So the temps may not be in the 80s yet (or even 70s), but does it really matter? There’s plenty to do at the Shore right now, so pack a bag, grab your friends and head down for some fun in the (not super hot but still really nice) sun. We’ll see you there!
KITE WATCHING
Wildwood
You’ve never seen the Shore like this before. On May 27-30, the beach at Rio Grande Ave. in Wildwood will be filled with kites of all sizes and shapes during the International Kite Festival. Friday night includes an illuminated kite fly at 9 pm. On Saturday and Sunday, there will be large inflatable kites, team flies and family games starting at 9 am.
TAKE IN SOME JAZZ
Cape May
The Exit Zero Jazz Festival takes place on May 13-15 at the Exit Zero Ferry Park at the Cape May Ferry Terminal. International artists perform on 2 outdoor stages from 11 am – 6 pm each day. (If you’re not a VIP ticket holder, don’t forget your lawn chair.) The festival is held 2 times each year, so if you’re booked in May, you can try again Sept. 20 – Oct. 2.
HIT THE BIKE TRAIL
With smaller crowds, you’ll be able to cruise on your bike with the greatest of ease. Ocean City has a 7-mile family-friendly bike route – download a map at bikeocnj.org. And you can pedal the whole island of Wildwood on its 12-mile (round-trip) bike trail. Start at the Wildwood Crest Dunes Bike Path, head up onto the boardwalk and then finish along Mulberry Bike Path in North Wildwood. Pretty much all the Shore towns have scenic routes plus bike shops where you can rent for the day or week.
DO DOO WOP
Wildwood
You’ve never seen a museum like this before. Wildwood gathered all the neon signs, plastic palm trees and other kitschy memorabilia of the ’50s and ’60s to create the very unique, very fun museum. You can do the whole museum in probably an hour, so head out to see the other memorabilia splattered throughout the town.
FILL YOUR FEED
There are tons of picture-perfect spots at each of our Shore towns. In Atlantic City, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has lots of great spots (check out the gigantic guitar-shaped hotel sign), but be sure to head out to the Boardwalk so you don’t miss the very big, very colorful Eagle wings painted onto the building. On the Wildwood Boardwalk, be sure to pose in front of the eclectic Wildwood sign, then walk the boards to find 3 murals of rock ‘n’ roll icons: Bill Haley (“Rock Around the Clock”), Chubby Checker (“The Twist”) and Bobby Rydell (“Wildwood Days”). And while there are beautiful beach spots in every Shore town, check out Corson’s Inlet State Park along the bay in Ocean City. It has a boat launch, marsh and a small beach. Definitely a good idea to go now before the summer crowds have the same idea.
SEE A SHOW (IN PERSON)
Atlantic City
As the world starts to re-open, Atlantic City is putting on a show. You can have a few good laughs at Borgata with their Spring lineup: Chris Rock on April 2, Nicole Byer on April 9, Steven Wright on May 21 and Jim Gaffigan on May 28. At Hard Rock, enjoy some music with Chris Stapleton on April 8 & 9 and Sting on May 13.
STOP AT SMITHVILLE
Smithville
Just a short drive from Atlantic City and you’ll find yourself back in time at Historic Smithville & Village Greene. Head there on any day to visit the quaint shops and take in the beautiful scenery. But on April 9 and 10, enjoy the lively Renaissance Faire, and on April 23, browse the 75 artists displaying their work during the annual Art Walk. On May 14 & 15, there’s the May Fest, complete with crafters, an international food court, live music and kids’ activities.
BECOME A (BIG-TIME) BIRDWATCHER
Cape May
Whether you’re a seasoned bird watcher or just someone who’d like to learn more, the Cape May Spring Festival offers field trips, boat trips, trolley trips and indoor programs – all focused on the sport of birding. Choose from a long list of excursions from May 19 – 22, including a mini-bus trip to private properties to see active habitat restoration. Attendees will learn how South Jersey residents are enhancing wildlife habitats in their backyards.
