A Perfect Day In Cape May
It is too bad that the Garden State repeatedly gets 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 alleged state motto: “You have the right to remain silent…”
In truth, there is a totally other area of New Jersey that is perhaps 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 delightful seaport that includes great Victorian architecture and picturesque inns, and several places of interest. Cape May is unique in historical sites and museums and home of one of the country’s top ten beaches, with more than a few beach vacation rentals from which to decide on.
Of course, with a lengthy maritime history that includes a thriving fishing industry as well as residence 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 tourist, Captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mej of Hoorn, Netherlands, in 1620. The city’s reputation as a principal seaside destination resort predates the founding of the United States. It was popular with wealthy Philadelphians from about 1750 forward, and was a top holiday spot by the mid 1800s. All of that early colonial architecture vanished in the great fire of 1876, which really leveled the town. This is why the Victorian style of architecture is prevalent today. In fact, Cape May has the largest collection of Victorian architecture of any city in the nation other than San Francisco with Port Townsend Washington being a close third. A great deal of this colorful Victorian architecture can be observed in the numerous comfortable bed and breakfasts located through out Cape May.
While it might be great to reside right on the beach, you will find that a rental can be a great deal less expensive if you are willing to walk even a few blocks. That said, the owners of these vacation rentals are exceptionally meticulous about preservation and maintenance, so even if you have to reserve it long distance over the internet, you can be confident of outstanding lodgings for your Cape May holiday.
If you plan on doing any fishing, your opening stop may be the South Jersey Marina in order to purchase the gear you need to reel in the big ones. If going to sea on a boat is not your desire, you may be surprised to know 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 picturesque, rural portion of New Jersey that is a long way from any freeway exit.
Theater lovers have several options while staying in Cape May; Elaine’s Dinner Theater, the East Lynne Theater Company and Cape May Stage, all impart fine theatrical productions throughout the year. And, to get a real sense of Cape May history, do not miss the Cape May Gingerbread Tour by Trolley.