To many, bird watching is a hobby for some rare “Birds” themselves. We picture an older generation with their khaki shorts and shirts and wide brim hats and a pair of binoculars peering out at nothing. To the avid bird watcher, this is as far from the truth as you can get.

Cape May County in Southern New Jersey is one of the favorite spots for bird watching. Enthusiasts come from all around the world to get a glimpse of some of the rare birds migrating. There are many bird sanctuary’s along the coast in Cape May County including Cape May, Stone Harbor, and Avalon, just to name a few. That along with the Jersey shore’s natural beauty, Cape May County is the perfect spot for this event.

Bird Watching has become so popular that there is a American Birding Association that even promotes a bird watching code of ethics. If you are going to be a bird watcher, there are certain things you should adhere to. The Cape May Bird Observatory in Middle Township, Cape May County lectures birders on not to focus on nearby houses or commercial businesses. This can alarm anyone who notices you and create problems which could ultimately involve the police.

Cape May County, with its multibillion dollar tourist industry welcomes birders from around the world. There are several events held during the course of the year in the area to bring in tourists beyond the summer season. Birding and other ecotourism is huge business in New Jersey, bringing in more than $500 million dollars each year in Cape May County alone according to a 2006 study.

So the next time you see the funny looking person standing erect with their binoculars focused on one thing or another, remember how far this “Hobby” has evolved and its place in the chain of tourism.

Bottle Service, Atlantic City’s huge new Niche Market offer many options to visitors coming to Atlantic City to indulge in the party life. Below are Casino Clubs that offer the Bottle Service.

32 Degrees Luxe Lounge
Tropicana Casino Resort
609-572-0032

Boogie Nights
Resorts Casino
609-340-7698

Casbah
Trump Taj Mahal
609-449-1000

Club Worship
Showboat Casino-Hotel
609-343-4000

Cuba Libre
Tropicana Casino and Resort
609-348-7600

Dusk
Caesars Atlantic City
609-345-3875

Ego Lounge
Trump Taj Mahal
609-449-1000

Game On!
Pier Shops at Caesars Atlantic City
609-345-6800

Mur.mur
Borgato Hotel Casino & Spa
609-317-1000

Planet Rose
Tropicana Casino and Resort
609-344-6565

The Pool and The Loft
Harrah’s Resort
609-441-5233

Providence
Tropicana Casino and Resort
609-345-7800

Red Square
Tropicana Casino and Resort
609-344-9100

Xhibition Bar
Harrah’s Resort
609-441-5000

Ever hear of Bottle Service. Unless you have a large amount of money to spend, you most likely have not.

Many nightclubs in Atlantic City Casino’s and surrounding high end bars are opening a niche market at their clubs by offering Bottle Service. What this does is for a given price and a guaranteed spending for an evening, you can have a private bartender and a place for you and a few friends to sit or hang out. Depending on the location, the price can range from a low end $100 per bottle up to $1500 for a reserved cabana or hot tub. This niche which has taken off for the twenty something singles or well established business persons gives the bars over half of its take for an evening.

The Pool at Harrah’s Resort offers tables, cabanas, and hot tubs and the price depends on the event and the location. On any given weekend, party goers will spend $300-$400 per bottle of vodka, and by doing so they are given a place to “Hang Out”.

The prime reason for bottle service is to “reserve a space”. The Hook up factor is another reason for single men to purchase bottle service. These men can use the bottle service to lure beautiful women into their area and offer them seats and free drinks..

The trend for Bottle Service has evolved from celebrities that are seen indulging in this at the clubs. On any given weekend, you might see the Kardashians, Paris Hilton, Mariah Carey, Carmen Electra, Jimmy Fallon, Jamie Fox, or one of many professional athletes participating in bottle service at places such as mur.mur at the Borgato, or The Pool at Harrah’s. And don’t forget those “Jersey Shore” guys who shot an episode in Providence at the Tropicana that was aired towards the end of the season.

Bottle service gives the Casino Bars an edge on income during an economic downturn for the Industry in Atlantic City. For those who can afford Bottle Service, they say it is the only way to Party in A.C.

