April & May 2019

EXIT ZERO
APRIL & MAY 2019 « $7.95

Specializing in Sales and Rentals
Our team of 40 Agents is ready to
assist with all of your real estate needs.
609.884.1300
Todd H. deSatnick / Broker of Record
www.deSatnickRealEstate.com
Located at 1001 Lafayette Street “The First Light in Town” Cape May

C L A S S I C T A S T E S W I T H A
M O D E R N T W I S T O N
H I S T O R I C W A S H I N G T O N
S T R E E T
SHUTTER
MOMENTS
p h o t o g r a p h y
W A S H I N G T O N I N N
8 0 1 W A S H I N G T O N S T R E E T
W A S H I N G T O N I N N . C O M
6 0 9 8 8 4 5 6 9 7
“Best Pizza” Cape May County 2019 trenton times

about us
editor, publisher & designer
Jack Wright
jack@exitzero.us
operations manager
Katie Repici
katie@exitzero.us
general manager
Cathrine O’Brien
cathrine@exitzero.us
contributing editor
Diane Stopyra
diane@exitzero.us
Serving Lunch & Dinner Daily
historical editor
Ben Miller
creative consultant
Victor Grasso
contributing photographers
Suzanne Kulperger, Aleksey Moryakov,
Jessica Orlowicz, Charles Riter
contributing writers
Bill Barlow, Catherine Dugan, David Gray,
Terry O’Brien, Tom Sims, Susan Tischler
exit zero color magazine is published four times a year.
Annual subscription is $32.50. To subscribe, call 609-770-8479
or visit ezstore.us
Outdoor, Pet-Friendly Dining Too!
Published by Exit Zero
110 Sunset Boulevard
Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 884-9119
322 Washington Street Mall, Cape May
www.tishasfinedining.com
exit zero 2 april-may
Telephone: 609-770-8479
Fax: 609-770-8481
E-mail: info@exitzero.us
Website: exitzero.us / Online store: ezstore.us
printed in the usa

GOOD PUB FOOD IN COOL CAPE MAY!
A classic since 1926
Est. 2014
A new Irish
classic!
ON THE MALL
(609) 884-3459
“Best clam chowder and
lobster roll in New Jersey.”
- TripAdvisor
ON THE MALL
(609) 770-8559
“Everything we sampled was right on -
from wings to onion rings.
Exactly what we were
looking for!”
- TripAdvisor
Check our Facebook pages
for live entertainment!
exit zero 3 april-may

inside this issue
editor’s letter 8
It’s all about the seasons.
quick chat: alex laudeman 10
One year on, the owner of Mayer’s Tavern.
the ultimate food & drink chart 14
Five-page guide... eat your way through Cape May!
introducing: jackson o’brien 26
The Cape May kid who’s heading for Broadway.
events around town 31
All the happenings you need to know about.
life at exit zero? it’s a gas. 38
Jack Wright on the lessons he’s learned at the Filling Station.
the ultimate cape may bargain 48
How to spend $20 and save $400 while having an absolute blast!
the birdman of cape may 58
How David La Puma earned his wings.
the brown room 64
Cape May’s iconic bar is classier than ever.
really weird sea creatures 68
Meet the Sarcastic Fringehead and other wackos of the deep.
cape may point: a love story 78
One little cottage, one large family legacy.
life’s a beach down on the farm 86
Check out these stunning rustic chic cottages in West Cape May.
who’s running cape may 92
Want to race around this year? Here’s the ultimate guide.
the big activities guide 100
Don’t leave home without it.
drink the cape 116
Six-page guide to our wineries, breweries and distilleries.
the definitive cape may trolley guide 122
From ghosts to mansions... it’s all here!
spicing up the harborfront 128
What’s going on at Spicers Creek?
property of the month 132
Get thee to the Point!
parting thought 136
The wonder of outdoor showers, by Diane Stopyra.
COVER PHOTO SUZANNE KULPERGER
Fabulous Food & Cool Cocktails in a Casual Pub Atmosphere!
HAPPY HOUR
Daily from 3-6pm and
All Day Sunday!
LUNCH & DINNER DAILY
Kitchen Hours
11:30am-10pm
3729 BAYSHORE ROAD, NORTH CAPE MAY | (609) 889-7000 | 5WESTPUB.COM
exit zero 4 april-may

More To “Like” Every Summer!
CAPE MAY’S NEW ICONIC BEACH FRONT DESTINATION
17,000 + square footage of Meeting Space • Hemingway’s Restaurant & Nightclub
Award Winning Weddings with views of the Atlantic Ocean & Jersey Cape
More to “Like” Every Summer!
165 tastefully appointed guest rooms & suites • Olympic Size indoor & outdoor swimming pools
Our family-friendly hotel has all the amenities and activities your family needs
to have an unforgettable vacation - all mere steps away from the beach!
Oceanfront 1045 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204 • grandcapemay.com
609.884.5611 • resercvations@grandcapemay.com • www.grandcapemay.com
/GrandWeddings @GrandHotelCMNJ The Grand Hotel Cape May GrandCapeMay
grandcapemay.com • 609.884.5611 • Oceanfront @ 1045 Beach Ave • Cape May NJ
exit zero 5 april-may

Calm Before the Storm
A serene beach scene, ahead of
the summer rush. Stephen Bonk

editor’s letter
More than 21 million people live in Florida.
Obviously, I don’t know how many
of those people are retirees who chose
to live (and die) there and how many are
born and bred in the Sunshine State. And
you’re probably wondering already what my point is. And it’s
this — Florida doesn’t have four seasons. Instead, it has two
modes of operation — wet and dry.
I don’t know about you, but that’s not my bag, man. I
love the seasons. I should probably mention here that I’m
Scottish, and Scotland regularly has all four seasons in one
day. Sometimes in one HOUR. Which is a real fun novelty
if you’re visiting my beautiful homeland (which you should
do) — and a real pain in the arse if you happen to live there.
But, yes, my point is… Cape May has four distinct seasons,
and I love this. Summer we all know about. It’s the time
of year when waiters and bartenders make tons of money
and reach the optimum stress levels at the same time. And
it’s the time of year when visitors either come and chill out
on our beautiful island or decide they want to make every
waiter and bartender and B&B/hotel owner suffer if their
every need is not serviced. That’s summer.
Right now, as I write, it’s spring. The season of expectation.
A time to take a breath before things get pretty crazy
(and fun) on this lovely little part of planet earth. Granted,
the weather is not that great. Reminds me a bit of Scotland.
Wind, rain, some sunny days. Sometimes all in one day. But
it’s also a time when pretty much all of Cape May’s restaurants
reopen their doors, testing out new staff and new
systems (because there’s always SOMETHING you can
improve on last year).
The vast majority of editors
of magazines large and
small publish photographs
of themselves with their
editor’s letter. Since I
know a lot of magazine
editors, I also know that
the vast majority of these
photographs are extremely
flattering. I don’t typically
include a photo of myself
on this page because I think
(quite rightly) that you
would rather see a lovely
landscape of Cape May. For
this issue, I’m making an
exception, for two reasons:
1. There’s a story on Exit
Zero (written by me) in
this issue; 2. I love Suzanne
Kulperger’s photography
and I want to show it off,
even if her extraordinary
skills can’t hide the fact
that I have a belly (and this
is me sucking it in). Enjoy
while you can. There will
likely be a sunset photo on
this page next time...
exit zero 8 april-may
I suppose what I’m saying is that, for regular folks, January
brings about New Year Resolutions. In Cape May, spring
is what inspires resolutions… when business owners figure
out what they are going to change and improve for the
upcoming summer season. Spring is a chance for renewal.
In this issue, I get to indulge myself and tell you all
about our Exit Zero Filling Station, a wacky combination
of restaurant, gas station, publishing company and retail
store. We also profile David La Puma, director of Cape May
Bird Observatory, an organization for which spring is pretty
vital… on May 11, the World Series of Birding will be held
on this tiny island. I think you’ll love David’s ruminations on
birding and life on the Cape in general. You will DEFINITELY
love the photographs shot by Suzanne Kulperger. She depicts
David as a birdman, or an angel, if you like (see page 58 to
see what I mean). Well, for us, Suzanne IS an angel. She
dropped down on us and shot some pretty amazing photography
throughout this issue. Welcome aboard the crazy train,
Suzanne. Let’s ride it for as long as we can!
Also in this issue, you’ll find a poignant story about a
family cottage in Cape May Point; a guide to the many (and
there really are MANY) road races in this area; a story about
the weirdest sea creatures you can ever imagine (the writer,
aka my wife, has an imagination that is as fertile as her writing
ability); and stories about the recently renovated Brown
Room (a Cape May institution) and those beautiful cottages
down at Beach Plum Farm, where I would love to hide myself
away for a week, any season of the year.
Welcome to spring in Cape May. We’ll be back again in
June. Until then, enjoy the season!
JACK WRIGHT Editor/Publisher

LUNCH • DINNER • LATE NIGHT • KIDS MENU
BURGERS • FLATBREADS • SEAFOOD • FRESH SALADS
COCKTAILS • BEER • WINE
20 BEERS ON TAP
4 WINES ON TAP
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
FISH TANKS
exit zero 9 april-may

A QUICK CHAT
One year after relaunching the
classic Mayer’s Tavern on the
harbor, Alex Laudeman discusses
restaurant calamities, having a
dad in the business, and those
legendary fried scallops.
interview jack wright
photograph jessica orlowicz
It’s been a year since you opened Mayer’s
Tavern. What’s been the highlight? People!
People are the hardest thing but also the best
thing. It makes me beyond happy when there’s
a restaurant full of happy customers and happy
employees. There’s nothing better.
And go on, tell us about one or two of
the mishaps because we all know they happen
(we had about 143 here at Exit Zero Filling
Station...) Running a restaurant is basically
just hopping from one calamity to the next, but
some really stand out. On the day we were set
to open to the public, our connection to the
sewer main in the street stopped functioning
(unrelated to us). Everything ground to a halt
for a few hours until that got fixed. Thankfully
Lower Township was right on it and it didn’t
delay the opening. But I was a little stressed.
Amazing. We had the exact same problem
the Saturday of St Patrick’s weekend. Never
happens on a Tuesday morning, right. Anything
that has surprised you? How much I honestly
love working with my family. I thought it would
be harder because you hear the horror stories,
but working with my dad [Lobster House owner
Keith Laudeman] has been better than I could
ask for. My mom and sister both started working
at the restaurant later in the season and it’s so
much fun to be with them!
What’s been the general feedback from
the customers? People love the renovation
and we get a lot of good feedback on the food.
I think people understood what we were going
for with the new Mayer’s and they love it.
Any idea about the rough split of new
customers to old faithfuls? I’m not too sure. I
would say more new customers than old, but
we still get a lot of people coming in and reminiscing,
which I love. We also get a lot of local
kids my age who were brought in for lunch as
children with their dads. Now they are coming
in with their kids.
And the fried scallops.... what’s been
the feedback on those? I really did not anticipate
how popular they would be. I’m proud
that they’ve organically become our signature
because it’s a true Cape May tradition, caught
on local boats by local people.
Is there anything you would have done
differently? There’s little things you find along
the way that need to be changed, but overall no.
I’m super lucky to have the wisdom of my dad
behind me. He’s been at this a very long time
and helped me avoid a hundred landmines.
Did you get a chance to actually do anything
for fun in Cape May while you were
open, or was it pretty much work, sleep,
repeat? It really was work/sleep/repeat which
gets a little brutal on both body and mind. But I
squeezed in pilates classes as much as possible
exit zero 10 april-may
and made it to the beach a couple of times. I
can’t complain because I really do love what I
do, and I get a break in the winter.
What did you get up to during the break?
Go anywhere fun? A lot of time with my husband
and cats in Brooklyn, and a lot of travel.
I’m not going to list everywhere I went because
honestly it’s indulgent, but I hit three continents.
Any plans to tweak anything this year?
Yes, always! Things ran very well last year but
there’s always room for improvement and more
creativity.
Assuming you WILL get some time off this
year, what will be the things you plan on enjoying
in the Cape May area this summer? The
beach and wine with my friend Lindsay [owner
of Givens Circle], hopefully at the same time. Is
that illegal? Don’t tell...

Voted 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America for 2018 by OpenTable
Weddings | Rehearsals | Bridal Showers | Special Occasions
Serving dinner 7 nights a week
Sunday-Friday 5:30pm
Saturday 5:00pm
Early seating menu available Sunday-Friday from 5:30-6:00pm
*Excluding Holiday Weekends *
1301 Beach Avenue, Cape May
609.884.9090
www.petershieldsinn.com
exit zero 11 april-may

a cape may moment
Local officials joined the Hirsch family for a topping-off ceremony to celebrate the last beam installed at the new Boarding House hotel. Aleksey Moryakov
7 DAYS A WEEK
4:30PM-10PM
Reservations
609-884-0200
Free Parking
Bringing you the fresh, unique flavors of
Italy in a charming, welcoming atmosphere.
Laugh • Dine • Enjoy
311 MANSION STREET, CAPE MAY
ICCARACAPEMAY.COM
exit zero 12 april-may

HARRY’S OCEAN BAR & GRILLE
“One of the Best Places to Drink Outdoors” — Philadelphia Magazine
“Best Rooftop Vibes” — SJ Magazine
opening mother’s day weekend
thursday, may 9
FOOD • FAMILY • TRADITION
BEACH AT MADISON AVENUE • CAPE MAY, NJ • 609.884.2779 • HARRYSCAPEMAY.COM
Open Thursday-Sunday til Memorial Day weekend, then open 7 days • Photos by Jessica orlowicz
CAPE MAY’S ONLY BEACHFRONT LIQUOR STORE
BEACH AT MADISON AVENUE, CAPE MAY, NJ • (609) 884-6114 • MONTREALBEACHRESORT.COM
exit zero 13 april-may

THE ULTIMATE CAPE MAY FOOD & DRINK CHART
What you
need to
know about
the food
and vibe
Meals
served
Bar or
BYOB?
Should I
book?
Food for
kids?
Other
details
ALEATHEA’S
7 Ocean Street, Cape May
(609) 884-5555, extension 226
www.innofcapemay.com
Excellent food at the glorious old Inn of Cape May.
There’s a cozy-but-elegant bar with access to the
oceanfront patio. Check out the antique-filled lobby
first.
B, L, D
FULL
BAR
YES YES
u b
H U
AVALON COFFEE
7 Gurney, Cape May, 898-8088,
3823 Bayshore, North Cape May
(609) 846-0040
Superior coffee and healthy food that’s perfect for
breakfast and lunch. First-class wraps, sandwiches and
bagels, along with a good range of smoothies and cold
drinks.
B, L N/A NO YES
b H
BACKSTREET
600 Park Blvd, West Cape May
(609) 884-7660
www.backstreetcapemaynj.com
Downhome cooking, a laidback vibe and superior
desserts in this gem, a few minutes from Cape May.
They have plenty of free parking and delicious nightly
specials.
B, D
BYOB YES YES
u b
H
BAREFOOT BAR & RESTAURANT
510 Beach Avenue, Cape May
(609) 884-3500
www.marquiscapemay.com
Belly up to a bar with one of the best views in town.
At the Marquis de Lafayette Hotel, overlooking the
Atlantic. Fun drinks and treats such as watermelon
salad, quesadillas, flatbread pizzas, nachos and more.
L, D
FULL
BAR
NO YES
b
H
BEACH PLUM BAKERY & CAFÉ
484 West Perry Street, Cape May
(609) 770-8261
www.thewestendgarage.com
BEACH PLUM FARM KITCHEN
140 Stevens, West Cape May
(609) 602-0128
www.beachplumfarmcapemay.com
This cozy-industrial café features some of the
most exciting doughnuts you’ve tasted, made with
ingredients from Beach Plum Farm. Add La Colombe
draft latte, and you’ve got a coffee lover’s dream.
Enjoy the quiet beauty of this 62-acre farm in West
Cape May and then indulge in the farm-to-table treats
for breakfast or lunch. The soups, salads, sandwiches
and juices are superb.
B, L N/A NO YES
b
H
B, L BYOB NO YES
u b
H U
BLUE PIG TAVERN
251 Beach Avenue, Cape May
(609) 884-8422
www.caperesorts.com
Many of its menu items are coming from the local
Beach Plum Farm. The Pig serves classic tavern food
with quite a a twist or two along the way.
B, L, D
FULL
BAR
YES YES
u b
H
BOILER ROOM
251 Beach Avenue,
(609) 884-8422
www.caperesorts.com
Congress Hall’s chic basement nightclub — all bare
metal and brickwork — now has a brick oven serving
thin-crust pizza, and has added a line of draft beers.
D
FULL
BAR
NO NO
u
H
BREAKFAST IN THE SKY
Mariner’s Landing Pier, Wildwood
(609) 846-1624
www.moreyspiers.com
Breakfast experiences like this don’t come along
frequently, so grab the chance while you can! Enjoy a
gourmet breakfast while gently rotating through the
air on Morey’s Piers giant ferris wheel! Call to reserve.
B N/A YES YES
b
THE BROWN ROOM
251 Beach Avenue, Cape May
(609) 884-8422
www.caperesorts.com
Congress Hall’s lounge was recently given a very cool
renovation, with a larger, circular bar. The decor is
elegant, the drinks are great, the staff attentive, and
the place just says “classy.”
Bar
Menu
FULL
BAR
NO NO
u
CABANAS
429 Beach Avenue, Cape May
(609) 884-4800
www.cabanasonthebeach.com
The party is here — always warm and friendly in this
lively beachfront bar, featuring great food and some of
the best live bands around.
B, L, D
FULL
BAR
YES YES
b
H
CAPE MAY FISH MARKET
408 Washington Street, Cape May
(609) 770-3790
www.capemayfishmarket.com
Comfy joint in the middle of the mall, featuring a raw
bar, surf-n-turf entrées, sandwiches and burgers, plus
outside tables for some great people-watching!
L, D BYOB NO YES
b
H
SYMBOLS KEY u Onsite parking b Handicap accessible
H Takeout available U Dog-friendly patio
exit zero 14 april-may

“The Nail,” as it’s known by the locals, is the famed iconic surfer bar
and restaurant that made a name for itself in the ‘70s. It’s right here in
Cape May, just steps away from the beach. Back in the day lifeguards,
surfers and beautiful beach bunnies gathered around the wood
bar that was rumored to be the longest in all of Cape May.
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN TO JOIN IN THE FUN
FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH OR DINNER
Live Music | Open Through December
205 BEACH AVENUE 609.884.0017 RUSTYNAILCAPEMAY.COM #THERUSTYNAIL
exit zero 15 april-may

THE ULTIMATE CAPE MAY FOOD & DRINK CHART
What you
need to
know about
the food
and vibe
Meals
served
Bar or
BYOB?
Should I
book?
Food for
kids?
Other
details
CARNEY’S
Beach and Jackson, Cape May
(609) 884-4424
www.carneyscapemaynj.com
Live music on the weekends, great early bird and
happy hour specials, and casual fare that’s reliable... all
across the street from the beach.
L, D FULL
BAR
NO
YES
b H
THE CARRIAGE HOUSE
1048 Washington Street
At the Emlen Physick Estate
(609) 884-5111
The Carriage House offers everything from hearty
wraps, salads, quiche and paninis to classic teas. Best
of all is the location — the gorgeous Emlen Physick
Estate.
L BYOB YES YES
u
b
CRAB HOUSE
Two Mile Landing, Ocean Drive
(609) 522-1341
www.twomilelanding.com
Owned by a commercial fishing family, the Crab
House serves the freshest of seafood. The
waterfront views and live entertainment are great
bonuses!
L, D BAR NO YES
u b
H
DELANEY’S IRISH BAR & GRILL
400 Washington Mall, Cape May
(609) 770-8559
www.delaneyscapemay.com
What was once Jackson Mountain is now an Irishstyle
bar and restaurant, with some excellent pub
food, and a very decent selection of drinks.
L, D BAR NO YES
b
H
THE EBBITT ROOM
25 Jackson Street,
(609) 884-5700
www. virginiahotel.com
Enjoy your meal on the Ebbitt Room porch,
overlooking tree-lined Jackson Street, or enjoy the
simple beauty of this dining room, one of the finest in
South Jersey.
D BAR YES NO
u
E. M. HEMINGWAY’S
1045 Beach Avenue, Cape May
(609) 884-5611
www.hemingwayscapemay.com
Casual and family-friendly, E. M. Hemingway’s offers
great seafood, prime beef and nightly specials. Enjoy
their happy hours daily from 4-7pm and weekend
DJs.
B, L, D BAR YES YES u b
H
EXIT ZERO FILLING STATION
110 Sunset Boulevard, Cape May
(609) 770-8479
www.exitzero.us
Fill your car at the pumps, fill your shopping bag with
cool merchandise and fill up your belly with great
curries, some of the best burgers around, and two
bars offering cool cocktails and local draft beers.
B, L, D BAR NO YES
u b
H U
FINS BAR & GRILLE
142 Decatur Street, Cape May
(609) 884-3449
www.finscapemay.com
Really cool decor and exciting food make this newish
restaurant a welcome addition to the local landscape.
It’s located at the former Pilot House, just off the mall.
L, D BAR NO YES
b
H
5 WEST PUB
3729 Bayshore, N. Cape May
(609) 889-7000
www.5westpub.com
410 BANK STREET
410 Bank Street, Cape May
(609) 884-2127
www.410bankstreet.com
JOE’S FISH CO.
25th and Boardwalk, Wildwood
(609) 729-3700
www.moreyspiers.com
A gastropub from the owners of Tisha’s, a Cape May
favorite. Expect exciting dishes, good drinks, and a
scene that’s usually buzzing. A few minutes drive from
town.
After four decades, 410 still one of Cape May’s
finest restaurants, serving food that’s as brilliant and
inventive as ever. Always a lively atmosphere. New this
year: brunch on Sundays!
Enjoy a casual, contemporary meal overlooking the
lights and the action of Surfside Pier in Wildwood. A
great beer list and some seriously good food, including
the crabby pretzel, chicken pot pie and cedar salmon.
L, D BAR YES YES
u b
H U
D BYOB YES YES
u
L, D BAR NO YES b
H
JUMBO’S GRUB & PUB
Mariner’s Pier, Wildwood
(609) 729-3700
www.moreyspiers.com
Indulge in steaks, gourmet pizzas and fun cocktails,
while enjoying wonderful views of the incomparable
Wildwood boardwalk. Try Chef Wally’s famous Cubaninspired
fries and housemade Maryland crab cakes.
L, D FULL
BAR
NO YES b
H
SYMBOLS KEY u Onsite parking b Handicap accessible
H Takeout available U Dog-friendly patio
exit zero 16 april-may

ORGANIC, LOCALLY SOURCED PRODUCE
EXTENSIVE SUPPLEMENT SECTION & KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF
ORGANIC, VEGAN & GLUTEN FREE GROCERIES GALORE
LOTS OF MONTHLY SALES! ORGANIC JUICE BAR & CAFÉ!
OPEN
YEAR
ROUND
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for flash sales and specials!
3156 Rt. 9 South | Rio Grande, NJ 08242
609.463.0606 | greenstreetmarket.com
exit zero 17 april-may

