Page 13 - 2023 Southern NJ Vacationer

DIAMONDS AND SUNSETS: Sunset Beach – as far south as you can go in the state – is famous for some of the most panoramic and colorful sunsets anywhere on the East Coast. Look around for Cape May diamonds, pure quartz crystals found primarily along the bayside beaches, or get one last glimpse of the remains of the S.S. Atlantus, a concrete ship built in 1918 that ran aground just off Sunset Beach in the 1920s. Throughout the summer, the American Flag is lowered each evening as the sun dips into the Delaware Bay providing a moving and patriotic note to the end of the day. 609-884-7079; www.sunsetbeachnj.com
SHOP, DINE & BROWSE ON THIRD FRIDAYS:
The Glasstown Arts District on High Street in Millville is home to art galleries, several upscale restaurants, and unique shops. The 19th- and early 20th-century buildings and homes provide a rich architectural backdrop to promote the arts. www.glasstownartsdistrict.com.
The Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts displays creative work from Southern New Jersey artists and nearby metropolitan centers. Don’t miss Third Friday fun each month with informal receptions for the public to meet featured artists. Third Fridays in downtown Millville are exciting with everyone enjoying the Glasstown Arts District, dinner, and an evening in one of the area’s nightspots. www.rrcarts.com
THE LARGEST BOAT PARADE IN THE W O R L D : Considered one of the largest boat parades in the world and definitely living up to its reputation, Ocean City, NJ’s Night in Venice does not disappoint. Mark your calendars for July 29, 2023. The Night in Venice boat parade attracts tens of thousands of visitors who line the bayside in Ocean City to cheer as hundreds of beautifully decorated boats float by the Longport Bridge and head south to Tennessee Avenue along the bay. 800-BEACHnj. www.ocnj.us
CHECK IT OUT – ATLANTIC COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM: The county library system is the information center for Atlantic County. There are ten branch libraries located throughout Atlantic County and each has computerized public access catalog to over 500,000 books and audio-visual items. In addition to community activities at the libraries, there is Wi-Fi access, and books-by-mail.
Looking for a rainy-day activity or just a change of pace from sun and sand? Head to the library – of course nothing says you can’t take the latest best seller or a spine-tingling mystery by your favorite author to the beach with you. Kids have a summer reading list before they head back to school. The library has whatever is on their list. There are more than books at the library – classes, special events, technology help – you name it. www.atlanticlibrary.org
NAVAL AIR STATION WILDWOOD:
Located inside a real World War II hangar, the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum invites you to travel back in time! Explore aviation and military history through hands-on exhibits and fun activities designed for the whole family. The NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum is largely self-guided. However, you can also book a guided tour ahead of time and bring your group to the museum. They also host weddings and other special events and is one of the most unique wedding venues in Southern New Jersey. 500 Forrestal Road, Cape May County Airport; 609-886-8787. www.usnasw.org
WILDWOOD INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL: The largest kites in the world color the sky over this resort’s mammoth beach during the Wildwood International Kite Festival with individual and team competition on the beach at Rio Grande Avenue and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. America’s largest kite festival features world-renowned
kite builders and competitors, kite-making workshops and exhibits, indoor competition children’s activities and an illuminated night kite show. 800-WW-BY- SEA. www.wildwoodsnj.com
FERRY PARK: Exit Zero at Ferry Park – that’s the Cape May Lewes Ferry Terminal in North Cape May – is a dining, shopping and event venue set against the backdrop of the Delaware Bay. With dolphins frolicking in the Cape May Canal, sunsets to rival Key West and the ferry heading out to the bay or gliding into port, it’s a destination to enjoy. Boat Drinks, an outside venue features signature cocktails and seafood; upstairs, The Lookout is a fine-dining restaurant with an enticing menu and extensive wine list. Café 64 pays homage to the first crossing of the ferry July 1, 1964, and is a grab and go spot while Exit Zero Ferry Station sports a casual vibe with a focus on flavor, seafood, and fun. The spacious outdoor entertainment area is perfect for yoga, concerts, and other events. Inside, on the second level, The Gallery at Ferry Park hosts monthly art shows. Stay tuned – Ferry Park will include a shopping village, bocce courts, table tennis and even hammocks for relaxing! 1200 Lincoln Blvd., North Cape May; 609-551-4209; www.visitferrypark.com
A MILLION MIGRATING BIRDS: Cape May is THE location for observing birds in North America, favored by such celebrated naturalists as John Audubon and Tory Peterson. More than 400 different species have been seen on the peninsula during the fall migration, and the area is known for spectacular flights of peregrines, merlins, ospreys and sharp-shinned hawks. Cape May Point is one the premiere places with marked, easy-to-follow trails to help even the novice birder spot ducks, swans, osprey, other shore birds and wildlife. Along the bay side in Cape May and Cumberland counties, birders can enjoy more than a million migrating
Naval Air Station Wildwood
SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY VACATIONER 11