Hard to imagine, but there really is fun to be had at the Shore – off the beach. Whether you obsess over golf, can’t get enough adventure or want to reach new heights, there are plenty of spots to heat up your time at the Shore.
Build your own boat
You don’t have to be an experienced craftsman to build your own boat. Tuckerton Seaport and Baymen Museum offers weekend workshops where you’ll learn the history of the Barnegat Bay Garvey, and the skills and techniques to build one. Then, you’ll work with an instructor to build the 9-foot boat. Paddle away with a new hobby and some unique memories. For more information, pricing and reservations call 609-296-8868.
Hunt for a ghost or two
Keep an eye out for spirits from the Victorian Era during Cape May MAC’s ghost tours around historic and haunted Cape May. Medium Craig McManus takes groups on a number of walking and trolley tours around town – don’t miss the spooky climb up the 199 stairs of the Cape May lighthouse. Dates, times and locations vary, so call 609-884-5404 or visit the website for more information.
Celebrate Italy
Get in touch with your Italian side with some grape stomping, meatball relay races and more Italian-style fun at North Wildwood’s Italian-American Festival. Held at First and Olde New Jersey Avenues from June 23 to 25, the free festival features live entertainment, raffles and, of course, authentic Italian food. The event runs from 4 to 10 pm on Friday, 10 am to 10 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday. For more information, visit the website.
Blue Heron Pines Golf Club
Play a round
Whether you’re a putt-putt pro or a master of the green, the Shore has plenty of spots to tee off in the sun. Seasoned golfers should try Atlantic City Country Club for a challenging course. After the match, visit the lounge on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 6 pm for live entertainment. Or head to Ron Jaworski’s Blue Heron Pines Golf Club with courses for golfers of all levels. Plus, Thursday nights at Seven Tap Tavern are steak night.
Browse – and join – the arts
Visit the artists at Noyes Arts Garage 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. You can even join in on the creative process at Stephanie Segal Miller’s watercolor class on July 16. The class costs $30 (plus $5 for supplies), and you can bring your own photo to work from or paint the provided still life. For more information, visit the website.
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse. Photo: Richard B. McGee
Reach great heights
The Jersey Shore is scattered with lighthouses that provide striking panoramic views of the coast. You can make a weekend of it and hit each one for the full experience or pick and choose. For a historic day, visit the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse to browse the museum, climb the stairs and learn about what life as a lighthouse keeper was like in the 19th and 20th centuries. To reach the highest point, head to Absecon Lighthouse – with 228 steps, it’s the tallest lighthouse in the state. If you want a celebration, take a trip on National Lighthouse Day (August 7). Lighthouses along the coast will have guest speakers and everyone climbs for free to celebrate the anniversary of the U.S. Lighthouse Service.
Dabble in archery
Shake up your typical dodgeball game with this bow-and-arrow twist. During a session of archery tag, players use bows to shoot foam-tipped arrows at each other or the opposing team’s target. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. Parties of 25 or more can reserve the space on Mondays, when the facility is otherwise closed. Reserve your spot at the website.
Eat your way through OC
You may know Ocean City’s beaches like the back of your hand, but now you can explore the seaside town through its food. The city’s restaurant week runs from June 9 to 15 and features specials like two-for-one deals at eateries from First to 59th Street. For a list of participating restaurants, visit the website.
Watch the birds
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 birds like the Eastern bluebird, osprey and eight species of heron.
Cape May Craft Beer & Crab Festival
Dine on beer & seafood
Enjoy a cold brew as you dig into fresh seafood during the Cape May Craft Beer & Crab Festival on August 5. The all-day festival features craft beers from local and regional breweries and an extensive selection of food – think steamed crabs and pulled pork. Live music, an old-fashioned Victorian circus and a collectibles and crafts show can also be found on the lawn of the Emlen Physick Estate. Admission to the grounds is free, and the festival runs from 10 am to 6 pm. For more information, visit the website.
