The New Jersey shore brings immediate ideas of sun-soaked seashores, bustling boardwalks, and basic summertime reminiscences. However, I’ll allow you to in on a secret – winter alongside the Jersey shore holds its personal particular magic, particularly at ICONA Avalon Resort.
Throughout what they’ve dubbed “Cozy Season,” the Winter Wonderland celebration at ICONA Avalon transforms this in style seaside resort into a fascinating vacation escape that proves the shore isn’t only for summer season.
ICONA Avalon’s welcoming entrance transforms for Cozy Season with elegant vacation lighting and decor. | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
Image this: Twinkling lights all spherical, the sound of vacation music mixing with crashing waves, and the heat of fireplace pits glowing towards the crisp night air.
After we arrived at ICONA Avalon, we weren’t certain what to anticipate. However inside moments of seeing their superbly embellished entrance – the place illuminated wreaths and colourful lights greeted us into their vacation wonderland – I knew this wouldn’t be your typical seaside getaway. And that’s precisely what we had been in search of.
Winter Wonderland at ICONA Avalon Resort
The artificial ice skating rink comes alive at evening with vacation decorations and signature cocktails served in decoration glasses | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
ICONA Avalon Winter Wonderland on the Sandbar Village captures every part magical in regards to the season whereas including an surprising coastal twist. Throughout the vacation season the area transforms right into a merry seaside celebration that feels such as you’re getting into a vacation Hallmark film.
The artificial ice skating rink types the guts of the festivities, glowing below strings of lights as skaters glide throughout its floor. Whereas totally different from conventional ice, it’s nonetheless a whole lot of enjoyable, and there’s undoubtedly one thing particular about skating with the sound of waves within the background. Lodge friends take pleasure in complimentary skating (a pleasant perk!), whereas guests pay simply $10 for a 90-minute session together with skate rental.
The comfy fireplace pit lounge space at Winter Wonderland presents good sundown views and comfy gathering areas | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
The eye to element within the Winter Wonderland setup is spectacular. Massive brightly lit wreaths with pink bows dot the pathways, whereas strands of twinkling lights create a starry cover overhead. Plush sectional sofas encompass trendy fireplace pits, providing cozy spots to heat up after skating with a cocktail.
Dean Dunlevy gives reside leisure hearth at Winter Wonderland | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
The night leisure provides one other layer of magic. We had been fortunate sufficient to catch acoustic performer Dean Dunlevy, whose guitar-driven melodies completely matched the enjoyable environment. He was even taking requests and hosted some impromptu karaoke. Sitting hearth and listening to his set captured the distinctive mix of seaside city attraction and winter wonderland vibes that make this place so particular.
ICONA’s signature winter cocktails come served in festive decoration cups | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
The winter cocktail menu at ICONA Avalon additionally deserves particular point out. Drinks arrive in Instagram-worthy ornament-shaped glasses that seize the encircling lights. The Cider Mule turned my fast favourite, mixing vodka, apple cider, and ginger beer for a seasonal spin on the basic. We additionally tried the Spiked Sizzling Chocolate with Peppermint Rumchata – the right hearth hotter. There’s additionally Mulled Wine that mixes pink wine, brandy, honey, and mulling spices.
If you happen to’re craving some scrumptious bites throughout your go to, you’re in for a deal with. Their onsite restaurant, Avalon Brew Pub, presents a full take-out menu and their staff will ship your order proper to your spot in Winter Wonderland. You possibly can take pleasure in their culinary creations alongside a drink from the bar, which options bottled and canned beers, scorching cocoa, espresso (each common and spiked), and a signature winter cocktail assured to heat you up. It’s the right approach to indulge whereas absorbing the festivities.
Winter Wonderland Hours of Operation
Fridays: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturdays: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sundays: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Pictures with Santa
On 12/7 and 12/14, Santa Claus himself will probably be stopping by Winter Wonderland! From 1 PM – 3 PM, households can take pleasure in complimentary images with the person in pink. ICONA’s staff will assist seize a magical second along with your little ones and electronic mail the photograph on to you—good for preserving vacation reminiscences.
