LBI Chowderfest 2012

CHOWDER FEST Sept. 29-30      rent Beach House Retreats in Beach Haven Crest, NJ

  I will tell you a little about Chowder Fest if you have never been before. 

All the restaurants compete for the best Red and White Chowder.  They decorate their booths to reflect their business or style or personalities they want to get across, and cook all Sat.night. into the Sun.morning preparing for the thousands that come to taste it and judge it.   You get to vote on each soup, which is the best, and on their booths.  It is amazing how the soups taste so different, and how some stand out to be so much better, you wonder what the others were thinking!!  There are Bands, Beer Trucks, and the Bay Village Stores are hopping with their wares, and discounts. Local real estate agencies giving away bags, pens, magnet, chip clips etc., my kids enjoy gathering these free items.   If you are brave try the clam fudge at the fudge shop! :)  The Bakery's are clearing shelves too!

 It is great fun for adults, my kids enjoy it, but small kids it is tough on due to being so small and strollers are not permitted in soup tent areas, back packed kids are a solid solution.  There is a playground on the bayside of the tents to let the kiddies run loose on when they get the urge to run wild.

The day before tasting on Sat. local shops discount their stock, it is a shoppers dream, cheap tees, sandals, jewelery,sweats, sweaters, and more.  Having the holidays rifght around the corner it is a easy way to "git-r-done"!   The Mod Hatter is a great place to pick up some funny, awesome, costumes for Halloween at a great price, and they sell hats that are a hoot (that show up at night Nardi's and some other local bars).The local bars that close for the season usually have great specials on drinks and food.  The best bands are playing this weekend at the bars, and at the festival.

It is kind of the last hurrah on the Island, traffic lights may be off already, all the stores are pushing Holiday Seashore Type Gifts at great prices, and the weather is usually still in the mid 70's or so.  We have been in the ocean until Nov. some years.  There are no guards, but the ocean can be calm, warm and inviting for bathers and surfing.  I am down the street from the Brighton Beach Surf Shop and they are still giving surf lessons during this time.  It also a nice time to rent bikes, which is at the Acme Surf and Skate at the end of the street .  The Beach Theater next to the Acme is ten blocks and is still open I believe if you want to walk over to see a movie.  And the Ice cream shops are also pushing out ice cream to clear out for the winter. 

This time of year the Monarch Butterflies are hitting the sky in force passing through the Island to get home.  It is a beautiful sight, and some years the dunes are filled with the Halloween Colored Wings of Flight. 

Bring your cameras for the butterfly flights, the sunrises and sunsets are to die for, and the moonrise is really grand after watching the sun do it's tricks...  The ocean  is very picturesque, and it is a nice time to snap off some shots for your Holiday Cards drop them at CVS and be a head of the game.

It is a nice time to get together with friends, and family to share in the tasting experience, grab some bargains, and enjoy the last signs of summer.  For a great place to stay look me up: http://www.lbi-vacation.com
 

Home Schoolers Love to Learn on LBI, NJ

This is a great time for Home Schooled Families to take a break from their house of learning and come to LBI to our house of learning. There are many things to learn about on or around our barrier island, Long Beach Island. Here are some suggestions that may interest your little scholars.

Learn about the ‘Re-Clamming the Bay Project’ see how important the benefits of shellfish filtering and feeding help clean our estuary. Schedule a class for your group. http://www.reclamthebay.org/about.html

, http://www.reclamthebay.org/edu.html

Get a Clam Trail Map to find the Giant Clams throughout the Island, and Mainland, learn about map skills or GPS.

http://www.reclamthebay.org/clamtrail/index.html

Visit Tuckerton Seaport and check out the history of the area. See maritime traditions of past and present exhibits and hands on activities. http://www.tuckertonseaport.org/aboutus.html

Tuckerton Seaports Carving demonstrations or take a class:

http://www.tuckertonseaport.org/demonstrationschedule.html

Visit the Edwin b. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge- Holgate Unit Bird Sanctuary: http://www.njaudubon.org/SectionIBBA/IBBASiteGuide.aspx?sk=3161

Climb the 217 steps of the Barnegat Lighthouse, take a nature trail hike or the paved trail along the inlet, you can fish here so bring a pole if you like:

http://www.longbeachislandjournal.com/attractions/barnegat-lighthouse

Take a tour of Viking Village and learn all about the fishing industry, and the perfect storm story:

http://www.vikingvillage.net/about_us.html

Here are some ideas to entertain the little folks while visiting:

Explore one of the 5 large playgrounds on the island (playground hopping).