THE ULTIMATE CAPE MAY FOOD & DRINK CHART
What you
need to
know about
the food
and vibe
Meals
served
Bar or
BYOB?
Should I
book?
Food for
kids?
Other
details
HARBOR VIEW
954 Ocean Drive
(609) 884-5444
www.harborviewcapemay.com
A locals’ favorite for a reason. There’s a Key West
vibe, good food, regular entertainment, and the views
are spectacular. Spend the day — or night. Check out
their Burger Mania on Sundays.
B, L, D BAR NO YES u b
H
HARPOONS ON THE BAY
Beach Drive and Browning
(609) 886-5529
www.harpoonhenrys.net
It’s become famous for its sunsets. Sip on a cold beer
or a funky iced cocktail, listen to fun live music, and
watch a beautiful day slip away. And note that the
menu has a LOT of excellent new dishes.
L, D BAR NO YES
u b
H U
HARRY’S OCEAN BAR & GRILLE
Madison & Beach Avenue
(609) 884-2779
www.harryscapemay.com
The Montreal Inn’s restaurant successfully mixes a
friendly, family feel with a stylish oceanfront vibe. And
you’re going to love the renovation, with the indoor/
outdoor bar.
B, L, D BAR YES YES
u b
H U
ICCARA
311 Mansion Street, Cape May
(609) 884-0200
www.iccaracapemay.com
Just steps from the Washington Street Mall, Iccara
Italian Bistro & Seafood brings you the fresh flavors
of Italy in a charming, welcoming atmosphere. D BYOB YES YES u b
IRON PIER CRAFT HOUSE
429 Beach Avenue, Cape May
(609) 884-1925
www.ironpiercrafthouse.com
Remember Martini Beach, above Cabanas? Well,
Iron Pier is there now. Same owners, but a delicious
new menu, great new craft beer list, and the decor
got a nice spruce-up, too!
D
FULL
BAR YES YES
H
LA VERANDAH
107-113 Grant Street, Cape May
(609) 884-5868
www.hotelalcott.com
The ambience at this restaurant in the Hotel Alcott
may be Victorian, but the fare is contemporary
American. An excellent three-star restaurant with an
attentive staff.
D BYOB YES YES
b
THE LOBSTER HOUSE
Fisherman’s Wharf, Cape May
(609) 884-8296
www.thelobsterhouse.com
Take-out, fish market, restaurant, raw bar... the
Lobster House has it all. Drinks on the Schooner
American, watching the boats before dinner, is a
lovely experience.
B, L, D BAR NO YES
u b
H U
LOUISA’S CAFÉ
104 Jackson Street
Cape May
(609) 884-5882
This tiny, loveable spot has been a favorite for four
decades. Expect fresh, simple, delicious food, using
produce from the local Beach Plum Farm.
D BYOB YES NO b
LUCKY BONES
1200 Route 109, Cape May
(609) 884-BONE
www.luckybonesgrill.com
A huge hit and locals’ favorite for a reason. Excellent
food, great bar vibe, superb service. Lucky Bones
gets it right every single time.
L, D BAR
For
tables of
eight or
more
YES
u b
H
MAD BATTER
19 Jackson Street
(609) 884-5970
www.madbatter.com
MARIO’S PIZZA
Washington Commons
(609) 884-0085
www.mariosofcapemay.com
It’s the original fine dining restaurant in Cape May.
The food is always creative and the breakfasts and
brunches, hard to beat — hence the lines.
Homemade specialties and secret sauces, from
classic pizza (using homemade dough daily) to
paninis, garlic knots and pasta dishes.
B, L, D BAR YES YES
b
H
L, D BYOB NO YES u b
H
MAYER’S TAVERN
894 3rd Avenue, Cape May
(609) 435-5078
www.mayerstavern.com
The legendary (and infamous) harborfront dive
bar reopened last year, with a smart renovation
undertaken by the Laudeman family. But the
character remains, along with those fried scallops.
L, D FULL
BAR
NO YES u b
H
SYMBOLS KEY u Onsite parking b Handicap accessible
H Takeout available U Dog-friendly patio
exit zero 18 april-may

exit zero 19 april-may

THE ULTIMATE CAPE MAY FOOD & DRINK CHART
What you
need to
know about
the food
and vibe
Meals
served
Bar or
BYOB?
Should I
book?
Food for
kids?
Other
details
MERION INN
106 Decatur Street, Cape May
(609) 884-8363
www.merioninn.com
The dim, amber lighting, classic wooden bar, period
fittings and classy staff deliver a special ambience.
Listen to live piano music as you eat, or linger over
expertly made cocktails at the bar.
D
FULL
BAR YES YES u b
H U
OCEAN VIEW
Beach & Grant Avenues
(609) 884-3772
www.oceanviewrestaurant.com
At this oceanfront staple, expect a large menu, full
of classic diner food that’s reasonably priced. Locals
frequent it, and you know that is always a good sign.
B, L, D BYOB NO YES
u b
H
ON THE ROCKS
Cape May – Lewes Ferry,
1200 Lincoln Boulevard,
North Cape May, 1-800-64FERRY
Casual waterfront dining watching the ferry and other
vessels transit the Cape May Canal to and from the
Delaware Bay. There is a very cool vibe at the outdoor
bar.
B, L, D BAR NO YES
u b
H U
OUT THERE COFFEE
315 Ocean Street at
Washington Commons, Cape May
outtherecoffee@gmail.com
OYSTER BAY
615 Lafayette Street
(609) 884-2111
www.oysterbayrestaurantnj.com
This brainchild of thirtysomething couple Nikki and
Craig is a little slice of Colorado in Cape May. Expect
gourmet, imaginative coffee AND teas, along with
ridiculously tasty scratch-made treats.
A lovely dining room, a buzzy separate bar, a new bar
menu, great martinis and classic, generous dishes.
Check out their happy hour from 4-6pm.
B, L N/A NO YES
u b
H
D BAR YES YES u b
H
PETER SHIELDS INN
1301 Beach Avenue, Cape May
(609) 884-9090
www.petershieldsinn.com
The Georgian Revival mansion on Cape May’s
beachfront is magnificent, and the creative modern
American menu matches it all the way. A classy
eating experience.
D BYOB NO NO
H
PIGDOG BEACH BAR & BQ
Mariner’s Pier, Wildwood
(609) 729-3700
www.moreyspiers.com
This new barefoot beach bar in Wildwood is a
dog-friendly, BBQ spot right on the beach. Great
sandwiches and salads, and don’t miss the foot-long
PigDog Dog. Fun cocktails and live music, too.
L, D BAR NO YES
b
U H
QUINCY’S LOBSTER ROLLS
709 Beach Avenue, Cape May
(609) 600-3571
Quincy’s serve great rolls, with generous servings of
Maine lobster, plus there are loads of non-lobster
choices for kids.
L, D N/A NO YES
b
U H
RIO STATION
3505 Route 9 South
Rio Grande
(609) 889-2000
RUSTY NAIL
205 Beach Avenue, Cape May
(609) 884-0017
www.caperesorts.com/rusty-nail
SAPORE ITALIANO
416 South Broadway
West Cape May
(609) 600-1422
SALT WATER CAFE
1231 Route 109, Cape May
(609) 884-2403
www.saltwatercafecapemay.com
With a new menu, Rio Station offers steaks, local
seafood, creative salads, vegetarian options and
an award-winning wine list. Plus 14 beers on tap,
including local crafts.
Coldest beer and coolest vibe in town. The iconic
Rusty Nail is the place to be for a uniquely Cape May
experience. And they even have non-alcoholic brew
for dogs!
Located in a magnificent Victorian mansion, and
the food does it justice. Excellent Italian food and a
lovely family-style ambience.
A fairly new addition to the Cape May food scene.
The harbor setting is mighty fine, and so is the food,
which is freshly prepared. The soups are simply
superb.
B, L, D BAR YES YES
u b
H
B, L, D BAR NO YES
u b
H U
D BYOB YES YES u b
H
B, L, D BYOB N/A YES u b
H U
SYMBOLS KEY u Onsite parking b Handicap accessible
H Takeout available U Dog-friendly patio
exit zero 20 april-may

award-winning dining
BEST AMERICAN &
TOP 25 RESTAURANTS IN THE STATE
- new jersey monthly
Winner 2018 OpenTable
Diners’ Choice Award
3-course Prix Fixe $39
5pm-6pm
oceanfront porch dining available
Weddings l Rehearsals l Private Parties
BEACH AVENUE & HOWARD STREET
At the Hotel Macomber
609-884-8811
unionparkdiningroom.com
RECENT TRIPADVISOR REVIEWS...
“A dining experience that was perfect.”
“The service was wonderful, as was the
atmosphere. Highly recommended.”
“The food was delicious and the service was
superb. Much of the food is locally sourced,
and the chef is talented!”
exit zero 21 april-may

THE ULTIMATE CAPE MAY FOOD & DRINK CHART
What you
need to
know about
the food
and vibe
Meals
served
Bar or
BYOB?
Should I
book?
Food for
kids?
Other
details
SEASALT
1035 Beach Avenue, Cape May
(609) 884-7000
www.seasaltcapemay.com
SHAMONE
421 Washington Street
Cape May
(609) 884-6088
STUBBORN BROTHERS
Surfside Pier, Wildwood
(609) 729-3700
www.moreyspiers.com
TISHA’S
322 Washington Street Mall
Cape May
(609) 884-9119
TOMMY’S FOLLY CAFÉ
251 Beach Avenue, Cape May
(609) 884-6522
www.caperesorts.com
UGLY MUG
426 Washington Street Mall
Cape May
(609) 884-3459
Black wood and granite tables, mother-of-pearl
barfront, river rock decor... the vibe is as cool as the
food is delicious. Reserve the chef’s intimate private
table for up to 14.
Looking for something different? The Karapanagiotis
brothers offer one 15-course tasting menu nightly. For
$35. It’s an adventure for your tastebuds.
Steps from Wildwood’s famous boardwalk, a
relaxing, tropical-style venue with good food and
entertainment. Favorites include Baja fish tacos,
crabby cake sandwich and the Pirate Punch cocktail.
A hot spot on the Washington Street Mall, where
they serve up irresistible concoctions for breakfast,
lunch and dinner. A great people-watching spot, too.
Situated in the lobby of Congress Hall, this shop has
great coffee and to-go breakfast goodies, as well as
healthy and tasty lunch wraps, plus soups, shakes and
more.
A Cape May legend, and a good place to stop while
shopping on the mall. Such a treat. It has a classic pub
vibe, and always a warm, friendly atmosphere.
B, L, D BAR YES YES u b
H
D BYOB YES NO
L, D BAR NO YES
b
H
L, D BYOB YES YES
b U
B, Café NO NO YES ub
H U
L, D BAR NO YES b
H
UNCLE BILL’S PANCAKE HOUSE
Beach Avenue and Perry Street,
Cape May
(609) 884-7199
Reliably good food for breakfast and lunch — there
is a reason why people wait in line here. You can sit
outside with ocean and beach views and dine with
your dog if the weather is nice.
B, L BYOB NO YES
ub
H U
UNION PARK
Beach Avenue & Howard
(609) 884-8811
www.unionparkdiningroom.com
Exquisite dining in a classic old hotel, where both the
decor and the food are inspired. Voted one of the
best restaurants in the state by New Jersey Monthly
magazine.
D BYOB YES YES
u b
H
VIGGIANO’S ON SUNSET
109 Sunset Blvd, West Cape May
484-344-5561
www.viggianosbyob.com
VINCENZO’S LITTLE ITALY II
3704 Bayshore Road
North Cape May
(609) 889-6610
WASHINGTON INN
801 Washington, Cape May
(609) 884-5697
www.washingtoninn.com
THE YB
314 Beach Avenue,
Cape May
(609) 898-2009
A new family-friendly Italian restaurant, from the
same owners as the popular Conshocken restaurant.
Expect classic Italian food done right and a welcome
as hearty as the pasta dishes.
If you want to bring the family for a fine and fun
Italian meal, look no further. The kids will love
it. Excellent pasta dishes, and they’ve recently
expanded their pizzeria.
Superb gourmet food, and a cool but cozy bar. Check
out an amazing wine list of over 10,000 bottles;
they’ve got the largest wine cellar in South Jersey.
The chef and manager just took over this popular
eatery. The food and service is as good as ever, and
the renovation is beautiful! Enjoy both brunch and
dinner time in this cozy beachfront eatery.
D BYOB NO YES
u b
H
L, D BYOB YES YES
u b
H
D BAR YES YES u b
H
B, D BYOB YES YES b
H
SYMBOLS KEY u Onsite parking b Handicap accessible
H Takeout available U Dog-friendly patio
exit zero 22 april-may

FINE DINING
Rated #1
Restaurant
in West
Cape May
Open for dinner daily from 4pm
416 S BROADWAY, WEST CAPE MAY
609-600-1422 • @saporeitalianous
exit zero 23 april-may

Cape May has never seen anything like it!
Gas station
with oldfashioned
service
Restaurant &
bar serving
fab burgers,
Indian & Thai
Coffee shop
& breakfast/
lunch to-go
specials
Exit Zero
merchandise
& souvenir
store
110 Sunset Boulevard 609-770-8479 exitzero.com

in many ways, jackson o’brien — jax to his friends — is a normal
16-year-old kid. A sophomore at Lower Cape May Regional High
School, he enjoys hanging with friends and going for food at 5
West Pub. Then there’s the flipside of Jackson — the phenom.
At a recent dance competition in Somerset, New Jersey, against
more than 500 entries, he won the whole contest. This July, he’ll
compete at nationals in Atlantic City.
“Maybe once every 20 years you’ll see a boy like Jackson
come along,” says Amy Young, owner of Cape May Dancers,
where Jackson trains. “He’s as good, right now, as a Broadway
dancer. It’s just a matter of when he chooses to audition.”
While most promising young dancers excel at one style —
modern, tap, hip hop or ballet — Jackson is at home in any category.
And then, according to his instructors, it’s his drive that
takes him to the next level.
“Even though he was the best, he’s going to work even
harder now,” Amy says. “That’s Jackson. Even as a little kid, he
was always striving to be better. He has an unmatched passion
and work ethic, and that’s going to take him so far.”
We sat down with Jackson to discuss this love affair with
dance, his future ambitions, and some other thoughts from one
of the coolest kids on the Cape…
You broke your ankle! How’d that happen? I did a backflip
off a trampoline at dance and rolled my foot when I landed.
The doctors said I chipped a bone, but they were more worried
about my ligaments because my ankle swelled so much.
How long are you sidelined? About a month, to be safe.
The first time I broke my ankle, I thought it would take forever,
but two weeks after getting out of the boot I was back to normal.
Hopefully this will be the same because by the time I’m off
crutches it will be recital season.
Exactly how many times have you broken an ankle? I rolled
the left ankle in eighth grade. In September of the same year
I broke the right one doing a leap. I rolled the right one really
badly at a competition rehearsal, so that was a couple weeks in
a lace-up ankle thing. Then, at the end of March, this fracture.
Do you go crazy when you aren’t able to dance? Injuries
are so inevitable that, no matter how severe, I’m like, “Oh, I’m
fine!” It’s when I’m back home that I get scared I won’t dance
for a long time.
INTRODUCING...
Jackson O’Brien, the teenage
dance phenom who plans to flip,
axel, cakewalk and barrel jump all
the way to Broadway.
interview diane stopyra
photography suzanne kulperger
Did you always dream of being a dancer? My mom says
when I was young I’d twirl around our living room and never stop

exit zero 27 april-may

moving, so she thought, “This kid is going to be
a dancer. There’s nothing else he can do.” Turns
out, this IS the only thing I can do! My parents
were in theater, so I think that’s part of my draw
to performing. I think it’s in my genes.
What do you aspire to do? My teachers
joke that when they’re old and retired, I’ll be
running the studio. But when I’m out of college,
I’d like to audition for professional dance
studios and Broadway musicals before getting
into teaching. So there’s a lot of things I hope
to do.
What’s your typical dance week look like?
Mondays, I take an hour-and-a-half of ballet
and an hour-and-a-half of modern. Tuesday is
one of my teaching days at the studio, so I help
with the little kids from 3:30pm-8pm and then
from 8pm-9pm I’ll take my Broadway jazz class.
Wednesdays I teach from 4pm to 7:30pm, then
sometimes, if there are dances that need to
be finished, we’ll call rehearsal until 8 or 9pm.
Thursdays I dance from 4pm-9pm. And Saturdays
are my very long day, where I can be there
from 9am to 9pm.
That’s a lot. When do you do schoolwork?
My parents have always been strict
about homework, but they also know I’m a
hard-working student. If I don’t get it done, I
will be mad at myself. I panic more than them!
I can get very worked up over due dates, but,
fortunately, my teachers are very understanding
of my work schedule. I missed a history
assignment recently and I was so upset, but
my teacher said, “Trust me, Jackson, after what
you’ve been through recently with competitions
and musical rehearsals and the broken
ankle, I understand.” They know I will turn it in.
What is it about dance — which is so
demanding — that keeps you in it? There is the
athletic piece, and there is the self-expression
component. And I love all of that. But because
of the studio I go to, what I love so much is the
positive energy that dance gives everyone.
We’re very supportive of one another. You can
mess up, but at the end we’ll all be hugging you
and saying, “You did great! Don’t even worry
about it!” I would say the most important thing,
and the thing that appeals to me most, is that
supportive energy and connection with everyone.
Your dad Terry writes the Exit Zero weekly
Undertow column. How’s it feel to be the son
of a famous Cape May columnist? It’s very
cool! Though I don’t always acknowledge it.
exit zero 28 april-may
We’ve been hearing about the millennial
generation for so long. Focus is now starting
to shift to Gen Z in a big way. What do you
think the principal value of your generation
will be? We’re very determined. For me, it’s
getting certain steps down or learning certain
styles of dance. But all my peers are the same
way. We want to work hard, and we know if we
put our minds to it, whatever it is, we’ll be good.
Do you think there’s still a stigma around
guys in ballet. Or is that eroding? It’s still
there, but I don’t think it’s as noticeable as it
used to be. Reality TV dance competitions
have helped with that. And I’ve seen male
dancers going viral or appearing on the Ellen
DeGeneres show. I played a dancer and choreographer
in this year’s high school musical, a
murder-mystery-comedy called Curtains which
had a lot of dancing in it. My brother Owen was
in the show as well, and he said to me, “After
this, I have so much respect for what you
do.” It’s cool to see how people have a better
appreciation for guy dancers and male ballet
dancers in particular.
Who are your heroes? My parents. Also
my dance teachers. They’ve been my second
parents since I was five. I owe them all so much.

Harbor View
RESTAURANT, MARINA & BAR
Mon-Fri 3-6
half-price apps
Voted the best
Happy Hour
in NJ!
954 OCEAN DRIVE, CAPE MAY ¯ 609-884-5444 ¯ HARBORVIEWCAPEMAY.COM
exit zero 29 april-may

a cape may moment
Brave souls head for the Atlantic at the annual Carney’s Polar Bear Plunge on March 16. Aleksey Moryakov
Eat, Drink & Be Merry!
AMERICAN STEAK & SEAFOOD HOUSE
Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Everyday!
• Chef-grown chilis used in our housemade hot sauces for our Award Winning Wings.
• Healthy Vegetarian & Gluten Free Options • 2019 Winner ~ Cape May Clam Chowder Contest
• 14 Rotating Craft Selections along with our 10 Year Wine Spectator Award Winning Wine List
• Still the Best Crab Cakes...7 years in a row
Mimosas, Bloody Marys & Brunch Galore Every Sunday 7:30 am to 3 pm.
Happy Hour - Monday - Friday 4 to 6 pm
❦ We support Jersey Fresh & our partners in Ellie’s Garden to provide fresh local produce. ❦
Breakfast - 7:30 am to 1 pm Monday to Saturday • Sunday Brunch - 7:30 am to 3 pm • Lunch - 11 am to 4 pm Daily
Dinner - 4 pm to 9 pm Seven days/week • Late Bar Menu - 4 to 10 pm Sunday to Thursday & 4 to 11 Friday & Saturday
Conveniently located in Grande Center Mall in Rio Grande with full package goods for your Food to Go!
• Routes 9 & 47, Rio Grande, NJ 08242 • 609.889.2000 • Reservations Suggested • www.riostation.

events around the cape
April 26-October 14
Carroll Gallery Exhibit:
The Iconic Cape May Lighthouse:
From the Pages of The First Resort
In the Carroll Gallery in the Carriage House at
the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington
Street, Curator Ben Miller, author of the
best-selling Cape May history book The
First Resort, provides visitors with a unique
look at the iconic Cape May Lighthouse.
Illuminating darkness over the Atlantic
Ocean and Delaware Bay for 160 years, Cape
May’s lighthouse is the third beacon to guide
mariners through the tumultuous waters at the
confluence of the ocean and bay. Memories
and historic images abound, from the keepers
who dedicated their lives to maintaining the
light, the MAC preservationists who restored
it, and all those who’ve relied upon it for over
a century and a half. Admission is free. Open
daily; times vary. Call 609-884-5404 or visit
capemaymac.org.
April 26-May 19
Cape May’s Spring Celebration
Celebrate the season of spring in America’s
first seaside resort with four weeks of events
including a private homes tour, ghost tours,
food and wine events, a Sip Into Spring Festival
and crafts show, living history programs,
Armed Forces Day, murder mystery dinners
and much more. Call 609-884-5404 or visit
capemaymac.org.
May 4
Mad Batter Wine Dinner Spring Sampler
Welcome spring during this five-course meal
featuring a sampler of wines inspired by the
season, presented at The Mad Batter Restaurant,
19 Jackson Street. Limited to 60. $75 per
person (tax and gratuity included). 7:30pm.
Call 609-884-5404 or visit www.capemaymac.org.
May 4
Cape May Wine Trail
Spend an afternoon visiting Cape May County’s
wineries and sampling the unique flavors
of each. Travel by trolley and enjoy lunch at
Willow Creek Winery where you’ll enjoy tastings
and a brief tour. You’ll also travel to Natali
Vineyards for tastings there with cheese and
crackers and receive a souvenir glass. Admission
is $75. 11am. Call 609-884-5404 or visit
capemaymac.org.
May 4
United States Coast Guard
Community Festival
Festival goers will explore the extensive TRA-
CEN base on foot and by trolley, get an inside
look at US Coast Guard vessels and view a
Coast Guard helicopter up close. The Coast
Guard Recruit Band and drill team will give
engaging performances and US Coast Guard
Air Station Atlantic City will conduct thrilling
search and rescue demonstrations. There will
be tours of Cape May Harbor, children’s activities,
interactive displays, vendors, food, beer,
live music and cultural and historical exhibits.
Admission is free. 1 Munro Avenue. Call 609-
898-6900.
May 4, 11, 18
Murder Mystery Dinner
exit zero 31 april-may

Coffees & Smoothies
Breakfast Sandwiches
Specialty Sandwiches
Bagels & Baked Goods
Cappuccinos & Lattes
Gourmet Cream Cheese
The scene and the table are both set for a new mystery, “Bumped Off
& Bottoms Up,” that will stimulate your imagination and satisfy your
craving for a good whodunit. Enjoy a four-course dinner at Aleathea’s
Restaurant, the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean Street as you interact with
the cast of likely suspects and the mystery unfolds around you. 7pm.
Admission $60; Children (ages 3-12) $30. Call 609-884-5404 or visit
www.capemaymac.org.
May 5
Cape May Wine School
Increase your knowledge of wines during the Cape May Wine School
at 1pm. You’ll refine your palate at the Washington Inn, 801 Washington
Street. Admission is $40. To purchase tickets, call The Washington
Inn directly at 609-884-5697.
May 7
Feasting on History
Cape May County’s favorite restaurants, wineries, food trucks, distilleries,
and breweries generously donate delicious food, signature dishes,
wine, craft beers, and desserts. Last year over 500 guests enjoyed a
night of food, music, and networking while celebrating the mission of
Historic Cold Spring Village. 6-9pm. Call 609-898-2300.
7 Gurney Street (corner of Beach), Cape May
609-898-8088 open daily @ 6am
Awarded prestigious
three stars by the
Press of Atlantic City
Nestled in the secondoldest
operating hotel in
Cape May, La Verandah
serves up mouthwatering
dishes in a truly Victorian
setting. Dine on the porch
and take in the ocean
breeze or enjoy your meal
in an intimate dining room.
reservations encouraged
107-113 GRANT STREET, CAPE MAY
(609) 884-5868 HOTELALCOTT.COM
Perfect venue for an elegant wedding by the sea
May 11
Sip Into Spring Festival
Enjoy the lovely grounds of the Physick Estate transformed by vendors
and crafters into an outdoor marketplace. Celebrate the season of rebirth
and new growth! Be inspired by gardening and nature activities
and demonstrations, and enjoy music, festival food, wine, beer, Bloody
Marys and mimosas. Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street.
Free admission. 10am to 4pm. Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
May 11
Chocolate Lovers Feast
Chocolate lovers unite! You’ll savor a sumptuous chocolate buffet of
chocolate desserts at The Washington Inn at 1pm. Admission is $40.
Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
May 12
Jazz Brunch at the Estate for Mother’s Day
Celebrate Mother’s Day under the tent at the Carriage House Café &
Tearoom with brunch and enjoy live jazz from The Great American
Songbook with Mary Lou Newnam, saxophone, and Sonny Troy, guitar.
Advance reservations recommended. $30. 10am. Call 609-884-
5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
May 18
Lighthouse Full Moon Climb
Let the light of the full moon guide you up the 199 stairs to the starry
top. Don’t miss a rare opportunity to see the light of the moon at the
top, weather permitting. The Cape May Lighthouse is located in Cape
May Point State Park. 8-10pm. $15 for adults, $8 for children (ages
3-12). Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
May 18
Armed Forces Day Ceremony at the World War II Lookout Tower
The fully restored World War II Lookout Tower is the perfect setting to
pay tribute to the dedicated men and women who have helped preserve
our freedom. 11am. Free admission. Tower is located on Sunset Boule-
exit zero 32 april-may

vard. Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
May 19
Brunch, Bingo & Lace
Laugh along with friends as you play a little bingo, enjoy a fashion
show by Lace Silhouettes/Cotton Company and compete for prizes,
all during a delicious brunch at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean Street at
9:30am. Admission is $25. Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.
org.
May 24-27
Wildwoods International Kite Festival
On the beach at Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood, NJ and inside the
Wildwoods Convention Center. Event begins on Friday at noon with
the Unlocking of the Ocean media event outside of the Wildwoods
Convention Center. Festivities following include opening of the kite
sales tent, a Friday night social via the local kite club and the 9 p.m.
illuminated kite fly. Saturday includes the silent and loud auctions
(open to all) and Saturday and Sunday include the flying of large inflatable
kites, sport kite demo’s, team flying as well as family games.
Monday features the World Indoor Kite competition inside the Wildwoods
Convention Center. FREE to spectators.
May 25
Kiwanis Club Annual Yard Sale
We can promise great finds... with your name on them. Kiwanis
Clubhouse, 1041 Beach Avenue. 7am-2pm. Call 609-884-8888.
May 26-June 14
30th Annual Cape May Music Festival
Enjoy world-class orchestral and chamber, jazz, Celtic and brass band
music and Bach’s Lunches. Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.
org.
May 26
Cape May Music Festival: Atlantic Brass Band
Opening the 29th Annual Cape May Music Festival at 7pm is the
35-piece Atlantic Brass Band, a long time Cape May favorite, under the
baton of Salvatore Scarpa. They’ll present a rousing concert of American
music, perfect for a Memorial Day weekend celebration. Rotary
Bandstand, 400 Lafayette Street. Admission is free. Call 609-884-
5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
May 27
Memorial Day Ceremony
Amidst all the barbequing and beach-playing of a long weekend, it’s
important to remember the reason for the holiday. Honor America’s
fallen heroes at this event, held at the Columbia Avenue All Wars
Monument at 9am, and at Cape May Convention Hall at 11am. Call
609-884-9565 or visit discovercapemaynj.com.
COOL BREWS!
SUNSET LIQUORS
Let the fun begin!
beer + wine + spirits + tobacco
Sunset & broadway, west cape may « 609-435-5052
Uncle Bill’s
& FAMILY RESTAURANT
Pancakes, perfected!
May 28
Cape May Music Festival: New York Chamber Ensemble
They’ll rock your world... and your eardrums. The event starts at
8pm. General admission is $20, Seniors $15, Students $5. Episcopal
Church of the Advent, 612 Franklin Street. Call 609-884-5404 or visitcapemaymac.org.
May 29
Cape May Music Festival: Bach’s Lunch
exit zero 33 april-may
BEACH AVENUE & PERRY STREET
609-884-7199 « Pet-Friendly Outdoor Seating!

