CAPE MAY, A Lovely Victorian beach-town with sunning, good food, historic homes and wonderful B&Bs
Written: Mar 22 '04 (Updated Apr 12 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: A very romantic town
Cons: parking can be difficult
The Bottom Line: This place is perfect for couples especially those in "love". It is also a fine low scale family destination.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Cape May |
Cape May is a favorite destination spot that is relatively close to NYC and presents a quiet retreat from hustle and bustle life of that metropolis. Cape May is on the far south-eastern tip of New Jersey. It is also very different than all the barrier beach towns that line the Jersey coast.
It's like you have been tossed back in time. Walking, bike riding, or driving through the streets allows you to witness old Victorian homes that have been meticulously restored in many pastel colours. You'll note beautiful Bay windows, wrap-around porches with rockers and swings, gingerbread trimming, and cupolas, turrets and tall towers with sweeping ocean views. Most are privately owned homes, some of which have been made into B&Bs. A few overlook the beaches and many are on side streets and main streets in the quaint town.
I would consider this one of the most romantic destinations on the east coast, my wife and I love the place. This town has not changed like so many coastal resort towns have. It's kept a Victorian charm that made this the place to be in the late 1800's right though to the beginning of WWI. Though these were its peak years it started as the nations first seashore resort in the early 1800's. Five presidents used this as their getaway summer retreat. Today, due to its hundreds restored Victorian homes and buildings, Cape May is noted as one of the best B&B locations in the states and holds title as a National Historic landmark site.
WHAT TO SEE
As stated, it's the Victorian Homes on the beach that make up the uniqueness of this town. We were told that there is no other town on the shore that has as many restored homes. My suggestion is to first go to the visitors center. The people there are very friendly, helpful and full of facts.
To use the beaches at peak times you must have passes. Most places you stay at will furnish the pass or possibly charge you for one. The Cape May Visitor's Center will guide you through ever-changing regulations and prices. At last look they were $4.00 per day or $11.00 for a one week use. Getting a pass was not a problem at all, I'm just informing you of the need. I must note that the beaches are wide and clean. They were never terribly crowded when we were there. You can get to very quiet beaches by riding out of town just two minutes following the beach road.
Cape May weather is much like most of the northern mid-Atlantic states. It is cold in the winter but spring and fall days can be delightful. Summer brings a very warm sun but the cool ocean breezes temper the extremes.
TRANSPORTATION
Getting around town is easy. If you stay right in the heart of the beach front town you will find most places walkable yet you may want to adventure out a bit. More efficient transportation comes in the way of bicycles. Many B&Bs offer them gratis with your stay. There are also many rental shops in town. You will have no problem finding one.
What we like to rent are the surreys. These can also be noted as quadrocycles. It's basically a bike-like pedaled four wheel mode of transportation. The seats two abreast. It's very stable and they will seat two, four and even more. These have colourful canvas roofs that keep you out of the hot summer sun. They are designed to give a Model-T auto look. Both people in the front pedal together or individually. These are fun, safe and one does not need to have balance bicycling skills. They are good for kids, couples, families and grandparents.
Taking your auto through the area is not a bad idea but it is not as intimate as walking or riding the bikes and surreys. We have driven through the area and my wife jumped out of the car many times getting that perfect shot of some of these charming looking homes. She did capture some. There is metered parking through most of the village. Early evening and night time can bring a lack of parking areas.
A board walk area invites tourists and residents alike. Everything is centered around the Convention Hall where entertainment and other events are held year round. The area also has it's own small arcade that is fun for the young, and young at heart. This is not like any of the seaside towns with lots of rides and hawkers trying to get you to play games of chance. You will also note a lack of places where beer and such can be purchased. This is not to say that this is a dry town it's just that it's low key and prides itself in staying that way.
TOURS
Though we never took advantage of any of the local tours, because we like to adventure on our own, they do have many opportunities to do so. Horse and Carriage tours and rides are available through town. They look especially fine in the evening hours when some of the gaslight lamps are lighted giving this area a true turn of the century feel.