Many governments are debating over preserving the Historical parts of cities, homes, or other historically registered landmarks when the cost can be astronomical. These landmarks can cost way more than their value is worth, and local officials are debating the worth in these hard economic times. But one city at the Southern tip of New Jersey says its historical value is what saved the city.

Cape May New Jersey, located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey was a dying resort in the early 1970’s until they started marketing themselves as a national historic landmark. The city’s Victorian buildings with their gingerbread porches and unique windows and siding became nationally registered as historic and everyone started to visit. Many of the older homes near the center of town were converted into Bed & Breakfasts, and the rest is history. With a wonderful beach, great historic buildings to visit and stay, tourist started coming from all over the world to see the many architectural wonders.

Today, Cape May host many events throughout the year with the focus on History and the buildings that present the turn of the 20th century. Owners of these historically registered properties follow strict rules and regulations on the upkeep of the property. They must go before a board of trustees before changing the property, and that even includes exterior color changes.

These rules have paid off. Tourism is at its highest and millions flock to Cape May to see all the history that it has to offer. It is one of the most visited places in New Jersey and can be found in magazines around the world. History is what keeps Cape May such a success. Can you imagine the town without it?

Most vacationers who come to Sea Isle City are here for either the whole summer season starting Memorial Day Weekend to the weekend after Labor Day, or for a weekly vacation at one of thousands of weekly home rentals. What is a little more difficult is the vacationer who wants to come to Sea Isle for only a few days, or a long weekend.

Sea Isle City has three options for the “Less than a week Vacationer” during the summer months. Off season it is not difficult to find a weekend rental or longer, but during the prime summer months, it is next to impossible. The three establishments that offer daily rates are: The Sea Isle Inn, La Costa Hotel, and The Colonnade Inn.

Depending on what you are looking for, each property offers something different. The Sea Isle Inn is you traditional Hotel, located at 6400 Landis Ave (609-263-4371). This Hotel is located Mid Island and offers a swimming pool for the family, an Outside Tiki Bar, and Nightly Entertainment inside at Kix McNutleys. Only one block from the beach, this property offers a great location for a short visit to Sea Isle.

La Costa Hotel, located at 4000 Landis Ave, (609-263-1111), is in the Center of town and walking distance to all activities including the one block walk to the beach, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. La Costa is a traditional hotel known for its activities for the young at heart. With an outside Pool Bar (without the pool), nightly entertainment with music can be fun for all. And after hours, La Costa Bar offers some of the best bands along the Jersey Shore.

The third option to a short term stay is The Colonnade Inn (609-263-8868). Once a Victorian Bed and Breakfast, this unique property, which was built in 1883 offers nineteen individually owned units ranging from a bedroom and private bath to three bedroom, two bath units. The wraparound porch offers a relaxing time after a day on the beach which is only a block away. The Colonnade Inn is centrally located so you can walk to everything. This Victorian property is a few block walk to all the action, but far enough away for the peace and quiet. Continental Breakfast is offered daily during the summer months.

The next time you are looking for a short visit to Sea Isle City, N.J., remember your options and all they have to offer. You will have a great visit and want to come back again and again.

The South Jersey Shore has a wide variety of fine dining restaurants with the Cuisine ranging from A to Z, but what most visitors want is “Seafood”. With this area being known for its fresh fish, scallops, shrimp, clams, crabs, and mussels, there are many places to find your favorites. I’ve been able to visit most establishments along the South Jersey Shore, and I’m going to share my three favorite Dive establishments. To clarify, when I call it a “Dive”, I’m talking about places with plastic utensils, rolls of paper towels, and plenty of good eating.

One small restaurant located on the intercoastal waterway in Somers Point NJ is Smitty’s Clam Bar. If you were to drive by Smitty’s and not know what they offered, you most likely would not stop. Unless of course you notice the hundreds of cars and people waiting to be seated. Smitty’s is known for it’s Clam Chowder, Baked Seafood including Scallops, Fish of the Day, and It’s atmosphere of an old time fishing dock. With a price range from $12-$20 for entrees, you can’t beat Smitty’s for great food, great price, and an all around great experience. (609) 927-8783.910 Bay Avenue, Somers Point, NJ. Kid Friendly and No Reservations allowed.

