By Danielle Davies
Let’s face it. Living near the beach means events and activities galore in the summer and even shoulder months. But the winter? Not so much. Add this to the fact that just about every big event this month has to do with Christmas, and well, it can all make even the biggest holiday fans need a break. Not to worry — we’ve dug deep and figured out five things to do this weekend that are absolutely not holiday-related. Promise.
- Go shopping.
No, we don’t mean for presents and stocking stuffers. We mean for you and your dreamy (or dreamed of) beach house. Platt’s Beach House, a furniture store with a coastal lifestyle focus, is having a sale, and that means big things for you and your home. From now through Dec. 15, enjoy 20% off any single regularly priced item in stock or custom order. So that fish accent cabinet you’ve been eyeing up? Now’s the time! Platt’s Beach House is located at 25 MacArthur Blvd., Somers Point. See PlattsHomeFurnishings.com.
- Get a Tour of Italy.
While actually flying to Italy is certainly on our wish lists, there’s a closer option for dipping your toes into the culture of the country. Head to Smithville Village for Girls Night Out from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, and visit A Tour of Italy. Inside, you’ll find a big selection of Italian leather handbags, scarves and Italian horns, as well as Italy-themed aprons, onesies, T-shirts and more. A Tour of Italy is located at 3 N. New York Rd., Absecon. See ItalyInSmithville.com.
- Chill out with some non-holiday music.
Sometimes, you just want to not sing “Jingle Bells.” When that happens, we suggest heading to The Roost at Harbor Pines Golf Club, where you can kick back with some icy cold beer, a scrumptious menu full of things like BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches and Cheesesteak Flatbreads, and tunes every Friday night. This week, get there from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8 for music from BJAM “Fred” Duo. The Roost is located at 500 St. Andrews Drive, Egg Harbor Township. See HarborPines.com.
- Celebrate football and our military.
Sure, the annual Army/Navy game does happen each year during the holiday season, but this is more about football and celebrating the nation than about any particular holiday. While you can catch it at the Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, another option is catching it at The Reddog Hi Point Pub at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, where veterans receive 25% off and everyone 21 and older is eligible for $3 house shots when touchdowns are scored during the game. The Reddog Hi Point Pub is located at 5 N. Shore Rd., Absecon.
- Stuff yourself with sushi.
While loads of people are out stuffing stockings, consider stuffing yourself with some of the best sushi in the area. With a full bar, including a 4 to 7 p.m. happy hour, Miyako is a Margate staple for fresh and delicious sushi. Try any of the rolls — we like the Joel Roll, made with spicy tuna crunch, mango, white tuna and salmon with spicy sauce on top — or the scrumptious hibachi. Your taste buds will thank you. Miyako is located at 9210 Ventnor Ave., Margate. See MiyakoMargateCity.com.
Danielle’s been a writer and storyteller for the past fifteen years—her work has appeared everywhere from Philadelphia Style Magazine and The Press of Atlantic City to Cape May Magazine and The WC Press in West Chester. Nationally, her short stories have been published in Typehouse Magazine and Scary Mommy. She lives in South Jersey with her husband and two children.
