“Ghosts are all around us. Look for them, and you will find them.” When Indian author Ruskin Bond made this observation, he must have had Cape May in mind. It has been said that Cape May is the most haunted town in the country. And while Salem, Mass., may have the claim to being the witchiest resort in the United States, it’s a good bet that Cape May is the ghostliest resort in America.

The entire Victorian seaside resort is described as haunted, and possible explanations range from the convergence of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean at this southernmost point in the state, to an abundance of quartz in the ground. Whatever the reason, there are many people who will swear to the haunted-ness of many of Cape May’s fine establishments. Among the haunted hotels are Congress Hall, Southern Mansion, the Hotel Macomber, Stockton Inn, Virginia Hotel, and Inn of Cape May. Additionally, restaurants such as the Peter Shields Inn, the Washington Inn, Elaine’s, and the Ugly Mug have reportedly had their share of ghosts, not to mention the Emlen Physick Estate, a former home that is now a museum.

Throughout October – which is considered by many to be the best month to visit Southern New Jersey because the weather lacks the humidity of summer but is still warm – there are events leading up to the spookiest of all holidays. The hub for many tours is the Emlen Physick Estate, operated by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts. In addition to having a spooky Dept. 56 Halloween display at the museum, there are themed tours nearly every day of the week, as well as plays and presentations. Scarecrow Alley at the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., is a highlight of the Estate’s Halloween decorations. There is no admission fee.

On Oct. 13, 21, 27, and 28 “Phantoms of the Physick Estate,” an original play by Jacklyn Fazio, takes the audience along from room to room on the first floor of the 1879 Physick House Museum as the story unfolds and strange happenings occur. The play is staged beginning at 8:30 p.m. The cost is $25 for adults and $20 for children ages 3 to 12.

The Graveyard, Ghosts, and Mansion Tour shares with guests the stories and experiences of ghost activity in the 1879 Physick House Museum from tour guides who know them personally. It starts with a trolley ride to the historic Cold Spring Presbyterian Cemetery to see the graves of Dr. Emlen Physick and his family. Here you’ll hear EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) recorded by tour guides and staff at the estate. The return trip to the Physick Estate includes information about unusual Victorian funeral customs. Then, inside the Physick House guests visit several rooms and hear several more EVPs while learning more about the activity observed there. The tours are held on Mondays, Oct. 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., and the cost is $40.

The Historic Haunts Combo Tour, held Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30, includes a trolley ride through the Historic District and stories of haunted Cape May. Step off the trolley at the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate with your guide and see Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, reputed to be haunted, as you learn about Victorian spiritualism. In the museum, guides will compare the methods of spirit contact used by the Victorians with those of today’s paranormal investigators. Select rooms on both floors are included in the tour. The cost is $25 per person.

Wednesdays throughout the month feature the Strange Victorian Obsessions House Tour at 6:45 and 8 p.m. Victorians were fascinated with mystery and illusion and this tour through first-floor rooms in the 1879 Physick House Museum shares that fascination. Learn about the famous Harry Houdini who captivated Victorian audiences with his intricate escapes, the Goddess of Mystery, Ionia, a Belgian beauty whom Victorians worshiped for her spectacles of magic, The Great Lafayette, who became known as the world’s greatest magician, and Pepper’s Ghost, an illusion still used today, with Sherlock Holmes, Jack the Ripper and more. The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for children.

For more information or to purchase advance tickets for any of the Emlen Physick Estate or MAC tours, call 609-884-5404 or visit www.capemaymac.org

Nearly every day is a Spirits & Oddities Trolley Tour focusing on Cape May ghost stories and unusual tales from Cape May history. The Ghosts of Cape May tour is a trolley tour involving tales of hauntings unearthed in Cape May by renowned psychic medium and author Craig McManus. Both tours ($20 for adults and $15 children 3-12) begin and end at the Ocean Street trolley stop in the resort Fridays through Mondays at various times.

