Some call her Mom. Some call her Nona. Everyone calls her Mayor. Mother of three children and grandmother to three more, Suzanne was first honored with the title of Mayor for the Borough of Stone Harbor in 1997, and continues to preside as such today. Her service to the community extends to over 20 years of experience, including work with the Stone Harbor Board of Education and the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce.Suzanne, a graduate of Saint Joseph’s University, has been recognized with accolades commending her achievements including the 2005 Outstanding Woman in Government Award from the New Jersey Association of Elected Women Officials and 2003 Mayor of the Year from the New Jersey Conference of Mayors.
To learn more about Stone Harbor, visit www.stone-harbor.nj.us.
Town administrators have dubbed Stone Harbor “The Seashore at its best,” and they just may be right. Located at the southern end of Seven Mile Island in Cape May County, Stone Harbor boasts some of the most expensive real estate in the country, ranking #46 on Forbes’ Most Expensive Zip Codes list.
This pricey lifestyle does come with its share of perks, from miles of protected “Blue Wave” beaches to trash collectors who retrieve your refuse from the backyard.
Though buying a $7,995,000 home on the bay may be out of reach, the Stone Harbor lifestyle can affordably be yours for a day or weeklong getaway. And while those Blue Wave beaches are Stone Harbor’s star attraction, tear yourself away from the surf to enjoy Stone Harbor’s hidden hotspots of family fun. You’ll be glad you did.
BRING THE WHOLE GANG
On-island Realtors Diller & Fisher can put your entire crew into a beach-block rental home in peak-season for $9,900 per week. Before you balk at that price, it’s important to note this breezy beach home sleeps 12 with bedrooms, bathrooms and balconies for everyone. Splitting the cost with friends or family makes this luxurious getaway reasonable, and nothing follows a day at the beach like an evening in your own private pool. Come off-season or choose a smaller condo rental to take advantage of reduced rental rates.
FUN AND GAMES
Have you priced out summer camp for the kids recently? At an average of $1,000 per week, some can far out-cost your monthly mortgage payment. Answering the prayers of parents everywhere, Stone Harbor runs supervised recreation activities for mere dollars a day. Now in its 50th year, the calendar includes arts and crafts, and a variety of sports activities open to all ages.
GETTING AROUND
Even better than having a great place to send your kids is having a safe way for them to get there. Stone Harbor and neighboring town Avalon offer a trolley service that allows those visiting any municipal facility to ride for free.
COMMUNE WITH NATURE
Given its expensive zip code, it is particularly remarkable that Stone Harbor has set aside 21.5 acres of prime real estate for the birds. The Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary is registered as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service. Bring your binoculars for premium bird watching at the observation area on Third Street.
Further chances to get a glimpse of wildlife abound at The Point, the southernmost tip of Stone Harbor. Take a stroll down to the roped-off breeding grounds and try to spot endangered beachnesters. A $107,000 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant has been earmarked for construction of two observation platforms, educational signage and a habitat management plan for these endangered birds.
DOWNTOWN – EVERYTHING’S WAITING FOR YOU
In its April 2007 issue, New Jersey Monthly magazine voted Stone Harbor’s 96th Street one of 15 Best Downtowns in the entire state and it is easy to see why. Just a two-block walk from the beach, you’ll find yourself transported to an old-time main street, complete with families wheeling past on bicycles built for two.
A parade of storefronts offer retail nirvana, from boutiques like Global Pursuit to makeyour- own jewelry at Just Bead It and upscale shops like Talk of the Walk. Find the perfect footwear at Barrie Shoes, or celebrate Christmas anytime at Paisley Christmas Shoppe. All of life’s necessities can be found at Seashore Ace, the oldest retail business in Stone Harbor.
Even the most determined shoppers need to refuel. Stone Harbor is home to an array of charming restaurants, cafes and eateries including Green Cuisine, where natural ingredients create taste bud bliss. Of course, no visit to Stone Harbor is complete without a scoop of your favorite flavor from Springer’s Ice Cream, a Jersey shore tradition. Be sure break from the beach long enough to take in a movie or a round of rooftop miniature golf.
FLOAT YOUR BOAT
For a day of fishing, floating or zipping over the waves, stop by Smugglers Cove, where “Doctor of Reelology” Lou Bachmann can set you up with boat rentals, gasoline, bait, tackle and expert advice on where the drum, tog, striper or flounder are biting that day. Bring your catch back to be weighed, but beware… those who tell fish tales will be sent to the Liars Bench.
FUN WITH NUNS
In Stone Harbor, even the sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary know how to let the good times roll. From their seaside retreat called Villa Maria, the sisters support the community by hosting fundraisers including the Sister Blister 5k Run and 2 Mile Walk in July and the Annual Nun’s Beach Surf Invitation in September.
With so much to see, do, and experience, the sisters won’t be the only ones making a habit out of Stone Harbor.