Take a seine net to the bay and see what you pull up ( the small sea life is amazing to kids and adults).

Bring your camera a stage a beautiful, Goofy, Coordinated Holiday picture to send out this year.

Teach the kids to fish either surf fishing or dock fishing on the bayside, then cook it!

Take a bike ride safely down Beach Ave. and enjoy the fresh air, while enjoying the scenery.

Bring your own school work or projects and come to ‘Beach House Retreats’ to change your setting, and for a change of pace, mini vacation.



House sleeps up to 16, 5 bedrooms, TV’s in living rooms only, living room and bathroom on 1st and 2nd floor, laundry room with utility sink, 4th floor rooftop deck with amazing panoramic views with hot tub to rest your weary bones at night when you get the kids to bed J Discounted rates for home school families, a 2 night minimum, does not have to be a weekend, but activities at certain locations may only be open during the weekends, check websites during off season months.

Full House $750 per night 16 person max.

Half House $500 per night 8 person max.

For more info on the house, area and pictures go to: www.LBI-Vacation.com or call 609-947-1377

A Culinary Escape Weekend on LBI, NJ

A Culinary Escape Weekend on LBI, NJ
Come enjoy a fun filled diversion from your daily life with a weekend of French Cuisine Cooking with reknowned French Chef, Francis Pons. Francis is an Executive French Chef and Pastry Chef, classically trained in France. He studied at Elysse Professional Culinaire Gastronomic in France, similar to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. He also trained in Munich Mansion, a private cooking school in Bavaria, Germany learning the art of patisserie (pastry) making. Francis' culinary experience includes: Chef de Cuisine at Hotel La Grotte, a Michelin star hotel in Lourdes, France and Chef de Cuisine, at La Cote Basque, in New York City. In addition, he interned under Master Chef, Alain Ducasse, at the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo, France and was the Sous Chef at Le Chateau, in North Salem, NY.

Your time spent with Francis will give new appreciation to the thought and care that goes into creating a fabulous meal. After you prepare the meal with supervision by Francis you will then enjoy your masterpiece, and have the rest of your stay to do what you like. Feel free to bring your favorite wines or drinks to complement the meal. Depending on class booked, you may do some of the prep at Francis’s shop, “A Little Bite of Italy” in Surf City, or complete the whole course on the site of Beach House Retreats. The meal will be served in the home. Please bring your notebook, camera, and apron for the class. If your group would like any of Francis’s gourmet pastries for breakfast they can be ordered before the weekend to ensure your order. Order must have 24 hour notice minimum.

Long Beach Island is a sleepy barrier island on the NJ coast. It is the true definition of peace and quiet in the off season. You would never know there are nearly 8,000 year round residents tucked in their homes. The beaches are wide open spaces with the majestic Atlantic Ocean luring you down. Feel the mist, collect the oceans treasure of shells left at your feet, and take a photo moment for a keepsake while down. “LBI” in the fall, winter and spring is a great place to spend time with loved ones learning something new, or just reconnecting. Plan your next get together on LBI at a unique spot ,” Beach House Retreats”.
While staying at Beach House Retreats you’ll have ocean views from all floors, you can enjoy walks on the beach, or cozy reading by the fireplace. Suit up and grab your robe and enjoy the hot tub on the roof top deck with amazing panoramic views with a hot chocolate or glass of wine. The house is very inviting with sun beaming in the living rooms, a great open floor plan downstairs in the kitchen / living room area for multi-tasking groups. The kitchen is fully stocked with all the cooking / baking needs. With radiant floor heat and the fireplaces flames dancing you will stay toasty on a wintery stay. Enjoying a storm rolling in from the second floor living room will allow you to see Mother Nature at her best. The cloud formations and the oceans fury are very dramatic from the bird’s eye view.
The house can accommodate 16 people. There are 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 living rooms, laundry room, outdoor living areas in the backyard and fourth floor rooftop deck, and outside shower weather permitting. To fit your groups size the house can be rented in two ways, both including rooftop deck:
1. First floor only, sleeping 8 with 1st bedroom with queen bed,2nd bedroom with ocean views and queen bed, and 3rd bedroom with bunk beds and ocean views, and queen pullout in living room, with laundry room , and bath with shower stall with handicapped rails.
2. Second floor added for total of sleeping 8 additional people with 4th bedroom with queen bed, 5th bedroom with King Bed and ocean views, another queen pullout, and full futon in living room, with a full bathroom.
Lodging costs:
Sept., May
Full House $850 per night 16 person max.
Half house $600 per night 8 max.
Oct., April
Full House $800 per night 16 person max.
Half House $550 per night 8 person max.
Nov.-March
Full House $750 per night 16 person max.
Half House $500 per night 8 person max.
FRENCH CUISINE COOKING WITH CHEF FRANCIS PONS
Chocolate Ecstasy Tuition: $135 pp
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Italian Festival Tuition: $150 pp
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Fishermen’s Delight Tuition: $165 pp
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Parisienne Sojourn Tuition $165 pp
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Spouses are welcome if there is room also charged for tuition due to eating the meal.

