My earlier feature story on the Jersey Shore focused on resorts that were “family friendly”. I received many messages from readers telling me I’d missed other resorts and they were right. People living on the East coast in and around New York City, Philadelphia and New Jersey are fortunate to have 23 listed beach resorts between Sandy Hook to Cape May, the southernmost tip of the Garden State.
Cape May is situated where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. I recently spent time there with my family and felt like I had been transported in a time capsule to a Victorian town complete with amazingly restored period homes. Because of this, this seaside town is designated the Cape May Historic District, a National Historic Landmark. It also claims to be the “nation’s oldest seaside resort.”
The pristine beach is loaded with soft, white sand and is just a short walk from the boardwalk. The boardwalk is nothing like the one in nearby Wildwood with its huge piers bursting at the seams with rides and amusements but there’s plenty here to keep a family content and Wildwood is only 7 miles away, after all, for the more adventurous. Also, the Cape May Convention Hall has an extensive list of activities and seasonal events. And don’t forget the Cape May – Lewes Ferry, a fun filled outing on the Delaware Bay that does the round trip from Cape May to Lewes, Delaware and back and has its own agenda of activities. You can drive your vehicle on for the 85 minute crossing with the family or take the bikes and spend the day in Delaware continuing down the Delaware shore. Just wait till you see that flock of seagulls following you.
Cape May is known for its wealth of cultural events including the Cape May Music Festival and the New Jersey Film Festival. There are also performances by the Cape May Stage, an Equity theater founded in 1988 with performances held at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse. There almost seems to be something going on daily in Cape May year round. You can watch free movies on the beach with the family or enjoy the boardwalk arcade, sampling one or more of the family friendly offerings. Most shore resorts know that they have to offer year round options to succeed and Cape May has them. I’ve been told that the holiday season there is really out of this world. I’d love to book a B&B for a weekend during that time frame and see it for myself.
Like any world class resort there are wonderful restaurants in town with delectable offerings. We had breakfast at The Porch at Elaine’s where the fresh squeezed orange juice was downed by my thirsty teenage grandchildren at an amazing pace. When four more hungry family members came to join us it was no problem for our server. All the dishes were phenomenal and the service top notch. Elaine’s is a B&B that many claim to be haunted and one hour guided Haunted Tours of the surroundings and through the Victorian streets of town are offered. They even have the Haunted Mansion Restaurant on the premises and their famous Dinner Theater.
We also had breakfast at the Mad Batter that was immediately entered as a”must return” by the family as well as the favorite, “Uncle Bill’s Pancake House” with breakfasts that make your mouth water. You could eat at a different spot for every meal and never finish sampling all the amazing restaurants. My favorite spot for dinner, though, was the Lobster House where we sipped cocktails, nibbled on appetizers, and watched a gorgeous sunset aboard the “Schooner American”, a 130 foot Grand Banks sailing vessel, before heading to our table. There’s also a dock where you can moor a small boat if you’re coming by water.
Serious shopaholics should make a beeline for the Washington Street Mall, a pedestrian mall that’s a walker’s delight with over a 100 individually owned shops pubs. Or take a horse and buggy carriage ride to get a behind the scenes glimpse into Cape May’s history. You’ll be tempted to fully experience the scenic beauty on a bicycle or Surrey ride with the family. Pedal along Beach Avenue across from the Atlantic passing one gorgeous B&B after another with the boardwalk adjacent.
No day should end without watching the Flag Ceremony staged on Sunset Beach at Cape May Point where the flags that draped the caskets of veterans are lowered at sunset in a touching, patriotic display. The Atlantus, a concrete ship sunk in 1926, is almost totally immersed but worth a glimpse just to hear the story that surrounds it. Then there’s the Cape May Lighthouse for fantastic photo ops that will forever remind you to return. You can also hunt the beach for Cape May diamonds, a stone that when cleaned and shined is a real treasure, or you can purchase some in the Sunset Gift Shop where the selection of jewelry and souvenirs is really impressive.
Cape May succeeded in nurturing my adventurous spirit; I just wanted to stay longer. But you can be sure that with 20 or more Jersey shore points I haven’t seen, I’ll be thinking where to park my family next for a few days.
The area code for Cape May is 609.
Where to Stay:
Wilbraham Mansion – A private residence until December 1988, the Wilbraham Mansion is now a popular Victorian bed and breakfast, offering an indoor heated pool, spa services, and over 20 rooms and suites to choose from. A ten minute walk from the beach and only eight minutes from the Washington Street Mall. 133 Myrtle Avenue, Cape May; 609-884-2046;www.wilbrahammansion.com/
Chalfonte Hotel – One of the oldest hotels in Cape May, this seaside property offers a simplistic ambiance with a long tradition of Southern-style hospitality. 301 Howard Street, Cape May; 609-884-4588; www.chalfonte.com/index.html
931 Beach Guest House – A beachfront hotel with Victorian architecture combined with modern amenities. All eight suites have private baths and are equipped with kitchenettes. Guests are offered complimentary continental breakfast, and amenities like a large wrap-around porch and a great room with large screen TV, fireplace, and board games. 931 Beach Avenue, Cape May; 609-884-0275; www.931beach.com
Where to Eat:
The Mad Batter – This quaint, popular spot has gotten rave reviews for its brunch and offers a friendly environment with tasty food and unusual twists on typical breakfast dishes. 19 Jackson Street, Cape May; 609-884-5970; www.madbatter.com/index.html
H & H Seafood Market – Yes, this is a seafood market but it has dockside dining on picnic tables, a great way to enjoy the local seafood in a low-key environment suitable for kids. All-you-can-eat blue claw crabs are available in season. 956 Ocean Drive, Cape May; 609-884-4555; www.hhseafoodnj.com
The Lobster House – This restaurant is open year-round, 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy casual dockside dining overlooking the harbor or eat indoors at the Raw Bar which has a dining room. Adding to the experience is the authentic Grand Banks sailing vessel, Schooner American, moored dockside which is now an outdoor cocktail lounge also serving lunch. 906 Schellengers Landing Rd., Cape May; 609-884-8296; www.thelobsterhouse.com.
Elaine’s Cape May – Enjoy a full course dinner and a show at Elaine’s Dinner Theater. The restaurant serves a number of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, and also has a children’s menu. Elaine’s offers a Haunted Mansion Restaurant, too, which is set in the Victorian Dining Room. Guests can see special effects, illusions, and a living dead stand-up comedy show. If you’re looking for something more casual try The Porch at Elaine’s, which offers dinner, drinks, and live music from 5-9 in the warmer months. 513 Lafayette St., Cape May; 609-884-1199; www.elainesdinnertheater.com .
What to Do:
Cape May/Lewes Ferry – A 17 mile cruise that crosses the Delaware Bay, connecting New Jersey and Delaware. It began operation in 1964, and has transported over 34 million passengers since then. 800-643-3779; www.capemaylewesferry.com.
Washington Street Mall – This pedestrian mall has been declared one of the top 5 in the U.S. Isn’t shopping one of the best things that makes up a trip to the shore? 401 Washington St., Cape May; www.washingtonstreetmall.com/visitor-info/map-of-stores.