Nearby, at Historic Cold Spring Village in Lower Township, Saturdays at 8 p.m. will feature Ghost Walks throughout the village. Spiritualist medium Bob Bitting leads participants on a 45-minute lantern-lit ghost walk around the village. He will relate tales of mysterious happenings reported by village staff and revealed by paranormal investigation teams. Bug spray is recommended. As space is limited, tickets must be purchased in advance. On Oct. 20 and 21, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., is the sixth annual Ghoul Spring Village, featuring crafts, games, and a haunted walk. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 children.

Although it is the premier haunted location in the Southern Shore Region, Cape May doesn’t have a monopoly on Halloween events. Most municipalities have Halloween parades or pumpkin festivals. Check local listings for those events.

In keeping with the creepy Halloween theme, the Cape May County Library, Cape May Court House, will present “Creatures of the Night; Bats of New Jersey” on Friday, Oct. 6.

On Friday, Oct. 13, the Levoy Theater in Millville will host a Friday the 13th Halloween Party. This, of course, is a costume party that begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. On Oct. 28 the Levoy will stage the Rocky Horror Picture Show at 9 p.m. Visit www.levoy.net for more information.

Misty Meadows Sheep Farm in Woodbine will hold an Oktoberfest from 5 to 9 p.m. featuring hayrides, firepits, games and other activities.

The Ferry Park Fall Weekend will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 15 and 16 at the Cape May Lewes Ferry in Lower Township.

For a more lighthearted event, on Oct. 21 the Wildwoods Convention Center will host “Drinks and Drag Queen Halloween Show,” a full-scale variety drag show that is sure to be a wicked good time. Hosted by Astala Vista, attendees are encouraged to dress in costume. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door.

Sunday, Oct. 22, is a busy day in Cape May Court House. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. is the annual Olde Tyme Harvest Festival, which is always a great family experience, and not far away, at the Cape May County Zoo, is Creepy Jeepy, a decorating contest for Jeep owners and trunk & treat event.

The Cape May County Library will host a Lunch and Learn event on Thursday, Oct. 27, featuring a presentation by Historic Cold Spring Village to inform attendees about Cape May’s haunted history.

Saturday, Oct. 28 is” Boo at the Zoo” at Cape May County Zoo, featuring games, costumes, food, a pirate ship, and obstacle course. This event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Also on Oct. 28, the Lower Township Recreation Center will hold a spooky haunted trail event behind the recreation center from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

The Greater Wildwood Elks will hold a haunted house at their clubhouse on First Avenue in North Wildwood from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Whether you like being scared or simply enjoy the crispness in the air and the taste of pumpkin spice, if you are looking for a ghoulish October getaway, look no further than New Jersey’s Southern Shore.

Whether you’re among the 45 million Americans who are birders or simply have a passing interest in observing the graceful winged creatures, the Southern Shore Region of New Jersey – encompassing Cape May and Cumberland counties – is a hotbed of activity in the autumn months.

With myriad protected areas and a variety of habitats, the whole Delaware Bay coastal area is the perfect spot for birding throughout the year, but come fall, the Southern Shore Region is THE place to spot millions of migrating raptors, shorebirds, butterflies and dragonflies. The Delaware Bay, which Cumberland and Cape May counties abut, is smack in the middle of the migration path of many species of birds and Monarch butterflies fly over the region during their 3,000-mile trip to Mexico.

The Cape May Bird Observatory, which is operated by the NJ Audubon Society, started its Monarch Monitoring Project in 1990. The project focuses on the fall migration of the Monarch, which is the only species to make the two-way trip to Mexico and back. Each year, thousands and thousands of these soaring beauties funnel through Cumberland and Cape May counties, delighting casual observers and lepidopterists as they stopover in the region for rest and nourishment.

Likewise, the waterfowl and shorebirds traverse the region in search of warmer climes. Following a similar route through the Southern Shore funnel to the Delaware, the many bird species to pass over the area enchant those with a basic appreciation of birds to the most serious ornithologists.

In addition to the Delaware Bay, the Maurice River is an important part of the Atlantic Flyway for raptors, shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl. Flowing into the Delaware Bay, the Maurice River is home to more than 29 species of wintering waterfowl.

Places like Bridgeton City Park, Union Lake, East Point Lighthouse, West Side Park, Maurice River Nature Area, Willow Oak Nature Area and more than nine Fish and Wildlife Management Areas are all spots to enjoy birding during the autumn months.

