Must Haves: Keeping Cool
The August sun can be intense, heating up the whole island. Hopefully you can spend your days relaxing on the beach with the ocean breeze and the waves to cool you off. We searched the best area stores to find ways to help keep you cool all month long.
1. ICE CREAM ART
What better way to stay cool this summer than viewing playful art of an ice cream cone that includes a serene beach and a cherry on top? The Bisaillon Brothers’ “Cherry” is a refreshing visual essential for staying cool this season. Mixed media resin, 40-by-30 inches.
Ocean Galleries | 2199 Ocean Drive, Avalon | 9618 Third Ave., Stone Harbor | oceangalleries.com
2. STICHABLE HATS
Looking to cool down and start a new hobby? Pick up this stitchable straw sunhat! Pick up needlepoint to stitch and finish your own sun hat, complete with Stone Harbor or Avalon personalization! When you are done stitching, it’s the perfect beach accessory.
B. Hartzell | 272 21st St., Avalon | shopbhartzell.com
3. SWIM TRUNKS
Dive into summer with these Born Coastal swim trunks. With a laid-back coastal print and ultra-comfy fit, these trunks are made for everything from morning surf sessions to sunset at the beach. Lightweight, breathable, and lined for all-day comfort, they’re your go-to for keeping cool while repping a local brand!
Wave One | 225 96th St., Stone Harbor | waveonesports.com
4. YETI COOLERS
Keep cool while showing your love for the wetlands with the new YETI Wetlands Camo Collection! Just dropped in time for the hottest month of the year, these wetlands-inspired coolers are the perfect outdoor accessory for August.
Seashore Ace Home & Outdoor Living | 260 96th St., Stone Harbor | seashoreace.com
5. SOFTUB
Who says hot tubs are just for winter? Chill in style with this Softub from Harbor Outfitters, your all-season oasis. With adjustable temps, jets, and a sleek, portable design, it’s perfect for relaxing under the sun or stars. Lightweight, energy-efficient, and easy to install, it’s the ultimate way to chill out all year long.
Harbor Outfitters | 354 96th St., Stone Harbor | 3500 Boardwalk, Sea Isle City | harboroutfitters.com
6. SHADING SOLUTIONS
Experience the transformative power of light with Lutron Shading Solutions, your go-to for staying cool, comfortable, and in control. Think about how your mood changes when a dull, cloudy morning gives way to a beautiful sunny afternoon and then fades into a dusky evening. Light doesn’t just change how a room looks; it changes how you feel. With a one-touch automated system, Lutron shades let you shape the daylight in your home to match your mood, elevate your energy, and create the perfect atmosphere for any activity.
Sound Advice & Video | 336 96th St., Stone Harbor | visitsoundadvice.com
7. VINTAGE TEES
Step back in time and celebrate the iconic spots that defined Avalon summers with the exclusive Vintage 7 Mile collection. These limited-edition tees bring beloved memories to life, whether you danced the night away at Touche, grabbed a cone from Dippy Don’s, or kicked back at Jack’s Place. Each shirt features a soft, flattering fit and retro design.
Louella Avalon | 2819 Dune Drive, Avalon | louellastyle.com
8. MAXI DRESS
Keep cool and look cooler in this breezy, lightweight Farm Rio maxi dress. This dress features a fun tropical print, breathable lining, and airy silhouette. It’s a perfect statement piece for hot days and warm nights down the shore.
Here Comes the Sun | 2101 Ocean Drive, Avalon | herecomesthesunavalon.com
9. SUN HAT
This woven sun hat by Augustine Hat Company is the it-girl essential of the season. It is effortlessly chic and trendy, perfect for lounging by the pool or a long beach day. This hat is your go-to for staying cool and looking even cooler.
Izzi & Lu | 2899 Dune Drive, Avalon | 8609 Landis Ave. Unit 101, Sea Isle City | Izziandlu.com
10. PHL HATS
Cool down, Philly style. These distressed PHL hats are your go-to for beating the heat. These breathable, bold, and effortlessly cool hats come in a bunch of colors. Whether you’re beach-bound or grabbing ice cream, throw one on and chill out.
The Preppy Palm | 2533 Dune Drive, Avalon
11. SWIM SHORTS
Your summer swim essential from The Spot. These Faherty swim shorts are made for long beach days and quick dips to beat the heat. With a fun scaled pattern and quick-dry fabric, they’re equal parts stylish and functional. Just add sun and surf.
