A Perfect Day In Cape May

It is regrettable that the Garden State often takes a bad rap and is often the butt of jokes such as Woody Allen’s quip: “I saw the light at the end of the tunnel and it was New Jersey,” or the inevitable “You are from New Jersey? What exit?” or the reputed state motto: “You have the right to remain silent…”

In truth, there is a totally other side of New Jersey that is probably one of the East Coast’s best kept secret: Cape May. Situated on the southern point of Cape May Peninsula, the town of Cape May is a charming seaport featuring abundant Victorian architecture and small inns, and various points of interest. Cape May is rich in historical sites and museums and home of one of the country’s top ten seashores, with many beach vacation rentals from which to select.

Of course, with a lengthy maritime history that comprises a thriving fishing industry as well as home to both the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, it goes without saying that boating and sailing is first-rate.  Competitive sailors often use regional waters as a practice ground for the famous Nantucket Race.

Cape May was named for the area’s initial European guest, Captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mej of Hoorn, Netherlands, in 1620. The city’s significance as a leading seaside destination resort predates the founding of the United States.  It was well-liked with wealthy Philadelphians from about 1750 forward, and was a leading holiday spot by the mid 1800s. All of that early colonial structure vanished in the great fire of 1876, which in effect leveled the town. This is why the Victorian style of architecture is prevalent today.  In fact, Cape May has the largest assembly of Victorian architecture of any metropolis in the nation except for San Francisco with Port Townsend Washington being a close third.  Much of this great Victorian architecture can be found in the various beautiful bed and breakfasts operating through out Cape May. 

While it may be great to lodge right on the beach, you will discover that a rental can be a lot less pricey if you are agreeable to walk even a few blocks. That said, the owners of these vacation rentals are exceptionally thorough about preservation and maintenance, so even if you have to reserve it long distance over the internet, you can be certain of first-rate lodgings for your Cape May holiday.

If you plan on doing any fishing, your first stop should be the South Jersey Marina in order to pick up the gear you need to reel in the big ones. If going to sea on a boat is not your thing, you may be surprised to learn that the Hidden Valley Ranch is right in the vicinity. This is where you can go horseback riding and birdwatching and it is one of the best birding locations in the country and see the scenic, rural portion of New Jersey that is far from any freeway exit.

Theater lovers have a number of alternatives while staying in Cape May; Elaine’s Dinner Theater, the East Lynne Theater Company and Cape May Stage, all impart fine theatrical productions all through the year. And, to get a true sense of Cape May history, do not miss the Cape May Gingerbread Tour by Trolley.