Reside Music at Winter Wonderland
On choose Saturdays, from 2 PM – 6 PM, take pleasure in reside music at ICONA’s Winter Wonderland within the Sandbar Village. Climate allowing, these performances create the right soundtrack to your festive expertise.
Eating at Avalon Brew Pub
Avalon Brew Pub’s distinctive ceiling constituted of beer kegs creates a singular eating environment | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
With regards to eating, you don’t even want to depart the resort. The onsite Avalon Brew Pub is open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, providing artistic consolation meals and house-brewed beers. Costs are cheap too, and the service right here is excellent. See their menus.
The eating space options an inventive ceiling made solely of beer kegs, complemented by Edison bulbs that solid a heat glow over the eating room. Wealthy leather-based seating and wooden tones create an inviting environment for each meal.
Breakfast right here strikes the right steadiness between wholesome and indulgent, with a presentation that’s as spectacular because the flavors.
The Avalon Brew Pub’s Avocado Toast options contemporary avocado and blistered tomatoes on artisanal bread | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
The Avocado Toast is served on grilled historical grain bread, topped with thick slices of avocado, roasted heirloom tomatoes, and a touch of chili flakes for a delicate kick. Garnished with blistered tomatoes, it’s a vibrant dish that’s as visually interesting as it’s scrumptious.
The Aloha Pineapple Bowl is a tropical delight, that includes a halved contemporary pineapple crammed with creamy Greek yogurt, juicy berries, and honey-drizzled granola for the right crunchy end.
The artisan pepperoni pizza showcases Jersey contemporary tomato sauce and a mix of melted cheeses | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
Lunch was equally spectacular, with artisan pizzas that present the pub’s dedication to even the classics. The pepperoni pizza contains a completely charred crust, topped with Jersey contemporary tomato sauce, beneficiant slices of Bellese pepperoni, and a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and grana padano that creates these coveted cheese pulls with each slice. Craving one thing heartier? The Avalon Burger is certain to hit the spot.
Their house-brewed beer choice deserves particular point out and their beer flight is a must-order for any craft beer fanatic (or the craft beer curious).
A flight of Avalon Brew Pub’s house-made beers | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
Served on a picket paddle, the flight options 4 5-ounce pours that showcase the range and high quality of their brews.
We sampled the crisp Chill Pils pilsner, the refreshing Belgian Seaside Bum witbier, the sleek and malty Therapeutic Solar amber, and the daring, hoppy We Don’t Play IPA. Every brew is expertly crafted and pairs superbly with the pub’s menu choices.
The Large Bavarian Pretzel with house-made dipping sauces | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
Dinner additionally exceeded our expectations. We kicked issues off with the Large Bavarian Pretzel—a real showstopper. Introduced on a customized stand, it’s dusted with salt and served with house-made beer cheese and grain mustard aioli.
The Fried Calamari elevated the basic appetizer with tender, calmly crispy rings, complemented by fried banana peppers and a lemon caper aioli.
Shrimp Bucatini with Calabrian vodka sauce and contemporary crabmeat | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
For mains, the Shrimp Bucatini was a standout, combining a beneficiant portion of seared shrimp, a spicy Calabrian vodka sauce, contemporary crab meat, and a topping of crunchy sourdough breadcrumbs.
Honey Sriracha Glazed Rooster with crispy brussels sprouts | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
The Honey Sriracha Glazed Rooster contains a roasted half rooster glazed with a tangy sauce and topped with sesame seeds. The crispy pores and skin holds the glaze completely, whereas the meat stays tender and juicy. Served with crispy brussels sprouts and applewood bacon, this dish is the right steadiness of candy, spicy, and savory.
Cheesecake Goblet: A festive end to dinner | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
Save room for dessert! Their Cheesecake Goblet layers creamy cheesecake with graham cracker items and contemporary whipped cream in a big glass goblet. It’s an ideal candy ending to any meal.
Lodging at ICONA Avalon Resort
Oceanfront Luxurious King Studio with panoramic views at ICONA Avalon | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
Our Oceanfront Luxurious King Studio on the third flooring immediately transported us right into a world of coastal sophistication. ICONA has mastered the artwork of beach-inspired luxurious with out falling into kitschy coastal clichés.
