Established Rio Grande Car Wash for Sale After 30 Years of Business

Issue #581

January 19, 2026

Adventure outside the ordinary

Trusted specialty outdoor retailer, REI Co-op, has teamed up with the world’s largest adventure travel company, Intrepid Travel, to create a collection of active trips. From farm stays in Costa Rica to sunrise summits on Kilimanjaro, each trip is led by a local expert with small group sizes capped at 16.

For T&Cs and to view the full collection of trips in 85+ destinations, visit rei.com/travel.

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

 🌿Established Rio Grande Car Wash for Sale After 30 Years of Business

🏖️ Wildwood’s Polar Bear Plunge Draws Hundreds, Raises $300K for Special Olympics NJ

 👮Jersey Shore Staple Sold, But Longtime Tavern to Carry On Tradition

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Shop Local

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 January 19

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Established Rio Grande Car Wash for Sale After 30 Years of Business

A well-known car wash that's served the Rio Grande community for more than 30 years is officially up for sale, offering a fully equipped, ready-to-operate business along one of Cape May County’s busiest routes. Located at 1315 Route 47, at T & A Car Wash Plaza, the 4,150-square-foot property spans 0.8 acres within the town center zoning district. Built in 1992, the facility has long been a familiar sight to locals and tourists alike, offering a mix of full-service and self-service options. The site includes a 95-foot full-service drive-in bay, five self-serve wash bays, and 11 self-serve vacuums. With daily traffic averaging over 22,000 vehicles in the off-season and increasing significantly during the summer tourism boom, the location is considered a prime commercial spot in the heart of Rio Grande’s retail corridor. The listing is being positioned as a strong opportunity for either an investor seeking reliable passive income or an owner-operator looking to take the reins of an established, turn-key business. Thanks to its prominent location, loyal customer base, and history of performance, the Rio Grande car wash stands out as one of the region’s most stable small-business offerings currently available.

 Wildwood’s Polar Bear Plunge Draws Hundreds, Raises $300K for Special Olympics NJ

More than 900 people gathered on the beach in Wildwood today to dive into the icy Atlantic as part of the annual Polar Bear Plunge. The event, now in its 20th year, raised over $300,000 in support of Special Olympics New Jersey. The annual tradition has become a major fundraising and awareness campaign for the organization, which provides year-round sports training and athletic competitions to children and adults across the state—all free of charge. Among the crowd was Shawn Richards of Millville, who returned for his 13th consecutive year as a Special Olympics athlete. His continued involvement highlights the strong community spirit and support behind the event, as well as the lasting impact the organization has had on its participants. The Polar Bear Plunge has become a staple winter event in Wildwood, uniting athletes, families, supporters, and sponsors in a shared mission to promote inclusion, empowerment, and opportunity.

 

Jersey Shore Staple Sold, But Longtime Tavern to Carry On Tradition

After more than two decades serving locals and vacationers alike, Fitzpatrick’s Crest Tavern has officially changed hands. For years, the tavern has stood as a reliable year-round spot—a place where familiar faces gathered in the off-season and crowds packed in during the height of summer. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and loyal patrons, it became more than just a bar or restaurant; it became a second home for many. The long-time owners recently announced the sale of the business, marking the end of their 21-year run. The establishment has been sold to another local family, committed to preserving the spirit and purpose that made the place so beloved. Importantly, the building itself—and the memories tied to it—will remain intact. Unlike many Jersey Shore properties that have been converted into condominiums or torn down for redevelopment, Fitzpatrick’s won’t be facing the wrecking ball. Instead, it will continue to operate in the same location, serving the same role in the neighborhood.

What notable distinction does the city of Cape May, New Jersey hold in American history?

What notable distinction does the city of Cape May, New Jersey hold in American history?

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 Answer to the January 18th Trivia Question

Cape May, New Jersey, is known for its rich history and architecture. Which significant event in 1878 led to the rebuilding of many buildings in the Victorian style?

A. The opening of the Cape May Lighthouse
B. A major fire that destroyed half the town
C. The construction of the Cape May Canal
D. The establishment of the Cape May Bird Observatory

Answer: B. A major fire that destroyed half the town

In 1878, a devastating fire in Cape May destroyed about half of the town. This event led to the reconstruction of many buildings in the Victorian style, contributing to the city's renowned historical architecture​

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