Cape May County has several nature organizations that focus on birding and butterflies from September through December. The Nature Conservancy operates the South Cape May Meadows center, as well as the Garrett Family Preserve. The Cape May Bird Observatory operates the Northwood Center of Cape May Point, and the Nature Center of Cape May. Furthermore, the Cape May Bird Observatory, which conducts the Cape May Hawkwatch from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, also runs the Avalon Seawatch from Sept. 22 to Dec. 22. Interestingly, Avalon (“Cooler By a Mile”) extends one mile into the Atlantic than its neighbors to the north. Observers have logged more than 700,000 waterbirds in typical years, with that number soaring past one million in some years.

Wildlife Management areas in Cape May County include Beaver Swamp, Cape Island, Cape May Coastal Wetlands, Cox Hall Creek, Dennis Creek, Higbee Beach, Spicers Creek, and Lizard Tail Swamp Preserve.

Most parks and wildlife management areas are free and open to the public, but some of the local organizations host birding events or walks for a nominal fee. Higbee Beach Birding, a two-hour walk, is held Fridays. Above Par Birding, at Cox Hall Creek WMA in Villas, is held Sunday mornings from 7:30 to 9:30. A Meadows Afternoon is held Fridays from 3 to 5 p.m. at South Cape May Meadows, E-Z Birding is held at Cape May Point State Park from noon to 2 p.m. Thursdays, and Migration at the Point is held Wednesdays from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. in Cape May Point State Park.

On Sept. 16, the Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor Boulevard, will host a Fall Migration Festival with nature activities, crafts, and guided tours. Although it is several months away, Cumberland County, which has the largest number of nesting bald eagles in the state, hosts a Winter Eagle Festival, usually in February.

New Jersey’s Southern Shore Region, with its lush coastal setting, is a safe haven for our winged friends, and a visual feast for those who appreciate them.

BIG NEWS for Pickleball fans and players!  Avalon, New Jersey will host the official tour stop for the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) in 2023. The inaugural APP New Jersey Classic is set for Avalon’s pickleball complex, September 6-10. It’s the fastest growing sport in the United States and the top ranked players in the world will make a stop in Avalon amid tour venues in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, and St. Louis.
 
The APP New Jersey Classic will call the Jersey Cape its home for four days in September and visitors are welcome to watch the top tour professionals in the world in the senior pro tournament or even get in on the game as a competitor in the amateur division. 
 
Not familiar with the sport? It’s been around since the 1960s and combines elements of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. One theory about its funny name, it came from a pickle boat in crew rowing that is made up of rowers not chosen by other team; the other theory claims it was named after the dog of one of the guys who first started the game on the West Coast. Take your pick – or pickleball!
 
In New Jersey’s Southern Shore region, pickleball continues to gain popularity, paddle by paddle. The game is played on a 20 by 40-foot court, about the same size as a doubles badminton court. Less demanding than tennis, pickleball is a relatively low impact sport, which makes it appealing to baby boomers. By the way, when a team fails to score in a whole game, they’ve been pickled!
 
Competing or not, you can enjoy the excitement in Avalon!  The official Pro Tour Partner, USA Pickleball, will feature vendors and other attractions at the event.  Avalon’s Pickleball event will be live streamed and broadcast on TV to a worldwide audience so no one will miss the action. www.apptour.org

Believe it or not, there’s more to New Jersey’s Southern Shore than beaches, bays, boardwalks, and dining. There are plenty of rainy day indoor activities for those rare occasions when outdoor activities are nearly impossible, but what about outdoor attractions for those who want to go beyond the salt life during the day? We’ve got the ticket!

Two of the newer unique attractions in the area are in the Jersey Cape. Opened in 2020, Revolution Rail, which leaves from the site of Cape May Seashore Lines on Lafayette Street in Cape May, is a guided railbiking tour that takes rail bikers four miles around the Garrett Family Reserve, which is part of the Cape May Nature Conservancy. During the two-hour tour, pedalers witness some spectacular landscapes and encounter songbirds, raptors, butterflies, and other wildlife over wooded areas and wildflower meadows.

