Best of the Shore
Strathmere
Families with older children, and those sick of long lines and packed beaches, come to tiny Strathmere, where you can go back to basics — updated basics, that is. “The little beach cottages are gone,” says Bruce Riordan, of Riordan Realty. “They are turning into year-round homes, with additional bedrooms and air conditioning added.” Social life for natives in this sleepy nook revolves largely around a fishing club; visitors come for the quiet and free beach.
Best of Strathmere
Lunch: Deauville Inn. Right on the bay, with docking facilities. Known for fresh seafood (201 Willard Road; 609-263-2080).
On-the-water bar: Twisties Tavern. A convivial open-air bar that overlooks the bay and, after 75 years, remains flip-flop-friendly. Get a Twister (pineapple and cranberry juices and coconut rum) to go with your burger or meatball sandwich (232 Bayview Drive; 609-263-2200).
Pizza: Piccini’s Brick Oven. There are 35 different varieties (13th Street and West Avenue; 609-525-0767).
Mini golf: Gillian’s Adventure golf. Located next to the Gillian’s , and great for waterlogged children of all ages (Plymouth Place and the Boardwalk; 609-399-0483).
Bed & beach
Average 2004 home price: $926,000.
AVERAGE 1999 HOME PRICE: N/A
Recent listing: A three-bedroom, 2.5-bath single home on a beach block, with hardwood floors, screened porch and dumbwaiter, fully furnished, $1,250,000.
Cost to rent a three-bedroom beach-block house: From $2,200 to $5,000 a week.
Where to stay: Don’t. There’s one motel in town, but it’s not highly recommended.
On the beach: Good fishing and surfing conditions. The dunes are quiet, and tags aren’t required.