Adored by Visitors
Loved by Locals!
Enjoy a mini-concert by members of the Bay-Atlantic Symphony, as
well as Tea Luncheon at the Carriage House Café & Tearoom located
on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street,
12:30pm. $35 per person. Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
May 30
Cape May Music Festival – New Jersey Symphony
Orchestra Chamber Players:
New Jersey’s premier chamber ensemble, the New Jersey Symphony
Orchestra Chamber Players, returns for another program from the
classical repertoire at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, Washington
and Franklin streets. Admission is adults $20, seniors $15 and students
$5. Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
June 1
Strawberry Festival
A small-town smorgasbord of entertainment, crafts and food including
plenty of strawberries. Plus, sink your teeth in the best
strawberry shortcake you will ever eat! The Strawberry Queen and
King will be crowned at the end of the day. From 9am to 5pm at Wilbraham
Park, in West Cape May. Free admission. Rain date June 2.
Visit westcapemay.us.
Beach & Grant, Cape May
609-884-3772
June 2
Champagne Jazz Brunch at Aleathea’s
Linger over a Sunday morning champagne brunch buffet at Aleathea’s
Restaurant at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean Street, with live jazz from
The Great American Songbook, by Mary Lou Newnam, saxophone and
Sonny Troy, guitar. At 10am, $35. To purchase tickets call The Inn of
Cape May at 609-884-5555. Call 609-884-5404.
American Cuisine
Freshest Seafood
Sizzling Steaks
Great Bar Menu
HAPPY HOUR 4-6 DAILY
615 LAFAYETTE STREET, CAPE MAY
609-884-2111 • oysterbayrestaurant.com
June 2, 13
Cape May Music Festival: New York Chamber Ensemble Concert
They’ll rock your world... and your eardrums. Episcopal Church of
the Advent, Washington and Franklin Streets. General admission
$20, Seniors $15, Students $5. 8pm. Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
June 4
Cape May Music Festival: Paula Johns
Paula Johns performs at Willow Creek Winery, 160-168 Stevens Street,
West Cape May at 8 pm. Admission is adults $25, seniors $20 and students
$10. Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
June 5-8
39th South Jersey Shark Tournament
The 2018 South Jersey Shark Tournament at South Jersey Marina is
the longest-running tournament in New Jersey and also the richest!
6am-3:30pm. Call 609-884-2400 or visit southjerseytournaments.com
June 5, 12
Cape May Music Festival: Bach’s Lunch
Enjoy a mini-concert by members of the Bay-Atlantic Symphony and
an elegant Tea Luncheon at the Carriage House Café & Tearoom located
on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington
Street. 12:30pm. $35 per person. Call 609-884-5404.
June 6
Cape May Music Festival Bay-Atlantic Sympony Concert
exit zero 34 april-may

Snack While You Shop
Stay energized with a treat while shopping at West End Garage.
Featuring La Colombe Coffee products and homemade donuts.
antique furniture • accessories • estate jewelry • vintage memorabilia • framed artwork • home goods
609.770.8261 | 484 Perry Street, Cape May | thewestendgarage.com
exit zero 35 april-may

PARADISE FOUND
ª Locally Sourced Food
ª Relaxing Key West Vibe
ª Waterfront Dining
ª Awe-Inspiring Sunsets
ª Lunch & Dinner Daily
ª Live Music Nightly
ª Plenty of Free Parking
The festival’s orchestra, the Bay-Atlantic Symphony, performs a
program of Mendelssohn and Bach at the First Presbyterian Church
of Cape May, 500 Hughes Street, with Conductor Jed Gaylin. Admission
is $25, seniors $20, and students $10. 8pm. Call 609-884-
5404.
June 7-8
New Year’s in North Wildwood Mummers
Brigade & String Band Show
Both the top Mummers Brigades AND top Mummers String Bands
from the New Year’s Day Parade in Philadelphia will entertain
crowds in the pub district of North Wildwood. The excitement kicks
off Friday night at 6pm with the Fancy Brigade Pub Crawl through
local drinking establishments in the North Wildwood Entertainment
District. A colorful Mummers parade will begin at 3pm on
Saturday along Olde New Jersey Avenue where you can get up-close
views of the beautiful costumes and intricate dance steps. (Fancy
Brigades begin at 3 p.m. and the String Band Grand Finale begins
at 4:30pm) Rain date is Sunday. Admission is free, so come join in
the fun and learn the famous Mummers Strut! Call 609-522-2955.
June 8-9
Boardwalk Craft Show
Hunt for rare finds... and get a tan while you’re at it! Promenade.
10am-5pm. Call 609-884-9565 or visit discovercapemaynj.com.
Now Open
Friday 3:00-9:00
Saturday 12:00-9:00
Sunday 12:00-7:00
June 9
Community Day
Cape May County residents enjoy free admission to Cape May
Lighthouse, Emlen Physick Estate, World War II Tower and Historic
District trolley tours. Show valid ID. Call 609-884-5404 or visit
capemaymac.org.
June 9
Cape May Music Festival: Eighth Annual George Mesterhazy
Tribute Concert
Come to Cape May Convention Hall to celebrate with friends and
fans with an evening of selections from the Great American Songbook,
under the direction of Barry Miles, featuring performances
by some of George’s favorite colleagues. 8pm. General admission
is $25, Seniors $20, Students $10. Call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
91 Beach Drive, North Cape May
(609) 886-5529
HarpoonsOnTheBay.com
June 11
Cape May Music Festival: Cat’s Pajamas
Enjoy this free concert featuring the talented acappella singing
group at Cape May Convention Hall at 8pm. Call 609-884-5404.
June 14
Cape May Music Festival: Musical Desserts
Cap off this year’s music festival with a chamber music concert and
dessert at the Carriage House Café & Tearoom on the grounds of
the Emlen Physick Estate at 5pm.
June 15-16
Military Timeline Weekend
At Historic Cold Spring Village, you’ll want to check out this exhibition
of various conflicts spanning several centuries including the
English Hundred Years War, Boer War, American Revolution and
Civil War, World War II, Korean War and more. Call 609-898-2300.
exit zero 36 april-may

exit zero 37 april-may

Life At Exit
Zero Filling
Station?
It’s A Gas.
Nearly one year after opening an
ambitious (crazy?) conglomeration on
the island, Exit Zero owner Jack Wright
dishes about what he’s learned.
photography suzanne kulperger
Here at Exit Zero, we’re big cheerleaders for local businesses.
Whether they’re brand new, celebrating a special anniversary,
or just because we want to check in to see how they’re doing,
we’re quick to publish stories on them. We HAVEN’T, however,
been quick to publish a story on ourselves, even though, if I do
say so myself, the opening of Exit Zero Filling Station last August
was a pretty big deal. It’s not often you get to see a gas station, a
restaurant, a retail store and a publishing company all rolled into
one. (And there’s probably a very good reason for that.) But, hey,
that’s us! In the big charcoal metal building on Sunset Boulevard
that a lot of people dig, and a few, well... it’s too industrial for some
people’s tastes.
Matters took an even more interesting turn earlier this year
when Exit Zero Filling Station proudly took hold of the first-ever
restaurant liquor license awarded in West Cape May.
So I thought I would bring readers up to date with everything
that’s been going on here. It hasn’t been easy. Oh no, not one little
bit. Anyone who has run a restaurant will tell you so. Anyone who’s
run a gas station will tell you so. Anyone who still publishes print
magazines in this internet-infested age will tell you so.
Excuse my self-indulgence while I share my experiences and
thoughts (in a very random manner) from our first year — because
who else is going to ask me?
exit zero 38 april-may

exit zero 39 april-may
Owner Jack Wright tries to take a minute in
the middle of the hubbub at the Exit Zero
Filling Station. Bathroom artwork is courtesy
of Brian and Mike DeMusz.

A wise man who for decades ran a very
successful restaurant with his wife in Cape May
told me just before I opened Exit Zero Cookhouse
in 2015, “Want to know how to make a
small fortune in the restaurant business? Invest
a LARGE fortune!” You were so right, Steve.
I was terrified of opening a restaurant, but
that didn’t compare to how nervous I was at the
thought of operating a gas station without any
experience. I was right to be.
Jerry and Andrew at Cape Harbor Shell?
We might be going after the same gas customers,
but those guys are classy. They’ve always
been available to answer questions I have about
the business. And when one of our gas dispensers
got stuck in a Volvo car for 45 minutes, they
came to the rescue. Apparently it happens with
Volvos. Who knew? (I sure didn’t.)
I would tell you about the time one of our
gastenders put regular in a diesel van, but you
might be scared to ever bring your vehicle here.
But don’t worry, it will never happen again. It
better not — cost me $700.
Another thing that will never happen
again? One of our gastenders (coincidentally,
the same one as above) left the pumps switched
on overnight. Good thing no one came to our
station after hours, because they would have
got a LOT of free gas.
Is that gastender still working for us? Yes,
because he’s a really good restaurant server
and they don’t grow on trees. And when he’s
not doing really stupid stuff, he’s a pretty good
gastender, too. Just the other week, someone
came to eat at the restaurant based on that gastender’s
enthusiastic recommendation of our
amazing Thai shrimp soup.
Plus, we all make mistakes. I can’t blame
that gastender (by the way, his name is Terry
O’Brien in case you were wondering) for the
time we ran out of regular gas. That one’s on me.
But that’s never happened again either. Yet.
Someone told me our gas prices are much
higher than in Rio Grande. I asked them to check
how much those guys are paying in rent over
there. This building isn’t cheap. In the offseason,
pumping gas here is more of a public amenity
than a business. We’re not making money in January
and February, but we’re going to stay open.
It’s important.
Back to that Thai shrimp soup... three people
have told me they want to take a bath in it.
I suppose the coconut milk would be good for
your skin.
Everyone should have to work a year in the
restaurant business before they reach adulthood.
It would make them much better people.
And waaaaay better customers. It’s incredible
exit zero 40 april-may
the assumptions people make when they sit
down to eat in a restaurant. I know I absolutely
did before I actually operated a restaurant.
If you’re going to order the well-done
burger, please don’t complain that it takes
nearly 15 minutes to grill. Besides, medium is the
best way to enjoy our juicy burgers.
The most effective way to make sure you
have an enjoyable eating experience? Talk to
your server, or the manager, if something is
wrong. No one is TRYING to make your experience
miserable. But mistakes happen in busy
kitchens. Would be a miracle if they didn’t.
Don’t hold it all in and vent later to TripAdvisor
or Yelp. No one will think you’re a jerk if you let
us know something isn’t right. We WILL think
you’re a jerk if you go on social media later and
write, “Probably the absolute worst restaurant
experience I’ve had in Cape May,” as someone
did after we ran out of waffle fries and had trouble
with our receipt printer.
Cooking in a busy kitchen is a way more
stressful job than you can imagine (unless
you’ve actually worked in a restaurant, and then
you know).
Cooking is so stressful that sometimes
the guys in the kitchen forget to order things.
Important things. Like rice. A restaurant that
serves curry should never run out of rice. But

Portraits of our staff in action... or inaction. And, no, we actually DON’T deliver food to your car, though it would be very cool if we did.
exit zero 41 april-may

Lots of you
wonder what’s
upstairs. It’s
not VIP dining
or a secret
cocktail bar.
The truth is
much more
mundane — it’s
for storage,
and where
the publishing
work gets
done. Pictured
from left:
Jack Wright,
Sean Hagerty,
Jamie Ficke,
Tish Roussos,
Harley
Rohrman,
Garrett
Thompson and
Jimmy Murtha.
exit zero 42 april-may

exit zero 43 april-may

one night last August, at the peak of service, we
did. I ran out the kitchen, drove the car to Acme,
cleared the shelves of basmati rice and drove
like a maniac back to the restaurant. I was tailgating
some guy in a black truck, and I hate tailgaters,
but I couldn’t help it. He stopped dead
in the middle of Lafayette, blocking me, and
yelled out of his window... “Get off my ass, you
asshole!” I yelled back, “I’m sorry! It’s an emergency!”
He pulled right over and let me pass.
Well, for me, it WAS an emergency.
My friend Deanna, who owns the Red Store
with her husband Lucas, was one of the people
who had to wait a long time for their rice that
night. Well, Deanna, this is why.
If I thought I could get away with it, I would
do away with tips tomorrow and increase our
prices by 25%. But customers wouldn’t like it,
and servers DEFINITELY wouldn’t. But, yes,
cooks are usually woefully underpaid and they
would benefit most if we did away with the
tipping system. In our defense, I think we pay
cooks more than a lot of people do.
Speaking of prices, if you think Cape May
restaurants are pricey, consider this: most of
them are open half the year, but they have to
pay rent for the whole year. Trust me, very few
of us are getting rich off this caper. The profit
margins are wafer thin.
But not as wafer thin as gas stations. Oy.
And still speaking of prices... restaurant
prices ARE going to go up by about 25% once
the new minimum wage of $15 kicks in. Don’t
blame us when they do.
Cooking in a kitchen is very difficult. I think
bartending is, too. I have a pretty agile mind, but
it’s not agile enough to remember the orders of
three or four different customers barking at me.
Those people at the Rusty Nail on a Saturday
afternoon in August or Cabanas on a Saturday
night? They’re gods to me.
When I shake a cocktail, my whole body
shakes. Until that was pointed out to me, I didn’t
realize how uncoordinated I was. So, yeah, I
could definitely never be a bartender... though
the Manhattans I make at home? They’re perfect.
I’m not the type to feel sorry for myself but,
maaaan, we’ve had a huge amount of bad luck
and weird things happen to us since we opened
the Filling Station last August. I hope we’re done
with it. Enough excitement already.
We have liquor now at the Filling Station.
That’s a whole new ball of wax. I’ve been to a lot
of bars and drunk a lot of booze in my time, so
I’m not an amateur in this game. But there’s a lot
to learn from the State of New Jersey when you
get your hands on a liquor license.
And I guess I never figured out how quickly
you run out of booze compared to food. That’s
been a learning curve.
But making my first-ever cocktail list? That
was surreal and a lot of fun. Felt like a kid in a
candy store. I don’t mean I’m drinking the profits...
I just like being surrounded by liquor. It
appeals to my creative side.
The best thing you can drink with a curry?
Mango beer, which we have by the can. Next
best is an IPA from Cape May Brew Co., though
I don’t like hops, personally. And if you don’t
like beer? Riesling wine is perfect. We have one
called Kung Fu Riesling. Cool label.
Speaking of labels? I chose our wine list
100% based on how cool the labels were. So if
you like the classics from France and Italy, you
are going to be very disappointed — there’s not
a single one on our list. But lighten up and try
those cool Aussies — they always design the
best labels. Besides, you can get the classics at
the Washington Inn or Ebbitt Room. We always
try to be a little different.
Don’t mix red wine with curry. The spiciness
of the red fights with the curry, and loses
every time.
Two people told us our Mumbai Manhattan
is the best of its kind they’ve ever had. We
added cardamom to the mix because, well, we
Cape May’s original farm-to-table
CHOCOLATE BAR
Dinner @ 5pm
Please call to book
609-884-5882 • 104 JACKSON STREET
106 Jackson Street, Cape May « 609-884-5519
exit zero 44 april-may

SMALL
BATCH
IS WHAT WE DO.
Come see us in the store or connect with us online
for great offers all year long.
615 Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ
smithvillepeanutbutterco.com
324 Carpenter’s Lane
spicecellar.net
324 Carpenter’s Lane
capemayoliveoilcompany.com
516 Carpenter’s Lane
capemaypeanutbutterco.com
exit zero 45 april-may

make Indian curries, so why not?
I’m still amazed by the quality of the murals
on our walls. Brian and Mike DeMusz are
geniuses. Modest geniuses.
Bathrooms are important. I spent a lot of
time trying to get the lighting right, and picking
just the right kinds of graphics and phrases to
use on the murals. And as for those old gas station
pictures? That became an obsession. I can’t
count how many hours it took to find all those.
The hardest part about the restaurant
business is that you can have this amazing
night, where you’re packed from beginning to
end, turning tables efficiently, and everyone is
loving the food. But then you have to start all
over again the next day and last night’s success
is completely irrelevant. In the retail store, I
can order merchandise that never goes off, and
there’s never going to be an issue getting that
T-shirt from our store server to the customer. It’s
a simple and quick transaction. The retail part
of this business is the only one that doesn’t give
me the heebie-jeebies.
In a real interview, I would be asked for my
favorite dish and drink here. That would be our
Mumbai Mushroom or Coco Shrimp curry (with
a Mango Cart beer) or the Ridiculous Burger
(with a Cape May Honey Porter). Okay, that’s it.
I’m done. Come see us — and be nice!
If you’re getting a little in over your head, escape into a reproduction antique diving helmet,
which just happens to be for sale at Exit Zero Filling Station. Yeah, we know it’s weird.
The one book you need!
COOL CAPE MAY
SUMMER 2019 – SPRING 2020
WHERE TO EAT, SHOP, STAY & PLAY
LITTLE ITALY II
RISTORANTE
Home-cooked food that will satisfy you,
your family AND your wallet.
Cool Cape May
Where to Eat, Shop, Stay & Play!
376 pages of great info & photography
Buy from Exit Zero Filling Station at 110 Sunset,
plus Whale’s Tale & Cape Atlantic Book Company
Or online at ezstore.us/books
PIZZA • VONGOLE ALLA CASINO • PENNE ALLA GIOVANNI
SHRIMP FRA DIAVOLO • FLOUNDER MEDITERRANEAN
CHICKEN SALTIMBOCCA ALLA ROMANA
VEAL ALLA VINCENZO
3704 BAYSHORE ROAD, NORTH CAPE MAY
(Cape Plaza Shopping Center) • 889-6610
exit zero 46 april-may

WOOD-FIRED BRICK OVEN PIZZA
Start your night underground at the Boiler Room, where locals
dine on made-to-order pizza, cold beers, and more, featuring
fresh ingredients from our very own Beach Plum Farm.
BEER & COCKTAILS • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT • 12 HDTVS FEATURING SPORTS
BOILERROOMCAPEMAY.COM
DINNER, LATE-NIGHT MENUS AND TAKEOUT | 609.884.6507 | 200 CONGRESS PLACE
exit zero 47 april-may

exit zero 48 april-may

SPECIAL PROMOTION
HOW TO
HAVE
FUN IN
COOL
CAPE
MAY &
SAVE
$400!
Presenting the greatest
collection of money-saving
offers you’ve ever seen...
elegantly packaged as a
designer deck of cards. Turn
the page for more details.
exit zero 49 april-may

THE EXIT ZERO DISCOUNT DECK 2019
USUALLY, something that seems too good to
be true is just that. Well, here’s the exception
to that rule! The Exit Zero Discount Deck,
from Exit Zero magazine, really IS everything
it appears to be... which is THE best way
to enjoy Cape May while saving a lot of money. To be
precise, you will save more than $400 if you use all the
cards in the elegantly designed pack of cards. And all you
pay is $20. Go for dinner at The Ebbitt Room, followed by
breakfast at SeaSalt the next morning and you already got
your money back! And unlike many other special offers,
there are no exceptions or blackout days. These cards are
good for every single day this year, through December 31,
2019. You can buy the Exit Zero Discount Deck from the
Exit Zero Filling Station, 110 Sunset Boulevard, at Collier’s
Liquor Store, Coffee Tyme or Tommy’s Folly at Congress
Hall. Or call us on 609-770-8479 and pay by credit card.
You can also buy it online at ezstore.us.
Savings you can taste!
There are no hidden catches with your Discount Deck. For example,
you can save $10 off the cost of lunch or dinner at the Ugly Mug, with
a minimum spend of just $40! You can go any day of the week, even a
Saturday in sunny August. So get out there and use your deck to enjoy the
tantalizing Cape May eating experience!
} participating restaurants
Aleathea’s
Save $5 on breakfast/lunch — minimum spend $20.
Backstreet
Save $10 on dinner — minimum spend $75.
barefoot bar & Grill
Save $10 on minimum spend $35.
Blue Pig TAVERN
Save $5 on breakfast — minimum spend of $30.
CAPE MAY Brewing Company
Save $5 on a minimum spend of $30.
CAPE MAY Fish Market
Save $10 on lunch/dinner — minimum spend of $50.
COFFEE TYME
Save $5 on minimum spend $20.
cold spring brewery
Save $5 on a minimum spend of $30.
delaney’s irish bar & grill
Save $10 on dinner — minimum spend $50.
THE Ebbitt Room
Save $15 on dinner — minimum spend $100.
exit zero filling station
Save $10 on breakfast/lunch/dinner — minimum of $30.
fins bar & grille
Save $10 on lunch/dinner — minimum spend of $50.
5 West Pub
Save $10 on lunch/dinner — minimum spend $30.
Harpoons ON THE BAY
Save $10 on lunch/dinner — minimum spend $50.
Harry’s OCEAN BAR & GRILLE
Save $5 on B/L, beach service — minimum spend $20.
hawk haven vineyard
Save $10 on a minimum spend of $50.
Mad Batter
Save $10 on dinner — minimum spend $50.
magic brain cafÉ
Save $5 on minimum spend $15.
Merion Inn
Save $15 on dinner — minimum spend $75.
Oyster Bay
Save $10 on dinner — minimum spend $50.
quincy’s original lobster rolls
Save $10 on minimum spend $50.
RUSTY NAIL
Save $5 on breakfast — minimum spend $25.
SeaSalt
Save $5 on breakfast — minimum spend $20.
SeaSalt
Save $10 on dinner — minimum spend $40.
Tisha’s
Save $10 on lunch — minimum spend $30.
Ugly Mug
Save $10 on lunch, dinner — minimum spend $50.
washington inn
Save $10 on dinner — minimum spend $50.
exit zero 50 april-may

HERE COMES THE: SUNRISE
RISE AND SHINE WITH A HEARTY BREAKFAST
Join us for seasonal signature dishes like our Huevos Rancheros, with black
beans, queso fresco, salsa verde, chorizo sausage, avocado, and fresh eggs
from our very own Beach Plum Farm. The warm weather has guests venturing
out onto our open-air patio under sunny skies for their favorite meal.
BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER
RESERVATIONS 609.884.8422 • THEBLUEPIGTAVERN.COM
Located in Congress Hall 200 Congress Place
exit zero 51 april-may

