Let’s Embrace Our Unique Autumn
Well, that was surely an interesting summer, to say the least. I often compared it to a “get back to basics” summer. No major get-togethers. No major parties. Just small, socially distanced gatherings. Quick shopping trips, a lot of eating outside, a lot of takeout and a lot of time together as a family. As a mother of young children, the month of August has left me in a state of flux. Send them back to school or keep them home? Plan for a vacation or staycation? Play date or another day at home? I thought the spring was painful, but the unknown for what is to come this fall is driving me nuts.
Luckily, the one thing I can plan on is a well-kept local secret; the beauty of autumn at Seven Mile Beach. And with so many school districts planning for virtual learning, and businesses maintaining working from home, I think this is the perfect chance for visitors to stick around. If you can work from anywhere and learn from anywhere … it might as well be the beach, right? There’s no avoiding it really, the secret is out and we might as well embrace this potential and unusual boost in shopping, dining and lodging.
And I, for one, am embracing the art of a staycation. We have booked our trip to the closest oceanfront hotel, complete with pool and outdoor dining, and we plan on being shoobies for the week. In between potential schooling, whether online or in-person, we will enjoy this beautiful season at the beach in Avalon!
Avalon’s Dune Drive shopping district is open for retail therapy, no appointments needed.
After a harrowing spring, and a busy summer, this mama needs a full day of pampering. I can’t wait to enjoy a day of full-on spa treatments; massages, manis, pedis, haircut and colored. The COVID me isn’t a pretty one, so I’ll need the works to return to the semblance of pre-COVID mom. And my husband surely deserves a day away on the links, and will plan for a number of trips to the local golf courses.
Many days will be spent oceanside, with our toes in the sand. The Seven Mile beaches are always beautiful, but there’s something special about them in the fall. It’s quiet, the water is warm, the beach is pristine, and it almost feels like we booked a private beach to enjoy. And for days when we need a break from the beach, there are many safe and social distanced activities to enjoy as a family; mini golf, ice cream trips, The Wetlands Institute, the Cape May County Park & Zoo and so much more.
I always treat myself to a fall shopping spree as a reward for surviving a busy summer. This fall, that spree is going to be a bit more extensive. I want all the things. Shoes, earrings, dresses, fall accessories, cute things for the house, and more. My wallet is ready to burn and I can’t wait to stroll the Seven Mile Beach stores for a day of retail therapy like no other.
And dining. So many dining opportunities. Many who know me would never describe me as a whiz in the kitchen. In fact, many would applaud my skills at making chicken nuggets and mac ’n’ cheese. But nay, we’re on vacation this week. We will enjoy pancakes and waffles, hoagies and pizza, and just about every cuisine you can hope for at dinner – Tex-Mex, Italian, seafood, farm to table, etc. Whether it is dining outdoors during a crisp autumn evening, or takeout with the kids after a great day at the beach, our options are endless and we plan on taking advantage of as many as possible.
Like I said, autumn at Seven Mile Beach is a season like no other. It’s like booking a luxury retreat to your own private island. The lodging is exceptional, the beach is pristine, the shopping is high-end, the food is delicious and the entertainment is … entertaining! Up until 2020, this beautiful season on our seaside island was a secret, and it appears that once again, 2020 is going to shake things up a bit more, so embrace the virtual everything and enjoy it here, at the beach.
Looking to plan ahead? Be sure to head to visitavalonnj.com and click on the Business Hours link. The pages are updated daily with business hours, menu options, reservation information, sales, specials and more.
