By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
Most associate September with the iconic Green Day Hit “Wake Me Up When September Ends.” While it’s true that summer has come and passed, we can’t dish out hate against the first month of autumn. September brings truly a unique time to our little community. The beaches become more vacant and the boardwalk starts setting weekend-only hours, as all the children head back to school. Despite the big changes, challenge yourself to make the most of September. The blistering heat of the dog days of summer breaks and we can start wearing jean jackets and boots (fingers crossed). So what’s on your September bucket list? Here are 20 ideas to get you started:
Explore Smithville Village
This quaint, old-fashioned shopping district offers beautiful views of the lake. Browse boutiques, take a ride on the carousel, or grab a bite. Don’t forget to take cute pictures!
Visit a Zoo
The Cape County Zoo has several new baby animals, like capybara pups and a bison calf. The autumnal breeze will make you feel at peace. Drive an hour up the parkway and feed giraffes at the Six Flags Great Adventure Safari in Jackson for a more unique experience.
Go Camping
Looking for one last getaway before the temperature drops? Pack your bags, pitch a tent and enjoy the great outdoors with family friends. We recommend renting a spot at campgrounds in Ocean View, Marmora, Egg Harbor Township, or Mays Landing.
Learn Something New
This is back-to-school season, so get yourself in an academic headspace by challenging yourself to become a student of a new hobby or interest. Take up an art or music class at the Ocean City Arts Center or Jewish Community Center in Margate. Join a seminar at the local library, or make jewelry at the Ventnor Cultural Arts Center.
Run a Race
There are plenty of opportunities to run with friends or family at an organized event. Ocean City will host a half-marathon on Oct. 2, but if you are interested in running a shorter distance, 5ks will be held in Galloway at Stockton University, Sea Isle City, Sweetwater, and Egg Harbor Township this fall.
Ride a Roller Coaster
Now is the time to take advantage of amusement parks and all their attractions. Steel Pier in Atlantic City, Playland’s Castaway Cove and Gillian’s Wonderland in Ocean City, Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township, and Morey’s in Wildwood all offer weekend hours in September.
Attend a Festival
Get lost between artisan vendors and food trucks in some of the exciting events coming to the Jersey Shore. The Downbeach Seafood Festival in Ventnor, Good Ol’ Days in Somers Point, the Art in the Garden event in Linwood, Margate’s Fall Funfest and Smithville’s Italian Festival are all much anticipated events to check out.
Spend Time on the Water
From paddleboarding on the bay to floating down the Great Egg Harbor River, there’s plenty to do between gentle waves. The hot summer has warmed up the water significantly, so take advantage of the season and go on a fishing trip, kayak on Lake Lenape, or try surfing with your kids.
Visit a Farm
Gather your loved ones and spend a couple hours at a local fun farm. Funny Farm Rescue in Mays Landing, Reed’s Organic Farm and Animal Santuary in Egg Harbor Township and Misty Meadow Seep and Dairy in Upper Township are great places to visit.
You’ll be sure to make great memories, no matter your age.
Go Stargazing
The weather in September is perfect for this nighttime activity. Hold hands with your spouse or significant other as you lay beneath the stars, eyeing the clouds for meteors or constellations. Bring some hot chocolate and comfy sweatshirts!
Cheer On a Team
Fall sports are back! From cheering in the stands at a high school soccer game to tailgating for the Eagles, there’s tens of opportunities to paint your face, drink some beer, and celebrate touchdowns.
Go Out to Breakfast
Delicious appley, pumpkin and cinnamon pancakes are back! Pop into Fitzpatrick’s, Caranji’s, Augie’s, or Ready’s for a warm cup of joe and great company.
Walk on the Beach
September is the perfect time to enjoy the beach because it’s a lot less crowded. Collect seashells along the tide, read a book, or hold hands with your partner as you take in the sights, sounds and smells on the shore.
Ride Your Bike
Challenge yourself to take a long ride from place to place. Whether you are able to bike from Philadelphia to Atlantic City or just want to zoom along the boardwalk, September’s cooler weather will be on your side.
Connect With History
South Jersey has plenty of historic sights to explore. Climb Absecon Lighthouse, wander through Lucy the Elephant, or get lost in Cold Spring Village for a unique afternoon (or morning).
Cook With Fall Flavors
It’s harvest season! From baked apples to chicken and rice soup, now is the time to start canning, preserving and making hearty dishes for your households. If you can purchase your ingredients from a farm market, that’s even better.
See a Movie on the Big Screen
Curl up with a comfort film next to someone sweet. Whether you make the trek to Vineland for a drive-in theater, snack on some popcorn at Tilton Nine, or even rent a movie at home, you’ll be sure to feel relaxed.
Embrace Your Inner Child
From pottery painting to swinging on a playground, play makes life better. We recommend visiting skateparks, learning yo-yo tricks at Air Circus, playing games at an arcade like Lucky Snake or Jilli’s, jumping into leaf piles, or making a sandcastle on the beach.
Enjoy a Picnic
Who says picnics are only for springtime? Pick up some delicious takeout from The Cheese Board in Linwood, Charlie’s in Somers Point, or Fitzpatrick’s and head to your local park or beach.
Get Crafty
DIY Projects can be a great way to unwind. Make homemade soup or candles, hang lights over your patio, create an autumn wreath, or paint a mural as an accent wall in your living room. Crank up the tunes and have fun!