THE EXIT ZERO DISCOUNT DECK 2019
} participating stores
Savings that will inspire you
THE best thing about The Exit Zero Discount Deck?
It’s packed with the kind of establishments you
already frequent, like Collier’s Liquor Store. Enjoy
$10 off a minimum spend of $60 at the iconic Cape
May liquor store! Or wander down the mall to Bath
Time, home of fine bath products. Or sample the goods at A
Place on Earth, where you could save another $5 in minutes!
Wherever you choose to go, it won’t take long to get a return
on your $20 investment. Spoil yourself with a signature
treatment at Accent on Beauty or Sea Spa at Congress Hall.
If you’re feeling a little bit adventurous and in need of some
activity during your vacation, go see the good folks at Cape Sea
Excursons for some whale and dolphin watching. And for some
quality theater, Cape May Stage and East Lynne are offering
$10 off their regular ticket prices. That’s a pretty dramatic
saving! (Get it? Drama?) Let the fun, and the savings, begin.
A Place on Earth
Save $5 on a minimum spend of $30.
Bath Time
Save $5 on a minimum spend of $30.
Cape may Olive Oil Company
Save $10 on a minimum spend of $35.
Cape may peanut butter company
Save $5 on a minimum spend of $25.
Collier’s liquor store
Save $10 on a minimum spend of $60.
exit zero filling station
Save $10 on a minimum spend of $50.
Flying Fish studio
Save $10 on a minimum spend of $40.
Good Scents
Save $10 on a minimum spend of $50.
ORIGINAL FUDGE KITCHEn
Save $3 on a minimum spend of $20.
red oak trading
Save $10 on a minimum spend of $50.
seaside Cheese
Save $5 on a minimum spend of $30.
spice cellar of cape may
Save $5 on a minimum spend of $25
TOMMY’S FOLLY AT CONGRESS HALL
Save $10 on a minimum spend of $50.
} participating salons & spas
accent on Beauty
Save $5 on a minimum spend of $25.
Sea Spa at congress hall
Save $15 on a minimum spend of $100.
} participating activities
Cape may bird observatory
Save $10 on any two-hour walk.
Cape May Stage
Save $10 on a show ticket. (Regular $40)
Cape may trolley tours
Save $3 on a $15 trolley tour
Cape sea excursions
Save $10 on a trip. Minimum spend of $30.
East Coast parasail, Jet ski & jet Boat
Save $10 on some fun. Minimum spend of $40.
East Lynne Theater company
Save $10 on a show ticket. (Regular $35)
historic cold spring village
Save $5 on a minimum spend of $24.
STEGER STANDUP PADDLEBOARD
Save $5 on paddleboard rental — minimum $30.
exit zero 52 april-may

WE’RE NOT JUST FARM TO TABLE,
WE’RE THE TABLE ON THE FARM.
INTIMATE SATURDAY DINNERS FEATURING
OUR OWN EGGS, MEATS, & HAND-HARVESTED PRODUCE
visit bpfcapemay.com to reserve
140 Stevens Street, West exit zero Cape 53 april-may May | 609. 602.0128

exit zero 54 april-may

NAMED BEST HOTEL IN NEW JERSEY
BY CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER
Encompassing fresh sea breezes and breathtaking
sunsets, all guestrooms & suites are rich in
appointments, elegance and easy coastal style.
Experience the spa side of life at the all-new SALT SPA.
Relax the mind, renew the body, and revive the soul
with an unsurpassed luxury spa experience.
STONE HARBOR’S ONLY LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA
609.368.0100 | reedsatshelterhaven.com
A REFINED HOSPITALITY PROPERTY
exit zero 55 april-may

GRAB & GO
GRAB GO
AT CONGRESS HALL | OPEN DAILY
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exit zero 56 april-may

a cape may moment
Victoria Benesch rocks Cabanas during the annual Singer Songwriter Cape May event at the end of March. Aleksey Moryakov
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exit zero 58 april-may

The Birdman of Cape May
David La Puma fell in love with birds in his 20s. Now, his message is
to spread the gospel to the world: birding is not for geeks, and THE
place to do it is right here. So where are the secret spots to enjoy
our feathered friends? (AND his favorite places to get breakfast.)
interview jack wright
photography suzanne kulperger
First, a quick bit of background, Mr Birdman.
Where did you grow up and go to school? Born
and raised in Miami. Studied at Ithaca College,
New York, for undergraduate, did a little Masters
work at Florida International University,
Miami, and then my PhD at Rutgers. Two postdocs,
one at NJ Audubon, another at University
of Delaware, but remotely from the University
of Wisconsin in Madison.
Tell us about your family, and where were
you guys before coming to Cape May? I’m married
to a woman who is more beautiful and much
smarter than I am. Inga is a landscape ecologist
and is the fire-science communications director
for the Northeast Fire Science Compact. She is
the conduit between those doing research on
wildfires and those on the ground either lighting
them for prescription burning or putting
them out for loss prevention. On most days
she’s working from home running the website,
sending out newsletters, boiling down complex
research into research briefs, and planning
meetings and events. Sometimes she’s out on
the front lines burning or fighting fires, aka her
happy place.
We have two daughters, ages eight and 10,
both true Jersey Girls. We’ve been in and out of
New Jersey since 2004, when we came here for
me to start a PhD program at Rutgers. Inga soon
followed suit and began her PhD that same year.
I finished in 2010 and we decided that if we
were going to stay in New Jersey, we should be
exit zero 59 april-may
in the epicenter of bird migration that is Cape
May. I approached NJ Audubon about the possibility
of studying bird migration using radar,
which led to a two-year postdoc in Cape May.
During that time we had our youngest child (we
would find out later that our landlady in North
Cape May would caution our future landlord
against us because we had a home birth in the
house without warning her) while living between
the bay and Cox Hall Creek. What a perfect
spot! Easy long walks on the bay, a wilderness
playground on the other side of the road; it was
great. During that time, Inga finished her PhD
and landed a postdoc at University of Wisconsin
in Madison. We headed out there for almost
three years, during which I conducted a postdoc
and worked for Leica Sport Optics as a product
specialist. That job is where I traveled the
most, running a booth at various birding festivals
across the US.
What brought you to Cape May Bird
Observatory? While we were in Wisconsin,
Pete Dunne had a stroke that left him partially
paralyzed. Soon after, he announced that he
would be stepping down from the director position
at the bird observatory, and I started putting
my application together.
How aware were you of the organization
previously? Before me and Inga left Key Largo,
where we were living before heading to Rutgers,
we had dinner with friends who were also living
in the Keys studying birds. When they heard we

David LaPuma took over from Pete Dunne as director of
Cape May Bird Observatory five years ago. Of his job, he
says, “On the worst days, it’s work; and on the best days it’s
a dream. I get to work with fantastic people who all believe
in the mission we are committed to. You don’t do this work
to get rich, you do it because of a fire inside you. I made a
decision a long time ago that I wouldn’t work my butt off for
two weeks of vacation, but rather find something that I love
where it feels like I’m on vacation at work.”
were going to Rutgers, they gave us the full rundown of why
we had to go to Cape May. Both had worked here seasonally
for the bird observatory, and both raved about the community.
When I arrived in New Jersey, I quickly learned more
about New Jersey Audubon, became a member of CMBO
and started going on walks run by New Jersey Audubon across
the state. I would go on to participate in the World Series of
Birding here in Cape May for several years while at Rutgers
and would meet many great Audubon staff during my graduate
work. I’m always impressed with how many people I meet
across the country and internationally who know of Cape
May’s reputation as a birding mecca.
How familiar were you with Cape May before you came
here? All of my family growing up, the ones not in Florida that
is, were in Bergen County or spread across the five boroughs
of New York City. So when we went down the shore from my
cousin’s in New Jersey, we went as far as Spring Lake. I honestly
had no idea Cape May existed until I was planning to
move to New Jersey for graduate school.
How have you adapted to living year-round on the
island? I love Cape May year-round, especially when I can
travel a month in the winter. When we were in Wisconsin, it
amazed me that the place still functioned at such a high level
through brutal winters. I’d see people jogging, in the snow, with
strollers covered in these thick plastic shells to keep the kids
warm! They would even ride fat bikes on snow-packed trails to
work! Our kids went to a Waldorf school that required all kids
to have rain and snow gear at the school just in case. So, the
kids were outside every day, rain sleet or snow! They even had
a chimenea that they would light before school and the kids
would warm up in between bouts of playing on the snow-covered
playground. So, contrast this with Cape May, where, when
it snows an inch, everyone hibernates! That has been a little
harder to deal with. Even the kids’ school has a policy to not go
outside when it’s below freezing. They’re getting better, but it’s
a bit of an uphill battle. If you want to be a year-round community,
you’ve got to find ways to be active all year. I’d like to see
more activities for kids through the winter, but overall we’re
happy with our community, and West Cape May is the BEST Cape May!
Your favorite spot on the planet? No idea. I wouldn’t be surprised
if I haven’t been there yet. Inga always accuses me of falling in love with
wherever I am. The first time I call home when on a new trip, I tell them
how wonderful it is, and how I could see us living there. Did that a few
weeks ago when I was presenting at San Diego Bird Festival. San Diego is
rad! Great landscapes, great birds, the people are great, pot is legal, and
you can surf and snowboard in the same day! I fell in love. I’ll be back, but
I’m not ready to pull up stakes and move out west.
How many trips a year out of the country do you typically make?
Depends. Since 2014 we’ve forged some wonderful partnerships with bird
observatories in Sweden, the UK and Israel, so I’ve been to each of them
several times over the last five years. New Jersey Audubon also has an
EcoTravel program where we offer tours, so I’ve enjoyed putting together
some of these, including a Wisconsin tour and a Cuba tour, the latter
which I’ve run for the last two years in January. I love the tropics — we’ve
done a little traveling to Panama over the last few years. It has been really
cool to watch our daughters geek out in the tropics with all the wild biodiversity
and new cultural experiences. I didn’t get that chance until I was
out of college.
Did you always want to work in the wildlife realm? I didn’t know what
I wanted to do. I was the first in my family to go to college, so it was just
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important to do that and finish, no matter what. I started in the business
school. That lasted all of one year, and after financial accounting I decided
it wasn’t for me… so I poked around trying out different things. I took an
environmental history class that got me interested, and so I went down
the rabbit hole of environmental economics, environmental ethics, biology,
chemistry, ecology etc. But it was a field ornithology class that really
blew my mind and opened my eyes to birds. That was 1995.
How much do you and Inga encourage this in your children, or do
you believe they should follow their own paths without any nudging?
We try and get them outside as much as possible. I hate the “when I was
your age” stories, but damn! When we were their age we were feral creatures!
Come home, do your homework (or not), run outside. All we had to
do was be home before dinner. They will follow their own paths, whether
we like it or not. We’re just trying to give them the tools necessary to make
the best decisions. That last sentence sounds really great. If only it were
easy… or, like, even possible. My dad always said, “Parenting is the hardest
job with the least experience, and no good manual.” Amen.
What’s your mission at CMBO? Connecting people to nature, and
stewarding the nature of today for the people of tomorrow. I had a real
hard time the first time I read that. It seemed very people-focused and
I felt it was lacking the intrinsic value of nature. But it quickly became
clear how right-on it is. Birds don’t vote; only people do. It’s beautiful in
its simplicity. If you can’t connect people to nature in Cape May, where
can you?! And if you connect people to nature, you’ll be able to take the
next step, and build community to steward the nature of today for the
generations to come.
Beginning in 1976, Pete Dunne began building what would become a
very successful model of connecting people to nature. He made birding
accessible, put Cape May on the global birding map, wrote wonderful stories
about birding in Cape May, and started several long-term research
projects that are the DNA of the organization today. When I came on
five years ago I saw some great opportunities to elevate the long-term
data we’ve been collecting. We took our 40-plus years of data on raptors,
waterbirds and songbirds and built a proper database where we could
collect new data and display it with the historic data online in real time.
Now we have online visitors from around the world checking in to see
what’s flying over Cape May, and talking about it all over the internet!
Ultimately, I want CMBO to reach its full potential as a bird observatory:
keeping our finger on the pulse of migration, training the conservation
leaders of tomorrow, and connecting more people than ever to the
wonders of nature. As Pete would say, we’re a tank of gas from 60 million
people. If we can’t do it, who can?!
What constitutes a birder? Do you even like the word? I love the
word, but I’m also okay with not using it. I mean, I love to ride my bike,
but I’m not a biker. I love to swim, but I’m not a swimmer. So I can see the
reluctance of some folks who do enjoy birding to not be defined by it. I’m
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fine being defined by it… but if you’re expecting
a pocket vest and Tilley hat, you’re going to be
disappointed.
Do you feel lucky having a job that you
presumably love — getting to indulge in your
passions? On the worst days, it’s work; and on
the best days it’s a dream. I get to work with
fantastic people who all believe in the mission
we are committed to. You don’t do this work to
get rich, you do it because of a fire inside you. I
made a decision a long time ago that I wouldn’t
work my butt off for two weeks of vacation, but
rather find something that I love where it feels
like I’m on vacation at work.
What are your daily/weekly rituals around
here? I try and get out and take a walk at one of
the many great birding locations in Cape May
several times a week. The Nature Conservancy’s
South Cape May Meadows Preserve, Cape
May Point State Park, Higbee Beach and the
Rea Farm are my go-to birding spots. We often
go with our friends and their kids for long walks
into Davey’s Lake, where you can feel like you’re
miles away from civilization when you’re only
a 20-minute walk to the parking lot on Sunset
Boulevard.
My weekly ritual is going in to Sunset
Liquors to see the wonderful people there…
and while I’m there, scout out the newest double
IPA or imperial stout. When I’m on top of it,
I attend Mark Jacopec’s Island Man’s Yoga class
at his house, which is followed by beer, because
that’s apparently how you get men to do yoga
(I’m not complaining).
Favorite places to eat, drink, get coffee?
There are so many wonderful places to eat and
drink in Cape May! Obviously, I love Exit Zero
Filling Station, now super-sized with a bar! The
Kraken Wings are my jam, and all the curries
are delicious. I love the burgers, especially that
one that should not exist but does. The WTF?
Burger… I forgot the name, but it has the lobster
on it. [Editor’s Note: It’s the Cray Cray.] Yeah,
that should be illegal, but until it is, I’ll be eating
it. I LOVE El Pueblo for tacos. That dude is
killing it over there [in North Cape May]. Anything
Lucas Manteca touches…The Red Store,
Quahogs, the Taco Shop. Beach Plum Farm for
the breakfast-and-birding combo — the place is
amazing and keeps getting better.
What are your favorite places to visit in
the US? I love going back to Miami, especially
down to the Florida Keys. If I had to live somewhere
else, it would probably be there. I love
New Orleans for the music and culture, and the
Gulf Coast for the birding, so NOLA for the
Jazz and Heritage Festival is the perfect storm
of music, food and birds — that’s the last weekend
in April and the first weekend in May, which
is also peak for trans-Gulf migration of birds
coming up from the Yucatan. I love the desert
southwest, Chiricahua Mountains of SE Arizona,
the Bay Area of California, Alaska, and the Oregon
coast. There are so many places out west
that I haven’t visited yet, including the Grand
Canyon! I’ve got a pretty long to-do list.
Describe your perfect day in Cape May. It
happens every fall. A cold front comes through,
bringing moderate-to-strong NW winds. That
night migration-ready birds from the eastern
Great Lakes to eastern Canada rise up after
sunset and head south, drifted east on the
winds. Just after midnight I pop my head out
and can hear the faint seeps and chips of thousands,
or tens-of-thousands, of songbirds high
overhead. I look at the radar and see the telltale
signal of birds migrating overhead and vectoring
to the coast. I sleep for a few hours, wake before
sunrise, get dressed and head to Higbee Beach
for the official Morning Flight Songbird Count.
As the eastern sky warms, the pace of passage
picks up and soon we’re engulfed in a stream of
warblers, orioles, woodpeckers and cedar waxwings.
Bobolinks high overhead give their telltale
call even if they’re too high to see at first.
Ruby-crowned Kinglets, little caffeinated birds
that they are, flit and flick through the vegetaexit
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tion on the dike and weave in and out between
our legs as they too work north along the dike.
A merlin, a small falcon, tears through the river
of birds and picks off an unsuspecting American
Redstart, one of our more commonly counted
warblers. The harsh reality of migration: everyone
has to eat. I bask in these waves of migrants
for several hours and then head down to the
fields of Higbee, walking the hedgerows and
catching glimpses of bird after bird feeding
voraciously as they move though the vegetation.
This is Higbee magic. This is what birders think
of when they think of Cape May in fall.
Before heading to Cape May Point, I hit up
West Side Market for a breakfast sandwich, or
maybe Sunset Grille for one of theirs, or maybe
Beach Plum Farm… and now I’ve got Exit Zero
Filling Station! I take my breakfast to the Cape
May Hawkwatch platform as the raptors begin
to soar. Northwest winds bode well for the
hawkwatch and it’s not long before I’m watching
American Kestrels queue up along the dune
line, catching dragonflies as they pass. Merlins,
too, are on the hunt, for dragons or songbirds,
and the Peregrine Falcon powers overhead,
heading for the Florida Keys before crossing
into the Caribbean or down to Central and
South America. By midday, the sky is full of
raptors, hawks, eagles and falcons, and the platform
is a constant chorus of ooohs and aaaahhhs.
The naturalists explain what’s going on to
anyone who comes on to the platform, and the
locals take their places among the benches and
viewing areas, just as excited about the birds as
they are seeing each other. If birding in Cape
May has a town square, it’s the Hawkwatch platform.
As the day winds down, I’ll head to the TNC
Meadows for an evening walk and a chance to
see something interesting — a short-eared or
barn owl? Or maybe a least bittern, or American
bittern, or some other secretive marsh bird.
Plus, sunset at the Meadows is exquisite in its
own right.
If it’s a perfect day, it’s a Thursday in fall,
when birders take turns hosting potlucks
around town. A Thursday night potluck after
a massive migration day is a glorious thing —
the house is abuzz with stories of the day, rosy
cheeks from wind burn and several glasses
of wine, and a bonding over birds, but probably
just as much over people; a community of
locals, visitors, people returning after years of
being away, and a new generation of birders:
the future.
Subject change. What will you be doing on
July 4 this year? I LOVE fireworks, so hopefully
being somewhere with fireworks. Last year we
had a potluck on the beach at The Cove. It was
awesome. The two years before that we were
in Panama… so not so many fireworks, but monkeys
and quetzals and... just so much nature.
If any of our readers have any interest in
taking up birding, what’s the first thing they
should do? Stop by CMBO’s Northwood Center
at 701 East Lake Drive in Cape May Point.
We will get your sorted out! We’re open seven
days a week in spring, summer and fall. If you’re
here in April or May, you can also stop by our
Center for Research and Education in Cape
May Court House, located very close to the Delaware
Bay during the amazing spring migration
of shorebirds that coincides with the spawning
of horseshoe crabs. If you haven’t seen that, you
need to put it on your bucket list! But we’ve got
something for everyone year-round. We’ve even
got stuff for your SOB — that’s Spouse of Birder.
Do you think there is anything the city
could be doing to further promote Cape May
as a birding/nature destination? Of course!
And to be honest, we’ve been working with
the city to do just that. There should be huge
banners when you come into town, saying WEL-
COME BIRDERS! And placemaking signs at all
the major birding destinations. The city should
be all over it — ecotourism is the fastest-growing
tourism segment, and Cape May is in the top
sites worldwide for birding, and in the top two
for fall migration.
There should
“
be huge
banners when
you come into
town, saying
WELCOME
BIRDERS! The
city should
be all over it
— ecotourism
is the fastestgrowing
tourism
segment, and
Cape May is in
the top sites
worldwide for
birding, and in
the top two for
fall migration.
”
V
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You took over from Pete Dunne, who was
instrumental in establishing Cape May as a
birding mecca. What have you learned from
him? On day one, Pete gave me a cartoon of
Sisyphus. I often refer to it — when the bureaucracy
makes me feel like I’m pushing a rock
uphill, I use it as a check and change course.
Pete had been the director for more than 30 of
the 40 years of CMBO when I came on. That’s
a lot of institutional knowledge! Pete’s office
was just down the hall, so when I would get a
donation from a donor I could walk down and
ask him, “What can you tell me about so and
so,” and more often than not he could give me
their whole history. This is after Pete’s stroke —
he’s got one hand that doesn’t work, and partial
paralysis in his face, and gets winded after a few
hours of activity, but that man’s mind is sharp
as a tack. Pete is old school, so we often have
spirited discussions about technology, its place
in birding versus being a distraction from birding.
It was a wonderful experience watching him
work back when I was a postdoc, and it’s been
great having had five good years of working
with him in the office. I look forward to seeing
Pete in the field this fall, at the Hawkwatch.
Finally, if you could be a bird, what species
would you be? I don’t want to be a bird. But I
would like to fly. Maybe I’d be a bat.
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victoriousincapemay.com

Drinking In History
This past winter, it received a top-to-bottom renovation,
featuring a magnificent new bar. But one thing that hasn’t changed
about The Brown Room? Those walls could tell a LOT of stories.
article jack wright
photography jessica orlowicz
Ease yourself into one of the comfy new chairs in The Brown Room,
which nestles in the bosom of Cape May’s magnificent Congress Hall
hotel, and, as you sip on your drink and take in the Gatsbyesque feel
of the room, you might get the feeling that you’re steeping yourself in
a little bit of history. Some rooms do that to you. In the case of The
Brown Room, there’s a LOT of history within these four walls. If you’re making
the acquaintance of this classy joint for the first time this summer, you’d be
forgiven for not realizing it’s a brand-new space — even though it was gutted
this winter and renovated from top to bottom, it feels like it’s been this way for
years. That’s the beauty of good design.
If you’ve been a regular here over the years, you will, however, notice a huge
difference. First of all, the bar took a 90-degree turn and was moved against the
wall overlooking the lawn, where it used to sit in the 1960s before the bar was
tossed on to the lawn by firebrand (and teetotal) preacher the Reverend Carl
McIntire, who bought Congress Hall in 1967. The bar was also greatly enlarged
and completely rebuilt, featuring bar stools all the way around, which always
produces the most convivial lounge vibes.
The brown-and-white Schumacher flocked wallpaper has divided opinion in
town — some think it delightful, while others think it’s way too busy. Either way,
it’s definitely different and lends a charm to the old room.
Four sitting presidents drank at this place (a couple of them much more

Above: Soldiers and airmen would frequent Congress Hall’s bar
during World War Two — note that the bar was to the right of the
doors that lead to the lobby. Top: The garish red-and-black design
was a product of the 1960s — this is where the new bar is positioned
following the winter renovation.
Right: Four sitting US Presidents stayed at Congress Hall and
imbibed at the bar (some more than others) — from left, Franklin
Piarce, James Buchanan, Ulysses Grant and Benjamin Harrison.
Opposite: Scenes from the all-new Brown Room. It IS still brown,
but everything is new, from the flocked wallpaper to the hardwood
flooring, the plush chairs and, of course, the repositioned, muchenlarged
bar.
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copiously than others). Then along came prohibition and, when
it ended, Congress Hall became the first hotel in post-prohibition
Cape May to open a cocktail bar. As a result, Congress Hall
became, not for the first or last time, the center of Cape May
nightlife. During World War II, locals rubbed shoulders at the
bar with naval officers and troops stationed in town, listening to
the sounds of Eddie Sheppard, an RCA and CBS recording artist
who played requests on his Hammond organ.
In the 1960s, the formerly conservative decor was given an
update, decorated in red vinyl and named the Yankee Doodle
Cocktail Lounge (“fabulously beautiful,” said local newspaper
advertisements). It was by all accounts a rocking and occasionally
raucous little joint, open until 2am. The entertainment was
supplied by Kenny Shaffer, whose lyrics were the sauciest ever
heard by an entertainer at Congress Hall. Often, people would end
up dancing on his piano.
That all ended in December of 1967, when Reverend McIntire
bought the hotel. On his first day, McIntire summoned a group
of helpers and had them dismantle the cocktail bar. It would
be 35 years before another drink was poured at the hotel, when
McIntire’s grandson, Curtis Bashaw, reopened the hotel and
renamed this historic bar The Brown Room following a renovation
that featured, well, a lot of brown paint, chairs and bar stools.
So, today, whether you’re sipping a scotch (as President
Ulysses Grant very much liked to do) or savoring a hearty glass of
cabernet, you’ll be enjoying it in fine company and fine comfort,
surrounded by some very ornate wallpaper...
exit zero 67 april-may

When mating, the male Ceratioidei Anglerfish
(that’s the little guy circled) digs its teeth into
the much larger female’s belly until the bodies
fuse permanently. They share a bloodstream. All
his organs — except for the testes — dissolve.
exit zero 68 april-may

The Sarcastic
Fringehead,
Hairy Frogfish
and Other
Really Weird
Creatures of
the Deep
(That you likely, hopefully,
won’t bump into when you’re
swimming at the Cove.)
article diane stopyra
exit zero 69 april-may

