must admit, one of the reasons that I love the South Jersey Shore is that we get to experience all of the seasons. Winters in Cape May are pristine. It is a beauty to behold when the snow falling throughout our Victorian town sugar coats the charm that already exists. The seaside landscape takes on a new dimension with frozen icebergs smothering the ocean waves and back bay areas turning to huge ice ponds. It’s rare that we have extreme winter weather like we had this year and it brings back childhood memories of ice skating and sledding down the sides of the bridges which were our only hills. Activities are meaningful – fireside songs, sing-alongs, yoga classes, art courses, traditional dinners and winter balls. Outside fire pits to warm the body, heart and soul offered by wineries, fireside music and social gatherings bringing even more ambiance to the town. Nature lovers and birders convene on the frozen tundra watching for snowy owls, red tailed hawks and bald eagles. Stepping around the frozen salted slabs of ice searching for Cape May Diamonds and sea glass. Yes, winter is a wonder! Then we step into spring – another season full of beauty and we get to walk through its delight with fresh openings and events. Come see for yourself!

Cape May, NJ

Submitted by
Patricia A. Piacentine
RE/MAX at the Shore
Cape May, NJ

See full insight here…

t is said that one of the grandest weddings took place on the banks of the Teche in St. Martinsville. The area is called Pine & Oak Alley because of all the trees that were planted by Charles Durand, a millionaire and sugar plantation owner in the area around the 1800’s. At the time, both his daughters became engaged and, being an eternal romantic, he promised them that they would have the most beautiful, elegant and spectacular wedding of the time.

To fulfill this promise, he ordered a million spiders from China and sent couriers to fetch hundreds of pounds of silver and gold dust from California. Shortly before the wedding, the spiders were set free and they proceeded to spin webs in the trees and shrubs leading to the mansion. His servants were then told to sprinkle the gold and silver dust on the yards of webs the spiders had spun so the trees would shimmer in the sunlight like in a fairy tale as the wedding party passed by. Other servants placed ornate carpets under the trees leading to the open air altar and musicians were hidden nearby so they could play music unseen by the guests.

Whether true or embellished, this is a great story of a past resident of the area.

St. Martinsville, LA

Submitted by
Peter A. Montero
RE/MAX Arcadiana
Lafayette, LA

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couple of decades ago when I was much younger and had a better view of my toes, I lived in a small two bedroom apartment with my wife and kids in what was the tiny town of North Liberty. The grocery store was also a hardware store and a gas station. There were little or no city buildings or functions, and if you wanted to go out to eat, there were little or no choices. My, how things have changed! The population of North Liberty has almost tripled. There is a fantastic Recreation Center with a great outdoor Aquatic Center, and there are a number of really great places to eat and seek out entertainment! When I am speaking to folks just moving to the area, getting them to understand the symbiotic relationship between Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty takes a bit of doing, but they come to see that each has its own flavor, but is part of a vibrant and functioning community. Many people don’t realize that there is limited bus service to North Liberty via the Coralville bus system. There is a single pickup in the morning, and then a single drop-off in the evening for those working in Iowa City or Coralville. Hopefully, as ridership increases, they will add more times and stops! You can also arrange to park your car at the University of Iowa’s Oakdale Campus and ride the bus in from there. Or when it is nice, you can ride your bike directly there and catch the bus. North Liberty is growing quickly and is fast becoming a hub for commerce and jobs in its own right. 

North Liberty, IA

Submitted by
Chuck Bogh
RE/MAX Affiliates
Coralville, IA

See full insight here…