Page 42 - 2024 Southern NJ Vacationer

FALL, WINTER, HOLIDAYS
Escape the Everyday in the Fall, Winter and Holidays
Christmas in Cape May
AS THE WEATHER COOLS DOWN
the fall and winter months are the perfect time to escape to your favorite place in New Jersey’s Southern Shore. Don’t let the cooler weather deter you from visiting. Although it’s not summer, there is still plenty to do here. It is the cozy season and many of the businesses have fireplaces and/or fire pits to warm up any get-together. With the beach all to yourself, you can take a leisurely stroll on the sand, enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at your favorite summer hotspot, or simply relax and unwind. Planning your getaway during this time of year has its advantages, including off-season rates that are mostly on the lower end of the price range.
Long overdue for a romantic interlude? The historic landmark City of Cape May is the perfect place to get lost in for a day or a few. The charming city has been named one of the most romantic destinations in the mid-Atlantic region by countless magazines. Most likely, the romance-thing has something to do with its gingerbread-laced B&Bs, gas lamps that light up some of the Victorian streets, and intimate, highly-rated restaurants. Take a horse and carriage rides, visit a nearby winery, climb to the top of the iconic lighthouse and have a couples massage at a local spa, and always end with a cocktail for two by the fireplace at the Brown Room at Congress Hall.
the season for wassail, shopping, and enjoying your favorite hot weather vacation getaway in a sweater and winter coat.
Don’t miss the Christmas Shop in the Brownstone Emporium at WheatonArts in Millville, Cumberland County, which has a huge assortment of handcrafted glass items, including icicles and Christmas ornaments. Cumberland County has several other great shopping areas, including historic Bridgeton, the Cumberland Mall, and downtown Millville.
Celebrate the holidays in Greenwich; a town that is celebrating its own colonial teaburning that occurred 250 years ago, and has more history than Santa has toys in his sleigh – honest! Bridgeton has an historic house tour and its own Liberty Bell. Don’t
forget Millville for Third Friday celebrations in the Glasstown Arts District.
Each community in the region has Christmas activities, be it a holiday parade, downtown shopping bazaar, tree lighting ceremony, ugly sweater 5K, winter wonderland display, or small business Saturday. Links to all the region’s attractions and their special holiday events can be found on www.escapetothejerseycape.com and www.njsouthernshore.com
Atlantic City’s Tinseltown celebration was a big hit in 2023 offering visitors an array of festive events including pop-up lounges and a Holiday Market & Gingerbread Village, among many other events. www.atlanticcitynj.com
Enjoy The Nutcracker performed by the Atlantic City Ballet? Performances are usually held at the Performing Arts Center of Stockton University.
The casinos are decked out in glam, glitter and lights from top to bottom, hosting some of the biggest show biz names throughout the holidays.
Not only do the region’s restaurants and nightclubs go big with traditional New Year’s Eve events, places like Ocean City have made New Year’s Eve celebrations must-do events.
First Night in Ocean City involves a lengthy calendar of events starting at 3:45 p.m. on Dec. 31, and running through midnight, which – of course! – culminates with a magnificent fireworks display on the beach.
Shopaholic? There’s no treatment that we can recommend other than the largest winter shopping event with the best of Stone Harbor and Avalon’s boutiques in March. It’s a great cure for the winter blues! l
By November, it’s the holiday season! Tis
Atlantic City Ballet Nutcracker
40 SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY VACATIONER
JOHN POSADA