Welcome to July on Seven Mile Beach, a season filled with traditions, celebrations, and some of the year’s most memorable moments. Whether you’re gathering with family for the holiday weekend, enjoying a quiet evening on the porch, or taking in one of the many events planned throughout Avalon and Stone Harbor, there’s something special about this time of year at the shore.

Ever wonder how your favorite Stone Harbor and Avalon shops got started? Join us as we delve into the history of each store and seek answers to a variety of questions. Owners have a chance to tout their favorite items, colors, trends, and upcoming promotions for the season.

The holiday weekend kicks off early on Thursday, July 2, at Surfside Park from 6:30-9pm when Thursdays at Surfside presents a reading of the Declaration of Independence followed by live music from American Soul. On Friday, July 3, the energy continues with a golf cart parade and live music from Nashville Express at 6pm at Surfside Park, bringing entertainment, music, and a playful atmosphere that fills the park.

Art has always been about freedom.

Freedom of expression.

Freedom to interpret.

Since it was established in 1913, the Women’s Civic Club of Stone Harbor has contributed to the community through various charitable and civic activities. Learn about the history of the club with Stone Harbor Museum curator Kate Hinchey-Wise as she presents “History of the Women’s Civic Club Stone Harbor.”

Romance and a touch of magic will be in the Avalon air in July when bestselling authors Katherine Center and Meg Donohue make highly anticipated appearances at Surfside Park as part of the Avalon Library’s Summer Spotlight Series.

Get ready to celebrate the America’s 250th anniversary with these must-haves for summer entertaining. From portable speakers to barware sets to Stone Harbor- and Avalon-branded clothing, there is something for every event. Whether a host or a guest this summer, these locally sourced items will elevate your experience, no matter how you choose to celebrate this USA milestone.

Stroll through a vibrant mix of local vendors and discover new favorite baked goods, seasonal produce, spices, specialty sauces, fresh seafood, flowers, and much more at Stone Harbor’s weekly farmers market. This market is a perfect way to experience the flavors and community spirit of Stone Harbor.

Some might say that all summer vacations must come to an end, but the sisters of Isabel’s Bakery & Cafe in Avalon had a different idea.

The cars began to trickle into the parking lot a little after 5pm on Saturday, May 2. Everyone moved cautiously at first. Inhibitions were quickly tossed to the side as more and more familiar faces were recognized.

From design studios to restaurants to shops for the whole family, we are happy to welcome so many new businesses to Avalon and Stone Harbor. Browse Bits & Bows and The Beach House’s wide array of merchandise; stop by Gully’s to enjoy delicious food and drinks; and head to Nicole Bailey Design and DiPalatino’s Design Center to make your home picture-perfect.

June 3 marked the continuation of one of the amazing treasures that come with living on the Seven Mile Beach. It was the 35th annual Terrapin Release Program, a special partnership between the Stone Harbor Elementary School kindergarten and The Wetlands Institute.

The annual spring open house at the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for blind and visually impaired children is always a bit of a wild card. After all, it’s an open invitation extended to the community.

As we celebrate the 250th birthday of the Declaration of Independence, I’d like to give a big bark-out to all my four-legged pals who served as best friend, loyal sidekick, and tail-wagging companion to America’s presidents over the course of this Semiquincentennial.

People often ask, “What do people who live at the Shore all year do?” Well, we can tell you that on the last day of school, before moving on to high school, Avalon Stone Harbor Schools’ 8th graders begin the day with a farewell breakfast at Uncle Bill’s ; followed by a cap toss and class pictures on the beach and finally, an ocean plunge in their gowns. It’s a tradition. All under the watchful eye of the Avalon Beach Patrol.

Stone Harbor is once again poised to become the center of the platform tennis universe as some of the sport’s top-ranked professionals arrive for one of the most anticipated stops on the paddle national tour. Many of paddle’s top talents will be vying for significant earnings in an exciting new tournament format.

College flags have become a familiar sight throughout Avalon and Stone Harbor, serving as colorful symbols of pride, individuality, family accomplishments, and community connection. Displayed prominently outside many shore homes, these flags often represent the universities attended by homeowners, their children, or multiple generations of a family.

Bob and his bike.

The two components forge a string of Avalon memories for the family of the late Bob McCreary, who died of cancer May 21 at age 94. Mr. McCreary’s loved ones relished him still going strong until the final month of his life, doing what made him unique.

Everyone gets this message: Beach safety is the universal theme linking all patrols, the public, communities, and emergency services.

The more that’s said, the better.