The Lobster House located at the foot of the Bridge coming into Cape May is world known for it’s fine dining and world cuisine. But what many do not know is about the Fish Market, which offers very similar food served in the Main Restaurant, but you can eat for about ½ the price and enjoy the atmosphere of the docks. What you do here is go into the Fish Market located at the front of the establishment, and you can order seafood any way you want it for a fraction of the price you would pay elsewhere. Then you go around to the back of the dock and find a table if you can. During the peak times, you have to wait and hover to find a table, but that is part of the fun. My favorite meal is the broiled seafood platter where you get a petite lobster tail, scallops, & shrimp, all boiled and it comes with baked potato and cole slaw. The price for this runs around $13.00 and is absolutely delicious. You can pick up some fabulous crab soup, or U-peel shrimp, or oysters on the half shell. This unique place is a must if visiting the South Jersey Shore. (609) 884-8296. 906 Schellengers Landing Road, Cape May. Kid Friendly and No Reservations allowed.

Located on the Bay in Sea Isle City, Mikes Seafood has everything you could ever want in a menu. Mikes offers freshly cooked seafood, but what is unique about Mikes is that they have a homemade spaghetti sauce that is the best around. Combination dinners include fresh fish, scallops, shrimp, crabs, and many varieties for the seafood lover in you. Their homemade soups are wonderful, and the crab balls are the best around. Mikes Seafood does not offer alcohol, but you are welcome to BYOB, which can save you money on your tab. Meals range from $15.00 to $30.00 but worth every penny. If you are near exit 17 of the Garden State Parkway, Mikes will make you exit and head into Sea Isle for a dining experience you’ll never forget. (609) 263-3458. 4222 Park Road (on the Bay), Sea Isle City. Kid Friendly and No Reservations allowed.

After 2009 brought back amusement rides for the children in Sea Isle City, everyone was anxiously awaiting the results for the first year. They obviously were positive because it has been told that not only will they return for a second year, there will be up to seven new rides added for the 2010 season.

Gillians Wonderland Pier, who came to Sea Isle in 2009 with Funland amusements, gave Sea Isle City one more reason to attract families to this South Jersey Resort. Years ago, there were rides for the kids on the Promenade in Sea Isle, and now they are back, but in a new location. Located at the foot of the bridge coming into Sea Isle, visitors will see what Sea Isle has longed for since their departure years ago.

The amusements gives families a reason to stay in Sea Isle during the evening hours instead of leaving the town for neighboring Ocean City, or Wildwood about a half hour away. Children enjoy the excitement of the rides, music, and lights, while their parents are relaxed and not having to travel to please their loved ones.

Besides the amusements, Sea Isle offers something on the Promenade almost every evening during the summer. The shops at the Promenade offer a variety of gifts to meet everyone’s wants and needs. There are dance parties, bands and DJ’s, Movie night, and various other entertaining events that keep Sea Isle as one of the top Family Destinations at the Jersey Shore.

Poll residents at The Jersey Shore and ask if they own a snow shovel, and you will get about a 50% yes and a 50% no. The reason for this is because on average, The Jersey Shore only gets a few inches of snow each year. Surrounding areas are known for much more, an average of up to 20+ inches, but at the shore, a little more than 2-3 inches and everyone is talking about it.

The reason for the lack of snow along the Jersey Coastline is because the ocean temperature is normally above freezing so that helps make the snow turn to rain. Go inland any distance and the rain then turns to snow. The 2009/2010 winter season has been an exception.

The first major snow storm of the season started five days before Christmas. Everyone was talking about some substantial snow coverage, but we at the Jersey Shore figured we would be spared the agony of shoveling, and driving on treacherous roads. We were wrong. We received over 15” of snow, which literally brought us to our knees.

