The ocean has played a major role in the lives of mankind since our beginnings. Seventy percent of the earth’s surface is covered with water, and as a source of food the oceans of the world have supplied fish, shellfish and other forms of sea life as staples in the diets of billions for thousands of years.

   Along Cape May County’s coast the waters off “Seven Mile Island” were an ideal choice for fishing, and the bounty of the sea helped feed Native Americans for millennia. When the earliest settlers arrived from the Old World they were fishermen who lived on the resources provided by the sea.

   The barrier islands along the southern New Jersey coast are home to resort towns that invite vacationers from far and near to enjoy great vacations, but few are more perfect than the island that was the least accessible of all. Once known as Seven Mile Beach, it was separated from the mainland by a treacherous channel and a wide salt marsh. In the 1700s it was used as a summer pasture for livestock. The days of tourists and bathing suits were far off in the future.

   “Seven Mile Beach” has not been called by that name for a long time. However, progress – in the form of the West Jersey railroad – resulted in a bridge being constructed across Townsend’s Inlet, and then Joseph Wells, seeing a great opportunity, founded the Seven Mile Beach Company and began selling building lots.

   It’s said that the secretary of that company thought the perfect name for the development would be Avalon, the mythical city of King Arthur, and so the Avalon Beach Improvement Company was formed in 1888, and a year later the Avalon Beach Hotel Company was born.

   It’s difficult to mention Avalon, New Jersey without mentioning Stone Harbor, New Jersey in the same sentence. We won’t debate the issue, but we do know that a trip to “Seven Mile Beach” is a wonderful way to spend a day, a weekend, a week or a whole season. Stone Harbor is located on the southern part of Seven Mile Island, and, like

   Avalon, it’s a wonderful place to visit and enjoy the beaches and the ocean.

   Today, so-called “head” or “party” boats take novices and experts alike out for half-day or full-day fishing trips, as well as night trips. The captains and the mates on charter boats are expert in their work, doing their best to find the big ones “in-shore” (up to 15 miles out) and “off-shore.” (up to 70 miles out where the continental shelf ends and the ocean is a mile deep).

   The shore is also home to surf fishing, jetty fishing, fishing tournaments, pleasure boating, sailing, kayaking, wind surfing, snorkeling, watching sea birds, and simply enjoying the water, the sand and the sea breeze. It’s a recreational wonderland and natural ecosystem to be enjoyed by all.

   Seven Mile Beach is no longer inaccessible, and the days of livestock roaming the grass covered pastures are gone forever, replaced by vacationers who roam the streets in search of their favorite spots to shop and dine. Today, the welcoming friendliness of Avalon (“Cooler by a Mile!”) invites visitors to come and visit.

   The warm weather calendar of events in Avalon is filled with many activities, and there is more than enough to do for young and old alike. Avalon, New Jersey may not be like Old King Arthur’s mythical city, (We suspect that his town was probably a good deal more rustic and uncomfortable than our Avalon.) but it’s a wonderful shore resort area to visit.

   Avalon offers the finest in family seashore living, fabulous beaches and recreation, a charming small town atmosphere, fine dining and shopping, and all that one could want for the perfect getaway and vacation.

   Nature and history have been very kind to the community of Avalon, and visitors enjoy all that they have to offer. Those who come to Avalon once usually choose to return again and again.

  You are cordially invited to come to Avalon and make a little history of your own.  Nearly every form of recreation you could think of is on the island, or a short drive from it. See you soon!