Here is how Matt starts a castle:

1. Make a pile of sand and fill it with water make sure the water penetrates in to the sand:

2. Then stack your sand with an upside down open bottom bucket- again adding water

3. Then create a slurry (sand and water in a bucket like you did when you were a kid) do not pat down.
4. Long also comment, “It is a sand castle. Go create! There is not set plan, just have fun.”

Then bloggers families all got a chance to create their own sand castle.   The children loved the opportunity to create and learn from Matt- My kids though it was great he was on TV.

Matt Long also created a little something for the Golden Inn.

Pictures, Post and Video are curtosy of fellow Philly Blogger Sherry Aikens.  We were honored to be the host of such an outstanding event and see so many smiles.  You can find Sherry’s blog on Superexhausted.com and shop Sherry’s Super Capes at BabyPop.com

Want to read about others experiences at the event:

NBC Channel 40
Single Mom in the City
Delaware County Moms
Delco Deal Diva
Jersey Family Fun
A Grand Life
Mamma Bears Event

Most athletes train and compete no matter what the weather, but we all know running is more enjoyable when Mother Nature is friendly!  Never is the atmosphere more friendly for running than at the beach (if we do say so ourselves).  You can head to the shore for a one day event, or stay and make a week-long vacation out of your marathon!

Runners of all skill levels can enjoy almost unlimited options along the New Jersey Cape.  Here is a sampling of upcoming events in the area that you don’t want to miss:

Ready to run right away?  Well get ready, the Mull-Morial 5-K Beach Run is here in Avalon on Sunday, May 27, 2012.

The Avalon 5-miler (and 2 mile walk) benefits CONTACT Cape-Atlantic.  Saturday, July 14, 2012.

If you love football, or are looking to get your kids involved in a race, check out Ron Jaworski’s Quarterback Scramble in Stone Harbor on Sunday, July 29, 2012.  This popular event really brings in the masses, you may even spot a “celebrity” like our friend the Phillies Phanatic!

The Tim Kerr 7 Mile Island Run & 5k Run/Walk takes place on Sunday, September 2nd and proceeds benefit CHOP & The Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children.  Sign up here.

Ready to start planning for next year?  Next spring is the annual Ocean Drive Marathon–a scenic 26.2 mile run from Cape May to Sea Isle City!  If a full marathon is not your speed, you can also sign up for the 5k or 10 miler.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, new events are always popping up and there is quite a variety of nearby towns to choose from.  To search for more events you may be interested in, click here for a listing of half marathons in NJ,  Trifind.com for triathlons and Running in the USA – all NJ Races.

Now that you found your perfect Jersey Shore run, why not make it a vacation with a stay at the Golden Inn?  Enjoy training right here in Avalon, dining in the local restaurants, and resting up, all without worrying about driving in on race day.  Don’t forget that after your running is complete you can treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment!  We recommend Michele’s Salon and Spa right here in Avalon.

Photo credit: by Lululemon Athletica

Congratulations!  You’re in love, and planning the special day where you share your love with your closest friends and family.  There are so many options for beautiful weddings in Cape May County, whether you choose to marry on the beach, in a house of worship, or in a civil ceremony.  If you’re looking for information on where to get your marriage license, how to find an officiant and how to get married on the beach, we have answers!

Marriage Licenses-

If you or your fiance live in New Jersey, register in the municipality where you or your fiance reside.  The license will be valid for the entire state of NJ, regardless of where the wedding will take place.  If neither of you live in New Jersey, you will need to apply in the municipality where the wedding will take place.  Then the license will be valid only in that municipality. There is a 72 hour waiting period for the marriage license to be issued so apply in advance to be sure it is ready in time, but not too far in advance as they expire within 30 days!  Click here to learn more about marriage applications in New Jersey and to download the marriage application form.  Just be sure not to sign it!  You will need to sign it in the presence of the registrar.

For more information about the Avalon registrar’s office, click here.  For the Stone Harbor registrar’s office information, click here.

How to Find an Officiant-

If you are interested in getting married in a local house of worship, many will have officiants on hand to perform your ceremony–you may not be able to use the facility with your own minister.  If you are interested in marrying on the beach or in a property such as the Golden Inn, consider asking your local minister if he/she would travel to the wedding to perform your ceremony.  Many will be happy to oblige as a service to you the congregant, in exchange for a fee or donation.

Perhaps you are unable to secure a minister, or you prefer a non-religious ceremony.  The Cape May County Clerk, Rita Fulginiti, performs marriages and civil ceremonies.  Email coclerk@co.cape-may.nj.us or call (609)465-1010 for more information on her services.  There are also many officiants who serve the Avalon/Stone Harbor area.  One list (with reviews) may be found here.

How to Get Married on the Beach-

New Jersey beaches provide a naturally beautiful wedding venue.  As with any outdoor event location, extra planning is a must.  Your first step is to contact the municipality where you would like to have your ceremony.  For more information about the logistics of getting married on the beach in Avalon, contact Suzanne Keen at the Avalon Borough Hall at (609)967-5924 or write skeen@avalonboro.org  by email.  For Stone Harbor, contact Suzanne Stanford at (609)368-6800 or write stanfords@stone-harbor.nj.us for more information.  And, of course, be sure to have a “plan B” ceremony location set up in case of inclement weather!

Exchanging your vows in Cape May County is a great choice for your seaside wedding.  The options for your ceremony are abundant, and no matter what you choose your guests will be delighted in the location!

Photo credit: Fevi Yu

Stone Harbor is the town next to Avalon and comprises the other half of our 7 mile island.  There is so much to do in Stone Harbor that is within walking distance of the Golden Inn!  Don’t forget that Avalon and Stone Harbor have a reciprocal beach tag policy, so you can enjoy a day at a Stone Harbor beach using Avalon beach badges.  Click here to read more about beach tags at the Golden Inn.

Shopping – Stretching out from 96th Street is Stone Harbor’s famous selection of quaint shops.  Purchase everything from unique gifts, to beach necessities, to fine jewelry or delicious fudge.  There’s everything from a pet shop to surf shops!

Movies – The Stone Harbor 5 theater is a great way to beat the heat and catch a new release.  Click here for current showtimes.

Farmer’s Market – Every Sunday at the Water Tower (95th St & 2nd Ave) is a Farmer’s Market offering the best in Jersey fresh produce from local farms.  8 AM – 12 noon.

Wetlands Institute – The Wetlands Institute is located just off the bridge into Stone Harbor.  For a small donation/fee you can enjoy several educational activities such as a guided salt marsh tour, a small aquarium and other nature-themed exhibits.  For more information on the Wetlands Institute, click here to visit their website.

There’s also some free seasonal family activities:

Family Nights – Every Monday in the summer (through August 30th) at 7 PM are free family nights in Stone Harbor.  Meet at the firehouse parking lot at 96th St. and 2nd Ave. at for puppet or magic shows, parades and more.

Movies Under the Stars – Every other Wednesday (through August 25th) from 8-10 PM enjoy a free family movie!  Call the Stone Harbor Recreation Department at (609) 368-1287 for selections, dates and locations.

Photo credit: wfyurasko