Revolution Rail rides leave every two hours during the day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and during the height of the tourism season there are additional tours at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. At 8:30 p.m., there is a Full Moon Ride. Revolution Rail lights up the rail bikes and takes riders to a picnic area near the Cape May Canal, where participants are encouraged to bring snacks (and drinks), and swap stories about ghosts, pirates and the Jersey Devil. The cost to use Revolution Rail is $80 for a two-seat rail bike, and $140 for a quad (four-seater).

While Revolution Rail is certainly a lower-body workout, an activity that uses the entire body is Tree to Tree, on the campus of the Cape May County Zoo in Cape May Court House. As the name suggests, participants go from tree to tree via zipline, Tarzan swings, moving bridges, ladders, and monkey bars. Tree to Tree’s color-coded courses are geared for adventurers ages seven and older. The cost to participate in the adult course (ages 11 and older) is $50. The juniors course, ages 10 to 13, is $40, and the kids’ course (ages seven to 13) is $30. A zipline only adventure, for ages 11 and older, is one course that includes five ziplines (which can be done twice) for $35. Tree to Tree is also a great team-building activity that helps build communication, trust, and teamwork among participants. Reservations may be made online and it is open from April through November. Visit www.treetotreecapemay.com to book all events.

Since Tree to Tree is located in the Cape May County Park and Zoo, it would be a mistake not to visit the Cape May County Zoo. This local gem opened in 1978 and has grown immensely since its opening with one African lion, some spider monkeys, and some barnyard animals. Today, the Cape May County Zoo covers about 200 wooded acres and is home to more than 500 animals and more than 250 species. The walk through the zoo covers about two miles along mostly shaded walkways, and visitors will delight at seeing the large array of animals, including camels, giraffes, lions, bison, alpacas, bears, tamarin, cheetahs, otters, zebras, pandas, and more. There’s a building dedicated to reptiles, another to birds, and an African Savanna to delight visitors. There is no admission fee and the zoo is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. throughout the year.

About an hour north, at Bridgeton City Park (just off Route 55), is the Cohanzick Zoo. This free zoo, which opened in 1934 and bills itself as “New Jersey’s first zoo,” is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. Pack a lunch, enjoy a beautiful setting and then wander the zoo grounds that are home to more than 45 species of animals, including birds, fox, a Bengal tiger, cougar, pig, porcupine, marmoset, an Asian black bear, and min-donkey. This free attraction is open every day from 9 a.m until 5 p.m.

If you get the opportunity, take advantage of one of these attractions and explore more of New Jersey’s Southern Shore!

With luck, the skies during your vacation will always be blue, the sun will shine brightly each day, and the wind will always be light and at your back. Unfortunately, as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote and The Ink Spots sang, “Into every life a little rain must fall.” While New Jersey’s Southern Shore Region is geared for warm-weather, outdoor pursuits, a day away from the sun can be a welcome respite.

If you think the only thing to do in the region is to sit in your rental unit or motel room and watch television, you’d have to think again. While the beaches and other popular outdoor attractions usually never close, let’s face it: very few people enjoy outdoor activities in a downpour. Luckily, there are many activities in the area that can be enjoyed on a rainy day.

For those enjoying a Southern Shore getaway without children, the area’s wineries are always a great option. In Cape May County, there’s Cape May Winery, Willow Creek Winery, Jessie Creek Winery, Natalie Vineyards, Turdo Vineyard and Winery, and Hawk Haven Winery. Most wineries have snacks of charcuterie boards for purchase as well as flights and bottles of their products. In Cumberland County wineries include Terra Nonno, Vineyard One, and Cedar Rose Vineyards in Millville.

If you are vacationing with those under the legal drinking age, you might want to check local movie listings to see what’s playing. One of Cape May County’s newest attractions is Cape Square Entertainment Center, which boasts a multi-screen movie theater, a bowling alley, golf simulator, and arcade. and a variety of restaurants. Located in the Rio Grande section of Middle Township (just west of the Wildwoods and just north of Cape May), it’s a sure thing that you’ll find something for everyone at this attraction.