When you live or vacation in Cape May, discussions
about the ocean center around how beautiful it is. How
clean. How clear. How dotted with white sailboats and
surfing dolphins. We photograph the horizon at sunset,
buy pastel renderings of the beach on ornaments and
fridge magnets, and download wave-lapping sounds at
bedtime.
We’ve gotten so wrapped up in this idea of the sea as
liquid zen, we’ve totally forgotten the other side of the
story: The ocean is the freakiest place on earth.
Is it pretty? Sure. Does gazing at it lower your blood
pressure and calm your nerves? Yep, us too. And, yet,
this pulsing blue abyss holds the weirdest, most alien
creatures alive. Some are hideous. Some are adorable.
Some will haunt your dreams. (Apologies for that in
advance). But all serve to deepen our appreciation of
mother ocean’s rhythmic majesty — in all her freaky glory.
We’ve outlined 12 of our favorite, weirdest sea
creatures — and what draws us to them.
Happy(?) swimming!
Unusual suspects:
Above, the
wonderfully
named Sarcastic
Fringehead;
right, the Asian
Sheepshead Wrasse;
below, the Dumbo
Octopus.
Blobfish
The Ugly Animal Preservation Society, an organization which raises
the profile of “aesthetically challenged” creatures, crowned the
blobfish — a boneless thing that barely moves — the World’s Ugliest
Animal in 2013. We’re not sure the poor thing needs its profile raised.
On Saturday Night Life, Kate McKinnon has played an unattractive
mermaid who is 65 percent blobfish. And, in a Credit Karma
commercial, a man distraught over his poor credit carries a blobfish
support animal onto a plane. According to the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Association, the blobfish looks like “a big, blobby
tadpole.” We think he looks more like a cute little peanut merely in
need of a hug.
Goblin Shark
The creepy, freaky goblin shark has a mushy skeleton and a pinkish
exit zero 70 april-may

hue because the outer layer of its skin is transparent, meaning what
you’re actually seeing is blood pumping through its demonic body.
(No, really, the shark was named for a red-faced, Japanese demon.)
With its blade-like snout and protruding jaw that catapults several
inches from its mouth due to elastic tendons, this guy is the stuff
of nightmares. But no worries — while goblin sharks exist in every
ocean, there’s been only 45 identified in the world, and most of those
hang near Japan. So it’s not likely you’ll confront one while wading at
the Cove. Where you will spot one? On the silver screen. The terrifying
neomorph in 2013’s Alien: Covenant was inspired by this real-life
monster.
Dumbo Octopus
How’d this guy get its name? Those ears are a dead giveaway. Found
in every ocean, dumbo octopuses live between three and five years
exit zero 71 april-may

and are hunted by sharks and killer whales in that time. They’re loners
who spend most of their lives in crevices and under rocks on the
ocean floor, coming out only to eat and mate. They reach depths of up
to 12,000 feet and use their eight arms, equipped with harpoon-like
barbs, for holding onto dinner — small crustaceans and worms. The
males also deliver sperm into females via these arms, which is NSFD
(not safe for Disney).
Pelican Eel
Nicknamed a “gulper,” this creature is not really an eel at all — it’s
a scaleless fish named for a giant mouth that extends like that
of a pelican to hold on to prey larger than itself. As far as fish go,
this guy is a pretty poor swimmer. Instead, he relies on a pink or
red, bioluminescent (aka glow-in-the-dark) tail that draws in
mesmerized prey. Gulpers, which can be more than three feet long
with a body that’s half tail, prefer to stay between 4,000 and 26,000
feet deep, where sunlight cannot reach. They die after they mate.
Ceratioidei Anglerfish
The beady-eyed anglerfish, which can grow to 110 pounds, is a scarylooking
beast. But the most horrifying thing is the way it mates. To
get it on, males dig their teeth into a female’s belly until the bodies
fuse permanently. They share a bloodstream, and all his organs —
except for the testes — dissolve. Oh, and females have a natural,
fleshy fishing rod that sticks out from the head and glows in the dark
to attract prey. Try not to freak out — these guys prefer water up to a
mile deep.
The poor little Blobfish and, right, the Red-lipped Batfish, who looks
mighty angry that someone smeared lipstick on him.
Water Bear
This nearly microscopic, eight-legged champ is ridiculously resilient.
A healthy specimen will live only a few months, but water bears under
duress will repeatedly defy death. After being dried out for 10 years,
they come back to life. In fact, there’s not much they can’t survive.
Radiation? No problem. Extreme temperatures ranging from -458
to 304-degrees fahrenheit? Fine. Starvation? Ha. Interstellar travel?
Child’s play. No kidding — scientists sent water bears into orbit for 10
days in 2007, and 68 percent of them came back unscathed, becoming
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exit zero 72 april-may

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exit zero 73 april-may

the first animals to survive the vacuum of space. Researchers insist
that if an asteroid were to wipe out the planet, chubby little water
bears would still be kicking. Go figure.
Red-lipped Batfish
You won’t run into the red-lipped batfish in Cape May — he prefers to
hang around the Galapagos — but we had to include him because, well,
look at those lips! The brighter the pout, it’s believed, the easier time
this fish has attracting a mate. Animals… they’re just like us. These
guys also come equipped with perfume… they secrete a pleasantsmelling
fluid to attract prey. The creature’s scientific name is Darwini,
after Charles Darwin, since the biologist came up with his theory of
evolution in this guy’s stomping grounds. Or, we should say, walking
grounds. The red-lipped batfish is a bottom dweller who prefers
strolling to swimming, using his pelvic fins as feet.
Black Swallower
Discovery.com calls this guy a “nightmarish binge eater,” and for
good reason. He’s less than 10 inches long, but able to swallow
creatures twice his length and 10 times his mass — whole and in a
single bite, hence the giant, expanding stomach that hangs below
his body. Black swallowers have never been caught on camera live —
the only way we’ve gotten a look at them is because they sometimes
swallow something so massive (say, a three-foot mackerel) that it
starts decomposing in the stomach before the fish can fully digest it.
Gasses from this decomposition process fill the swallower up like a
balloon until he dies and floats to the surface.
The Water Bear looks cuddly but this little sucker is indestructible.
Right, the Hairy Frogfish can change its color and texture.
Hairy Frogfish
Surprise! The cantaloupe-sized hairy frogfish isn’t hairy, just covered
in spiny bits of skin that make it look like a bottom-dwelling toupee
— cute! It also doesn’t swim much, but uses fins to crawl along the
seafloor. When a hairy frogfish spots its prey (a fish or crab up to twice
its size), it dangles a long, fleshy spine in front of its own mouth. This
built-in fishing rod mimics the movements of a sea worm to draw
the target in. The frogfish’s mouth then extends the length of his
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exit zero 74 april-may

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exit zero 75 april-may

This “nightmarish binge eater” is less than 10 inches long, but is able
to swallow whole creatures twice his length and 10 times his mass.
Clockwise from top left: the nightmarish trio of Pelican Eel, Goblin Shark and Black Swallower, and then the adorable little Piglet Squid.
body to snap the creature up in six milliseconds so other fish don’t
see — blink and you’ll miss it. Females have been known to gobble
up potential mates who get in their way. To make this hunting easier,
the hairy frogfish is able to change his color and even texture (think
smooth like seaweed or grainy like sand) to match his surroundings.
Asian Sheepshead Wrasse
This bulbous-headed creature, which inhabits rocky reef areas in the
western Pacific and can grow to 32 pounds, switches from female to
male, most likely so that it can maximize reproductive opportunities.
This change was captured on film, and it’s commonly regarded as one
of the strangest sequences in the Netflix Blue Planet series. There is
evidence to suggest this guy is a social fish — a diver in Japan has
been calling one particular wrasse, whom he nursed back to health,
to his side for 25 years using an underwater bell.
Sarcastic Fringehead
This spectacularly monikered maverick lives in little rocky crevices,
shells or tubes dug out by sea snails and other creatures. Females
deposit their eggs in the tube of a male, who’s then tasked with
protecting them, so males are very territorial about their space. When
they feel challenged by another male, they open their large, colorful
mouths — an action that has been compared to the alien in Predator —
to intimidate each other. Then they’ll charge at one another and begin
what’s called a “kissy battle” — they press their mouths together until
they determine who’s bigger. (They have poor eyesight, so it’s tough
to figure this out on sight alone.) The smaller one usually leaves. But,
if not, these guys aren’t afraid to attack other sarcastic fringeheads,
other marine animals or the fingers of nosy divers, with their needlelike
teeth. And the name? It refers to the original definition of the
word sarcastic, derived from the Greek word sarkazo — “to tear flesh.”
Piglet Squid
This cartoonesque little guy, the size of an avocado, lives in all oceans,
has eight arms and, well, looks like a baby pig. He has a little snout for
breathing and filling himself with water for propulsion purposes. He
also has two tentacles, which together look like a mop of hair when he
swims, which he does upside down. He has light-producing organs
behind his eyes which allow him to navigate through black water
more than 320 feet below the surface. And, perhaps most importantly,
the creature’s cuteness makes it an unofficial ambassador for the
cephalopods, proving that they’re not all of hideous countenances.
exit zero 76 april-may

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exit zero 77 april-may

Cape May
Point: A
Love Story
Lauren Eadline’s great-grandfather Percy never
knew what he was starting when he purchased
a little cottage at the Point for $50 in 1960...

Percy and Viola Eadline with their
Cape May Point pals around 1940.

Lauren Eadline may live in upstate New York, but her heart will always
be in Cape May Point. Her great-grandfather built a house on a $50
lot in the Point in 1960, and the storied property has been a source
of joy for every generation of Eadline since. Now, Lauren’s last living
grandmother has advanced Alzheimer’s, and the house had to be sold,
which brought a complicated mix of emotions. There’s grief, to be sure,
at the loss of such a beloved space. But there’s also appreciation.
“Gratitude for all the years and all the memories is still the strongest
emotion I have about all this,” Lauren wrote to us. “I want to share that
gratitude with the Cape May community since everything about this
place has shaped who I am today.”
On her last visit to the house, Lauren penned a letter to her late
great-grandfather, which explains some of the home’s remarkable
history (spoiler: Norman Rockwell stayed here) and, in doing so, tells the
story of the Eadline family.
“I’m asking you to publish my letter for memory,” Lauren explained.
“For the memories my grandmother has lost, and the ones I pray the
rest of my family never does. To put in writing that there once was a
little house in the Point that not only belonged to my family, but defined
it… Something I can give to our Cape May neighbors to say thank you.”
exit zero 80 april-may
A letter to a great-grandfather...
I know I’ve never met you. Or at least
I don’t think I have. When I was a baby we
might have crossed paths, but you don’t
know the me that is me. You don’t know
how the decisions you made in your life
have affected my sense of love, of family,
of self. They probably seemed insignificant
to you, those decisions. But as I sit here in
your house with the fifth generation of our
family who has sat in it, I want you to know
a few things.
I know it probably didn’t seem like
much, when you bought what would now
be a half-million-dollar property in a little
corner of a little corner of Cape May
called The Point. I know no one cared about
it then. I know you moved to The Point in
1960 after years of vacationing there, and I
know it cost you 50 bucks to buy the property
instead of 100 because you bought a
half lot. Because who knew what The Point
would become. And who knew what it
would become to me and to us.
You never really wanted my dad around.
Or my grandparents. Or my aunts and
uncles. They would rent a place in Wild-

wood about 15 minutes away and ride the
rides on Hunt’s Pier back when it was safe
to let your kids eat cotton candy by themselves.
You liked your peace and quiet in The
Point. You liked your peace and quiet when
you were painting. My fiancé’s daughter is
sleeping in bunk beds in the room that used
to be your dark room. Did you know that?
Did you know that those beds have meant
more to our family than a thousand photos?
Did you mean for that? Did you mean for
any of it?
Norman Rockwell did dishes in this
kitchen. He came in ’62 when the hurricane
ravaged Cape May but the jetties held The
Point. Sort of. Okay, not at all. But I like
the story better that way. He came to take
pictures. He came a few times in our family’s
history. You were friends, he and you.
And he left things with you. He left you
sketches. He left you sketches and that was
your fortune, the sketches and the house at
The Point. When you left this world, you
had two sons, and my grandfather fought
to make sure that this house, that you never
meant to be a beach house, stayed in Eadline
hands. I hope the Rockwell drawings
Opposite page: Author Lauren Eadline’s
great-grandfather Percy Eadline with
legendary illustrator Norman Rockwell on
the beach at Cape May in 1962. Rockwell is
famous for his Saturday Evening Post covers,
one of which was supposed to include a
portrat from Cape May. Percy, a talented
photographer who owned a little cottage
at Cape May Point, was selected to shoot
the photos that would inspire Rockwell’s
drawing. Sadly, the Cape May drawing
never made it to the cover of the Post,
but Percy and the artist kept up a warm
correspondence, as these letters show.
exit zero 81 april-may
are happy, wherever they ended up. I don’t
regret my grandfather’s decision to sell
them for the house: had that not happened,
I wouldn’t be sitting here now. I wouldn’t be
sitting here while an eight-year-old sleeps
in your dark room, still taking in everything
she’s seen today. I remember that feeling.
I know you don’t know what you’ve given
us. I know there’s no way for you to understand
that your little place by Lake Lilly,
with the view of the lighthouse and a bike
ride from the beach, has brought our family
together for five generations. That children
have been here. Husbands and ex-husbands.
Best friends, nieces and nephews.
Babies and grown-ups. Grandparents and
hopeful stepmothers. This house created
traditions. This house created bonds. This
house has made memories, held hearts and
mended grief. This house is our home.
This house has stood through so much.
Through the rescuing of the Victorians in
Cape May in the 1970s. Through the ’62
Nor’easter and Hurricane Sandy. Through
the development of The Point. Through
fights over that leftover half acre. This little
cottage... the one we laugh at for being the

The Cape May Point Eadline family album,
clockwise from above: G-G Viola on the
beach, 1970s; the family cottage in the Point
after the devastating nor’easter in March,
1962; the boys playing with Lauren’s great
grandfather’s camera in the early 1960s;
great-grandfather Percy and G-G Viola
with Tim, Doug and Steve in 1964; author
Lauren with mother Shirley on the beach
at the Point in 1985; gran and her grandkids
in 2016, with author Lauren in the center;
Lauren’s uncle Doug buried on the beach in
Wildwood, 1964.
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more
than
just
honey
135 SUNSET BOULEVARD, WEST CAPE MAY
609-425-6434 « capemayhoneyfarm.com

Take The Chill
Challenge!
Take an active role in demonstrating
that you care about Cape May by making
some energetic energy choices!
• Buy locally and invest in and use your own reusable grocery bags
• Invest in and use a reusable water bottle and coffee mug
• Use cloth towels instead of paper
• Conserve water in many ways – turn off completely when not in use
like when cleaning your teeth
• Cut your shower time and use cooler water
• Rinse and Recycle all that you can
• When you can, ride a bike or walk
• Be respectful of our trees
• Find local farmers markets and shop there – it’s fresh and fun
• Carry litter from the beach and use containers provided
• Dry towels and clothing on a clothes line when possible
• STOP idling your car
• Turn off lights when not in use/needed
• Use LED light bulbs and unplug electronics when not in use
• Grow your flower or vegetable garden with plants that attract bees
and butterflies, and require less water
• Tread lightly – explore local nature centers and trails
• Build responsibly – Support Green Energy!
ACT PERSONALLY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE
CAPE MAY COMMUNITY WE ALL LOVE!
Environmental Commission meets fourth Tuesday each month at
11am in City Hall. All are welcome. Get involved! THANK YOU!
“dump of The Point”... has so much courage. Has grown with love.
Has the soul of our family in every speck of sand hidden in the corners
of the outdoor shower. It has become us, and we are it.
And so today, as I stand on the deck of the lighthouse, I look
towards the future. The future is standing next to me. It’s her first
time, and I show her how to spot our house from up here, a child’s
rite of passage at this sacred place. She’s scared of being so high
at
first, but quickly finds her
bravery. She counts the steps all the way down. I know the number,
but I know hers will be different and she will get an even different
one next time. It’s my first time, too. My first time handing down
the traditions of my fathers to those who will carry the torch when
I am gone. My first time explaining the concrete ship and the World
War II tower. My first time finding Cape May Diamonds for excited
eyes. My first time showing little hands how to put on their beach
tag. It’s my first time, and I’m not ready for it to end.
I know that the future of this place, of your place, is uncertain.
I know that families age, that money is finite and that time is not
endless. I know
that every summer
in your shadow is
a blessing. I know
it could be the last
one soon. But even
with that, I want to
promise you something.
I want you
to know that the
bricks, the wood,
the mold and the
mildew of this little
temple are a part of
us now. That they
could disappear
tomorrow and they
would be alive in our
hearts. That what
Lauren Eadline and fiance Brad Corrigan
you have given us
has given this house immortality. And I promise to hand it down
another day, or another lifetime. I promise nothing will be forgotten.
I promise you that.
There’s not much more to say, I think. And not much more time:
the beach is next, with rollercoaster rides tonight. She can’t wait
to try my father’s favorite ice cream and my brother’s favorite funnel
cake. I can’t wait to show her the way my grandmother’s favorite
Ferris wheel overlooks the miles and miles of Wildwood beach
which has become such a part of our Eadline summers. We have
things to do, you see, so I should go. The face of our family would be
different. It wouldn’t be us. It wouldn’t be us without you and without
this place. So I guess I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you
for building our little empire in this little corner of the Jersey Shore.
Thank you for passing it down. Thank you for giving us stories to
tell. Thank you for standing next to me on that lighthouse, for guiding
my hand to Lake Lilly when I pointed her home.
Thank you, for Cape May Point.
exit zero 84 april-may

a cape may moment
Jerry Griffin celebrates his 70th birthday with family and friends at Carney’s on March 30. Aleksey Moryakov
Books... your best beach buddy
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City Centre Mall 2nd floor
Washington Street Mall, Cape May
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Photographer Kathy Fallon’s gorgeous
coffee table book is a love letter to the
ocean and the beach. A Coastal Journey
is filled with compelling, inspiring
photography from Cape May, the
Wildwoods and the Outer Banks. Available
from Exit Zero at 110 Sunset and Cape
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exit zero 85 april-may

Life’s A
Beach
Down on
the Farm
It’s like farming life... without the labor.
Five new cottages at Beach Plum Farm
have added rustic chic to the scene.
article diane stopyra
photography rachel mcginn
exit zero 86 april-may

Turns out the simple life can be pretty luxurious — snapshots from the five cottages at Beach Plum Farm in West Cape May.
Picture falling asleep to a
soundtrack of cicadas.
Waking up to the sweet
chipping of a blue-winged
warbler. Spending a lazy
afternoon picking sunwarmed
tomatoes from a
private vegetable garden before taking a
refreshing dip in a saltwater pool, the leaves
of a nearby willow rustling in the breeze.
It may sound like the makings of a
Pinterest vision board, but for guests of the
new cottages at Beach Plum Farm in West
Cape May, these are the happenings of a
typical summer’s day.
In 2008, when Cape Resorts Group
purchased this 62-acre stretch of land off
of Stevens Street, managing partner Curtis
Bashaw envisioned providing fresh, clean
produce for his island restaurants — the
Ebbitt Room, the Blue Pig Tavern and the
Rusty Nail. He did not envision creating a
public park, a place where friends and family
would gather to reconnect with nature and
one another. Yet — in addition to producing
more than 100 crops that do, indeed, service
area restaurants — that’s exactly what
the farm has become: a beautifully rustic
escape.
People come here — by foot and by
beach cruiser — to meander woodland
marsh trails that wrap around a duck pond
lined with sweetgum trees. They walk
through herb beds that smell of rosemary
and thyme on their way to vibrant flower
gardens and a free-range chicken coop.
They explore the shaded path that leads to
an apiary and a sunny pen of delightfully
muddy, Berkshire pigs. And, when they’ve
worked up an appetite, these visitors enjoy
lemon verbena-infused tea and farm-fresh
meals at an outdoor picnic table or inside
an Amish-built, post-and-beam barn
constructed in 2015 from Pennsylvania
hemlock, pine and cypress — there’s now a
kitchen and produce market on-site.
“There was such a positive response
when we built this barn,” said Will Riccio,
who spent a year designing the farm’s
homespun-chic cottages. He also owns
the iconic Louisa’s Café on Jackson Street,
which sources its ingredients from Beach
Plum. “Visitors would often say, “Oh, I’d
like to sleep here!” Or they’d comment on
how much they’d like their own homes to
have the rustic, warm feel of this place. I
think a lot of people, especially from the city
or suburbs, harbor a farmhouse fantasy.”
Last summer, this fantasy became a
bit more accessible when the farm began
offering overnight stays in five charming
cottages that form their own picturesque
compound on the grounds. Two are new
buildings with a barn vibe. These came
from the same Lancaster-based Amish
family responsible for the farm’s original
barn, and they were constructed using the
same mortise and tenon joinery technique
— in other words, no nails were used in
their framing, only pegs.
The remaining cottages are impeccably
restored, historic homes that recall a
simpler time on the island. All are available
to rent individually or as a group for
wedding parties and family reunions.
“We had one couple who’d been staying
at Congress Hall for 14 years,” Riccio told
us. “They loved being beachfront, so they
figured they’d give this a try but that it
probably wouldn’t be a fit. Now they say
they can’t imagine staying anywhere else.”

exit zero 89 april-may

The cottages, which sleep between eight
and 12, are painted in colors with names
like colony green and whispering spring,
and they are furnished with a mix of modern
pieces and antiques.
Each comes equipped with an outdoor
shower, washer and dryer, screened-in
porch, barbeque grill, firepit and a golf
cart for heading into town, plus access
to a 40-foot pool and vegetable garden.
Retro-styled Smeg (great product, awful
name) refrigerators and custom cabinetry
in each kitchen are stocked with either
farm-fresh ingredients or prepared meals,
depending on your preference. Scratchmade
doughnuts and fresh eggs can also be
delivered each morning. Or you can learn to
harvest these eggs yourself while sporting a
pair of Hunter boots, provided at check in.
The ultimate goal? Experiencing what
Riccio calls the “magic” of connecting with
nature. Sure, the polished concrete floors
of these cottages may be heated and, okay,
you’re not exactly roughing it when you’re
lounging on a rolled-arm Anthropologie
sofa in the Winona Cottage, an arts-andcrafts
style home that was a popular mailorder
house available through the Sears
catalogue in the 20s and 30s. But these
luxuries don’t distract from the beautiful
sight of morning dew on the vibrant leaves of
a swamp maple tree, or from the happiness
of a perfectly roasted marshmallow eaten
under a star-studded sky. Then there’s the
rare pleasure of quality time spent with
loved ones. (There are TVs in each cottage,
but Riccio says board games on a sundappled
porch have been more appealing to
guests.)
Perhaps the biggest draw of the cottages
is their seamless melding of old and
contemporary. The Hill Barn, for instance,
may be a new building, but it’s outfitted
with windows salvaged from the historic
Rutherford farmhouse. Recently torn down,
this was the circa 1782 headquarters of a
dairy farm that used to exist on Seagrove
Avenue. Childhood drawings done by late
owner David Rutherford are framed and
hanging in another of the farm bungalows,
the Plum Cottage, which is a beautifully
restored, 1890s carriage house with its
original beams and beadboard in tact.
Other windows and doors throughout
the five homes are from old iterations of
Congress Hall. One door came from Riccio’s
childhood home.
“Part of what we’ve done here is give
these pieces life for another 100 years,” he
said. “This project is two-fold. It’s about
what we can offer our guests but also about
what we can offer these old buildings.”
Take the Whalers Cottage. Built in 1760,
this would have been the original farmhouse
on Stevens Street. Built by a whaler as a
gift to his daughter on her wedding day, it
features all of its original beams, an original
fireplace and a special playroom loft. Riccio
has restored the floors, found playful,
vintage garden furniture for the sunroom,
and given new life to some antique pieces
with whimsical coverings from LA-based
designer Peter Dunham.
Of course, this is all a bit technical for
what may, for a lot of people, turn out to be
just a different, fun, aesthetically-pleasing
way to vacation.
“Really,” Riccio said, “what it all
amounts to is a comfortable, cozy, warm
setting. At the end of the day, it’s all about
the experience.”
The Perfect Escape
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DAY SPA
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Book your appointment today
by calling 609.898.1003.
Massages • Facials • Manicures
Pedicures • Baths • Couple’s Packages
607 Jefferson Street • Cape May, NJ
www.CapeMayDaySpa.com 609.898.1003
exit zero 90 april-may

Cape May Wicker
203 Sunset, West Cape May
609-884-1849
1930 Route 9, Clermont
609-624-3031
The Cabo Collection
BY NORTHCAPE
5-Seat Sectional $1999
choose from 3 great wicker colors & 11 sunbrella fabrics
in stock! set includes corner, loveseat left & loveseat right.
Other configurations, accessories & cushions also available.