Being a novice when it comes to large amounts of the white stuff, I waited until all the snow piled before I attempted to shovel. Big mistake. My Home Depot plastic shovel could barely withstand the weight of the snow and the lower levels of snow were slush and ice. So I quickly learned that by attempting to pick up from top to bottom the whole 15” at a time, my back was going to break in about 3 minutes. And it did. Three minutes into the job, my lower back was hurting. So I stopped and waited until the pain subsided. And then I tried again. After a half hour, I decided to let the snow melt naturally, which works well when you only have a few inches. Three days later, the snow was still there, so I went out and pushed the snow around to make a path along the sidewalk.

Following in January and February, we received two more major snowfalls and one smaller one. By February 10, 2010, we have broken all previous records along the Jersey Shore. With over 40” on record everyone I know was sick and tired of this white fluffy stuff that makes kids jump for joy. I often wondered why my father was such a “Grouch” when snow was coming. I couldn’t wait to make a snowman, sled, or get into a neighborhood snowball fight. But all dad did was grumble and complain. I’ve become my father’s son and I know exactly where he was coming from.

With over a month and a half left before the Winter season is over, my solution to the problem was to “Get Out of Dodge”. So I packed my bag and my wife and we headed South for a reprieve. As I write this article, I’m sitting in Sunny Florida and life is good. Unfortunately we will be back in five days to deal with Mother Nature at her worse. All I can do is count the days until April Showers take over the snowy days of the Winter of 2009/2010.

For those who have not heard of the successful show “The Jersey Shore” which airs on MTV, this is a show with reality drama and much controversy. Based at a Jersey Shore Town, this MTV reality show hosted a group of Italian/American friends who share a house at the Jersey Shore for the summer.

This concept happens up and down the Jersey shore all the time. In South Jersey Shore towns such as Sea Isle City, Avalon, Margate, Ventnor, and Wildwood, just to mention a few, group rentals for the summer season are a common factor in summer at the Jersey Shore. And although they may not be as dramatic as the cast on MTV, the reality is closer to truth than not.

The popular MTV show has everyone talking about the controversy and whether or not it is a good publicity for the resort towns. Living in Sea Isle City, which has been mentioned as a potential spot for “Jersey Shore”, the verdict is not out as to whether residents and visitors want this in their town.

When an article recently came out and one of the main characters of the show mentioned possibly coming to Sea Isle City, word got around and everyone was buzzing about it. The initial response seemed to be negative with no one wanting it to be in Sea Isle. Since I’m of the older crowd and received opinions from people who don’t watch “Jersey Shore”, I decided to do an impartial survey. I sent the article talking about coming to Sea Isle to thirty of my contacts with the title: “Thought you might enjoy this”. I waited and within thirty minutes, the responses started coming in. By the end of the evening, I had fourteen of my contacts send back a response, and with them not knowing my opinion, I felt I received a good impartial survey.

Of the fourteen responses, nine were positive and five were not. Of the positive, seven knew the show well and either loved it, or had friends and family that did. They thought it would be great for Sea Isle and help put us on the map. The other five felt it would destroy the small town summer resort and bring in trouble. A few, who rent their property, hoped it would help bring in more rentals and increase the price of the rentals.

Word has it that the City of Sea Isle is working on an ordinance for “Filming” in Sea Isle. What the ordinance would allow or not is not clear but it seems the City of Sea Isle does not want “Jersey Shore” to be a part of Sea Isle’s personality.

MTV denied Sea Isle City as a possibility for a location and since then it seems the “Jersey Shore” may be going nationwide. A location such as South Beach Miami, Las Vegas, or Los Angeles has been mentioned as possible locations. Since “Jersey Shore” brought in the highest ratings for an MTV show ever as its final episode aired and had 4.8million viewers, the show has potential to go global.

Time will tell.

The question that’s on everyone’s mind is whether Jersey Shore Unleashed will help or hurt the image that vacationers have the Jersey Shore.   Will families get the impression that this is a place where people don’t do anything but gossip, party, and get in trouble?   Or will the show create a surge of new visitors?

We are excited to see how this show’s exposure will play out.