History buffs will appreciate the unique offerings of New Jersey’s Southern Shore Region. Obviously, the area’s historic lighthouses are huge attractions.

East Point Lighthouse, once known as the Maurice River Lighthouse, is situated on the Delaware Bay in Cumberland County, at the mouth of the Maurice River. Built in 1849, this active lighthouse was discontinued by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1941, but efforts by the local historical society paid off in 1980, when the state’s second oldest lighthouse was re-lit.

Cape May County boasts two historic and working lighthouses. Commonly called the Cape May Lighthouse, this light is technically in neighboring Cape May Point State Park. The climb up the light’s 199 steps up a spiral staircase is not for the faint of heart. Constructed in 1823 and opened in 1859, this light is maintained by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC), which endeavors to preserve, restore, and protect historic sites in Cape May. The second lighthouse on the Jersey Cape is Hereford Inlet Lighthouse in North Wildwood. This active light, opened in 1974, is also a museum that facilitates guided and self-guided tours. The beautifully manicured grounds at Hereford Lighthouse alone are worth the trip.

Many local resorts have downtown shopping districts, movie theaters, arcades, restaurants, and historical museums, where families can spend enjoyable time away from less-than-perfect weather. There are a few unique attractions that shouldn’t be missed, no matter the weather. Cape May’s Washington Street Mall is a no-brainer. Lined with dozens of charming shops and eateries in the heart of Cape May’s historic district, a person could spend several days of a vacation exploring the offerings in America’s Oldest Seashore Resort. Not far from Cape May City, about 3.5 miles north, is Historic Cold Spring Village. This living history museum gives visitors a glimpse into life during the early 1800s.

Heading north, on Route 9 in Clermont, is Woodland Village. This collection of more than 15 quaint shops provides visitors with everything from candy and other confections to gift stores, cheese shops, and tea purveyors.

In Cumberland County, in Millville, is Wheaton Village, an arts and cultural center that emphasizes the artistry of working with glass. Artists in the village demonstrate their craft, and the village contains shops, a nature trail, historical building, and an event center.

For those who prefer sports or other challenges, try an indoor golf simulator, such as Shore Sim Golf in Cape May Court House, the golf simulator at Cape Square Entertainment Center, and there is now a simulator at the Montego Bay Resort on the Boardwalk in North Wildwood.

Escape rooms, if you are up to the challenge, can be fun for a family or group of friends. Gaining popularity over the past decade, these puzzles wrapped in enigmas require quick thinking and teamwork to reach the escape goal. Escape rooms can be found in Rio Grande, Villas, Wildwood, Ocean City.

Whether rain falls, you need to get out of the sun to avoid further burns, or you’ve simply had your fill of the beach, you needn’t let non-beach activities dampen your vacation. New Jersey’s Southern Shore Region is replete with activities, events, and attractions that are perfect for a rainy day… or any other day.

Greek philosopher Plato said, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.“ Visitors to the Southern Shore Region of New Jersey know that music makes everything better, and the tourism businesses and organizations in the area have provided a 2023 line-up that would receive Plato’s approval.

No matter which resort you are temporarily calling “home,” there’s a very good chance you’ll be able to grab a beach chair or blanket, pack up some snacks and cold drinks, and walk or bike to an outdoor concert – most of which are free.

Depending on which type of music and atmosphere you prefer, music lovers can find live bands or individual performers nearly every night in the summer in the many restaurants and bars that populate the resort area. Some of the venues have modest cover charges, but many provide late afternoon or evening entertainment as part of their business operation.

The LeVoy Theater in Millville has scheduled an impressive calendar of spring and early summer events. Starting with “Beginnings” (Chicago tribute band) on April 15, this concert hall in Millville’s downtown has some great moderately-priced concerts in queue. Here’s a sampling: April 16, Jim Messina; April 18, Dirty Deeds (AC/DC), April 29, The Breakers (Tom Petty); May 5, Tusk (Fleetwood Mac); May 20, Dean Ford and the Beautiful Ones (Prince tribute); June 3, John Waite; June 10, Big Yellow Taxi and Late for the Sky; June 21, Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters; and July 13, Trippin Billies (Dave Matthews Band tribute).