WHO’S
RUNNING
CAPE MAY?
Sure, it’s a place you come to relax and chill.
But... there are a LOT of ways to stay active around
these parts. Get ready to rumble and run.
article bill barlow
photography aleksey moryakov
exit zero 92 april-may

exit zero 93 april-may

Escape the Cape, on June 2 this year, has become
a juggernaut and sells out quickly. Clearly, there’s
a big market for masochism around here (see
previous page for the ferry leap).
The winter gnomes have been at it
again, shrinking all the pants in
my closet. Treadmills make me
feel like a caged hamster. With
the warmer weather rolling in,
it’s time to dig out the sneakers and hit the
road. I checked in with Harry Back — who,
along with Michael Mader, has launched the
Cape May Running Company on the beachfront
— looking for motivation and some
direction.
For someone trying to get in shape, or
back in shape, “the first step should be to ask
questions,” he says. This may not be surprising
advice from someone whose business is
training runners, but Harry says even those
who do not plan to hire a trainer should talk
to someone knowledgeable about running.
Static training plans from Runner’s World or
other sources can be a starting point, but it’s
important to adjust your training for how
your body is reacting.
“The biggest mistake I see is people tend
to do too much, too fast,” Harry says, adding
that it’s important to do your research
and listen to your body. Most injuries occur
when someone tries to train too much.
That’s not permission to spend this spring
working through your 300-title Netflix
queue. It’s a matter of giving your muscles
time to heal.
“The main thing is recovery. Your body
gets more fit in recovery,” Harry says. Bad
stress can do real harm to our health and
outlook, but good stress helps us grow,
pushing us to do better in our careers, our
lives and our training. Push your body, then
allow it to recover before asking more of it.
Then repeat.
Harry has run his entire life but didn’t
race until much later. He grew up in Cape
May. As a kid he was a competitive surfer,
with little time for or interest in other sports.
He came to competitive running as an adult,
while his business partner didn’t start running
seriously until he was in his 40s. Now,
through Cape May Running Company, they
organize local races, provide endurance
training and offer all the running-related
gear you could need in their brick-andmortar
store.
One of their main refrains? There is no
single path to fitness. Some people should
only run a few days a week, while others can
exit zero 94 april-may
put down some miles five or six days a week.
“It’s all individual,” Harry says. “There’s
no set formula.”
For some, competition is key to motivation.
These days, there are plenty of events
available — no, really... it’s pretty much
every weekend and two times a weekend if
you really wanted.
Hoping to join Cape May’s running
community? Or perhaps you’re a seasoned
athlete looking for your next fix. Here’s a
guide to some of the best runs, swims and
triathlons in the area this year. See you out
there!
THE GREAT CAPE MAY FOOTRACE
Saturday, May 11
5k, 10k
Fitness requirement: Weekend Warrior,
Regular folks willing to feel sore on Monday
This venerable Cape May tradition seems
like a good place to start. Almost anybody
can tackle the 5k portion.
The race has taken place for 40 years, but
it had begun to dwindle, with 86 runners
in 2016. The Cape May Running Company
recently took over, and they expect hundreds

of runners this year.
“Growing up, it was a premier event,”
Harry says. “It was a big deal. It just kind of
fell by the wayside.”
Recruitment’s been aided by an offer of
cash awards for the 10k portion.
OCEAN DRIVE MARATHON
Usually April, but not this year
Fitness requirement: Come on, I mean, it’s a
marathon
After 20 years, the OD is Cape May County’s
granddaddy of distance runs. This year,
work on the Townsend Inlet Bridge will
mean a hiatus for the marathon. For years,
the race started in Cape May and ran up the
coast to Sea Isle City, which often meant a
26.2-mile slog into those wonderful, drizzly
northeast winds of spring. Eventually, the
marathon became a there-and-back race,
starting and ending in Sea Isle City. Harry
suggested they just needed to turn the race
around, so that same wind would power
runners into Cape May.
“All they had to do was switch the direction,”
he said.
RUNWAY 5K
Saturday, May 18
5k, 10k and mile fun run
Fitness requirement: Seth Rogan, but, like, the
Green Hornet Seth Rogan
This one takes place on the runway at the
Cape May County Airport, 500 Forrestal
Road in Lower Township, ending up at the
historic Hanger 1 home of the Naval Air Station
Wildwood. Proceeds benefit the restoration
of the hanger. Post-race beers, bagels
and beverages will be available. Those in the
10k run have to maintain at least a 12-minute
mile so they can reopen the runway to
planes on time. There’s a page on usnasw.
org with more race details.
CLAIRE BRODESSER MEMORIAL 5K
Sunday, May 26
Fitness requirement: Little chocolate
doughnuts on the training table
The annual event at the Beachcomber
Camping Resort raises money for Cape
Regional Medical Center in memory of one
of the founders of the campground. There’s
an option for a mile walk with fewer than 50
runners and walkers participating last year.
ESCAPE THE CAPE TRIATHLON
Sunday, June 2
Sprint and Olympic levels. Starts with a jump
from the ferry
Fitness requirement: Good enough shape to
wear Lycra without concern
The jump off the back of the Cape May-
Lewes ferry makes for an exhilarating start,
according to Meghan Miller, who participated
in the Escape the Cape Triathlon last
year. “Your heart is pounding before you
even reach the water,” she says. That’s the
idea, according to Steve DelMonte, event
organizer.
When he came up with the idea for a
triathlon on the lower Cape, Steve was set
to speak to the Delaware River and Bay
Authority about using the ferry terminal but
didn’t consider using the ferry itself. But his
wife told him the original race plan didn’t
sound that much fun.
“She was like: ‘Why don’t you ask the
ferry if you can start with a jump from the
boat?’ That changed the course of our lives,”
he says. “That race sold out in 36 hours and
we’ve sold out every year since.”
When he pitched the idea to the DRBA,
Steve didn’t know how they’d react. But he
was told to make it happen.
This year’s event is already sold out but
there is a waiting list. Participants load onto
Starting at Convention Hall, the Great
Cape May Footrace spans 5k and 10k and
will be on May 11 this year.
exit zero 95 april-may

Join the hardy folks from the US Coast
Guard Training Center in Cape May (left)
for the Runway 5k (above), which is held
at Cape May Airport on May 18 this year.
Opposite page: The Cape May Point 5 Mile
on June 15 attracts all ages; while Run the
Vineyards Sangria Scurry on June 22 is a
fun way to lose those calories (then replace
them with a nice glass of red or white).
the ferry and get set to swim to their bikes
waiting on the shore, followed by a run.
Options include the Olympic Triathlon,
which is a mile swim, 23-mile bike through
the vineyards and country roads near Cape
May and a five-mile run. Then there’s a
Sprint Tri, which is a .35 mile swim, 12
miles on the bike and a 5k run. There is also
a three-mile open water swim and a kid’s
race, with a 50-meter swim, a mile on the
bike and a half-mile run.
People of all shapes and sizes participate,
ages 12 to 78.
“There’s an energy when you’re on the
boat that cannot be replicated anywhere,”
Steve says.
Through his DelMo Sports organization,
he also runs the MudHen Brewing Co
Half Marathon in Wildwood in April, the
Atlantic City Triathlon in August and the
Ironman Atlantic City in September.
CAPE MAY POINT 5 MILE
Saturday, June 15
Two mile run, five mile run
Fitness requirement: Community spirit
should be plenty
Starting in 1979 as a way to support the
Cape May Point Volunteer Fire Company,
this event draws hundreds of runners and
spectators for a course that circles the
entire tiny community. A two-mile run
starts at 8:15am on Yale Avenue, while the
five-mile run covers the same course starting
at 9am, but it goes around a second
time, adding a loop around Lake Lily.
RUN THE VINEYARDS SANGRIA
SCURRY 5K
Saturday, June 22
exit zero 96 april-may
Fitness requirement: Must be motivated by
cold sangria, so pretty wide open
This 5k, put on by the Good Day for a Run
organization, takes place in a scenic, happy
place, through Hawk Haven Vineyard and
Winery on Railroad Avenue in Rio Grande.
It offers with live music and a glass of wine
to finish up. The cost is $42 to participate.
There’s also a September 22 5k at Cape
May Winery.
MURPH MILE
Wednesday, August 7
One-mile run
Fitness requirement: Couch potato. Try to
break a 30-minute mile
“This is a 100 percent feelgood race,” Harry
Back says. “Everybody can do a mile. We
have firefighters run it in turnout gear.

Every kid gets a medal.”
The race, which goes from Philadelphia
Avenue to Grant Street along the beachfront,
is in memory of Kevin Murphy, an Atlantic
City firefighter and longtime member of the
Cape May Beach Patrol. He was described as
gregarious, positive and full of life.
The nighttime run raises money for the
Clete Cannone Scholarship Fund, helping
current and former Cape May lifeguards.
“It’s probably my favorite one of the
year to do,” Harry says. “It’s not putting any
money in my pocket but it will help someone
get to college. It’s just a blast.”
CAPE TO CAPE CHALLENGE
Sunday, August 18
Five-mile paddle in Cape May or 16-mile paddle
across the Delaware Bay
Fitness requirement: If you’re not the last child
of Krypton, try to get bitten by a radioactive spider
Kicking off in Lewes, Delaware and heading
for Cape May, “It’s a challenging race,” says
organizer Chad deSatnick. “It takes kind of
a unique individual to train for this event,
because there’s a psychological element to
it .”
Some strong paddlers report seeing the
Cape May Lighthouse and water tower in
the distance, but as they paddle and paddle,
they never seemed to get any closer.
The race starts in Delaware and crosses
the shipping lanes of the bay as you head
to Cape May. The organizers won’t even let
you attempt if they don’t believe you can
make it across within the time limit, meaming
their needs to be demonstrated ability
in other races, in lifeguard competitions or
elsewhere. The race committee will approve
some participants on a case-by-case basis.
exit zero 97 april-may
One of the criteria is a willingness to listen
to advice and not try to finish at any cost.
After four-and-a-half hours, all riders are
obliged to give up and board one of the support
vessels
“We can’t have someone out there for
seven hours trying to make a personal
record,” Chad said. Only 50 people can participate
in the bucket-list crossing.
This year, there’s a five-mile rec paddle
close to home for the mere mortals who
want to participate, starting in Cape May
Point and heading around to Queen Street.
Bruckner Chase, who runs Ocean Positive,
is set to participate in the shorter race with
a number of adaptive athletes this year.
Chase’s group gets people with spinal cord
injuries and other limitations paddling on
the open water.
The race raises money for the DeSatnick

The Hallowed Half Marathon, organized by the folks at Cape May Running Company, will happen October 26. Don’t be afraid!
Foundation, which supports spinal cord
injury survivors and their families, providing
both financial help and emotional support.
BEACH TO BREWERY 10K
Saturday, September 21
Fitness requirement: Beer fan with good cardio
This is a new race in the works for Harry
Back and the Cape May Running Company
crew. He wasn’t ready to talk about it in
much detail, but he said he expects the event
will be open to a limited number of participants.
The plan is to run from one of the
beaches to the Cape May Brewing Company
at the Cape May County Airport in Lower
Township, which is where participants will
enjoy an after-party. Think about it: Thirst
quencher, carbohydrate blast and a mild
analgesic in one tasty beverage? Beer could
be the ultimate post-run choice.
HALLOWEEN HALF MARATHON
Saturday, October 26
13.1 miles
Fitness Requirement: Start training now and
you can do it in costume
This is another, much-anticipated event
from the Cape May Running Company,
starting and finishing at the Grand Hotel at
Beach Avenue.
There’s also a Fright Night 5k on Friday
evening, October 25, and a half-marathon
relay. The course takes you through each
of the communities south of the Cape May
Canal, into West Cape May, Lower Township
and to Cape May Point before returning
to the start.
All runners receive a long-sleeve race
shirt and a pint glass, and all finishers
receive a medal.
The event has proven hugely popular.
Last year, Cape May Running Company
doubled the available slots to 1,300 people,
and sold out. They expect to sell out again.
That’s it, folks. Your guide to some of the
orgnized, competitive fitness opportunities
on the Cape.
We’d be remiss not to mention that we’ve
been a little tonge-in-cheek in our writeup
here. Most of the organizers we spoke with
exit zero 98 april-may
were reluctant to suggest a minimum fitness
level. Most of the races welcome a wide
variety of participants.
“It all depends on what your goal is going
in,” Harry says. Some runners can finish the
Boston Marathon in the top ten, but may
want to have a fun, breezy experience some
other race.
“It’s all in your perspective,” Harry adds.
“No one race is necessarily harder than
another. I want them all to be fun. Of course,
there’s some competition.”
For most participants, the main competition
is only with themselves, with what
they have done before and what they want to
do in the future.
“It’s all about personal power. It’s about
putting in the work,” Steve says. Personally,
he thrives on the competition, and he loves
the training.
“It’s therapy to me, to be perfectly honest.
It’s all about people wanting to be better,
man. I feel like that’s so intoxicating.”
Costs for many of the races vary depending
on when you sign up and other factors.
Contact race organizers for more details.

at Congress Hall
SIMPLE PLEASURES FROM THE SEA
seaspacapemay.com
Call (609) 884-6543 to schedule an appointment
exit zero 99 april-may

Activities

GO PLAY! Investing countless
quarters and countless hours while
playing skee ball and winning... a
plastic pen? Priceless. The arcade
is a rite of passage.

GO FLY! Morey’s Piers in the
Wildwoods were voted the top
seaside amusement park in the
world. There are more than 100
rides, from gentle to G-force.
Family Activities
Cape May offers a kaleidoscopic variety
of activities that you can enjoy with the
family. Here is a big list of ideas to get you
started...
To the Boardwalk!
Morey’s Piers have been providing fun and
games to families on the Wildwood boardwalk
for decades. There’s a reason they were
voted Best Seaside Park in the World! (Yes,
the world.) Dare to take on some epic roller
coasters like the Sea Serpent, scare yourself
silly with the Ghost Ship attraction, or check
out the revival of the KONG ride 35 years later
as you soar 60 feet in the air circling the legendary
giant gorilla. From the Ferris wheel
to delicious curly fries you won’t leave disappointed.
Also for some cool activities on a
hot summer day visit their water parks Raging
Waters or Ocean Oasis. moreyspiers.com
Cape May-Lewes Ferry
Take a trip over to Lewes, Delaware, a small,
quaint seaside town, then make sure you
check out bustling Rehoboth Beach, the Fenwick
Island Lighthouse or Cape Henlopen
State Park. The CMLF offers special events
and boat rides, including musical boat cruises
like Rock the Boat and Tropical Tuesday
cruises (reservations required). You can also
take advantage of the tax-free shopping at
the outlets. Or just enjoy the quiet and vastness
of the bay on the deck of the ferry as you
watch for dolphins and whales. The Cape May
Terminal has free mini-golf and waterfront
dining at On the Rocks with live music every
night. Go for a family outing or enjoy drinks
on the waterfront. capemaylewesferry.com
Historic Cold Spring Village
Ever wonder what it was like to live in Cape
May 200 years ago? The answer can be found
at this open-air living history museum, a seven-minute
drive from town. Through interactive
upcoming events like Hands-On History,
Ghost Investigations, and Civil War, Time
Travel and Seafarer’s (pirates!) Weekends
you can experience different time periods and
have a great time. The many authentically
restored homes amid idyllic shaded areas
make it hard not to feel like Abe Lincoln’s in
office… and it’s even easier when the Civil
War re-enactment rolls into town. hcsv.org
exit zero 102 april-may
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Dolphins are fairly common in the waters off
Cape May, but it’s still a joy to see them. Cape
May Whale Watch and Research Center offers
you the chance to see them up close. You
might even see some whales. Tours take off at
Utsch’s Marina on Route 109 (previously on
Wilson Drive). There are also Teen Cruises,
Groove Cruises and wildlife tours, to get a
closer look at the beautiful birds and marine
life of Cape May. For directions or more information,
call 888-531-0055 or visit them on
the web at capemaywhalewatch.com. Cape
May Whale Watcher offers a a Sunset Cruise,
a Grand Lighthouse Cruise and weekend specials.
Located at the Miss Chris Marina on
Wilson Drive. Contact at 609-884-5445 capemaywhalewatcher.com
Cape May Family Treasure Hunt
Discover the fun of exploring Cape May and
uncovering its architectural elements from a
kid’s perspective. Packet includes a clue sheet
and map that will take you on a self-guided
discovery tour. Packets for the entire family
are available for a donation to MAC. capemaymac.org

V
VO
A N D T H E M A D B A T T E R P R E S E N T
OPENING PARTY
SUNDAY MAY 19, 2019 3-5
DISRUPTION
BY LOCAL ARTISTS
EXHIBITION MAY 9 - JUNE 6
19 JACKSON ST. CAPE MAY
AVOUNLIMITED.COM
RACE ON THE RUNWAY AT
THE CAPE MAY AIRPORT!
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Race Begins at 9am Sharp
Enjoy music, a FREE Craft Beer, bagels,
water, fruits and refreshments post-race!
Electronic timing & officiating by DelMoPRO.
1 Mile Family Fun Walkers are Welcome!
Prizes for the winners!
Aviation Museum
Cape May airport
Sign up on our website.... usnasw.org
Refer 5 racers and your race is FREE!
OPEN YEAR ROUND... RAIN OR SHINE
500 Forrestal Rd, Cape May Airport, Rio Grande, NJ 08242 aviationmuseum@comcast.net • 609-886-8787
exit zero 103 april-may

GO CLIMB! Cape May’s famous
lighthouse has 199 steps to the
top. It’s a hike, but the views of
the ocean and tranquil Cape May
Point make it worthwhile.
Physick Estate Scavenger Hunt
Go on a clues hunt and discover answers to
questions as you search the grounds of the
1879 Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington
Street. Purchase a packet for $5 that includes
a clue sheet and ponder the answers as you
explore the estate grounds as a family. Learn
together about Cape May’s only Victorian
House Museum — one of the best examples of
Victorian Stick Style architecture in the country.
Available daily (only one packet is needed
per family). www.capemaymac.org
Antiquing
For a different kind of treasure hunt, check
out the amazing variety of antique shops
that are available in Cape May — just don’t
get disheartened when you see your favorite
childhood toy selling for $100. Here are some
treasure troves (all 609 area code): Antiques
Emporia, 405 West Perry Street (898-
3332), Bridgetowne Antiques, Broadway
and Mechanic (884-8107), Out of The Past
Antiques, 394 Myrtle Avenue, corner of Perry
(884-3357), Cape May Antique Center, 1228
Route 109 (898-4449). And although it’s not
an actual antique store, do not miss West End
Garage, on West Perry Street. This shopping
mecca always has some great antiques from
various vendors.
Cape May Lighthouse, Oil House,
Museum Shop
The structure, built in 1859, has 199 steps
leading to the watch gallery with a panoramic
view of the Jersey Cape, Delaware Bay and
the Atlantic Ocean. Admission to the Visitors’
Orientation Center and the ground floor
of the lighthouse is free. Open daily. Tower
admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children
3-12. capemaymac.org
World War II Lookout Tower Museum
Fire Control Tower No. 23 on Sunset Boulevard
is New Jersey’s last freestanding World
War II tower, part of the immense Harbor
Defense of the Delaware system known as
Fort Miles. After the award-winning restoration,
visitors can now climb to the sixthfloor
spotting gallery while reliving the
homeland defense efforts during World War
II. The ground floor of the tower is fully accessible.
Open Saturdays and Sundays through
April 20 and daily beginning April 26 from
exit zero 104 april-may
11am-3pm. Open on Armed Forces Day May
18 10am-3pm. Entrance fee is $6 for adults
and $3 for children. capemaymac.org
Bay Springs Alpaca Farm
Near the end of beautiful New England Road,
Warren and Barbara Nuessle live what they
call the “alpaca lifestyle” — quiet and simple.
Visit them between 10am and 4pm on Saturdays
and Sundays ( you can also visit their
section in West End Garage on weekdays)
and see how alpaca fiber is spun into yarn, or
shop at their store, which carries many alpaca
related items (forget wool; go with an alpaca
sweater this winter!) Don’t forget to greet the
grazing alpacas. bayspringsalpacas.com
Beachcombing at the Cove
A naturalist from the Nature Center of Cape
May helps you explore the ocean, beach and
dunes of the Cove on Wednesdays from 8:30-
9:30am. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for
children (3 and under free) and can be purchased
at the Washington Street Mall Information
Booth, or on the day of the tour at the
Second Street Pavilion on the promenade.
njaudobon.org

exit zero 105 april-may

GO WILD! A short drive from
downtown Cape May is one of the
most highly rated zoos in America.
It’s also a beautiful country park.
Don’t miss it.
Aviation Museum
The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation
Museum, a few minutes north of town, has a
wonderful collection of planes and helicopters
all set in a building. At its peak during WWII,
it accommodated 222 planes and 17,000
takeoffs and landings per month. Young or
old, the awe of flight will catch you like a net.
The museum is open daily from 9am-5pm.
Admission ($12 adult $10 children) will get
you a free tickets to Cold Spring Village during
the month of August! Also don’t miss the Airfest
event on Labor Day weekend! usnasw.org
Road Trip
It seems silly to suggest leaving Cape May, but
when the road calls, it’s hard not to answer.
Grab some gas and try out route 147 (Ocean
Drive). It runs through Wildwood Crest,
Stone Harbor and the Doo Wop-fashioned
hotels of Wildwood are a block away. It’s also
teeming with good eats; Two Mile Landing
Restaurant and Marina (609-522-1341), Harbor
View (609-884-5444) and H&H Seafood
(609-884-4555). All have a great selection of
food and fresh seafood you can only find at
the shore. Or why not explore Cumberland
County, home to bald eagles and Port Norris,
the one-time oyster capital of the world?
Make sure you don’t miss the A.J. Meerwald,
the lovely and historic Delaware Bay oyster
schooner in Cape May in August.
Cape May County Zoo
Recently voted the fifth best zoo in the United
States and 13th best in the world, Cape May
County Zoo is spectacular. It has 550 animals
representing 250 species from around the
globe and admission to the zoo and park is
free of charge. The zoo features a reptile room,
world of birds and an African Savanna within
its 200 acres of natural wooded areas. Pack
a lunch and get over there! Open daily from
10am-4:45pm, the zoo is just off Exit 11 on the
Parkway. While the zoo is free, donations at
the entrance are appreciated. cmczoo.com
Fisherman’s Wharf Tour
Take a guided tour of Fisherman’s Wharf at
the Lobster House Restaurant, and learn how
your seafood gets from the sea to your table
and discover how Cape May has become a
major fishing port. Tours are offered Tuesday
and Thursday at 11am beginning June 19.
exit zero 106 april-may
Admission is $10 adults and $7 children. capemaymac.org
Breakfast With the Pirates
Children hear a pirate story over breakfast and
then put on a pirate vest and eye patch to go
on a pirate-y treasure hunt on the grounds.
Wait … what is all that ruckus? It’s a band of
pirates! Offered July 11, July 25, August 8 and
22 at 9:30am. Admission is $18. Reservations
required. capemaymac.org
Harbor Safari
A marine biologist leads you through an
informational tour of Cape May’s beach and
marsh habitats and the ecosystems you’ll find
there. Tours are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays
at 10:30am-12 and begins at the Nature
Center of Cape May on Delaware Avenue. The
cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. capemaymac.org
Breakfast in the Sky
Imagine a picnic in the sky complete with
white linens and china, along with culinary
delights created by Chef Wally Jurusz (formerly
of Pelican Club and Lucky Bones). Yes,

SPRING BREAK 2019
APRIL 17 - 26
Thaw out from the winter frost with the Cape Resorts Explorers Club! Grab a trusty field guide and hop
on over to Beach Plum Farm, where a day full of Wilderness Adventures awaits. Discover rare birds,
plant a beautiful garden, create nature-inspired art, learn about life on the farm, gather round the camp
fire and more! At Congress Hall, help the scientists in the CH Lab with their latest experiment, or put
on your Chef’s hat to create a culinary masterpiece. Each explorer will receive a sash and a field guide
at check in to use throughout their adventures. With each completed activity, explorers will receive a
special button for their Adventure Sash!
EXPLORE. LEARN. GROW
VISIT CAPERESORTS.COM/SPRING-BREAK
FOR ACTIVITY DETAILS AND RESERVATIONS
exit zero 107 april-may

Cape May
2019 Summer
ConCertS
caPe May cOnventiOn hall
Hit after hit all summer long
July 3
Pure Prairie league
and Orleans
“Aimee” & “Still The One”
July 10
Max Weinberg’s JukebOx
Famed Springsteen drummer
performing rock classics
July 17
Jay and the aMericans
“Come A Little Bit Closer”
July 24
herMan’s herMits
starring Peter nOOne
“Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter”
July 31
Mavis staPles
“I’ll Take You There”
august 7
Jay siegel’s tOkens
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight”
august 14
the stylistics
“You Are Everything”
august 21
the drifters
“Under the Boardwalk”
all shOWs
begin at 8PM
Call 609.884.9565
or visit
capeMaycity.com
tickets: $ 48
there’s breakfast, then there’s THIS breakfast — aboard a Ferris wheel.
Advance reservation required. Up to four guests per car. For reservations
call 609-846-1624. Runs Saturday, Sunday and Monday from
July 23 through August 22. As a headsup, it costs $90 per car with two
guests, and $40 per additional person. moreyspiers.com
Miniature Golf
Nothing like putting around Cape May and working on your short
game and there are plenty of locations to do so. Cape May Miniature
Golf on Jackson Street features sculpted greens, lush landscape, and
real sand traps. There is also beachfront mini-golf available at Ocean
Putt, on the corner of Beach and Jackson. Check out the Stockton Inn’s
course on Beach amd Howard as well as a mini golf course at the shops
at Sunset Beach. To really up your game, visit the Starlux course in
Wildwood — it’s one of the most impressive courses around.
Emlen Physick Estate Guided Tour
A tour of the first two floors of the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate on
Washington Street with guides who relay the fascinating story of the
wealthy Philadelphians — the Physick family — who lived here, and
how the demands to save this house from destruction resulted in Cape
May becoming a National Historic Landmark City and a nationally
renowned tourist destination. This year, also learn about Victorian
food and foodways. Offered daily (except April 24). $15 adults and $8
children ages 3-12. capemaymac.org
Physick Estate Self-guided Tour
Explore the first two floors of the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate house on
your own and linger in the rooms that intrigue you, on this self-guided
tour of the Estate house. Photos welcome. Interpretive displays tell
you about important features in each room. A costumed interpreter
is available for questions. Try the fine audio tour! Saturdays through
April 20 and Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays beginning April 26,
1pm-4pm. capemaymac.org
Buy Fresh Produce
New Jersey is the Garden State for a good reason. There’s some great
farmland in the area. Markets like Duckie’s on Broadway, Central Park
on Central Avenue, No Frills Farm on Bayshore Road, Rea’s Farm Market,
Elfin Farm on Sunset Boulevard and Beach Plum Farm on Stevens
Street provide fresh local produce. Support local business and cook a
delicious meal with fresh ingredients!
Keeper’s on Duty
This entertaining session at the Education Center in Cape May Point
State Park is the perfect prelude to a climb of the Cape May Lighthouse.
Learn the historic beacon’s story, as told by one of the current keepers.
Sessions are free and offered Saturdays beginning May 25 at 1:15pm.
capemaymac.org
Parasail
You don’t need to be a daredevil to let your body rise 500 feet above the
ocean. Parasailing has become a popular pastime that lets you soar in
the air and see Cape May from a view many people never have. There
are two options to choose from: East Coast Parasail in Cape May at
Utsch’s Marina (609-898-8359), eastcoastparasail.com; and Atlantic
exit zero 108 april-may

3 days of love, music & rides
UP TO 35% OFF APRIL 8 THRU 26
SEASON PASSES. TICKET CARDS. RIDE & WATER PARK 10 PACKS.
THIS SUMMER IS OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CREATING HANDCRAFTED FAMILY FUN.
TO CELEBRATE WE’RE HAVING A BACK TO SUMMER PRE-SALE. COME VISIT TRIPADVISOR’S
NUMBER 1 DESTINATION ON THE RISE. GO TO MOREYSPIERS.COM NOW AND SAVE.