For more details on how to book, house, area and pictures go to:
www.LBI-Vacation.com

Beach Haven Crest, on Long Beach Island, NJ is a Great Family Friendly Destination

We have stayed in Beach Haven Crest on LBI, NJ for the past 53 years, I am 3rd generation coming, and my great nieces and nephews are 4th generation. We live here year round. We have found that the Beach Haven Crest area of the Island is great for all ages from babies to seniors. We love the fact that it is a slower paced part of the island, which makes it a safe walking, biking, stroller friendly spot. In our 10 block radius we have a surf shop with daily lessons, bike rentals and skate shop, Kubel’s Too Restaurant and Liquor Store, Joey’s Pizza, Pinzamino’s Italian Restaurant, Garden State Gas Station, Pinky’s Shrimp Take Out Seafood, Pottery Shop, Dune’s Fresh Produce Market and Deli, Skipper Dipper Ice Cream Shop, Frank’s Theater 4 Plex, Acme Market, and Here’s the Scoop Ice Cream.

We Adults love the Bike Rentals, Acme being so close, 3 eateries, and Kubel’s Too Happy Hour with Entertaining DJ and bands, cheap drinks and appetizers that are soft on the wallet. The Teens love the Joey’s Pizza, Surf Shop, Bike Rentals, Movie Theater, and Ice Cream Shops. The Little ones love to walk to the surf shop for some candy, toys and kites, and when isn’t ice cream a hit?

Just a few more blocks down you are at the Policemen Bay Beach with a guard and shallow waters to discover with nets and buckets. Bring your beach badge badges, and gear and let the little ones loose on a great fish tank of explorations. We have caught, needle nose eels 5 inches long, fluke 4 inches long, snails, hermits, crabs, spider crabs, and many different types of minnows. It is as much fun to catch the critters as it is to see the little ones faces that have caught them, I highly recommend taking the time to check it out!

We run Beach House Retreats, 113 East 85 th Street, Beach Haven Crest, NJ 08008, 609-607-9938. Check us out at : www.LBI-Vacation.com

We specialize in Vacations, Intimate Weddings, and Retreats of all kinds. The house slept 16 and had a huge kitchen, 2 living rooms, 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, laundry room, and huge rooftop deck, great backyard with grill, 2 tables, and large bench seating surrounding a fire pit, with outside shower. The house was beautiful, the ocean views were breath taking, and being 3rd from the beach made it a snap to get kids/seniors up to the bathroom. The beach is a guarded swimmers and surfing beach so after the kids take lessons they can surf with a guard watching them, what a relief having their extra eyes on them!

I like the fact the kids can get out on their own by foot and bike to a few spots close by without having to go into Beach Haven with all the traffic and crowds. We felt more secure knowing there was plenty to keep them happy and entertained right here. We loved being able to park the cars and bike to the store for food, movies, dinner, or ice cream. When taking our walks the streets weren’t as congested as Beach Haven, and the traffic isn’t as fast as it is down in Loveladies area, where crossing the streets is tricky.

We love the month of June to do the shore. The weather is already in the high 80’s the past 5 years, and the water is between 68- 78 depending on the wind direction, and gulf streams presence. The rental prices are cheaper and the house selection is wide open. I have noticed that the last weeks of school has been a complete time of fluff, no learning, just movies, and assemblies of ways to entertain the kids until the last day. We have opted to vacation a few times. Long weekends are a easy also during this time if you don’t want to miss the week of school.

We have gone to many activities on Long Beach Island that were free run by different municipalities which include: bike safety demos with prizes, concerts of great Rock/Reggae/Buffet bands, barbershop choirs, big band concerts, Environmental Demos, Flea Markets, Craft Shows, and more.