Likewise, the City of Cape May has some well-known names in the music industry taking the stage at Convention Hall. On July 9 The Lettermen will visit; and on July 23 Jay and the Americans will perform. The Association will perform on July 16; July 30 brings Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone; on Aug. 6 the Drifters will perform; The Hitmen will appear Aug. 13, and Aug. 26 will see The Hooters take the stage at Convention Hall.

Jazz aficionados will want to check out at least one of Cape May’s two jazz festivals. The Spring 2023 Exit Zero Jazz Festival, slated for May 5 to 7, will be headlined by Samara Joy performing at the Convention Center. The fall festival will be held Nov. 9 to 12. The spring edition of the festival takes place in four venues during the three-day event. For more information visit www.exitzerojazzfestival.com.

Perhaps the biggest musical event of the season will be the four-day Barefoot Country Music Festival on the beach in Wildwood June 15-18. Headliners are Blake Shelton, Kid Rock, and Darius Rucker. Other performers include Jon Pardi, Riley Green, Parker McCollum, Lady A, Michael Ray, and more. If you enjoy country music, partying on the beach, or both, this is the place to be! More information may be found at www.barefootcountrymusicfest.com .

Once the summer tourism hits full stride – around the Independence Day weekend – most resorts in Cape May County host free outdoor concerts every week.

At the Cape May-Lewes Ferry in Lower Township, free lawn concerts are held Wednesdays beginning at 5:30 p.m. In downtown Cape May, free outdoor concerts are held Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday evenings at Rotary Park, with bands taking the state at 7 p.m.

During the season, the beachfront resorts of the Wildwoods host concerts at various locations during each week. In Wildwood Crest, Centennial Park (beachfront at Fern Road) hosts live bands Wednesdays and Sundays at 7:30 p.m. Wildwood’s Fox Park (Burk and Ocean avenues, across from the Convention Center), hosts concerts Each Sunday at 7 p.m., and Byrne Plaza (Oak and Pacific avenues) has free outdoor concerts every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. North Wildwood’s Lou Booth Amphitheater (Second and Ocean avenues) is the locale for free concerts Sundays at 7:30 p.m.

Middle Township's Ockie Wisting Complex, just off Fulling Mill Road, is the site for free concerts Tuesday nights, usually beginning around 6.

Stone Harbor holds “Tuesdays at the Tower” on Tuesday nights, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the water tower on 95th Street. Just to the north, in Avalon, free outdoor concerts are held Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Surfside Park on 29th Street.

In Sea Isle City, Excursion Park at 41st Street hosts Concerts Under the Stars from 7:30 to 9:30 each Saturday. Ocean City Pops will hold a free concert on July 3 starting at 7:30 p.m. at Carey Stadium on Fifth Street.

Over in Cumberland County, there is a Free Summer Concert Series on many Saturdays beginning at 6 p.m. at the New Jersey Motorsports Park’s Finish Line Pub in Millville. Bridgeton's Sunset Lake Amphitheater has traditionally hosted free concerts on Saturdays beginning at 7 p.m.

During the summer tourism season, New Jersey’s Southern Shore Region is alive with music, giving the universe a soul, and letting our minds and imaginations soar.

This year, the daffodils, tulips, and crocus apparently couldn’t wait for spring and began emerging in mid-February. Those flowers’ impatience for things to begin blooming and booming is mirrored by the businesses and residents of New Jersey’s Southern Shore Region.

While the sunny, mild weather one typically pictures when thinking about taking a trip to the Southern Shore Region is still in the offing, April – and the Easter holiday in particular – is when the area begins waking from its wintertime slumber.

Little by little, the attractions that were shuttered from November through March begin opening their doors, and the restaurants, taverns, and stores that remained open step up their games as the region comes back to life.

In Ocean City, Gillian’s Wonderland Pier will be open for the Easter weekend, and you can be sure many of the famous Boardwalk’s eateries, shops, and other businesses will be open to accommodate visitors. To the south, the Wildwoods Boardwalk will have shops, eateries and arcades open, but both Morey’s amusement piers won’t be operational until later in the season.