Parasail at the Two Mile Landing restaurant
and marina on Ocean Drive highway (609-
522-1869), atlanticparasail.com.
Lighthouse Storytime
Bring your young children to the Education
Center in Cape May Point State Park (adjacent
to the Cape May Lighthouse) to listen to
nautical tales and lighthouse adventure stories.
Story time is at 12:30pm every Saturday
beginning May 25, free. capemaymac.org
Sunset Beach
For a marvelous evening follow Sunset Boulevard
until it ends, then watch the sun sink
beyond the jutting concrete ship, the USS
Atlantus. “God Bless America” is played as
fallen veterans are honored while their casket
flags are lowered each evening from May
until September (a 40-year tradition). After
the ceremony, shop for souvenirs, or play a
round of mini-golf. You can always take a
peaceful walk along the beach strewn with
Cape May diamonds. sunsetbeachnj.com
Arcade
A trip to the beachfront is not the same without
a trip to the arcade. Grab your quarters
and treat the kids to games, lights and prizes
or relive beloved childhood memories. Skeeball
and photo booths? No one can turn that
down! Cape May Arcade has two locations,
one on Beach Avenue at Convention Hall
and the other at Beach Avenue and Jackson
Street.
Emlen Physick Estate Children’s Tour
This tour is set to let children find out what
life was like more than 125 years ago at the
Emlen Physick Estate that was built in 1879.
Tours run Mondays, beginning July 2 at 11am,
and tickets are $8 for all. capemaymac.org
West Cape May Farmers Market
The Farmers Market offers fresh local produce
and beautiful locally picked flowers.
You’ll also find live music, antiques, clothes,
trinkets, jewelry and much, much more.
Don’t forget the food from local venders and
businesses (the best BBQ you’ll every eat)!
Support local Cape May Businesses! Every
Tuesday from 3:30 to 7:30 pm from late June
to early September. Located in the Backyard
Park of West Cape May Municipal Complex.
Combination Trolley/Physick Estate Tour
Try out this guided tour of Cape May’s Historic
District, followed by a guided tour of
Cape May’s only Victorian house museum,
the Emlen Physick Estate, located at 1048
Washington Street. Offered daily except
April 24. Tickets are $25 for adults and $14
for children. capemaymac.org
Around Cape Island Boat Cruise
Board the Cape May Whale Watcher for a sightseeing
cruise around the island of Cape May.
See majestic Victorian architecture and hear
local legends and history. Offered 10am
daily through May 16, 10am and 6:30pm
daily beginning May 17. $35 for adults, $25
for children (ages 7-12). Purchase tickets in
advance at Washington Street Mall Information
Booth or Hill House office at the Physick
Estate, 1048 Washington St. Co-sponsored
by MAC and Cape May Whale Watcher. capemaymac.org
Feasting on History
CAPE MAY’S BIGGEST PARTY!
THE 19 t h ANNUAL RESTAURANT GALA
TUESDAY, MAY 7 th a t 6 p m
NASW AVIATION MUSEUM at CAPE MAY AIRPORT
Sample signature entrées, dishes, & desserts from 40 of your favorite restaurants, wineries, distilleries & breweries!
Tickets: $85/person or $800 for a table of 10.
For more info, please call (609) 898-2300 ext. 11, or visit hcsv.org
Feasting on History is a fundraiser for HSCV
Foundation, a non-profit living history museum.
Supported in part by a grant from the NJ
Department of State, Division of Travel & Tourism.
Cape May Whale & Dolphin Cruise
Board the 110-foot Cape May Whale Watcher
for a three-hour cruise and the chance to see
humpback whales, dozens of bottlenose dolexit
zero 110 april-may

capemaystage.org
Heisenberg
MAY 22-JUN 21
2019 SEASON
The Robert Shackleton Playhouse
405 Lafayette St. Cape May
Sylvia
JUN 26-AUG 2
609-770-8311
Sidekicked
AUG 7-SEP 20
Written by Simon Stephens
Directed by Roy Steinberg
The Taming
SEP 25-NOV 1
Written by A.R. Gurney
Directed by Roy Steinberg
Written by Kim Powers
Directed by Roy Steinberg
Murder for Two:
The Holiday Edition
NOV 6-DEC 29
Written by Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Marlena Lustik
Book & Music by Joe Kinosian
Book & Lyrics by Kellen Blair
Directed by Hans Friedrichs
Steve Ross
PNC ARTS ALIVE PRESENTS THE 2019 CAPE MAY STAGE
Lucie Arnaz
Broadway Series
Carole J. Bufford
Will & Anthony Nunziata
July 8th July 15th Aug 12th Nov 30th
exit zero 111 april-may

phins, unusual sea birds or rare sea turtles. Guaranteed marine mammal
sightings! Offered 1pm Saturday and Sunday through April 14,
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 19-21, and daily beginning April 24.
Purchase tickets in advance at the Washington Street Mall Information
Booth. $50 for adults, $35 for children (ages 7-12). Co-sponsored by
MAC and the Cape May Whale Watcher. capemaymac.org
Romantic Activities
Here are a few ideas for activities that you and your loved one
can enjoy together. You will notice that some of these events
are family-friendly, too — we’ll let you be the judge of that.
Carriage Ride
Forget about the car, bike or your own two feet; let the clip-clop of a
horse’s trot guide you through the town in style. Taking a carriage is
a truly unique, historic and romantic way to see the town. Besides,
it beats parking. Cape May Carriage Company is based at Ocean
and Washington Street. Call 609-884-4466 for more information.
capemaycarriage.com
Moonlight Trolley Ride
Take this romantic trolley ride through the moonlit streets of Cape
May as a guide tells tales of Victorian romance. Tours are offered
Friday, April 19 at 8pm and Saturday, May 18 at 8:45pm. Adult tickets
are $15 and $12 for children. capemaymac.org
Breweries and Distilleries
Head over to Cape May Brewery for free tours, tasting and tour
package deals or just to enjoy a cold one. There are always at least
20 beers to try at any one time. On a hot, summer’s day, the Bog
(cranberry shandy) is a great call. And the Honey Porter is wonderful
any time! If you’re a hops fan, the Cape May IPA has won
awards, and the Coastal Evacuation is a double IPA. Call 609-889-
9933 or visit capemaybrewery.com. Make an afternoon of it by
visiting Cold Spring Brewery, next to Historic Cold Spring Village;
7 Mile Brewery in Rio Grande (609-365-7777) and Slack Tide in
Clermont, just north of Cape May Court House (609-478-2343).
And don’t miss the brand-new distillery in North Cape May, Nauti
Spirits (609-770-3381).
Wineries
Southern Jersey is emerging as a serious wine-growing region —
even The New York Times says so. The lovely Cape May Winery, on
Townbank Road has a weekly Grill Night, Oyster Sundays, tastings
and tours. Hawk Haven Vineyard and Winery in Rio Grande has
a beautiful wine bar and offers tastings and food pairings. Turdo
Vineyards is yet another option with tasting 12-5 daily. Call 609-
884-1169 for Cape May Winery or visit capemaywinery.com. Call
609-846-7347 for Hawk Haven or visit Hawkhavenvineyard.com.
Call 609-884-5591 for Turdo Vineyards, or visit turdovineyards.
com. For Willow Creek Winery, call 609-770 8782. Jessie Creek is a
little further north, in Cape May Court House, call 609-536-2023.
Moonlight Trolley Ride
Take this romantic trolley ride through the moonlit streets of Cape
May as a guide tells tales of Victorian romance. Tours are offered
exit zero 112 april-may

Tuesday, May 29, Thursday, June 28 and Friday,
July 27 at 8:45pm. Adult tickets are $12
and $8 for children. capemaymac.org
Get a Massage
Although Cape May is already relaxing, why
not make it even MORE relaxing? Try these
local miracle workers: Cape May Day Spa
(898-1003), Accent On Beauty (884-7040),
Sea Spa at Congress Hall (884-6543), The
Well (884-3177), Evolution (889-6900).
Theatre
Cape May Stage, based in a beautifully renovated
church in the center of town, is the
city’s premier Equity professional group and
features a season that’s packed with drama,
comedy, music and superb performances.
Call 609-884-1341 or visit capemaystage.
com. East Lynne Theater specializes in Early
American Theater and is well worth a visit.
They operate out of the First Presbyterian
Church on Hughes Street. Call 609-884-
5898 or visit eastlynnecompany.org. For a
bag of laughs, you can’t go wrong at Elaine’s
Dinner Theater, on Lafayette Street — call
609-884-5898 for reservations.
Sporty Activities
Cape May doesn’t just have to be about
relaxing. There are a lot of physical
activities to get out and try. You may
even lose a few calories. Good thing
given that lovely dinner you’re dreaming
about tonight.
Golf
Cape May National Golf Club has “three
of the best holes in New Jersey” according
to The Jersey Golfer and is nestled in 50
acres of private bird sanctuary. Visit Cape
May National at cmngc.com or call 609-
884-1563. But, if it’s your wedge that needs
some work, Cape May Par 3 will let you play
18 holes for just $15.95. No bag? No problem.
Cape May Par 3 rents clubs for just $2.
Visit them at capemaypar3.com or call 609-
889-2600. Laguna Oaks is another beautiful
200-acre course off exit 10 of the Garden
State Parkway. For more information call
609-465-4560 or visit lagunaoaksgolf.com
Bike Ride
It’s no secret to tourists and locals alike:
Cape May is a biking town. Have you even
tried to navigate the streets of Cape May
during rush hour? It’s enough to make you
want to start jogging places. But have no
fear; there are bike rentals that beat braking
(and braking again, then honking, then
braking once more). Cape Island Bike 727
Beach Avenue or 135 Sunset Boulevard
(609-884-8011), Shields Bike Rentals 11
Gurney Street (609-898-1818), Village
Bicycle 605 Lafayette Street (609-884-
8011), Congress Hall Bike Shop (888-944-
1816).
Nature Trails
Near the lighthouse in the Cape May
Point State Park are several trails weaving
through ponds, dunes, marsh and forest.
There are different levels of difficulty
marked by colors, and most of the trails
have wooden walkways. Even on the longest
trails, breathtaking scenes in a tranquil
setting will make you wish it were longer.
Make sure you bring comfortable shoes.
Yoga
Join the Gypsy Yogini Karen Bosna for
classes all over Cape May. Call 609-827-
exit zero 113 april-may

Benefits those living with paralysis in Cape May,
Atlantic, Ocean and Cumberland Counties.
Sunday, August 18th
16 Mile Crossing
from
Cape Henelopen, DE
to Cape May, NJ
4 Mile Recreational
Paddle from
Cape May Point, NJ
to Cape May, NJ
After Party/Awards: Harry’s Ocean Bar and Grille 2:00-6:00pm
They Will
Surf Again
August 4th
Wildwood, NJ
DeSatnick Foundation is a 501(c)3 Non-profit
www.DeSatnickFoundation.org info@DeSatnickFoundation.org
exit zero 114 april-may

8886 or visit yogacapemay.com. Classes
are also offered on the lawn of grand old
Congress Hall. The classes start at 8:30am
daily and pre-registration is required. Stop
by the front desk of Congress Hall or call
609-884-8421. For indoors, visit Balance
Pilates, located at 600 Park Boulevard in
West Cape May. Call Judy Heany at 609-
884-3001.
Tennis
The William J. Moore Tennis Club — named
after the first black (as well as the oldest)
tennis pro in America — rents rackets, balls,
and courts. It’s located next to the Emlen
Physick Estate on Washington Street and
there are always a variety of local characters
up for a game, match, or set. The courts are
open to the public daily for just $15 per hour
and a half. Call 609-884-8986.
Horseback Riding
At Hidden Valley Ranch, you can take lessons
in the pastimes of heroes and kings
under the watchful gaze of Nancy, the
toughest, but ultimately most lovable
instructor you could ever hope for. Call
Hidden Valley Ranch at 609-884-8205 for
more information.
Fishing
Cape May is one of the busiest commercial
fishing ports in the US. The sport fishing is
big business, too... AND lots of fun. South
Jersey Marina boasts a top-notch selection
of boats with crews who know these waters
better than anyone. Try the experienced,
knowledgeable team of Stalker Fishing
Charters (609-972-5218) or the Miss Chris
fleet (609-884-3939). For all your bait and
tackle needs, stop by Jim’s Bait and Tackle
on Route 109 by the harbor (609-884-
3900).
Tidal Marsh Tour by Kayak
Explore Cape May County’s most beautiful
and untouched salt marsh via sit-ontop
kayaks. It’s a great way to see nesting
ospreys, herons, egrets, and assorted crabs.
There are two options to choose from:
Aqua Trails at 1600 Delaware Avenue in the
Nature Center (609-884-5600), aquatrails.
com) and Miss Chris Marina (609-884-
3351, misschrismarina.com).
Stand Up Paddleboarding
See the beauty of Cape May from a different
perspective, while giving your core the
workout of its life. Paddle around the island
with friends or family. There are plenty of
places to rent or take a tour. Steger Beach
Service offer rentals, tours and rentals at
Utsch’s Marina — visit stegerbeachservice.
com. Aqua Trails offer tours and rentals at
the Nature Center of Cape May, 1600 Delaware
Avenue — visit aquatrails.com.
Parasail
You don’t need to be a daredevil to let your
body rise 500 feet above the ocean, nor do
you need wings. Parasailing has become a
popular pastime that lets you soar in the air
and see Cape May from a view many people
never have. It may be a view to die for, but
we can assure you that you won’t be risking
anything — the boat captains are Coast
Guard certified and extremely safe. There
are two options to choose from: East Coast
Parasail in Cape May at Utsch’s Marina
(898-8359) and Atlantic Parasail at the
Two Mile Landing restaurant and marina
on Ocean Drive highway (522-1869).
A spectacular harbor setting
CORINTHIAN
YACHT CLUB
of CAPE MAY
for your special event
Our traditional clubhouse,
gorgeous sunset views and
exceptional cuisine lend a
memorable, distinctive touch to
any gathering. Relax around our
firepit before and after!
1819 DELAWARE AVENUE, CAPE MAY
609-884-8000 • cyccm.com / capemaybeachwedding.com
exit zero 115 april-may

Drink the Cape

The definitive guide to local
wineries, breweries, distilleries
The tasting room at Cape May
Winery on Town Bank Road attracts
a good crowd year-round.

Hawk Haven Winery co-owner Todd
Wuerker tastes the goods along
with his colleagues. Hawk Haven is a
short drive from Cape May.
Local beer, wine and spirits have gone from a boomtown rush to an
established part of the Jersey Cape landscape, and the expansion does
not look over yet. Local beers are on tap in bars throughout town and
throughout the region and cans from Cape May Brewery and 7 Mile
are chilling in the cold sections of local retail outlets. Local wineries
started first and have grown into important tourist attractions as well
as producing award-winning vintages year after year. Here’s our suggestions
for what to sample when you explore the local beverage scene.
But definitely don’t take our word for it — go out and try something you
think you’ll like. — BILL BARLOW
That is on the high end of their line, at
about $40 a bottle. They also offer some
more affordable wines, including their Flying
Press red, which he described as a fun,
pizza or burger wine compared to some of
their more serious efforts. White, red and
rosé Flying Press go for $10 to $15 a bottle.
Third generation Cape locals, Ken and Todd
decided about 20 years ago to plant wine
grapes on land their grandfather had cultivated
in the 1940s. The winery opened about
10 years after that. Along with tours and
tastings, the winery offers numerous special
events, including the Rootstock music series.
Wineries
Cape May Winery and Vineyard
711 Town Bank Road, North Cape May
What to Drink: Sauvignon Blanc
Like arguing over the best guitarist in history
(Jimi Hendrix, of course), choosing a “best”
wine is a pointless but entertaining exercise.
And if you made the wine, it’s all the
more personal. So it’s no surprise that Cape
May Winery owner Toby Craig balked when
asked which of his wines he’d recommend.
He wanted to suggest trying them all, but
then again so did every other winery owner.
He recommended the sauvignon blanc, new
last year and very good, he said. Every year’s
chardonnay is good, he added, mentioned
the Isaac Smith Reserve and the cabernet
sauvignon for the red drinkers.
Hawk Haven Vineyard and Winery
600 South Railroad Avenue, Rio Grande
What to Drink: Cabernet Franc
Hawk Haven’s wines have always done well
in competition, according to Todd Wuerker,
who founded the winery with his brother
Ken. But the winery’s 2012 Cabernet Franc
took a medal as the best in the state.
exit zero 118 april-may
Willow Creek Winery and Farm
160-168 Stevens Street, West Cape May
What to Drink: Wilde Cock Red
A visit to the Willow Creek tasting room
includes braving a series of rough dirt roads
before the view opens to the vineyards, where
once stood a disused lima bean field, and the
winery and tasting room, a purpose-built
structure with a huge interior space for weddings,
events and concerts.
Owned by Barbara Wilde, who also owns
the Southern Mansion, the winery offers
overnight stays and an extensive menu.
Willow Creek planted the first vines in

2004, and 2010 was the first bottled vintage.
Staff members said they can’t keep up with
demand. The first-taste suggestion: Wilde
Cock Red, a dry red from merlot and petite
shiraz grapes at $26 a bottle.
Turdo Vineyards and Winery
3911 Bayshore Road, North Cape May
What to Drink: Nero D’Avola
Nero D’Avola, the black grape of Avola in
southeast Sicily, is rarely cultivated in the
United States, but called one of the most
important grapes in Sicilian wines. So it
makes sense that Salvatore Turdo, originally
from Sicily, would have some on hand when
he started a winery.
His son Luca Turdo, an owner and one of
the winemakers, said his parents were both
born in Sicily. His mom was from the city,
but Salvatore — usually shorted to Turi there
rather than Sal — grew up in the country,
growing lemons, grapes, olives and wheat,
and always, always making wine.
“He learned from his grandfather in
Sicily, and when he moved to the States in
the early ’70s, he used to make wine in the
garage,” said Luca. He started the winery in
1999 and opened the tasting room in 2002.
Turdo is best known for their Italian
styles, including prizewinning Barbera and
Sangiovese wines. They also make white
wine from another Sicilian grape, Grillo, and
according to Luca, as far as they can tell they
are the only commercial winery growing it
in the US. He suggested the Nero D’Avola as
the best starting point to experience Turdo
wines. They describe the finished wine as
very elegant, showing lots of fruit. Bottle
prices range from $17 to $35.
Natali Vineyards
221 North Delsea Drive, Goshen
What to Drink: Albariño
Alfred Natali had a career on Wall Street
before he bought an old horse farm on Route
47 in the Goshen section of Middle Township
in 2000. He said he spent a year getting
the soil ready for the vines before planting.
He also attended UC Davis in northern California,
one of the top viticulture schools in
the country. He has 22 acres on the site.
If you like white wine, he recommends
his Albariño, a grape that thrives in northwest
Spain and Portugal, or Viognier. For
red, he’s going with their Nebiollo. He says
he’s got 15 kinds of grapes on four different
root stocks, with varietals from throughout
Europe. In the European style of winemaking,
a vineyard or a region typically cultivates
a single type of vinefra, not a dozen, but
Natali points out that in those areas they’ve
had hundreds of years of experience telling
them which grape does best where. In Cape
May, he said, wine makers have had 20. To
make a winery work, he said, a vintner needs
three things from his grapes: they have to
survive the winter, they need to have enough
yield per acre to make it worthwhile, and
ultimately they have to produce a good wine.
Jessie Creek Winery
1 North Delsea Drive, Cape May Court House
What to Drink: Stratus
Every vineyard starts with a story, and Jessie
Creek’s starts with Dr. Bruce Morrison
riding his Harley Road King along the back
roads of Cape May County and onto a vineyard
off Route 47. He was looking to buy a
vineyard, and he said he and former owner
Joe Yuzzi just hit it off from the start. Yuzzi
grew grapes for other wineries in the area,
and there was a house built in the 1800s on
the site. The name is a combination of Yuzzi’s
mother’s name and Dias Creek.
Morrison, a family practice doctor in
Huntington Valley, PA, has long dreamed of
owning a vineyard. A bed and breakfast inn
Award-winning Cape May Brewing
Company has more than 100
flagship, seasonal and small-batch
brews under their umbrella.
exit zero 119 april-may