The studio’s shiny white interiors mirror the serene winter seaside scene exterior, whereas floor-to-ceiling home windows body beautiful views of the Atlantic.
The personal oceanfront balcony presents the right spot for morning espresso and chicken watching | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
The balcony was our favourite morning spot. Every day began with ICONA’s signature espresso mix (supplied with the in-room Keurig) whereas watching the sensible dawn.
Spectacular winter sunrises over the Atlantic, seen proper out of your balcony | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
Even in November, the balcony provided a major spot for birding – we watched seaside cardinals consuming berries alongside the dunes, dark-eyed juncos hopping alongside the sand, and yellow-rumped warblers darting previous. And naturally there have been loads of gulls within the distance, having fun with the crisp ocean breeze.
A seaside cardinal having fun with berries at ICONA Avalon | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
The studio strikes that good steadiness between luxurious and livability. Our plush king mattress was extremely comfy, whereas the residing space featured a big sleeper couch good for afternoon studying and film watching.
The galley kitchen proved extra helpful than we anticipated – having a cooktop, microwave, and fridge meant we may take pleasure in leftovers from Avalon Brew Pub and hold our favourite drinks chilled.
The well-equipped galley kitchen makes morning espresso and leftovers a breeze | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
After evenings spent at Winter Wonderland, the room remodeled into our personal cozy retreat. We’d make some tea, sink into the couch, and watch Christmas films on the massive widescreen TV.
We didn’t wish to go away.
Cozy Season at ICONA Avalon
The inviting foyer combines nautical attraction with cozy class for good winter rest | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
What makes ICONA’s Cozy Season particular is the way it balances exercise with rest. One second you’re gliding across the ice rink or singing together with reside music by the hearth pits, the subsequent you’re cozied up within the elegant foyer the place a roaring hearth and plush sofas invite you to linger with a great guide.
Winter transforms Avalon’s seashores right into a serene escape of dunes, sea grass, and limitless ocean views | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
The resort’s location places you steps from every part – the seaside for morning walks, the city for buying and exploring, and their Winter Wonderland festivities for night leisure. But it by no means feels busy or rushed the best way summer season visits can.
Winter Actions in Avalon, NJ
Avalon embraces winter attraction with its iconic dolphin mascot dressed for the vacations | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
The city of Avalon, NJ absolutely embraces the vacation spirit. A towering Christmas tree stands proud within the city middle, whereas a whimsical dolphin statue sporting a Santa hat provides that good contact of seaside city attraction to the vacation decorations.
Throughout the afternoon, we ventured to the Avalon Seawatch – a singular initiative by the New Jersey Audubon analysis division. It’s the one ongoing autumn seabird census on the East Coast, and from October via December, the seaside turns into a front-row seat to a formidable parade of migrating birds.
The Avalon Seawatch presents peaceable winter walks with beautiful views of boats and coastal properties | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
The views right here took our breath away. Crystal clear blue-green waters stretched to the horizon below a blue winter sky. Native fishermen solid their strains as boats zipped throughout the water. To see the birds, attempt to arrive round dawn and sundown.
Closing Ideas on Winter Wonderland at ICONA Avalon
ICONA Avalon’s Winter Wonderland transforms their out of doors area right into a magical skating expertise | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
ICONA Avalon’s Cozy Season and Winter Wonderland proves that seaside holidays aren’t only for summer season.
For {couples} in search of a romantic winter getaway or households in search of vacation enjoyable, ICONA Avalon delivers a comfortable and magical expertise which may simply change how you consider a visit to the shore.
We’ve been residence for days now, and I’m nonetheless dreaming about morning coffees on that balcony and evenings spent by the hearth at Winter Wonderland.
Winter Wonderland comes alive at nightfall with festive lights and comfy fireplace pit lounges | Photograph: Higher Dwelling
After experiencing the magic of Cozy Season firsthand, I can confidently say that ICONA Avalon has created one thing particular right here – a winter seaside escape that captures all the heat and surprise of the vacations that feels each festive and peaceable.
Don’t be shocked if one go to turns into an annual custom.
The Jersey Shore’s winter magic has a manner of calling you again.
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