Thursday, December 24, 2009

Sea Isle City - A Hot Winter Getaway

By Stephen Daniels

It might seem like the winter season is odd timing for visiting the beach, but it can be one of the best times to get away to the shore. Skiing and snowboarding destinations pack in the crowds, but the off season at Sea Isle City, New Jersey affords great opportunities for relaxation. It may not be a cold-weather tourist mecca, but that's what makes a trip to this charming little town so delightful.

A tiny fishing village founded well over 100 years ago, this town is now one of the top resort cities on the Atlantic coast. Located in Cape May County, Sea Isle City sits on a barrier island known as Ludlam Island in South Jersey. The city itself was started by Charles K. Landis in 1882. His dream of turning the town into "America's Venice" didn't ever quite come into fruition, but that has not kept the city from becoming a tremendous success in other aspects. With a population of more than 100,000 during the summer tourist season, this little town has become an extremely popular destination on the Jersey shoreline.

However, Sea Isle's year-round population is only around 3,000. This may partly explain why the city is known for its hometown ambiance. In contrast to to the hustle and bustle of the peak season, life becomes very quiet and serene during the winter months. For families or couples searching for some R & R, this change of pace proves to be quite alluring.

Even though the business surrounding the shops and restaurants in the center of town dies down, the city does still offer a variety of off-season activities. Winter guests can enjoy events such as the Polar Bear Plunge every February, where tens of thousands of people willingly run into the frigid ocean water. For those not so keen on jumping into the icy-cold waves, they can participate in the Polar Bear Run / Walk for Autism the following Sunday. The St. Patrick's Day Parade and Ocean Drive Marathon stand out as popular events which occur every March. Deep sea fishing is also offered year-round. Starfish Boats, located inside the city, offers trips for both adults and children.

As anyone who has ever vacationed there during the summer can tell you, Sea Isle City features many excellent culinary experiences. Fortunately, winter guests can enjoy much of this as well. Many of the best local restaurants, such as Cafe LaRosa, Mrs. Brizzles, and Valeries Place, remain open all year long. Many others stay open during select days of the week, so it's good to check times before heading to dinner.

Without losing its hometown ambiance, Sea Isle City offers many reasons why it's becoming a desirable off-season destination. City leaders have recently founded several enjoyable fall festivals, such as Harborfest, Irish Weekend, and Fall Family. Holiday celebrations, like the lighting of the Sea Isle City Christmas Tree and the House Lighting Program, also aim to make winter-time visitors feel like a part of the community. Thanks to the small-town feeling these events create, the laid-back atmosphere, and (of course!) the stunning beaches, visitors will find that this summer destination "peaks" in the winter as well.

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