Walking tours take you through the most interesting parts of town between Congress and Franklin streets and from Lafayette Street down to the beach coast. Ask for self guided tour info at the visitors center or places that should be seen. Maps are available. We loved walking the streets in the early evening once the sun was going down. There are many homes and mansions that can be visited for a fee. Some are massive, many have historical background, most are charming, and all are interesting.
Some beautiful sunsets can be viewed near the lighthouse that is also a big draw for tourist. This is just out of town a bit. It's a nice bike ride. The views from the top of the 199 step high working lighthouse are worth the effort to climb to.
There are a couple of miniature golf courses for those who enjoy them. They have them form very quaint to more state of the art. Though we did both types we enjoyed the small one near the beach area. It really is an old fashioned one.
PLACES TO STAY
We have been to this town an number of times. I stayed a few times with my wife, at least once with some of our kids and once with a church youth group. We stayed at a nice motel just outside of town twice. We stayed right in the heart of town in B&Bs and we have stayed at a place rated as one of the nations best B&Bs, the Angel of the Sea B&B. This place is very special. We had a third floor room that overlooked the ocean. There is a lot of history in this fine four story Victorian home. I'm hoping to do a review of it in the near future.
I can also recommend its sister property right next door, the Peter Shields Inn. This architecture is different than most of the rest of town. It is a Georgian Revival Mansion that offers 9 guest rooms most with fireplaces and ocean views. It also has a fine restaurant. Both these places are just outside the towns heavier visited area. It's great for peaceful bike riding and early morning coffee on the porch overlooking the quiet ocean beaches.
There are many choices in town. Large B&Bs and less expensive motels are available. Some have pools. A number of hotels have been around over 150 years and the charm of the old buildings laced in gingerbread with huge porches is very inviting.
Get information from the Chamber of Commerce or go to the web site listed in the details section of this review. There are so many to choose from and after speaking with many others who have stayed in the B&Bs, they are all run well and the rooms are all decorated in Victorian fashion with four posted beds, antique furnishings and the personal service of comfortable breakfasts inside dining rooms or out on a veranda. Many will offer an afternoon tea.
RESTAURANTS
Here you will find many choices though some have small dining rooms. Be sure to make reservations at busier times of the year. You will find a full assortment of choices in dining. There are a good amount of finer dining establishments in town. Check them out as you tour and ask fellow tourists what they have enjoyed. We like sitting on a porch enjoying each others company the atmosphere of this seaside town. You can dine elegantly in a places like the Ebbitt Room, Merion Inn or the Water's Edge. Maybe you will choose to join the crowds on the beach dining outside or in at the very popular McGlades. This is more a family place yet if you dine late it can be very romantic.
Be sure to have breakfast at the Mad Batter Restaurant. The lines may be long but the food is excellent. We liked this place. We preferred sitting outside.
Some places like Cabana's Beach and Bar Grill have live Reggae, Jazz, and Blues music. You'll find all kinds of ethnic foods and small take out places too.
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
Besides walking the main streets of town you can visit the Washington Street Mall shopping area. This is a pedestrian only area with many many shops, open areas with benches and historic buildings. This is a place my wife loved to spend some time. I will venture to say kids would like it too. There is parking nearby that, at peak times, can be hard to find.
For those who want a night out with action a half hour drive in the car will take you to Wildwood with its ocean front amusement parks, cheap looking motels, and sometimes rowdy crowds.
After a day or night there you will once again appreciate the relative quiet and lovely quaintness of Cape May.
My wife and I love it there. Maybe you will too!
Cape May is listed in the Book 1,000 Places To See Before You Die See some of the other places listed in this book.
Wonderful Weekends from New York City Cape May is listed in this book. that has places to stay and dine.
The Angel of the Sea B&B A recommended place to stay in Cape May
The Jersey Shore Miles and miles of beaches, boardwalks and fun things to do.
Gateway National Recreation Area
Cape May is one of Pops Top Ten Getaway Places From NYC for Couples
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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