Expect to see “OPEN” signs in other popular shopping areas, such as the downtown areas in Millville, Bridgeton, as well as Cape May County’s mainland towns and promenades.

In preparation for the Easter holiday, many traditional activities will be held a week prior. For instance, in Vineland, the Easter Egg Hunt and children’s costume parade will be held April 1 at Giampietro Park, and in Millville, the annual Easter Egg hunt is April 1 at 11 a.m.. The Cape May County Zoo’s Easter EGGstravaganZOO will also be held April 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the zoo in Cape May Court House. Stone Harbor’s Volunteer Fire Company will host an egg hunt on April 1 as well, at 1 p.m. at the firehouse.

In Cape May, the annual Easter egg hunt will be held Saturday, April 8, at 10 at Convention Hall on Beach Drive, and a Fashion Stroll will be held at Rotary Park on Easter Sunday, April 9, at 1 p.m. There will be an Easter egg hunt in North Wildwood at Allen Park on April 8 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Visitors and homeowners who take the trip to the Southern Shore Region over the Easter weekend will find most of their favorite restaurants open, and many venues feature family brunch specials and Easter dinner.

While the beaches and waterways in the region are always open, the beaches will be unprotected until Memorial Day, primarily because the ocean temperature is 50 degrees or cooler. But that doesn’t mean outdoor activities are restricted. The area’s bicycle paths, tennis and pickleball courts, wildlife management areas, and beaches are available for outdoor activities.

Because Easter 2023 occurs about three weeks after the official start of spring, many of those visiting New Jersey’s Southern Shore Region will be eager to get their gardens and yards ready for the coming season. You can bet that all of the area’s nurseries and home stores will be stocked and ready to assist as the region dusts off its wintry shawl and prepares for the beautiful bloom of summer.

Easter in the Southern Shore Region is a time when smiles abound, and optimism is evident because it signals the re-awakening of the time we all love. Easter truly is the harbinger of the tourism season in New Jersey’s Southern Shore.

Come St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is at least a little bit Irish. For local residents and regular visitors to New Jersey’s Southern Shore Region, the holiday is not only a celebration of all things Irish, but a harbinger of the season to come. After all, with Daylight Savings Time in effect beginning March 12, and the official start of spring on March 20, there’s more than enough reason for Irish eyes to be smiling! No matter how much or little you claim as Irish heritage, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the Celtic holiday in New Jersey’s Southern Shore Region.

This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday, allowing for an entire weekend of opportunities. Myriad taverns and restaurants in Cape May and Cumberland counties will be celebrating the holiday with lively music, endless good cheer, and even Americanized versions of Irish cuisine. Jersey Shore Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries | NJ Southern Shore

The locale that is most associated with Irish heritage, North Wildwood, will celebrate the holiday a week early. After a Mass at the local Catholic Church in Wildwood, the City of North Wildwood will hold a noontime ceremony at City Hall (Ninth and Atlantic avenues), where a parade replete with bands and an Irish pipe brigade, will proceed to the city’s bar district in the northern section of the city. There, places that have become popular throughout the year — and in particular during the city’s Irish Fall Festival held every September – will mark the occasion. To be sure, venues like The Anglesea Pub, Keenan’s, Curran’s Irish Inn, and Inlet on Olde, as well as other Irish spots such as Owen’s Pub, Mulligan’s, Goodnight Irene’s, Cattle ‘n Clover, Olde City Pub, and Fitzpatrick’s Crest Tavern, will be celebrating all things Irish over the weekend of March 17. The Mudhen, a restaurant and brewery located on Rio Grande Avenue (the main street leading into Wildwood), has live Irish music scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 17 and 18.

In Cape May, a St. Paddy’s Day Plunge into the Atlantic Ocean and a 5K run are planned for Saturday, March 18. Carney’s, the coordinator of the event, has an entire weekend planned, including a pre-plunge beef and beer on the 17th, and a “Kegs and Eggs” party before the Saturday events. The 5K run – and a 1-mile walk – are set to go off at 11 a.m., followed by the plunge at 12:30 on the beach. Carney’s, along Cape May’s Beach Drive, has further events planned over the weekend. Visit www.carneysnj.com for more information.

