Personal notes

There is something so special about a personal hand written note. In the days of email, yelp and other online review websites, some may think a personal note may not count.  We are so honored to receive these notes. Thanks so much!

Summer Planning with Pinterest

With the cold days of February almost behind us,  its time to start thinking of Summer.  Stores are starting to get their Spring/Summer inventory and realty office phones are ringing with requests for vacation rentals.  Orders are also starting to roll in for our rental items.

One of our new signs that Summer is approaching is the number of repins we've been getting on our Pinterest page. It's pretty cool to see that folks are including some of our suggestions onto their pages for their summer vacation.   

Check out our Pinterest page for lots of great ideas for planning your next vacation, where to visit at the Jersey Shore, recipe ideas and more!  

Mentioned as a Thought Leader By Entrepreneur.com

Following our interview with Entrepreneur.com regarding our lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy, we were happy to hear we were considered one of the thought leaders of the week. 

To view visit: http://www.entrepreneur.com/blog/printthis/225294

DMB Caravan- Take the Whole Week off and Stay At The Beach

With musicians starting to announce their Summer tours, we know that Summer is just around the corner.  We are looking forward to catching a few shows in AC, at the Garden State Art Center (yeah I know its not called that anymore) and at the Camden Waterfront.  We are particularly excited for the DMB Caravan at Bader Field in Atlantic City.

The Caravan is 3 fun filled days of music from many artists including:
Dave Matthews Band
David Gray
Ray Lamontagne
The Flaming Lips
O.A.R.
...
Thievery Corporation (Been listening since their DC only days)
Dr. Dog (A Philly Favorite)
Michael Franti and Spearhead (Yeah!)

The venue is a short distance to many shore towns including Brigantine, Ventnor, Margate and Ocean City.  We hope concert goers will extend their time in the area by taking the week off and vacationing at nearby shore towns.

In the spirit of the concert, we are happy to offer concert goers $10 off any rental orders with coupon code "DMBCARAVAN" ($100 minimum order).   We hope fans will check into a vacation rental for the week, kick back and relax instead of having to worry about bringing their linens, towels, beach gear, etc.     To make a reservation, visit www.relaxconcierge.com

For more information about the DMB caravan, visit:
http://www.dmbcaravan.com/

Relax Concierge Featured on American Express Open Forum

We were recently  interviewed by Christina Hernandez with Open Forum, American Express spotlight on small businesses.   We were excited to speak with Christina, a Brigantine vacationer, about how we started, what we provide, the overall process, benefits, challenges and advice for other business owners.

Check out the article here:
http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/innovation/article/a-new-situation-on-the-jersey-shore-christina-hernandez

Visit Christina's website at:
http://christina-hernandez.com

Or on Twitter at:
http://twitter.com/#!/tinahernandez

Relax Concierge Recommends... (Ocean City, NJ)

OCEAN CITY RECOMMENDATIONS 

Many vacationers at the Jersey Shore already know Relax Concierge for their egyptian cotton linens rentals, luxurious towel rentals and beach item rentals. What you may not know is we provide free recommendations to area restaurants, stores and local area attractions. 

Relax Concierge wants to provide you with the customer oriented assistance you would receive if staying at a fine hotel. Feel free to call us and ask for assistance. If we don't know we'd be happy to look it into your request in more detail. 

The following are just a few recommendations in Ocean City, NJ.Just remember - Ocean City is a dry town. Alcohol (including BYO) is not allowed.

RESTAURANTS 

701 Mosaic
701 E.4th St 
609-398-2700
Good jerk chicken and specialty alcohol free drinks. Carribbean food.

Aunt Betty’s Ice Cream
2100 Asbury Ave
Very cool ice cream spot perfect for the family. The Rocky Road is sooo good. The line may be out the door but it gives you a chance to decide what to get. It is especially great if you can walk there from your vacation spot . However, but street parking is available. Aunt Betty's has 2 locations. We prefer the vibe the listed location. 

Crazy Susan Cookies 
1345 West Ave and on the Boardwalk
(609) 391-1919 
http://www.crazysusanscookies.com/ 
Cookies are soooo good! Priced about the same as a cupcake or an ice cream and totally worth it. We like to bring these when visiting friends on the island. 

Emily's Ocean Room Cafe at the Flanders
19 E. 11th Street
(609) 398-5700
http://www.theflandershotel.com/emilys.asp
We like Emily's because its a little different from other Ocean City options.The Flanders is a great spot to walk around and check out the historic and haunted hotel and Cape May-esque gift shops. If walking around - check out the ballroom level where events are held.

