By Holly Fertsch
As summer winds to a close, here are a few activities to do to end the season on a high note. From paddleboarding to painting in a local art studio, there are still plenty of things to do in the local community this summer. Here are six ideas for local fun:
1. Go paddleboarding or kayaking. I have a confession; despite living near the ocean my entire life, I can’t surf. I thought my inability to surf would prevent me from paddleboarding. However, I find paddleboarding to be a fun way to spend time on the water. Scared of waves? Try it in a lake first before moving on to the sea. Alternatively, choose a paddleboard rental company that offers lessons. Baycats, of Ocean City, is a local rental place that can give you a paddleboard, a life vest, and paddleboarding lessons. Still scared? Try kayaking instead. The important thing is to have fun, and do what makes you feel comfortable. For paddleboard and kayak rentals, check out the Baycats website: https://www.baycats.com.
2. Visit Cape May. From collecting Cape May diamonds to visiting the Cape May County Zoo, this town has plenty to offer. Sunset Beach is one of the best places to find Cape May diamonds, which are smooth quartz crystals that wash up on the beach. Shops in Cape May also sell these gems and other souvenirs. The Cape May County Zoo has a baby zebra and a baby cotton-top tamarin monkey, so head over there if you’re looking for some cute animals. The zoo is open everyday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors are required to wear masks. For more information, go to this website: http://www.capemaycountynj.gov/1008/Park-Zoo.
3. Paint at a local art studio. Paint ceramics at Glazed Over on Asbury Avenue in Ocean City. Bring the whole family and pick anything from mugs to ceramic mermaids to paint. My sister and I always paint tiles. It’s a fun way to kill an hour and leave with a beautiful piece of art. Another place to make art on Asbury Avenue in Ocean City is Peace of Wood. This local art studio gives visitors a piece of wood to paint however you like. My sister and I loved going there, and we each left with our respective works of art. Even if you feel like you lack artistic ability, painting is a relaxing activity. I have been frequenting these art studios for years, and I have made plenty of mistakes to laugh at. Yet I keep painting because it is an enjoyable experience regardless of the artistic outcome.
4. Bike on the boardwalk. Wake up early and bike on the Ocean City boardwalk. Then, treat yourself to a cup of coffee or a donut at Ocean City Coffee Company or Drip N’Scoop as a reward for exercising. Alternatively, rent a surrey and ride down the boardwalk with the whole family. You can also bike on the Ventnor or Atlantic City boardwalk, and take a quick dive in the ocean to cool off if it gets too hot.
5. Have a picnic at Kennedy Park in Somers Point. Pack a lunch or bring food from a local diner. Watch the boats in the bay as you eat. The park has a playground for the kids and plenty of picnic tables to choose from, many with a waterfront view.
6. Fly a kite or play frisbee on the beach. The last time I went to the beach with my family, we bought a cheap plastic frisbee in one of the shops on the Ocean City boardwalk. A few dollars can buy hours of entertainment.
These are just a few suggestions for what to do before summer draws to a close. Our local area has so many activities to try, but these are some of my favorites. Some of these options are free, including visiting the Cape May County Zoo and having a picnic at Kennedy Park. All of these suggestions are family-friendly. This may be an unusual summer season, but it doesn’t need to be dull. It’s never too late in the summer to start having fun.
