Any trip to the Jersey Shore is not complete without a journey on Ocean Drive. This stretch of road will lead passengers on an expedition along the Jersey Cape. Driving south, beyond Sea Isle City, you’ll reach Seven Mile Island which encompasses the towns of Avalon and Stone Harbor.
The Boro of Avalon was officially incorporated on April 18, 1892. Seven Mile Island was formed over 14,000 years ago as a barrier island, largely from splits and dunes. It was once a thriving juniper forest, with some portions of the island still retaining much of the original nature. Any walk to the beach can feel like an adventure. Stone Harbor, itself, was incorporated in 1914. Collectively, both towns are home to approximately 2,000 year round residents, with over 70,000 people calling these beachfront towns home during the summer.
Here, one will find more than endless rows of summer homes. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone busy. My journey began on the north end of the island, where I arrived at the Townsends Inlet Bridge. Upon crossing, you will find the infamous seawall. The area is a popular fishing spot for locals and tourists alike.
My venture continued to the Avalon boardwalk, ½ mile in length, making it a perfect spot to ride your bike, run or walk for exercise. For more activities, Dune Drive has plenty to offer. Attractions include Go Fish Mini Golf, a favorite for all ages, and the Avalon History Center, hosting various displays and exhibitions. Nightlife and entertainment can be found at The Princeton Bar & Grill. This popular hangout brings in many regional bands and musicians, such as G. Love and Special Sauce and E Street Shuffle.
The next town south is Stone Harbor, where the beaches, shops, food and fun continue. Searching for a plethora of shops and dining options is easy; 96th Street is Stone Harbor’s main destination. From clothes to home décor, jewelry and gifts, this area has it all. Take a walk through Harbor Square and explore the many shops in this quaint mall. For an early morning pick-me-up, Café Noir is my personal preference. The coffee house is located behind the Harbor Square complex at 97th Street.
You can take in a Hollywood film at Harbor Square Theatre, a popular mainstay on the island. The cinema opened on June 24, 1949 and houses four screens with lots of seating, 685 in total! The most recent and popular feature films are showcased here, with occasional comedy shows and live concerts. If you’re hungry, stop by the Burger Bar inside the theatre lobby for a pre-or-post-movie meal. For a taste of art, I highly recommend visiting Ocean Gallery. This small but elegant gallery showcases a rotating collection of fine works from some of the most renowned artists in the country. The galleries are located in Avalon and Stone Harbor and are open year-round.
My favorite attraction is the Wetlands Institute. The organization has been part of the community since 1969, educating the public about our local wildlife and natural resources that surround the barrier islands. They have a variety of interactive exhibits, in addition to salt marsh trails and walkways to get up-close and personal with nature. Bring a camera or a good set of binoculars. Wetlands Institute is open seven days a week.
While Avalon and Stone Harbor are largely summer destinations, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone busy no matter what time of year you visit. Many of the attractions mentioned here are open year-round. The Stone Harbor Shiver polar plunge, held in March, attracts thousands of daring participants year after year, with proceeds from the event benefiting local non-profits. No matter what you’re looking for, shops and dining, nightlife and entertainment, Seven Mile Island has it all.
Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.
