By Sarah Fertsch
Wave goodbye to social distancing and welcome sweet summer rendezvouses. The parade of romance and friendship is in full swing. Here are some ideas to make your dates fun and budget-friendly:
1. Check Out an Outdoor Concert
What’s better than listening to local bands and watching the sunset? Grab a couple beach chairs and visit http://www.somerspointbeachconcerts.com/ for the full Somers Point beach concert schedule. Check out the events listing on page 12-13 for more outdoor concert listings.
2. Stroll Through the Cape May Zoo
Relive the wonder of childhood and awe at animals at the Cape May Zoo.
The park is over 200 acres including the Zoo, with many forested areas, picnic areas, walking paths, bike paths, fishing ponds, picnic pavilions, disc golf course, playgrounds & more. Admission to the Park and Zoo is completely free as well as all parking for cars. Summer Zoo Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
707 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 Phone: (609) 465-5271
3. Enjoy a Beach Day
Hit the beach hard by bringing all the essentials: beach chairs, music, ball/frisbee, shovels and sweet treats. Swim in the waves or take a walk along the shoreline! Atlantic City and Wildwood beaches are free. Margate beaches are free on Thursdays.
4. Paint Seashells
Collect shells, wash them out, and have a craft day with your partner! For a messier, sillier, date, try fingerpainting and see who can create the prettiest masterpiece!
5. Stroll on Asbury Avenue in Ocean City
The avenue has attractions for all people. Window shop, pick up a coffee or doughnut, and celebrate small businesses.
6. Take a Hike at the Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve
This local hidden gem offers awesome trails for an easy trek around a beautiful lake. Bring a dog to walk, sunglasses, and sneakers! 317 Zion Rd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
7. Bike the Boardwalk
Wake up early, pack some bikes, and ride the boardwalk before it gets too crowded. Pro Tip: Snag some delicious, warm doughnuts at Brown’s for a breakfast to look forward to! The Ocean City boardwalk allows biking everyday before 12pm and anytime on the Ventnor Boardwalk.
8. Pick flowers at a local farm
Find a nearby sunflower farm (there’s a great one in Petersburg!) and bask in the beauty of nature. Pick some flowers and take a picture to capture the memory! The sunflower field is located at 121 Old Tuckahoe Road in Petersburg/Woodbine 08270. Phone: 609-536-4080.
9. Host a Board Game Night
Gather some friends or family and play some old-fashioned board games! Make sure to offer prizes for the winners! Take advantage of the warm weather and long days by playing outside.
10. Go Camping Locally
Enjoy a different kind of “staycation” and pitch a tent at a nearby campground! Do some hiking or kayaking, and build a fire to make smores! Belleplain State Forest is a favorite of mine. 1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine, NJ 08270
11. Enjoy a Wine Tasting
Visit one of the many vineyards in South Jersey and learn the art of wine tasting. Dress fancy and pretend to be artsy and fabulous! Renault Winery is located at 72 Bremen Ave, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
12. Try Crabbing
Pick up some bait and traps, sit on a dock, and wait! Smell the salty air and appreciate the beauty of the bay.
13. Walk the Ninth Street Bridge (Route 52 Causeway)
At approximately 2.5 miles each way,, It’s a feat, for sure. Pack water, snacks and sunscreen and prepare for a challenging climb! Take in the views at the rookery visible from the Visitors Center. You can spot herons, egrets and more.
14. Ride the Ferris Wheel
Visit your local beach amusement park at sunset and enjoy the spectacular views from the top of a ferris wheel! Make sure to take pictures! (Ocean City, Atlantic City and Wildwood boardwalks have ferris wheels.)
15. Feed animals at The Funny Farm in Mays Landing
Check out the animal sanctuary and get up close with horses, goats, dogs and kittens! Free to visitors on Sundays and Tuesdays. For more information visit funnyfarmrescue.org
16. Explore Corson’s Inlet
Hike the beautiful beach trails on the far side of Ocean City, and try to spot different birds, shells and seagrass types. For more information about Corson’s Inlet, check out the feature in page 18-19.
17. Stroll around Gardner’s Basin
This Atlantic City hidden gem has a beautiful view if the Marina, awesome restaurants, water sports, and even an aquarium!
