Trenton - As the fall season begins to roll in, the Jersey Shore's second season is in full motion.
"While some might call it fall, September through early November is actually an ideal time to visit the Jersey Shore. It’s perfect for a cozy three day weekend or an extended stay at your favorite hotel or bed and breakfast inn," says Grace Hanlon, executive director of the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism. “There’s literally something going on every weekend and the weather is delightful this time of year.”
Many seaside municipalities have recognized the value of extending special events into the fall, which bring more people to the shore and generate revenues for the towns.
Some of this "Second Season's" highlights include:
Stone Harbor is a chic seashore town with upscale resorts, stunning homes, nature retreats and some of the best boutiques along the coast. Visit during the award-winning Wings ’n Water Festival, September 17-18, and discover why the Jersey Cape is viewed as a living laboratory and is globally renowned as one of the country’s unique migratory stopovers for thousands of birds. During the festival, meet with nationally acclaimed artists, crafters and photographers, learn from hands-on demonstrations and enjoy the folk music that fills the air.
Enjoy two days of unlimited chowder tasting in Long Beach Island during the 23rd Annual Chowder Cook-off Classic: Chowderfest 2011, October 2. Live music, children's entertainment and a food court are all part of the event, which is held rain or shine. Winners are decided by the people’s choice, with all who attend serving as “official tasters" and casting a ballot for their favorite savory red (Manhattan) and wonderful white (New England) chowder. What the chefs get in return are bragging rights for theyear and the smiles of many soup slurpers.
Visitors yearning for a simpler time can see one of America’s largest collections of Victorian homes during Cape May’s 39th Annual Victorian Weekend, October 7-11. Hailed as “A Top 100 event in North America,” this celebration of Cape May’s Victorian heritage includes historic house tours, evening “ghost tours,” lectures and murder mystery dinners, brass band concerts and the temptingly titled “Chocolate Fantasy Buffet.”
From ‘50s legend Bill Haley launching his hit single “Rock Around the Clock” and Chubby Checker introducing his hit “The Twist,” the five-mile island of the Wildwoods has a rich history of rock ‘n roll. The Wildwood’s 8th Annual Fabulous '50s Weekend is a musical celebration of the city’s role in the birth of Rock and Roll on October 14 and 15.
Restless travelers looking for a maritime adventure should consider participating in the Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey, October 15-16, at various locations along New Jersey’s coastline. The event challenges intrepid travelers to visit 11 of the state’s land-based lighthouses over the course of the weekend. Back by popular demand are “Night Climbs” at six lighthouses – Absecon, Barnegat, Cape May, Sandy Hook, Tinicum and Tuckerton Seaport – so visitors have the opportunity to see the lights in operation and to climb the towers for uninterrupted views of the surrounding skylines.
Travelers interested in participating in a signature Jersey Shore activity need look no further than the Annual Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic in Ship Bottom, running from October 8 – December 4. The eight week surf fishing for striped bass and bluefish tournament is open to sportsmen of all shapes and sizes determined to hook the big catch of the season. Anglers from across the region are welcomed to frequent the official weigh-in stations throughout the island for a chance at the daily, weekly and grand prizes for lucky tournament participants.
Check out www.visitnj.org and search through a full calendar of events, find valuable travel deals, fall festivals and happenings around the Garden State.
