{"id":4755,"date":"2019-10-08T10:45:02","date_gmt":"2019-10-08T15:45:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/?page_id=4755"},"modified":"2019-10-08T11:04:21","modified_gmt":"2019-10-08T16:04:21","slug":"48-hours-jersey-shores-seven-mile-island-makes-perfect-summer-retreat","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/?page_id=4755","title":{"rendered":"48 Hours: Jersey Shore’s ‘Seven Mile Island’ makes perfect summer retreat"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Posted October 8, 2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By PAIGE FLANNERY<\/p>\n\n\n\n

STONE HARBOR, N.J. \u2014 Nicknamed, \u201cthe Seashore at Its Best\u201d and \u201cCooler By a Mile,\u201d the two towns, Stone Harbor and Avalon, that makeup the Jersey Shore\u2019s \u201cSeven Mile Island,\u201d are a perfect summer retreat for all ages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Labor Day to Memorial Day, families, singles and students alike are seen packing up their cars and heading down to the Jersey Shore to get off at Exit 13 and experience the small town charm, Intracoastal Waterway and beautifully clean beaches that the Seven Mile Island has to offer. Even for those less inclined to spend their summer in the sun, the outstanding restaurants, quaint shopping areas and friendly community keep renters and owners coming back each summer. Avalon stretches about four miles from 6th to 80th Street and Stone Harbor reaches from 80th to 122nd Street, but this three-to-four block wide island is often labeled as one destination. With the unidentifiable barriers, completely bikeable layout and nearly identical charming vibe, it is often unknown to outsiders that the island separates into two towns. However, for anyone coming to stay in either Stone Harbor or Avalon, the choice to visit this hidden gem of an island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friday<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

12\np.m. Stroll the Streets<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The view from The Watering Hull (Photos by Paige Flannery).<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Start\noff your visit by exploring the main attraction of Stone Harbor, NJ. 96th\nStreet and the surrounding area has all you could need, from clothing stores,\nto an old-time five and dime, to bayside restaurants, candy shops and even toy\nstores. Take a walk up and down 96th Street to experience the charming\nnostalgia that comes with a walkable shore town. Stop at The Watering Hull for\na beer or a quick bite. With its second floor location, open-air concept and\nCaribbean menu, this restaurant and bar is the perfect place to finally feel\nyourself drifting into vacation mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3\np.m. Open Water<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Truly take advantage of the sunny summer weather and check out Island Water Sports on 3rd Avenue and 97th Street. This water sports mecca can provide paddle board and kayak rentals for those who want to explore the Intracoastal Waterway on their own terms. They also offer guided Jet Ski and WaveRunner tours, as well as opportunities to join a chartered tubing, wake boarding, water skiing or knee boarding adventure! Parents who want to get out on the water themselves can leave kids back in the basin as they play on the Back Bay Aqua Park complete with multiple inflatable obstacles so they can enjoy the playground-on-water with multiple other children as well as IWS employees present to ensure safety and promote fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6\np.m. Taste of Italy<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The famous chocolate souffl\u00e9 at Ristorante Luciano.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Experience\nthis local kept secret tucked away on 3rd Avenue between 98th and 99th Street.\nA member of the Luciano family is sure to greet diners at the door and\nGraziella will even share the story of the 17-year family operation that\nRistorante Luciano so gracefully runs. This authentic Italian restaurant will\nmake you feel like family and also ensure that you leave full with their simple\nmenu ranging from handmade pastas to their famous chocolate souffl\u00e9 that must\nbe ordered with the meal. Make sure to book a reservation weeks before and\nbring lots of wine, as this B.Y.O.B. restaurant is always filled with customers\nthat are like family to the Luciano\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9 p.m. After-Dinner Drinks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always\nsave room for drinks while on vacation! After dinner, walk over to Water Star\nGrille, an outdoor bayside restaurant located inside The Reeds at Shelter Haven\nluxury hotel on 96th Street. Explore the extensive wine and beer selection or\nthe creative cocktails and enjoy the outdoor cocktail lounge with cocktail\nservice all while looking out into the calm basin in the evening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saturday<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

8:30\na.m. Morning Flow<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Paige Flannery does a head stand at Stone Harbor Yoga.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