Long Beach Island is a quick ride from the NJ Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway. We come through the Pines on Rt. 539 and is a nice quiet ride and usually without much traffic.

We love LBI, it is a much slower paced family oriented resort. The police are always visible to assure your safety, they also give free ice cream coupons when they catch kids obeying laws, (bike helmets, riding with traffic, crossing at street lights). I think that is a great way for kids to see that Police are their friends and are here if they need them while on vacation. I love the many different restaurants and price points that everyone can find a place that fits their budget. There is a great Play house called “Surflight Theater” that brings down the house every night with entertaining plays, concerts, and comedy, along with weekly children’s play. We like the Showplace Ice Cream Parlor next door that has a singing staff that also is amusing for all ages. If you aren’t tired out from the beach by now or the weather is a little off, go to the Water Park at Fantasy Island Amusements to run the kids wild, it is perfect for all ages, between the Lazy Rives, Fast Slides, Baby Wading Park, and the Mini Golf, Arcade, and Amusement Rides next door. If you are able to drop kids to do water park, enjoy shopping and eating over at Bay Village where you can find some great buys, and food. Don’t forget the Fudge, Bakery and the awesome Pizza there.

So if you are looking for a great place to go with all ages for some good clean fun in the sun, come leave your family footprint on LBI the place for families!

Chowderfest Oct. 1-2, 2011

CHOWDER FEST

  I will tell you a little about Chowder Fest if you have never been before. 

All the restaurants compete for the best Red and White Chowder.  They decorate their booths to reflect their business or style or personalities they want to get across, and cook all Sat.night. into the Sun.morning preparing for the thousands that come to taste it and judge it.   You get to vote on each soup, which is the best, and on their booths.  It is amazing how the soups taste so different, and how some stand out to be so much better, you wonder what the others were thinking!!  There are Bands, Beer Trucks, and the Bay Village Stores are hopping with their wares, and discounts. Local real estate agencies giving away bags, pens, magnet, chip clips etc., my kids enjoy gathering these free items.   If you are brave try the clam fudge at the fudge shop! :)  The Bakery's are clearing shelves too!

 It is great fun for adults, my kids enjoy it, but small kids it is tough on due to being so small and strollers are not permitted in soup tent areas, back packed kids are a solid solution.  There is a playground on the bay side of the tents to let the kiddies run loose on when they get the urge to run wild.

The day before tasting on Sat. local shops discount their stock, grab some cheap prices on :tees,sandals,sweaters,sweats,jewelry,and more.  The Mod Hatter is a great place to pick up some funny, awesome , costumes for Halloween at a great price, and they sell hats that are a hoot (that show up at night Nardi's and some other local bars).The local bars that close for the season usually have great specials on drinks and food.  The best bands are playing this weekend at the bars, and at the festival.

It is kind of the last hurrah on the Island, traffic lights may be off already, all the stores are pushing Holiday Seashore Type Gifts at great prices, and the weather is usually still in the mid 70's or so.  We have been in the ocean until Nov. some years.  There are no guards, but the ocean can be calm, warm and inviting for bathers and surfing.  I am down the street from the Brighton Beach Surf Shop and they are still giving surf lessons during this time.  It also a nice time to rent bikes, which is at the Acme Surf and Skate at the end of the street .  The Beach Theater next to the Acme is ten blocks and is still open I believe if you want to walk over to see a movie.  And the Ice cream shops are also pushing out ice cream to clear out for the winter. 

This time of year the Monarch Butterflies are hitting the sky in force passing through the Island to get home.  It is a beautiful sight, and some years the dunes are filled with the Halloween Colored Wings of Flight. 

Bring your cameras for the butterfly flights, the sunrises and sunsets are to die for, and the moonrise is really grand after watching the sun do it's tricks...  The ocean  is very picturesque, and it is a nice time to snap off some shots for your Holiday Cards drop them at CVS and be a head of the game.

It is a nice time to get together with friends, and family to share in the tasting experience, grab some bargains, and enjoy the last signs of summer.  If you are looking for a nice place to stay with a group go to my site:  http://www.lbi-vacation.com/

Let me know ASAP, I will start getting inquires soon on this weekend.  I extended it a day also so on Sunday you can enjoy the day and not have to leave, check in Friday, check out Monday.  I am also offering the long weekend on the following weekend which is Columbus Day weekend, Great sales, some bands at bars, and still great weather, much more quiet Island for relaxing.