Atlantic City Weekly

Welcome to Summer Seasonal happenings and more at the Jersey Shore

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Down here at the southern Jersey Shore there has always been plenty to do -- especially in the summertime. This year, it seems like the possibilities are endless -- whether it's family fun, a night out in A.C., a beach concert in Somers Point or the 24th annual Wildwoods International Kite Festival. And don't forget about Weird Week in Ocean City.

Our staff has recommended 30 things to keep on your radar this sunny season in the Atlantic City region. Look for more in upcoming issues of AC Weekly and online at atlanticcityweekly.com

1. Atlantic City Food & Wine Fest-- July 30-Aug. 2. Food, wine and tasting parties featuring celebrity chefs Emeril Lagasse, Guy Fieri, Ingrid Hoffmann, Tom Colicchio, Duff Goldman and Ted Allen. At various Harrah's Entertainment properties in A.C. www.acfoodandwine.com

2. Ocean City Restaurant Week -- May 28-June 6. Dine about town for just $10.09 for lunch special, $20.09 dinner specials, kids meals, $5.99. Participating restaurants include Cousin's, Chatterbox, Island Grill, Spadafora's, Periwinkles and many more. For more information visit www.eatinocnj.com.

3. Annual Greek Festival-- June 4-7, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 7004 Ridge Ave., Egg Harbor Twp. Tons of great food and fun, with fireworks, Greek dancing and more. Call 653-8092.

4. Cape May Music Festival -- Now to June 11. The 20th anniversary of the festival features a feast for every musical taste -- orchestra, chamber, world traditions, beloved classics and even a few intriguing new sounds. Visit capemaymac./org for concert schedule.

5. Stockton Goes to the Beach Summer Series-- Mondays at Ocean City's Music Pier starting July 6. Acts include Dickey Betts & Great Southern (July 13), Hal Ketchum (July 27) and Dokken (Aug. 17). Visit stockton.edu/pac for schedule.

6. SeaBlue's Meza Menu -- For $45 a person, this is one of the best values out there in the area. Michael Mina's SeaBlue at Borgata is in a universe of its own when it comes to cuisine and atmosphere and this specially priced "Meze Menu" -- being offered Sun.-Thurs. through the summer -- allows you to create your own salad, and share plates of kebob skewers and seafood paella. Oh, and you can choose a desert from the regular menu, too! (Hint: Splurge and also order the lobster corndogs while you're perusing the menu.)

7. The 24th Wildwoods International Kite Festival-- This event kicks off the summer season in the Wildwoods this Memorial Day weekend from Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25. The festival will feature kite makers from around the world flying their most incredible creations. Takes place on the beach by and inside the Wildwood Convention Center. 732-822-4884

8. Sea Spa at the Chelsea -- One of the newest spas in Atlantic City, the Chelsea's 10,000-square-foot luxury Sea Spa draws its inspiration from one of the great traditions of Atlantic City: the nourishing, soothing, and healing properties of the sea and specifically salt. With packages tailored to women, men, and couples, Sea Spa features 11 private treatment rooms, including two wet-treatment rooms and the co-ed Social Sauna, comprised of two Jacuzzis, a sauna, and steam room. Visit thechelsea-ac.com.

9. Weird Contest Week-- Aug. 17-21, Ocean City. "Wacky but Not Tacky," theses events are fun for the entire family. A highlight is the salt-water taffy sculpting contest. Events are 11am each day at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. For more info, call 525-9300.

10. Atlantic City Airshow, "Thunder Over the Boardwalk" -- Aug. 19, 11am-3pm. Featuring the USAF Thunderbirds, the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute team, and much more high-flying excitement over the beach and Boardwalk. A free and very popular event.

11. Somers Point Beach Concerts-- Fridays on the bay starting June 19 through Sept. 11. Free concerts start at 7pm. Acts booked this year include Eddie Shaw and the Wolf Pack (June 26), Hawkins Road with Danny Eyer (July 3), the Kinsey Report (Aug. 7) the Commander Cody Band (Aug. 26) and Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience (Sept. 4).

12. Sunset Beach, Sunset Blvd., Cape May -- Home of one of the great natural spectacles in the area. The geography of Cape May allows this Delaware Bay beach near Cape May Point to witness spectacular sunsets over open water. Hunt for Cape May diamonds, check out the battered hulk of the concrete ship, watch the flag lowering ceremony, check out the gift shops and most of all, enjoy the show. Visit sunsetbeachnj.com

13. Smithville Car Cruises-- Historic Smithville Second and fourth Fridays of the month starting June 26 through Sept. 25, 5-8pm. Come gather with local car enthusiasts and see a constantly revolving show of classic, chrome, engines and nostalgia. Visit smithvillenj.com.

14. Paris Hilton -- The hotel heiress, TV and pop sensation, and former BFF of Nicole Ritchie is confirmed to be host at mur.mur at Borgata on Saturday, June 13. She'll be walking the red carpet, taking photos and doing interviews with the press. The Borgata has yet to release more details, but stay tuned.