NJ Southern Shore

World Series of Birding! May 11, 2013. A 24-hour birding competition that benefits conservation. Birders traverse the state of New Jersey, identifying as many species as possible by sight or sound. Supporters pledge money to their favorite teams for each species found. The event raises more than $500,000 for bird conservation annually. No matter what the final tally, everyone wins, nobody loses, and you’ve helped the environment! Visit their website for more info

Wildwoods International Kite Festival: May 24-27, 2013. SOn the Beach at Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. Event begins on Friday at noon with the Unlocking of the Ocean media event on the Beach outside of the Wildwoods Convention Center. Festivities following include opening of the Kite Sales Tent, a Friday night social via the local kite club and the 9 p.m. illuminated kite fly. Saturday and Sunday include the East Coast Stunt Kite Championships on the beach as well as kite exhibits and workshops. Monday will feature the World Indoor Kite Competition. FREE to spectators. Visit their website for more info

Glasstown Arts District Third Fridays Every 3rd Friday galleries, the shops & restaurants are open till 9pm or later. New exhibitions, live music, unique shopping and great food! Experience a southern New Jersey town steeped in the history of American glass making while strolling through its downtown Arts District. Excellent selection of restaurants, cafes and pubs for breakfast, lunch and dinner! From May through October there are Maurice River Cruises on Friday and Saturday that will explore the habitat of Bald Eagles, Osprey and more! Visit their website for more info 

Explore the Jersey Cape Wine Trail! the Jersey Cape has earned bragging rights for some of the best wines this side of Napa Valley – and most of these great vintages are made from grapes grown right here in Cape May county. Always recognized as the Garden State for great fruits and vegetables, parts of the state, especially the southern peninsula, have emerged in the past decade as the perfect place to grow grapes Sandy soil and breezes from the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean provide the environment that many European grapes need to thrive. Savor the wines and enjoy the ambiance of each distinct winery – while acting and drinking responsibly, of course – as you follow the Wine Trail with information on each winery and detailed directions that can be printed out to get from one winery to the next. View the Wine Trail Map

Cape May County Zoo Have a wild time as you explore nearly 80 acres of beautifully maintained exhibits. With almost 200 different species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles totaling nearly 550 animals, you're sure to see something new. Open every day of the year except Christmas day (weather permitting). Hours are 10:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. (closing at 4:45 p.m. during summer hours). There is no admission fee. The zoo is Free! However all donations are GREATLY Appreciated. Visit their website for more info

Doo Dah Parade! April 13, 2013. Say goodbye to tax season with this comedy parade complete with over 500 basset hounds. 12 noon on Asbury Ave. from 6th St. – 12th St. and then up to the Boardwalk ending at the Music Pier. Pieasco follows parade – mass pie in the face extravaganza! Visit their website for more info