Lest you think Carney’s is the only place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Places like the Ugly Mug and Delaney’s on Cape May’s picturesque Washington Street Mall, along with the C-View Inn, near Cape May’s harbor, will surely be marking the occasion. Heading north, Jester’s Dive Bar, formerly Rio Station, will be open and is gaining a reputation as the place to enjoy live entertainment and great American food. Still further north, on the Seven Mile Beach, popular taverns like Fred’s in Stone Harbor and the Princeton and Avalon Brew Pub in Avalon, will no doubt be lively, as will O’Donnell’s Pour House in Sea Isle City.

Over in Cumberland County, it’s a sure bet that the Old Oar House Irish Pub in Millville will be celebrating the holiday, as well as The Brass Tap in Bridgeton.

Although accommodations are not nearly as abundant as they are “in season,” all of the region’s resorts have some hotels, motels, or rentals available.

St. Patrick’s Day weekend is a perfect opportunity to visit New Jersey’s Southern Shore Region to enjoy all the area has to offer without the crowds that populate the region in the prime summer months. Give it a try, because “when Irish hearts are happy, all the world seems bright and gay.”

Slainte!

It’s a night like no other, in January no less. Bagpipes, Celtic bands, tartans and kilts at the 17th annual Burns Supper celebrating Robert Burns, the poet laurate of Scotland who also wrote Auld Land Syne. Enjoy a sip of whisky as the haggis is paraded around. Haggis? Don’t ask! Enjoy the Scottish-themed dinner, music, poetry Jan. 28 at Exit Zero at Ferry Park in North Cape May. www.exitzero.com/happening

Breweries, wineries, and distilleries are open, offering fun activities. Cape May Winery on Town Bank Road in North Cape May hosts educational wine tastings on Saturdays in January and February. Taste different wines, learn about the wine making process in one of the production barns or on the upstairs deck, weather permitting. www.capemaywinery.com

Trivia is popular during the winter so brush up on some rather useless knowledge and show off at Trivia Thursday at Cape May Brewery in the cozy Tasting Room with 20 beers on tap. www.capemaywinery.com Nauti Spirits Farm Distillery in North Cape May hosts The Symposium, a ‘spirited” history discourse with a weekly cocktail and open mic – how cool is that! www.nautispirits.com

Need a day outside? Head to Beach Plum Farm – the kids will love the chickens roaming free and who knows what other critters you might encounter on this 62-acre working farm. The Farm Market has fresh seasonal veggies, eggs, and meats right from the farm along with honey, spreads, wines, pastas and more. www.beachplumfarmcapemay.com

Make good on that New Year’s resolution to get more exercise. Head to the Cape May Lighthouse and climb those 199 steps. www.capemaymac.org

Live theater is just that – alive and well at the Levoy Theatre in Millville with a winter calendar that includes Into the Woods and The Phil Collins Experience. Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street has a week-long run in February. www.levoy.net

Romance is definitely in the air by mid-February. Plan a romantic Valentine’s Day visit to Victorian Cape May at one of the historic inns around town. Cuddle up in front of the fireplace sipping wine before a leisurely dinner at any of the trendy restaurants offering the perfect ambiance.

Third Fridays in Millville’s Glasstown Arts District are a great way to beat those winter blahs plus galleries and specialty shops have a wide selection of hand-crafted jewelry, art glass, ceramics, wood carvings, and textile art, unique gifts for your Valentine. www.glasstownartsdistrict.com

For a bit of history, the Underground Railroad Trolley Tour highlights Harriet Tubman’s connections to the resort and how she helped enslaved people cross the Delaware Bay under perilous conditions. The Mansions by the Sea Trolley Tour focuses on the early 1900s along the most elegant part of the resort at the time when the area was marketed as the New Cape May at the turn of the 20th century. The Historic District Trolley Tour includes a guided tour of the 1879 Physick Estate Victorian house museum. www.capemaymac.org

The best way to give Old Man Winter the heave ho is March 12 when we all spring ahead to Daylight Saving Time. Until then, stay warm and cozy!