opened on the site in 2010, and the winery
opened in 2012. They produce fruit wine,
including apple and blueberry, and whites
and reds in several varieties. “The winery is
definitely moving in the right direction,” said
Morrison. They offer a summer gris, which
he described as light with notes of raspberry,
and their Dias Creek is a best seller.
His recommendation? Their Stratus, half
Chambourcin, French-American hybrid that
seems to thrive on the Cape, and a quarter
each of Merlot and Cabernet. It’s listed at
$25 a bottle.
G&W Winery
1034 Route 47 South, Rio Grande
What to Drink: Merlot
The area’s newest winery is also its smallest.
“We don’t have a nice, big building. You can’t
come in and buy a glass,” said Jerry Hellman,
one of the three partners in the vineyard.
“We are a small farm winery.” He said
the winery is open on weekends, and people
who come by will probably find the owners
working among the vines. They can stop for
a tasting, and buy a bottle, and the winery
has a waiting list for its very limited release
each year, 1,000 bottles all told. They’re $20,
except for a blend, which is $23.
Hellman, Dennis Hasson and Travis
Thomas all work in the Haddonfield school
district. Two are teachers and have time off
in the summer. Hellman is the school psychologist,
and doesn’t, but he said he’s getting
close to retirement and asked to become
part of the business. Hellman said the cabernet
franc seems to thrive on the cape, and
they offer a chardonnay and a pinot.
He suggested trying the merlot. The
vines have been in for six or seven years, and
they’ve been making wine for three.
The winery gets its name from the initials
of Grace and Willow, daughters of Marie and
Dennis Hasson.
Breweries
Cape May Brewing Company
1288 Hornet Road, Cape May Airport
What to Drink: Always Ready
If Cape May Brewing Company’s tasting
room at the Cape May Airport is open, whatever
time of year, there’s almost always a
crowd. There’s a good chance some in that
crowd will be drinking the beloved Coastal
Evacuation IPA, a bright, citrusy beer that
goes down happy and hoppy. And owner
Ryan Krill is proud of the numerous fruit
beers on offer, including the 8 percent Apple
Bomb. But when the days start heating up,
the crew at Cape May Brewing Company
recommends a recent addition to the extensive
lineup, named in honor of the Coast
Guard’s motto. Always Ready is a northeast
pale ale with a relatively low alcohol by
volume, coming in at 4.8 ABV. Head brewer
Brian Hink said it took a few tries to zero in
on the Goldilocks zone, getting feedback on
the first couple batches to get the right balance
of hops, flavor, feel and bitterness.
MudHen Brewing Company
127 W. Rio Grande Ave., Wildwood
What to Drink: Pike Pole Pilsner
Once upon a time, the first train to carry visitors
to Wildwood was called the mud hen.
The West Jersey Railroad ran from Cape
May Court House to Anglesea through the
marsh and over a precarious bridge. Owner
Brendan Sciarra liked the sense of history
and decided to take that name for his latest
venture, MudHen Brewing Company, which
opened its doors this spring to much fanfare.
Unlike the many other breweries on this
list, MudHen is a brew pub — an unusual
designation in New Jersey and unique in
Cape May County. Among other things, that
means MudHen can offer a full menu. The
other breweries can sell their beers on site
but cannot by law have a kitchen. The project
was in the works for about two years,
according to Russ Simmons, the marketing
director. The business is set for crowds this
summer, with three bars, extensive seating
and an outdoor area just for hanging out with
friends around the firepits. The names of the
beers reflect local history. It’s early days, but
the 7.4 percent 1883 IPA has stood out as the
mainstay for the brew pub. Simmons recommended
the Captain Doug Porter, which he
described as a smooth ride. For a little added
history, brewmaster Tony Cunha is a descendant
of Captain Doug Wilson, who sailed out
of Cape May for about 20 years.
Ludlam Island Brewing
9 Stoney Court, Ocean View
What to Drink: Harry’s Coffee Pale Ale
Off the beaten track, in the same well-camexit
zero 120 april-may
Cold Spring Brewery
7233 Seashore Road, Cold Spring
What to Drink: Cold Spring Red
Cold Spring Brewery started with four beers:
an American wheat, a German wheat, a red
ale and a porter. The brewery and tasting
room is in a renovated 200-or-so-year-old
barn moved from the Palermo section of
Upper Township to the current site on Seashore
Road, a project that started with HCSV
board approval in 2014. The offerings include
a rotating series of limited edition brews,
along with the dark brown Dennisville Inn
Porter and Cold Spring Red, the brewery’s
most popular offering and our recommendation
for your first pint at the brewery.
7 Mile Brewery
3156 Route 9, Rio Grande
What to Drink: 7 Suns Double IPA
On Route 9 in Rio Grande, 7 Mile Brewery is
about the easiest craft brewery in the county
to find, which founders Pete Beyda and Chris
Collette say is not an accident. An off-season
Friday evening saw the place hopping, with
a thirsty and welcoming crowd and at least
one friendly mixed breed dog greeting those
heading to the bar. The owners say their 7
Sons Double IPA is their most popular of the
numerous beers on tap, and it’s easy to see
why. Brewing beer is a kind of alchemy, part
art, part science, part magic, and for 7 Sons,
what might have been a palate-blowing
hops blast comes in with a nice balance and
a great bitter finish. It’s 7.5 percent alcohol,
with a whopping 90 IBU, the International
Bittering Units scale. For comparison, a Bud,
Miller or Coors would come in about a 10.
Slack Tide
1072 Route 83, Clermont
What to Drink: Angry Osprey IPA
Slack Tide brewery was barely open when it
started reeling in the beer awards, including
honors at the Philadelphia Inquirer Brewvitational
and a best of Craft Beer award in
Bend, Oregon last year. On a brewery tour,
a group of friends dug into two loaded tasting
flights, the small glasses a spectrum from
deep black to light amber. Some showed real
love for the Knockdown Black IPA, but it was
the Angry Osprey that emptied first. At 6.8
percent alcohol, its goes down nicely, but the
well-balanced hops call out for seconds. Or
thirds, if you’ve got an Uber.

Nauti Spirits Distillery won a
gold medal for their vodka at
the San Francisco World Spirits
Competition.
ouflaged Ocean View warehouse that was
once home to Tuckahoe Brewing, Ludlam
Island offers several styles, including several
IPAs and a Kolsh, but I suggest you ask
for Harry’s Coffee Pale Ale. Combining their
Foundation Rye Pale Ale and coffee from
Harry and Beans next door, the crew at Ludlam
resisted the usual math of coffee-plusbeer-equals
porter and provided a unique
and delicious surprise. Rye beers seem to
be a growing trend, and their 5.2 percent
version works fine on its own, but the coffee
adds a nice, buzzy foreground.
Bucket Brigade Brewery
205 North Main Street, Cape May
Court House
What to Drink: Pike Pole Pilsner
The Bucket Brigade Brewery on Route 9 in
Cape May Court House has red ales, Belgian
beers, an IPA and black ale, but brewery
President Karl Hughes recommends starting
with the pilsner. “It’s light and easy drinking
and what most people are used to.” He
and Kurt Hughes – his identical twin and
the main brewer – were homebrewers and
firemen who wanted to take things to the
next level, joining with lifelong friend Mark
McPherson to form the brewing company
in 2016. They bought the old H.B Christman
and Sons building and began their extensive
renovations, opening the doors last year.
Distilleries
Nauti Spirits
916 Shunpike Road, Cold Spring
What to Drink: Rum Daiquiri
“I would get a daiquiri,” suggests Brendan
Wheatley, the vice president and head distiller
at Nauti Spirits, just north of the Cape
May canal. He suggested that more people
drinking daiquiris would clearly bring summer
faster. It stands to reason, right? The
drink includes Nauti Spirits rum, fresh lime
juice and sugar. The distillery has been open
just over a year, serving locally made vodka,
gin and rum, with bourbon on the way. That
one needs more time to mature. The distillery
uses locally grown herbs and produce in
its line of cocktails and grows its own sweet
potatoes that becomes the base for their distilled
spirits.
The company took a long-fallow field,
one Wheatley said needed some love, and
grew 27,000 pounds of sweet potatoes last
year. “It’s a little bit of tilting at windmills,
but it’s the right thing to do,” he said, helping
keep sustainable farming in the area. The
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locally distilled liquors have been collecting
awards at competitions, including at the San
Francisco World Spirits Competition, and
Wheatley plans to begin a line of liqueurs for
inclusion in their cocktails.
Cape May Distillery
371 Route 47, Cape May Court House
What to Drink: Double Barrel Honey
On a lonely stretch of Route 47, in the far
corner of Middle Township, sits Cape May
Distillery. It’s been open for four years. It
was the first distillery in Cape May County
and the second in the state. It’s meant to
resemble a Victorian speakeasy. Customers
enter through a vestibule that looks like an
old-fashioned phone booth leading to a cozy
bar. On offer are several rums, including
blueberry rums and coconut rum, gin, bourbon
and the Double Barrel Honey, distilled
from the handiwork of local bees. In the glass
and on the tongue, it resembles a whiskey,
with the honey flavor standing quietly in the
background until the after taste. It weighs
in at 80 proof, which is 40 percent alcohol,
and the owners said it mixes well, but sipped
neat, the liquor gets a chance to open up in
the mouth, unveiling each flavor in turn.

If you haven’t seen those cute trolleys rolling
through the streets of Cape May, there are
one of two explanations: You’re not paying
attention, or this is your first time visiting
America’s Original Seaside Resort. In any
event, here is a handy guide that tells you the
what, when and why of trolley tours. For more
information, get in touch with the Mid-Atlantic
Center for the Arts and Humanities, who
run the trolleys, as well as other fun things.
Visit them at capemaymac.org.
The Definitive Trolley Guide
GHOSTS OF THE LIGHTHOUSE
Where It Goes: Begins and ends at Washington
Street Mall Information Booth, traveling
through parts of West Cape May to the lighthouse.
How Long It Runs: One hour.
When It Runs: Fridays, April 26 through
May 17 at 8:45pm, May 24 through June 7 at
8:30pm, and Sunday, May 26 at 8:30pm.
What It Is: The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse has
a frightfully lonely visage at night — the perfect
setting for the ghostly tales unearthed by
psychic medium and Cape May ghostwriter
Craig McManus. Your guide will share Craig’s
findings as you travel through West Cape May
and end at the lighthouse for a night climb to
the top. Hear about lonely maids who continue
to wander inns, ghostly pirates still desperately
digging for treasure, and more.
Who It’s For: Those who enjoy a tantalizing
tale.
Cape May’s Wild side
Where It Goes: Throughout Cape Island to
the area’s natural “hotspots.”
How Long It Lasts: About two hours.
When It Runs: Wednesdays beginning June 5
at 8:30am.
What It Is: Beyond the charming Victorian
homes and sandy beaches, Cape May is
world famous for its birdwatching, monarch
migration and natural history. Join Cape May
Bird Observatory naturalists on a trolley tour
to local “hotspots” with exits at several stops
along the way, learning about the diversity,
abundance — millions of birds pass through
each year — geography and extensive history
of this amazing natural spectacle. You’ll learn
why Cape May has been called the birding
capital of North America. Co-sponsored
by New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird
Observatory.
Who It’s For: Early birds and those who love
learning about Cape May’s natural wonders.
Historic District
Where It Goes: Through the historic district.
How Long It Lasts: About 45 minutes.
When It Runs: Daily; hours vary.
What It Is: It’s beautiful. It’s charming. Cape
May — one of the few places you can wander
through and feel that it’s more than 100 years
ago. Tour guides will explain how and why it
survived.
Who It’s For: Anyone and everyone who finds
Cape May charming.
Insider Tip: Combine this tour with a guided
tour of the Emlen Physick Estate and save $5.
Mansions by the Sea
Where It Goes: Along Beach Avenue, through
the early 20th century East Cape May development
areas
How Long It Lasts: About 40 minutes.
When It Runs: Daily beginning April 26. Hours
vary.
What It Is: See how the rich lived in the early
20th century. When $1 million really meant
something — before income tax. Also, see
new beachfront second homes, which run
the gamut from the mere wealthy to the fabulously
rich.
Who It’s For: Anyone who’s curious how the
one-quarter of one percent lives.
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underground railroad
Where It Goes: Throughout Cape May
How Long It Lasts: About 45 minutes.
When It Runs: Saturdays beginning April 27
at 10:15am.
What It Is: Cape May was part of the Underground
Railroad and this new trolley tour
tells the stories of those dangerous days.
Hear how, fleeing their chains in Maryland,
Delaware and Virginia, African-American
slaves braved strong currents and stormy
seas, guided by the beacon at the Cape May
Lighthouse. Hear how legendary anti-slavery
fighter, Harriet Tubman, walked these streets,
as did businessman and former slave, Stephen
Smith, whose railroad cars carried hundreds
to freedom. Co-sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic
Center for the Arts and Humanities and
the Center for Community Arts.
Who It’s For: Anyone and everyone who
seeks to understand our nation’s history.
Welcome to Cape May
Where It Goes: Throughout Cape May
How Long It Lasts: About 45 minutes.
When It Runs: Saturdays, April 13 and 20 at
2:30pm. Daily beginning April 26; hours vary.
What It Is: The best introduction to Cape
May for first-timers. Find the hidden gems and
little-known treasures as well as natural and
cultural points of interest.
Who It’s For: You just arrived to Cape May
and can’t wait to see the town. You’ve been to
Cape May before, but it’s been awhile. You’re
a local, but you’ve never taken this delightful
tour that celebrates your ever-so-charming
hometown.
Cape Mayhem
Where It Goes: Through the historic district.
How Long It Lasts: About 30 minutes.
When It Runs: Offered Saturdays beginning

Explore Amazing Things...
NATURE CENTER
OF CAPE MAY
ADULT, FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS YEAR-ROUND
Kayaking Trips • Cycling Tours • Family Hikes • Private Garden Tours
Beginner Birding Field Trips • Wildlife-Friendly Gardening Programs.
1600 DELAWARE AVENUE, CAPE MAY
(609) 898-8848 • NJAUDUBON.ORG/CENTERS/NCCM

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Robert Moffatt, VMD
Nancy Reilly, VMD
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April 27, and Fridays and Saturdays beginning May 24, in the evening
hours.
What It Is: Headless photography? Electric corsets? Coffin torpedoes?
You won’t believe some of the strange beliefs, oddities, fads and
superstitions of the Victorians. This trolley tour explores them. Hear
stories from Cape May’s history that are bizarre, unexplained or just
plain weird.
Who It’s For: You’re drawn to the macabre. Philadelphia’s Mutter
Museum? It’s on your fave list.
Moonlight ride
Where It Goes: Along Beach Avenue and through the Historic District.
How Long It Lasts: About 30 minutes.
When It Runs: On select nights of the full moon: Friday, April 19 at 8pm
and Saturday, May 18 at 8:45pm.
What It Is: Victorians tended to sentimentalize even the most mundane
of things, from teacups to toothbrushes. Take this romantic trolley
ride along the beachfront under the light of the full moon, through
the heart of the Historic District, and you’ll hear tales of Victorian
courtship. Snuggle up and imagine the simmering passions of Victorian
couples courting, as they strolled the promenade.
Who It’s For: You’re a romantic.
Ghosts of Cape May
Where It Goes: Through our historic streets.
How Long It Lasts: About 30 minutes.
When It Runs: Offered in the evenings Saturday, March 30, Fridays
and Saturdays April 5 through April 27, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays,
April 1 through May 25 (except May 18), and every evening
beginning May 26. Hours vary,
What It Is: What was that? The undead of Cape May come back to settle
their scores? Just be grateful you’re in a trolley with an experienced
guide to tell you about the many hauntings discovered by Cape May
author and medium Craig McManus.
Who It’s For: Those who enjoy a good ghost story.
YOGA ON THE BEACH
Flow this Summer
« Cape May Point State Park
«Convention Hall Beach
«David Douglass Memorial Park
PLUS!
Aqua Yoga @ Lower Township Pool
& Cape May City Pool
Tai Chi @ Convention Hall Beach
Plenty of free parking!
Visit yogacapemay.com
for a complete schedule
or call Karen at 609-827-8886
Rain or Shine... there is Shelter
from the Storm with Ocean Views
Psychic medium Craig McManus inspired the Ghosts of Cape May tour
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Cherishing Life’s Moments
Serving Cape May & Lower Township
609-884-3793
spilkerfuneralhome.com
DENNIS J. SPILKER Manager/Funeral Director NJ # 4038 • KEVIN J. BEARE Funeral Director NJ # 3806
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OCEANVIEWVETNJ.COM | 609-486-5025 | 2033 US 9 NORTH, CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ 08210
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Property

Spicers Creek is an exciting residential and leisure development evolving at Cape May harbor.
Spicing Up The Harborfront
ARTICLE JACK WRIGHT
It started around 2008 with the erection
of a Victorian-style condo with a turquoise
metal roof at the end of Lafayette
Street. Seven more buildings followed,
and it seemed like something interesting
was brewing at Cape May Marina,
home of a planned new harborfront housing
development called Osprey Landing. In
2011, the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts
and Humanities held their seventh annual
Designer Show House at Osprey Landing,
starring a $2.2 million four-story waterfront
townhome. It was the first time MAC had
featured a new property for the annual event
— previously they had always chosen historic
homes.
The designers chosen to transform the
property were inspired by the wildlife of the
harbor and the wetlands, where stirring sunrises
are followed by spectacular sunsets.
Then the real estate market tanked and construction
at Osprey Landing halted.
But the dream of creating an exciting new
harborside community was only on hold. In
January of 2013, the marina and the development
was bought from the Kocis family by
Scarborough Properties, a developer based in
Ocean City with decades of experience in creating
waterfront communities. Now renamed
Spicers Creek (it’s the waterway that connects
Cape May Marina to the canal), the plan for a
harborfront community looks like it’s coming
along nicely. Scarborough Properties, who
own six marinas between here and Atlantic
City, sold the remaining seven townhomes
from the initial development and revised the
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original plans, creating 29 new home sites.
Recently, I enjoyed a couple visits to the
home of a friend, whose four-story townhouse
sits on the waterfront, allowing him
to grab his paddleboard from the first-floor
garage and slip right into the water. A pretty
nice way to start the day. At night he can head
up to the roof with a cocktail to enjoy a spectacular
panoramic view of the island. I’d never
seen Cape May from this vantage point before
— it looked like a whole new place to me.
I could get used to this — if I only learned
how to paddleboard without falling into the
water every 20 seconds.
I spoke with John Michael Gartland and
his wife Mary Lou, who put their condo at the
Devonshire, in downtown Cape May, on the
market and moved into a new five-bedroom
townhome at Spicers Creek. “We loved living

Featured Sale Listing
1460 Missouri Avenue, Cape May
Presented by CHRISTINA P. CLEMANS
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chris@chrisclemanssir.com
Featured
Sale Listing
915 Washington St.
Cape May
Listed by CHARITY R. CLARK
BROKER SALESPERSON GRI, ABR
609.408.2192 - charitycapemay@gmail.com
Advice. Experience. Results.
Christina P. Clemans Licensed Real Estate Broker
1159 Washington Street Cape May, NJ 08204 609-884-3332 www.chrisclemanssir.com
exit zero 129 april-may

The harborfront is Cape May’s upcoming district and Spicers Creek features these exciting new home designs from Scarborough Properties.
at the Devonshire — we could walk everywhere,
it was so convenient,” says John. “But
we were really excited about what’s happening
at Spicers Creek. Scarborough are creating
a sweet residential and recreational hub,
and we wanted to be a part of it.
“We think the harbor district is on its
way to becoming a vibrant quarter of the
city, its own separate community,” says John.
“We love going to Lucky Bones, the Lobster
House, Saltwater Cafe. The folks at South
Jersey Marina are doing a great job of bringing
events there. I think it’s really coming
together nicely.”
Buying a property at Spicers Creek has a
few perks over and above the views — there’s
the chance to join the members-only Paddle
Club, which offers two swimming pools, and
also rent out The Spicer Room, which boasts
great waterfront views — The Washington
Inn is the caterer of choice at Spicers Creek.
If you’re lucky enough to own a boat,
Cape May Marina has 210 deep water boat
slips. And if you need to stock up on ice, bait,
tackle and other nautical equipment, SeaGear
opened a ship’s store at Cape May Marina.
So, yes, it’s a pretty cool development that’s
springing up there.
I spoke with Todd deSatnick, whose real
estate company is partnering with Scarborough
to market Spicers Creek. Todd told
me that the new single family homes will be
approximately 2500 square feet with parking
for four vehicles in each garage. There
are several architect-created designs to lend
variety to the streetscape.
I asked Todd if he thought the Spicer
Creek community would appeal more to
year-round or seasonal occupants. “The
majority of marina district owners are seasonal
residents, but Cape May is becoming
more of a year-round community and I
exit zero 130 april-may
think the lifestyle created at Spicers could
be appealing to many who’d like to call
Cape May home,” he says.
“Our goal is to promote the waterfront
lifestyle — coastal living in Cape May. Boating,
fishing, paddleboarding and birding.”
Personally, I’ve always felt that the harbor
district is underutilized and underdeveloped.
So many people drive over the
bridge into Cape May, intent on their beach
vacation, without taking much time to consider
the harbor. In fact, for many, their
only experience of it is visiting the Lobster
House or Lucky Bones.
Does Todd feel that Spicers Creek could
have a significant impact on the harbor
district? “I feel that more residents in the
are will create more life on the east side of
town. We hope more people translates into
more action for the businesses throughout
town.”

One Of Our Featured Properties For Sale & Rent
101 Whilldin Avenue, Cape May Point. Beach front corner property
with water views, four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms.
Recent upgrades, off street parking for two cars, cathedral ceiling.
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exit zero 131 april-may

Property of the Month 209 Yale Avenue, Cape May Point
“Get to the Point” — this two-bedroom Cape May Point Cottage
is move-in ready and two short blocks to the beach and
lighthouse. Start off with a welcoming sun room, with a wall of
windows allowing the natural sunlight to illuminate the home
and French doors adding privacy if you need another sleeping
space. The homeowners have done an amazing job on the inside
renovations, including new interior painting, removing all carpet
and replacing all flooring, renovating the kitchen and bathrooms
which are both amazing plus all new furnishings.
The pricey renovations give the home a luxurious spa-like feel
— it’s being sold furnished, less the items added by the professional
home stager. The rear of the home has a screened porch
and deck, making those garden barbecues so easy. The back
yard is enclosed, with a detached garage, an outside shower and
a new hot water heater which just needs hooked up to a gas
source.
Cape May Point is full of wonderful hidden treasures —you
can bike over to St Peter’s by-the-Sea, the lighthouse, nature
trails, the concrete sunken ship and so many other delightful
spots just waiting for you to discover.
Cape May Point’s seasonal bird and butterfly migrations are
world renowned, so grab your binoculars and come see this
lovely home! For more information please contact Carol Menz,
Broker at Coastline Realty.
For more information, contact Carol Menz of Coastline Realty on 609-374-0325 or 609-884-5005
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exit zero 133 april-may

picture of the month By Charles Riter
The iconic porch of the Chalfonte, Cape May’s oldest continuously operated hotel, on a balmy summer evening.
exit zero 134 april-may

Sol Needles Real Estate
Serving the Cape May area for 118 years
for all of your Sales & Rental needs!
« over 350 vacation rentals
« open 7 days a week
credit card & online payments accepted
Please visit our website at CBcapemay.com
for more details and all of our listings!
512 Washington Street Mall, Cape May - 609-884-8428
lynn gleeson/william bezaire, owners

parting thought By Diane Stopyra
occasionally, this magazine runs a series
called My Perfect Day, in which we speak with
Cape May locals about their ideal 24-hour
period on the Cape. We kicked off the column
expecting to hear about refreshing cocktails
and indulgent meals, beautiful beach days and
breezy walks through the historic district. And
we did. What we didn’t anticipate hearing over
(and over)? The details of how these people
shower.
We’re not talking soap brand or loofah technique.
It’s not so much what happens during this
daily ritual that matters — it’s where it happens.
On the Cape, cleanliness is next to godliness…
at least when that cleansing happens al fresco.
In other words: If you’re not showering outside
in Cape May, you’re likely aspiring to be
— saving up for a Pinterest-worthy, cedar-shakesided,
waterfall-spicketed setup that “embodies
the romance of a summer day.” That’s how The
New York Times described the outdoor shower
experience in a 1993 article titled “Spray from
Heaven.”
“It is the Garden of Eden with soap and a
towel,” writes author William L. Hamilton. “If
it isn’t original sin, it feels like it could be: a
stream of water falling through the air, like the
warm voice of a snake. It’s outdoors when it’s
supposed to be indoors, and one never forgets
that fact. The unlicensed thrill is as fresh as the
water, every time.”
This isn’t just a practical indulgence, efficient
for washing off sand after a long day
of sunbathing or bodysurfing — no trekking
through the house necessary. It’s become a
self-care sanctuary. The experience is sun-dappled
and multi-sensory: Imagine a soft breeze
against your water-warmed skin. The natural
aromatherapy of ocean salt and fresh-cut grass
and grilled burgers in the air. The familiar call of
a gull or the buzzy musical stylings of a nearby
warbler. The tranquil sight of wispy pink clouds
drifting overhead at dusk.
Showering may be the most mundane thing
you’re likely to do in a day. Some would call it
a chore. But take it outside and suddenly the
experience becomes a metaphor for life in
Cape May: Simple. Calming. Rejuvenating. It’s
exit zero 136 april-may
also just a touch risque — it allows for, according
to The Boston Globe in a poetic ode to this
summer pleasure, a thrilling yet “mild form of
exhibitionisism.”
But outdoor showering is not all unicorns
and zen. As with all the best things in life, the
experience is, for many of us, a fleeting one.
“Oh, how I plead with the clock to slow
down its ticking,” writes screenwriter Marion
McNabb. “Let me languish here in all this humid
glory! I’m begging! For when the bell tolls and
I must return from my island oasis to urban
reality, that one marvel of modern engineering
— the greatest invention ever made — will
be placed on stand-by until late next spring. I
am of course talking about the wondrous outdoor
shower. Have you ever enjoyed one? It is
a life-affirming experience, at once scintillating,
sensual and serene.”
But for now, at least, we are at the very
beginning of a long, hot, glorious summer awash
with opportunity to, well, wash. Here’s wishing
you many moments under the sun and stars in
your personal Garden of Eden.

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Rejuvenate this Spring
Open Nightly for Dinner
From the relaxing front porch, to the classically comfortable bar and
lounge with live piano music on weekends, The Ebbitt Room is strongly
rooted in a farm-to-table, farm-to-glass dining philosophy featuring the
freshest ingredients from our very own Beach Plum Farm.
Edible Jersey Local Heroes 2019
Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2018
• Dining Room and Lounge Open Nightly
• Live Piano Music Friday & Saturday Nights
• Complimentary Valet Parking
• Happy Hour Monday - Friday 4pm - 6pm
• Early Dining Menu Sunday - Friday $35 +
Reservations 609.884.5700 | EbbittRoom.com | 25 Jackson Street