The Spot | 2544 Dune Drive, Avalon | 9704 Third Ave., Stone Harbor
12. UMBRELLA
In the heat of the summer, catch some shade with a Frankford umbrella. The beauty, design, and superior quality of Frankford umbrellas bring an enhanced experience to your outdoor living space and are made of commercial/marine-grade materials; they are built to last.
Blufish Designs | 2320 Dune Drive, Avalon | 1944 Rt. 9, Cape May Court House
13. RASH GUARD
Stay cool and sun-safe all day long with this vibrant Rip Curl rash guard. Lightweight, quick-drying, and made for movement, it’s your ultimate beach layer. The bold lavender color and retro surf graphic keep it stylish, while the UV protection keeps you covered when the sun’s blazing.
She Be Surfin’ | 2516 Dune Drive, Avalon | 221 96th St., Stone Harbor | shebesurfin.com
14. COLORFUL TANKS
Keep cool and stand out in the Johnny Was Mazzy Flared Tank, a breezy, beautifully embroidered top that’s as light as summer air. With its vibrant floral details, soft lining, and flowy asymmetrical shape, this tank is made for warm days and effortless style. It’s a sunny-day pop of color that you’ll reach for all summer long.
Caroline Boutique | 400 Carpenters Lane, Cape May | carolineboutiquecapemay.com
15. COCKTAIL SHAKERS
Beach, deck, or pool – shake it wherever you are! Keep your drinks cool and yourself cooler with this variety of cocktail shakers from Armadillo, Ltd. No matter your style, there’s something for you!
Armadillo, Ltd. | 2761 Dune Drive, Avalon
16. MATCHING OUTFITS
Make a splash this summer with these adorable matching whale-print outfits for little boys and girls! Lightweight, breathable, and perfect for sunny days, these coordinating sets are a must-have for the kids! Soft enough for playtime and cute enough for outings, these are outfits you’ll reach for again and again. Matching never looked so cool!
Nesting | 9501 Third Ave., Stone Harbor | nestingstoneharbor.com
17. CUSTOM POOL
At USA Pools, every custom gunite pool begins with a stunning 3D rendering so you can visualize your backyard transformation before construction even begins. It’s the perfect way to bring your dream pool to life with precision, style, and total confidence.
USA Pools | 833 Rt. 9, Cape May Court House | usapoolsllc.com
18. TANK TOPS
These colorful tank tops from The Lazy Bass come in an array of colors and sizes. Wear over your bathing suit for no-shower happy hour or throw on with a pair of shorts before you head out. You’re sure to stay cool in that summer sun!
The Lazy Bass | 5 Old N. Wildwood Blvd., North Wildwood | lazybass.com
19. LIGHTWEIGHT TEES
Beat the heat in style with this Fred’s Tavern tee. Lightweight, comfortable, and repping one of Stone Harbor’s most iconic spots, this tee is the perfect summer style. Pair it with a cold drink from Fred’s and you’re good to go!
Fred’s Tavern & Liquor Store | 314 96th St., Stone Harbor | 2258 Dune Drive, Avalon | fredstavern.net
20. STATEMENT PENDANT
Dive into this special Aquamarine pendant by Pamela Froman. The cool blue stone catches the light like ocean water on a clear summer day, while its textured gold setting adds a touch of artisan charm that makes it feel truly one of a kind.
Trendz | 209 96th St., Stone Harbor | trendzstoneharbor.com
21. SUMMER DRESS
Turn heads and capture sunshine in this effortlessly cool breezy dress. This dress is made for garden parties, brunches, and spontaneous weekend getaways. With its timeless design and playful charm, this is the dress you’ll reach for again and again.
The Olive Tree | 211 96th St., Stone Harbor
22. WATER-FRIENDLY HEADWEAR
This water-friendly visor and packable hat is made from swimsuit material. It is perfect for ocean dips and pool lounging alike. Lightweight and quick drying, it keeps you shaded without ever needing to come off. Toss it in your beach bag or wear it in the waves.
Stephanie’s of Stone Harbor | 9720 Third Ave., Stone Harbor
23. MATOUK BED LINENS
Elevate your nightly ritual with the tailored elegance of Matouk bed linens. Crafted from the finest long-staple cotton and woven to perfection. These linens offer a smooth, cool hand, and that signature crisp hotel finish you’ll crave night after night. Love where you live!
Trendz HOME | 215 96th St., Stone Harbor