Get Social - Guest Newsletter August 2011

Beat the Heat with a Cape May Stay

      Beat the heat and reserve a Cape May vacation. If you've already made your reservation you know the importance of booking early for best selection. If you haven't reserved yet we have some last minute specials on our Rental Bargains pages. While you're considering bringing your family to Cape May we have a little tidbit we'd like to share. One of our trusted sources recently revealed to us that internet activity regarding Cape May is on the rise. People are looking at Cape May now more than ever. So what are you waiting for?
      While you're here please help protect our dunes by obeying all signage and using designated walkways. You can protect yourself and family by reading How to Prevent Head, Neck, & Back Injuries at the Beach. Free Movies at the Beach for the month of August are listed for you as well as other events. And remember - you can always add Linens to your reservation order if you have not already done so.

Protect Our Dunes

      Each spring, various groups of volunteers work with officials to help replenish the grass that grows on our beach dunes to help preserve the dunes and prevent erosion. Sand dunes erode by design as they absorb storm energies.
      The dunes provide habitat for many species of wildlife, and dune grass helps to stabilize wind blown sand as well as stabilize costly beach replenishment projects. During hurricanes and storms, sand dunes protect this habitat, our land, our property, and at times our very lives.
      In the eastern United States, 'Cape' American beachgrass is widely used to stabilize dunes that protect our coastal communities. Cape American Beachgrass is specially selected for its vigorous growth which enables it to withstand heavy deposits of sand.
      Please obey all notices and use designated walkways to access the beach. Your cooperation is essential to keeping a healthy dune environment for all.

Ocean Safety - Prevent Head, Neck, and Back Injuries

      Spinal Cord injuries are a serious problem in the shore break, usually associated with diving head first and hitting the bottom. Spinal Cord injury, perhaps more than any other trauma injury, can have severe lifelong consequences for the victim, parents, friends, and even rescuers, but most Spinal Cord injuries are preventable.

• Check with lifeguards on current conditions before swimming. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.
• Swim near a lifeguard.
• STOP, watch, and walk into the water.
• DON'T dive headfirst into any unknown water.
• DON'T dive toward the bottom into oncoming waves.
• DON'T stand with your back to the waves.
• DON'T jump or dive from a cliff, pier, jetty or bridge.
• Avoid bodysurfing, body boarding or surfing straight "over the falls." Ride the shoulder.
• In a "wipeout," land as flat as possible with your hands out in front of you.
• While bodysurfing, keep an arm out in front of you to protect your head and neck.

      When in doubt, DON'T DIVE, play it safe! An experienced swimmer respects the ocean. These tips and others can be found in the City of Cape May BEACH SAFETY flyer in your check-in bag. Be sure to look it over with your family.

Local Farmers Markets

      Don't miss an opportunity to explore the bounty of our Garden State. Local farmers and other vendors have put together three local markets so you can one-stop shop for produce and other goods.

• West Cape May Farmers Market: Every Tuesday from 3 pm - 7 pm at the West Cape May Municipal Backyard Park on Broadway.
• Lower Township Farmers Market: Every Friday from 3 pm - 7 pm next to the Recreation Center in the Villas.
• Ferry Farmers Market: Every Saturday from 9 am - 3 pm on the terminal grounds of the Cape May Lewes Ferry in North Cape May.

Only a Few Weeks Left of Summer!

      If you haven't reserved already call your reservationist now at 888-309-7454 to book your Cape May vacation for August. Or, check out rental bargains to see what units are available that would work for your family. New reservations only please. Have your Visa or MasterCard handy and we can have you reserved in no time. www.HomeSteadCapeMayRentals.com/Specials.cfm

August Movies at the Beach

      Movies begin at 8:30 pm every Thursday next to the future site of Convention Hall. Children's pre movie activities begin at 7:30 pm. Bring a blanket or chair for your comfort.
      August 4: American Tale, Treasure Island
      August 11: Sound of Music
      August 18: Karate Kid
      August 25: TBA

Linens Still Available

      Have you started packing and realized there's barely enough room for the kids and suitcases in your car? It's not too late to add linens to your reservation order. Email our rental staff Reservations@HomeSteadRealEstate.net or call us toll free at 888-309-7454.

Summer Events Preview

• August 5: Sand Sculpture Contest 9 am at Second Avenue Beach
• August 13-14: Promenade Craft Show 10 am - 5 pm Boardwalk
• August 16: Cape May Women's Club Peach Festival at Lafayette St. School (Benefits local scholarship fund with all local vendors. Enjoy fresh peaches, ice cream, baked goods, and more.)

HomeStead offers you more.

• Drive-Thru Check In/ Out
• Reserve Online
• On Site Linen Service
• Pet Friendly Rentals
• MasterCard/ Visa Accepted
• Virtual Tours of all Rental Homes