To\nsweat a little after last night\u2019s pasta and wine, make sure to book a spot at\nStone Harbor Yoga. Owners and instructors Stef Mills-DeSatnick and Kristin\nPaulson will make you feel like home at this yoga studio that thrives off of\ncommunity love and support. First-timers and regulars alike are treated with\nthe utmost kindness and welcoming spirit that makes this studio a favorite for\nboth locals and visitors. After leaving sweaty and glowing, grab a bite to eat\nat Fishin\u2019 Pier Grille South right across the street. An unimaginable number of\noptions for pancakes, french toast and omelettes as well as the friendly staff\nmake this breakfast spot a favorite for locals not interested in waiting hours\nfor a table at Uncle Bill\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11\na.m. Hit the Beach<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relax\non the hot sand of Stone Harbor\u2019s well known clean and beautiful beaches for as\nlong as you can take the sun. Pick up your beach tags, which are required\nfor beach entry for anyone 12 and older, resident or non-resident, between 10\na.m. and 5 p.m., from Memorial Day through Labor Day at the office on 95th\nStreet. Beach tags cost $6 daily and $12 for a week. Rent chairs, umbrellas,\nand any other equipment through Stone Harbor Crib & Beach Rental.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1\np.m. Slice of Heaven<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For\nwhen hunger strikes while enjoying a day at the beach, Seven Mile Pies is there\nto save the day. The newer pizza joint, known for its quirky decor, friendly\nowner Craig and unexpected flavor combinations, is a town favorite. Call and\norder a buffalo chicken pizza and have it delivered to your location at the\nbeach to avoid disappointment or having to walk to get lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3\np.m. Cool Down with a Cone<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try\nto safe room for dessert, because it\u2019s nearly unheard of to visit the Seven\nMile Island without making a stop at Springer\u2019s Homemade Ice Cream on 94th\nStreet. The 50+ flavors and old time ice cream parlor feel will bring you back in\ntime as this family run business has been open for nearly eight decades. Go in\nthe afternoon to beat the evening rush, as the line can reach all the way down\nthe next block on weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7\np.m. Ocean to Table<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Venture\ndown into Avalon to have one of the best and freshest meals on the Jersey\nShore. The reservation in advance is worth it to experience the delicious\nseasonal offerings that The Diving Horse has to offer. This intimate B.Y.O.B.\nrestaurant changes the menu frequently, but the favorite Cape May scallops and\npopular short rib are sure to be offered all season. Get the full experience\nand sit outside under the bulb string lights to enjoy your meal at communal\npicnic tables with other diners. The outdoor patio is technically first come\nfirst serve, but making a reservation for inside will ensure that you will be\neating a delicious meal either way. To enjoy your wine without restraint, book\na Seven Mile Free Ride to take you to Avalon, a free golf cart transportation\nsystem that only runs on the Seven Mile Island. Take in the beautiful scenery\nand extravagant homes on your way and remember, tips are encouraged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9\np.m. Night Out<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Right\nacross the street from The Diving Horse is the island\u2019s most popular bar, The\nPrinceton. This beloved destination for people of all ages is sure to have a\nline out the door and plenty of dancing as they offer live music on most\nweekends. Saturday night is the most popular time to go so put on your dancing\nshoes and get ready to rock out to some classics at a night out on the town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunday\n<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

8:30\na.m. Morning Brew<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get\nup bright and early to avoid lines and experience the peaceful morning energy\nof Stone Harbor before the crowds arrive. Stop into Coffee Talk to get a\nbreakfast sandwich and a coffee that won\u2019t disappoint. With delicious bagels\nand sandwiches, over 20 flavored coffees and a variety of fresh baked pastries,\nthere is no question why this spot is always so busy. While waiting in line,\ncheck out the articles about how pop star Taylor Swift got her start at this\nsmall local coffee shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunday\n10 a.m. Market Sundays<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

No\nSunday morning is complete in Stone Harbor without making a stop at the weekly\nFarmer\u2019s Market. Head down to the water tower on 95th Street and Second Avenue\nto pick up some baked goods, produce, seafood, pickles or any souvenir to take\nhome. After perusing the stands and purchasing your selections from various\nvendors, walk across the street to the Stone Harbor Museum to learn about the history\nof the beloved town\u2019s humble beginnings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunday\n12 a.m. Quick Cafe<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The French brie sandwich on French bread at Yvette\u2019s Cafe.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Before\nheading out, grab a quick lunch or call ahead in advance to pick up salads or\nsandwiches for the trip home. Yvette\u2019s Cafe on 97th Street is an Italian and\nFrench deli that uses the freshest possible ingredients to create an\nunexpectedly sophisticated and delicious lunch from a seemly casual pit stop.\nThe fresh french bread tastes like it was baked in Paris that morning, so any\nsandwich with this bread will be sure to please.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If\nYou Go<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Reeds at Shelter Haven (9601 3rd Avenue, Stone Harbor) is one of the finest luxury hotels in New Jersey with breathtaking bayfront views and a perfect location that is walkable to any popular restaurant or shop in Stone Harbor. Complete with complimentary golf cart travel to the beach as well as chairs and umbrellas waiting to be set up at your arrival, a stay at this hotel would surely make the Stone Harbor experience hassle-free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Addresses<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n