Endless Summer? We wish! The hot and hazy days are flying by way too quickly (as always). On the bright side, you have one full month to make the most of fun-in-the-sun, flip-flop days and cooler nights. We’ve put together the ultimate list of South Jersey things to do to help you make the most of August.
Sightsee by tram car
Nothing says summer quite like an automated voice warning you to “Watch the tram car please.” Originally built for the 1939 New York World’s Fair, Wildwood’s tram cars have been cruising the boards for 70 years. The trams operate until the end of the season along the 2-mile stretch of boardwalk. A one-way ride from start to end, takes about 30 minutes. But why not take advantage of wristbands to hop on and off all day long. A one-way ticket to ride is $3.50; a day pass is $7. For more information, check out watchthetramcarplease.com.
Take a ghost tour
Downtown Ocean City during the daytime is all about the shopping, food and fun. But for something completely different, return after nightfall to learn about the resort town’s supernatural secrets. Your guide will take you to the locations of ghost citings, mysterious legends, haunted houses and to the places where the unexplainable occurred. The cost is $18 per ticket ($12 for ages 4-12). Tours last 75 to 90 minutes and begin at City Hall, the corner of 9th and Asbury Avenues. For more information, visit ghosttour.com.
Check out Thunder Over the Boardwalk
The Atlantic City Airshow, known as Thunder Over the Boardwalk, is one of the most anticipated free events of the summer. From the comfort of your beach chair, watch the magnificent U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and other military planes perform in the skies. It all starts around 10 am on August 21. This year’s event also features the United Kingdom Red Arrows, who haven’t performed in the United States in more than 10 years. For more information, visit airshow.acchamber.com.
Relive your boy-band crush
Did you plaster your bedroom walls with posters of the Backstreet Boys in the 90s? Or was your boy-band crush Jersey’s own Jonas Brothers? Either way the nostalgia gods are working in your favor. BSB is playing August 17 at the Wells Fargo Center followed the very next night by the Jonas Brothers. It will be worth temporarily losing your voice screaming in delight.
See a Vaudevillian Revival
Vaudeville was the original variety show. Victorians flocked to shows to see dancers, musicians, clowns, trapeze artists, performing animals and comedy numbers. Where better to see a revival than in historic Cape May? The show runs daily at 7 pm, Aug. 6-15 at the Emlen Physick Estate. Adult tickets are $25. For more information, visit capemaymac.org.
Eat Jersey Fresh
Enjoy a four-course meal focusing on local summer ingredients and paired with craft brews from Tuckahoe Brewing Company. Borgata Executive Chef Thomas Biglan creates the delicious menu for $44 per person. The event starts at 2 pm on Aug. 10. For more information, visit theborgata.com.
Join in the Fringe Fun
The play is the thing at Jersey Fringe, a 3-day event August 2-4, where multiple shows take place at a variety of venues within walking distance in downtown Hammonton. In between performances, enjoy the beer and wine garden, pop-up art exhibits, food and vendors. All access passes for all three days are $39. For more information, visit jerseyfringe.com.
Compete in a charity run
A little humidity is no issue when you’re running or walking for a good cause. Among the many races hosted in SJ communities this month, the 8th Annual Hot Run in the Summertime 5K and two-mile walk on Aug. 3 is for a “cool” cause. The benefit, which kicks off at 8 am at Woodbury Station Café, raises money for new winter coats for neighborhood kids through Operation Warm. For more information, visit hotruninthesummertime.com.
Cruise the Pinelands by boat
Take a slow ride along the shores of SJ to see nature at its best. Paddling Pine Barrens streams is one of the best ways to experience the Pinelands. There are many streams to explore. Check out pinelandsalliance.org for tips to navigate the Batsto and Mullica Rivers and more.
Join your community
Camden County’s annual Candlelight Vigil is a chance to honor the memories of those lost to opioids. Join with people in recovery, those left behind and others in our community who are working to raise awareness of the crisis and fighting for change. The vigil takes place at 7 pm on August 27 at Timber Cove Park in Blackwood. Submit a photo of a loved one to be recognized in the remembrance slideshow. For more information, visit camdencounty.com.
Grab a peach, or an ear (of corn)
August is the peak of the summer harvest for two of the Garden State’s most wonderful crops: peaches and sweet corn. At Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford, you take a hayride to the fields and personally pick as much produce as you need. Cool off at the Splash Pad. Hay rides are free on Fridays 5 to 7 pm. For more information, visit johnsonsfarm.com.
Learn about life on the high seas
Watch actors perform swashbuckling adventures, learn how to make a net that 19th century seafarers used and learn about 19th century life in SJ during Seafarers’ Weekend 10 am to 4:30 pm Aug. 24-25 at Historic Cold Spring Village. The Sailors Swill Station will be set up with tasty brews while the Sea Dogs Maritime Band, an authentic maritime reenactment crew, perform sea shanties. Children should be on the lookout for gold coins hidden throughout the village that can be redeemed for a free treat. General admission tickets start at $14. For more information, visit hcsv.org
