The Jersey Shore Blog

Damp, Cold, Cloudy, and Windy. These are four words that best describe an average March Day at the Jersey Shore. Although we get some great days, the chances are you will have most of the words above to describe the Ocean Drive Marathon, which takes place at the end of March.

This annual event which brings out hundreds of participants and as many spectators who cheer for the athletes, starts in Cape May and ends in Sea Isle City. Participants can run the full marathon, which is 26 miles, 385 yards, or choose one of the smaller courses. For those who can’t put themselves through 26 miles, there is a 10-mile run, which starts in Cape May and ends in Wildwood, a 5K run in Sea Isle City, or a 1.5-mile run/walk, which takes place on the Promenade in Sea Isle.

I gathered at the finishing line with the many participants and spectators and I could feel the energy and enthusiasm as everyone cheered the runners on. Although I was there for a reason, I enjoyed the camaraderie of those who participated and those who waited for loved ones to finish. The finishing time of the first, second, and third place entries in this marathon is usually between 2 hours 45 minutes and 3 hours, which is where they finished.

The Ocean Drive Marathon has many sponsors and donors who contribute to local charities in Cape May County. Among the beneficiaries of the event are the Volunteers in Medicine of Cape May County, The Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, The Marine Mammal Stranding Center of Brigantine, and the High Schools in Cape May County.

If you are an athlete, or a person who likes to run, walk, or participate in a sporting event, the Ocean Drive Marathon is a great way to feel good about several causes. This annual event is one that will be enjoyed by all.

If you are planning a trip to the Southern Jersey Shore in the spring, you may want to consider Cap May with its Spring Festival. This week long event offers activities from Friday April 27th to Sunday May 6th.

Cape May in the Spring offers guided tours of Gardens in bloom, Victorian Houses, Historic Haunted Tours, and many can be accessed by walking, Trolley, or Horse and Carriage. If you are in for the walk, you can stroll around town and see the beautiful flowers in bloom, the Victorian Architecture that takes you back to the turn of the 20th Century, and visit many of the fine shops and dining establishments.

There is a Chocolate Fantasy Buffet being offered on April 28th. You can indulge in this decadence of a completely chocolate buffet. The Executive Pastry Chef of the Washington Inn will bring you this wonderful display of lights and dark chocolates.

A vintage Dance weekend is another of the many planned activities you will find during this festival. You can receive instruction in Vintage dance, followed by a costume ball and tea dance. This event occurs Saturday April 28th and Sunday April 29th.

One of the biggest delights of this week is the Spring Festival Chef’s Dine-Around, which happens only one night on Thursday May 3rd, and reservations are limited to only 34 people. This is a five-course meal and each course is served in one of Cape May’s premier restaurants. A trolley shuttle between restaurants is provided.

There are many other events during this festival including a Murder Mystery Dinner, Cape May Wine School, and a Gourmet Brunch Trolley. For information on all of the events listed above and others available, you can go to the Mid-Atlantic Center of the Arts Website at www.capemaymac.org.

The annual St. Patricks Day parade will come to Sea Isle City on Saturday March 10th. This annual event will start at 93rd and Landis Avenue and end at 63rd and Landis. The parade starts at 3:30 PM and afterwards join all your Irish friends at Kix McNutleys for the annual Irish Party. If Kix is not in your plans, you may want to head over to O’Donnell’s Poor House Irish Pub for some great food and entertainment.

Come to Sea Isle for the weekend and help celebrate the IRISH.

The second annual Atlantic City Beer Festival will be held in Atlantic City on March 10th & 11th. For an admission fee of $25.00, you can taste many beers in which there will be over 200 varieties. There are three sessions being held. Two on Saturday March 10th: Session 1 from 12:00-4:30, Session 2 6:00PM-10:30PM. There will also be one session on Sunday March 11th: Session 3 from 1:00-5:30.

With over 200 beers, vendors, and entertainment, this festival is expected to bring in around 10,000 people. For you beer lovers or those who appreciate the brewing of beers, come to the Atlantic City Beer Festival.