Shop, Dine & Relax at the Diverse Shops of The Alley in Stone Harbor

Situated within Stone Harbor’s quaint shopping district lies The Alley, full of unique shops all owned by women. Located off of 3rd Avenue, this alleyway has been transformed into a must-visit destination for both vacationers and locals alike. Revamped and refreshed, The Alley is now changing the feel of the town and giving people a new low-key hot spot to be.
When you arrive at The Alley, the first shop you’ll find is Waypoint, full of items reflecting the barrier island. Completely navy blue and white with splashes of red, this nautical-themed store offers custom men’s and women’s clothing, curated gifts, beautiful home goods, jewelry and more.
Waypoint has a great selection of beautiful gifts that are made in the USA, including a great line of sturdy canvas bags for the boat or beach, custom cutting boards, and blankets made specifically for Avalon and Stone Harbor. Waypoint strives to offer unique and functional items that are great for home and hostess gifts.
Waypoint reflects “where you want to be.” A waypoint is defined as a set of coordinates that precisely identifies a location, and this store is all about the waypoints of both Stone Harbor and Avalon.
Born and raised in Stone Harbor, Waypoint owner Bekki Rich shares everything she loves about the island in her shop, alongside business partner Maureen McCormick. Both Bekki and Maureen reside in the area.
Contact Waypoint at (609) 368-2650 or waypoint.stoneharbor@gmail.com.
Next to Waypoint sits Alex’s Market, a young shop just completing its second month of business. Owned by Stone Harbor native Alexandra Rich, Rebecca’s sister, Alex’s Market is a grab n’ go market which offers prepared salads, soups, sandwiches and snacks all made from scratch. Family style carry home dinners are also available, so you can spare most of the mess, take it home and finish the cooking process yourself. All food is made with tri-local products from New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania to support other small businesses. Alex’s focuses on healthier options on the go, including gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options.
A chef by trade, studying culinary arts at the Art Institute of Atlanta and cooking professionally for 13 years, Alex always dreamed of owning her own market. When a location in Stone Harbor became available, she decided to take the jump and make her dreams come true. Her experience from helping to open other local restaurants ensured Alex’s would be a success, which it has already become in such a short amount of time. Her fiancé and business partner Nick joined Alex on this adventure, along with Alex’s two stepdaughters, Ireland and Charlotte. While Nick helped tremendously with the building portion of the shop, Ireland often helps out behind the counter.
Contact Alex’s Market at (609) 830-3458 pr alexsstoneharbormarket@yahoo.com.
Around the corner from Alex’s you’ll find Monika’s Boutique Salon, a full service hair salon for men, women and children. Open for five months now, owner Monika LaKose offers over 20 years of hair experience to visitors and locals of the Seven Mile Island.
Last year, Monika decided to open her own hair salon – a space where creativity can flow – with her husband of almost 4 years, Jonathan. They based their decision heavily on the fact that Jonathan’s father worked for himself for 40 years and was his own boss, which has many benefits.
Monika and Jonathan both reside year round in Stone Harbor along with their son, Tyler, who recently graduated from the University of Pittsburgh.
Contact Monika’s Boutique Salon at (609) 368-1400 or info@monikasboutiquesalon.com. Visit Monika’s website at www.monikasboutiquesalon.com.
Last but certainly not least, at the end of The Alley is Wayward Gardener, also owned by Bekki Rich. Now in its seventh summer, Wayward Gardener is an eclectic gift shop offering something for everyone, from a hanging basket to a really great candle.
15 years ago, Bekki and her husband started a landscaping company, and having a small garden center in town was the next natural step for them. The gift shop is attached to an outside area (the yard) that is full of flowering plants, combination planters, pottery and more. It is worth the stroll down the alley.
Contact Wayward Gardener at (609) 368-2010 or waywardgardener@gmail.com. Visit Wayward Gardener’s website at waywardgardener.com.