Hula Grill
940 Boardwalk
609-399-2400
http://www.hulasauces.com/
Finally a great spot for healthy eating on the boardwalk. We like their coconut shrimp (did we say healthy ?). It comes with awesome sticky rice and a side salad with delicious dressing. 

Jon and Patty’s
637 Asbury Avenue
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ocean-City-NJ/Jon-Pattys-Coffee-Bar-and-Bistro/167074502415 
Great spot for breakfast and lunch. One of the few coffee shops in town. We enjoy sitting outside on Asbury while enjoying coffee and the veggie bomb omelettes. Free wifi.

Mallon's Sticky Buns
1340 Bay Avenue 
(609) 399-5531 
http://www.mallonsstickybuns.com/ 
The smell is so wonderful when you pull up to the front of the store. The taste is even better especially after warming up for a bit. We dream of 'em. 

Piccini
1258 West Ave
http://www.menuism.com/restaurants/piccini-ocean-city-90701/online-menu 
Good spot for brick oven pizza and pasta. We love their pasta dishes. They give you more than enough for 1 person. We don’t suggest eating there since it is usually packed. They deliver and do take out. They do not take credit cards so bring cash or plan to stop at the bank machine at Wawa next door.

Positively 4th Street Cafe
400 Atlantic Avenue 
(609) 399-8400
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ocean-City-NJ/positively-4th-street/62998006969
Stop on buy for a cup of coffee. We prefer to bike there. 

Scullys 
955 Asbury Ave
(609) 391-1111
http://www.scullysasbury.com/Welcome.html 
Often recommended by locals. If nice out- grab an outside table.

Who's on First
100 Asbury Avenue 
http://www.yelp.com/biz/whos-on-first-ocean-city
Enjoy a scone while checking out the funky local art. 

Surf Cafe 
715 E 8th St 
Great breakfast spot. Relax and watch the surfing videos in their cool restaurant. Reminiscent of a day in Key West. 

If you are so inclined to leave Ocean City to check out dining options in other towns, check out our listings for Somers Point and Margate.

SHOPS AND MORE...

Animal House
705 Asbury Ave.
Take it from our pup - this is the best pet store around.  Awesome collars.  The owner is very helpful when it comes to the best nutrition options for your pet.
Kidz Creations
811 Asbury Ave. 
http://www.kidzcreations.biz/ 
Looking for a rainy day activity in Ocean City? Here's a good spot to bring the kids for science, cooking and art workshops rain or shine. 

P Francis
733 Asbury Ave.
609) 399-5570
We love their candles and home items. 

Potomac Bead Company
910 Asbury Ave.
(609) 399-4400
http://www.potomacbeads.com/oceancity.html


REALTY OFFICES

Berger Realty
3160 Asbury Ave. 
(877) 237-4371
17th and Boardwalk 
(888) 579-0095
Ask to speak with Kevin Halliday.
55th and Haven
(800) 399-3484
http://www.bergerrealty.com/ 
Ask to speak with Ellen Senft. 

Down the Shore Realty
2163 Asbury Ave.
(609)398-3199
http://www.DTSRealty.com

Fox Realty
Brighton Place 
(800) 628-9649
33rd Street
(800) 799-0290
http://www.foxocnj.com

Prudential
5501 West Avenue
(800) 345-7865 
http://www.ocnj.com

Bike MS City to Shore - 50% Off All Orders

Calling all riders and families participating in the 30th Bike MS City to Shore and Buggies to Boardwalk Ride.

Are you planning to stay in a vacation rental home while visiting Ocean City? Need linens, towels, toiletries or general concierge services? Relax Concierge is here to help.

Relax Concierge is a vacation concierge services providing linen rentals, beach rentals and various other rentals and services to vacationers at the Jersey Shore. All rental items are of the quality you would find at the finest resorts. Some items include: Egyptian cotton linens, plush cotton towels, pillows, L'Occitane toiletries, etc.

How It Works:
Visit www.relaxconcierge.com to order online or contact us at 609-601-5077. Use coupon code "BIKEMS" at check out for a 50% discount off our weekly rates.

We deliver and pick up rental items at your vacation rental. For most rental items, there is no need to be present at time of drop off. All items will arrive in clear plastic bins and will be left in an appropriate location. At the end of your stay, please leave items in the same location in which they were delivered by 9am on the pick up date.
Note:
When placing order - please specify your check out date and time if different from a Sat-Sat stay.
All orders must be received by 9/23/10 for delivery on 9/25/10.

Congratulations to all riders!

http://bikepae.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Bike_PAE_homepage