The temperatures might be dropping, but there’s still plenty of hot fun to be had at the Shore! During the offseason, you can find plenty of exciting activities the whole family will enjoy. We’ve got eight reasons to head down the Shore this season.
Enjoy a Meal – and a Lecture
Wetlands Institute
1075 Stone Harbor Boulevard, Stone Harbor
609-368-1211
This winter, you can dine and learn during the Wetlands Institute’s covered dish dinners and lunch and learn programs. At a lunch and learn, all you need to bring is your lunch. The institute provides coffee, dessert and a presenter to explore and discuss the coastal ecosystem. Covered dish dinners are similar presentations paired with a meal, but are potluck-style. Bring an appetizer, entrée, salad or dessert and get ready for some riveting conversation. Lunch and learns are presented every Friday, and covered dish dinners are presented once a month.
Learn Some History
Emlen Physick Estate
1048 Washington Street, Cape May
609-884-5404
Take a step into the Victorian Era at this historic estate in Cape May. Every Saturday throughout the year, you can enjoy a day full of fun and informative activities like tours of the Emlen Physick Estate, a scavenger hunt around the house and a trolley tour of the historic district. The carriage house will be presenting a special exhibit on William J. Moore, principal of the segregated West Cape May Elementary Annex school for nearly 50 years, until April 9.
Save the Whales
Tuckahoe Brewery
3092 English Creek Avenue, Egg Harbor Township
609-645-2739
Sip a cold brew for a good cause at the Marine Mammal’s Stranding Center’s fundraiser, Ales for Whales, on February 23. For $35 (or $30 in advance), you can taste beers from Tuckahoe Brewery while dining on food from local eateries. The best part is that every dollar goes directly to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the only organization in New Jersey dedicated to rescuing sick and injured marine mammals and sea turtles. The event runs from 6 to 9 pm. Space is limited, so register today.
Get a New Perspective
Absecon Lighthouse
Pacific and Rhode Island Avenues, Atlantic City
609-449-1360
Climb the 228 steps to this peak for a higher view of the Jersey Shore. Before you head to the top, explore the Keeper’s House Museum to learn something about this more than 150-year-old structure. The lighthouse is celebrating its 160th birthday on January 15. Stop by for birthday cake at 1 pm and free climbs all day.
Visit the Animals
Cape May County Park & Zoo
707 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House
609-465-5271
Spend a day with the animals without leaving South Jersey. Cape May County Park & Zoo is open every day (except Christmas), so you can say hello to lions, tigers and bears all year long. Keep an eye out for special events, like Yoga at the Zoo on January 21. That day, the zoo will open its doors at 9 am for yoga participants of all levels – just bring a mat and some water.
Watch the Birds
The temperatures may be dropping, but it’s not too cold to take in some nature down the Shore. Bundle up and choose from one of the many parks along the coast to see a variety of birds like swans, hawks and, of course, seagulls. The Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area provides a protected habitat for a number of state-endangered and threatened birds and offers a great opportunity to observe the wildlife in its natural habitat. Or, head south to the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge to watch the salt marshes. Over the water, you’ll find species like the Bald Eagle, Short-Eared Owls and Great Blue Heron, to name a few.
Watch the Arts
The Noyes Arts Garage
2200 Fairmount Avenue, Atlantic City
609-626-3805
Visit these artists to browse their creations and observe their work. The site is home to local workshops of creators like artist group Blockhead Customs, footwear and fashion boutique OCEAN 1 and the Atlantic City-staple Sea Shore Photo. After browsing the artwork, hit one of the nearby galleries. At the Noyes Gallery, a new exhibit from photographer Glynnis Reed starts on January 12. Stop by for the free opening reception on January 13 from 6 to 8 pm.
Take the Plunge
Chill out in the ocean with fellow plungers on the Wildwoods beach. On January 14, plungers will jump into the icy water to support training and competition for Special Olympics New Jersey athletes. Registration begins at 10 am, and the plunge is at 1 pm. If you need more time to prepare for the low temps, a second plunge will take place on February 25 benefiting the Philadelphia Police Fallen Heroes Fund. That one starts at 11 am and includes prizes for best costumes, teams and individuals.
