Must Haves: Keeping Cool
It’s hard to believe that another August is here again. The summer always seem to go by so fast. This is the month when temperatures usually get to their highest of the year, and even when you are on our island with the ocean breeze, the heat can still get to you. Our best recommendation is to find a nice spot on the beach by the water, head out on the boat for day trips, or spend time in your pool if you’re lucky enough to have one. And if those ideas don’t work, we searched all of the best places in and around town to come up with a list of things to help keep you cool.
1. SILK TOPS
When it’s so hot that nothing feels good against your skin, try this silk scarf top. It’s so light you will feel like you have nothing on. Wear it as a shirt, in your hair, as a scarf and more. There are many ways to pair this item with your favorite jeans or miniskirt.
The Preppy Palm
2533 Dune Drive, Avalon
2. COOL CONTAINERS
One of the easiest ways to keep things cold is knowing what containers will do the job. This rabbit-topped, stainless-steel container functions well as an ice bucket or to store your ice cream. It will keep things cold for hours and look sophisticated on your counter.
Armadillo, Ltd.
2761 Dune Drive, Avalon
3. COOL DRINKS
Elevate your bar scene with Blufish's coastal-inspired barware, tabletop, and entertaining essentials. Add a twist to cocktail hour and stop in to see our assortment of glassware, dinnerware, and other must-haves for your summer soirees. Stay cool in style!
Blufish Designs
2021 Dune Drive, Avalon
33 42nd St., Sea Isle City
1944 U.S. 9, Clermont
blufishdesigns.com
4. YETIS
These custom-crafted Stone Harbor and Avalon Yetis keep your drinks nice and cold for hours at a time. They come in all different colors and styles. Choose your favorite today!
Seashore Ace Home & Outdoor Living
260 96th St., Stone Harbor
seashoreace.com
5. BOOGIE BOARDS
If you are going to spend the day in the ocean, why not have some fun riding in the waves? This pink Shockwave Boogie Board is by Catch Surf. It’s 36 inches long, so it’s perfect for big kids or adults.
She Be Surfin’
221 96th St., Stone Harbor
2516 Dune Drive, Avalon
shebesurfin.com
6. COOL ART
This mixed-media piece, “Distilled,” by Bisaillon Brothers, lets you have your drink of choice without having to decide. It’s 40 inches long by 30 inches wide.
Ocean Galleries
9618 Third Ave., Stone Harbor
2219 Ocean Drive, Avalon
oceangalleries.com
7. NECK FAN
If you can dream it, they will make it! This hands-free neck fan will keep you cool on long summer walks, on the beach, or reading a book on your deck. Pick up a few for the whole family!
Hoy’s 5&10
219 96th St., Stone Harbor
28th and Dune Drive, Avalon
hoys510.com
8. PERCALE BEDDING
Percale is a closely woven plain-weave fabric that is noticeably tighter than the standard type of weave used for bedsheets. It has medium weight, is firm and smooth with no gloss, and washes very well. Treat yourself to a cool night’s sleep in crisp percale — recharge and refresh to prepare for the day ahead!
Trendz Home
215 96th St., Stone Harbor
9. SUNDRESSES
Stay cool and stylish in these embroidered sundresses imported from Greece. All you need to add is a pair of golf sandals to complete this comfortable yet sophisticated look.
Olive Tree
211 96th St., Stone Harbor
10. OPAL NECKLACE
This amazing Australian Bolder Opal necklace by Irene Neuwirth will keep you cooler by a mile—it’s like wearing a piece of the ocean!
Trendz
209 96th St., Stone Harbor
trendzstoneharbor.com
11. LIGHTWEIGHT JEWELRY
Earrings that make a statement but are still lightweight are a must-have staple of your summer wardrobe. These “Sailing Circle Earrings” by Sunshine Tienda will elevate any outfit while you will hardly know you are wearing them!
Annabelle
2174 Dune Drive, Avalon
12. SUMMER DRESS
This versatile Barbie pink Salma Dress by Melissa Odabash is the perfect piece to keep you cool while at the beach. It features a bandeau fit, embroidered detail, and a ruffle trim. Bonus: Wear over your favorite swimwear or as a dress (it is fully lined)!
Here Comes the Sun
2101 Ocean Drive, Avalon
herecomesthesunavalon.com
13. SKIRTS
The Bristol skirt is lightweight and flirty. It comes in various colors and designs and is the perfect to addition to your date-night outfit. Pair with a cute top and sandals, and you’re all set!
Gingy’s
9718 Third Ave., Stone Harbor
gingys.com
14. AQUA PARK
The perfect activity to keep you cool during the heat of the summer is to jump in the bay! Island Water Sports is situated along Stone Harbor's back bay and is home to a thrilling inflatable obstacle course. And yes, it's as fun as it looks! Be sure to try it at least once this summer!
Island Water Sports
9701 Third Ave., Stone Harbor
islandwatersportsnj.com
15. SUMMER SWEATER
This comfy and lightweight summer sweater by Pearls & Camo is perfect to throw on after a long day at the beach. This favorite is available in periwinkle blue and navy, and both have “Avalon” stitched on the front in white. Be sure to get yours today before they fly out the door!
Louella
2819 Dune Drive, Avalon
louellastyle.com
16. HATS
Whenever you are out in the sun, having a good hat for coverage is a must! Coming in a variety of colors and styles, these Wallaroo hats are the perfect accessory to keep you cool and classy! The store has more than 200 in stock and sells petite-fitting hats as well!
Stephanie’s of Stone Harbor
9720 Third Ave., Stone Harbor
17. FISH WINE RACKS
Keep it cool with these fish-shaped wine racks. They are the perfect decor piece for your home and come in three sizes! Each can hold several bottles of wine, making them ideal for entertaining and summer fun!
Coastal Designer Outlet
556 Sea Isle Blvd., Ocean View
coastaldesigner.com
18. COOL TOYS
Nesting has the best selection of Jellycat plush toys in all of Stone Harbor. Almost any plushie you can dream of, Nesting has it! These adorable soft toys are available in all sizes and colors imaginable. Now your little ones can nap with the softest friends around!
Nesting
9504 Third Ave., Stone Harbor
nestingstoneharbor.com
19. DRI-FIT TEES
Stay cool and dry in these Dri-FIT tees by Under Armour. They are made to keep you feeling cool even during the hottest of workouts. They come in a variety of colors so you can stock up for the summer!
Wave One
221 96th St., Stone Harbor
waveonesports.com
20. CUSTOM POOL
The ultimate way to keep you and your family cool for summers to come is by calling USA Pools and creating your dream backyard. The only constraint is your imagination! USA Pools builds custom inground pools, renovates older pools, and provides twice-weekly pool service.
USA Pools
3101 Dune Drive, Avalon
usapoolsnj.com
21. COOL ACTIVITIES
This Freestyle Full HD Portable Smart Projector, by Samsung, optimizes screen size, auto-focuses, and levels the image even when pointed on an angle. When using inside, the Freestyle works best in dimly lit rooms. When using outdoors, The Freestyle works best at dusk/night. Now you can access your streaming apps, listen to your favorite playlist, and relax in the comfort of your home.
Sound Advice & Video
336 96th St., Stone Harbor
visitsoundadvice.com
22. KOOZIES
Keep those drinks cold for hours with a koozie from Fred's. These come in a variety of colors and sizes to fit any bottle or can. The perfect accessory to keep you cool, especially while on the beach!
Fred’s Tavern & Liquor Store
314 96th St., Stone Harbor
2258 Dune Drive, Avalon
fredstavern.net