stone Harbor, but a small one in Avalon (Not much of one) and a nicer one in Cape May. As it is after Labor Day, you should be able to find a hotel or B & B at somewhat reduced prices. Also, if you are going to be in the area, I would definitely visit the Wildwood Boardwalk, as it is right in the area. THe rides will be closed during the week (no kids!!) but most of the stores, etc. stay open. It's a nice thing to do on a cool Sept. day. Have fun!!

Can you tell I am from the area...?

aranda

Thanks everyone for the heads up on shore towns!! Your valuable input will help make my celebration of NOT being in school the first week as wonderful as I imagined all those years.

njsusan: thanks for the Harley tip, my sister has been going for years and she said every year it gets more and more crowded, almost to the point of it not being any fun.

I will follow your suggestions, Avalon/Stone Harbor/Cape May.

Ahhhh, can't wait,

Happy trail,
Aranda

kagoo

Another vote for Cape May. It's a pretty little town with lots of interesting houses -- and gardens! rare at the shore -- a small boardwalk (no amusements, just a couple of small arcades), nice restaurants, interesting shops, etc. Don't stay on the mall in the center of town -- walk and/or bike around the side streets for a less crowded experience. And be sure to visit Cape May Point -- a quiet, completely non-commercial community (not one store) just down the road. (If you don't have a car you can ride a bike.) It's a state park -- there's a bird sanctuary, nature trails, quiet (ie, no lifeguards) beach; it's an important birdwatching area, and draws people from all over. Just a lovely spot.

Rich2000ac

I also recommend Cape May. It's one of those places that everybody should see at some time in their life.

Don't forget the Cape May Zoo, just off Parkway exit 11.

Here's a good Cape May story: http://www.MyJerseyShore.com/?page_id=18

sophia1

We recently rented a house on the south end of Cape May proper on Second Ave. It was very quiet, but close enough to walk to restaurants and shopping. There's a path that goes to the beach that leads to the lighthouse. One afternoon in late August I walked to the lighthouse - hardly anyone else on the beach and it was peaceful and beautiful. I love that area now!