Cool Cape May 2020-21

The Cape May Lighthouse was built in 1859 and received a major renovation in 1988. charles riter
water flights, so many birds are funneled to the tip of the
peninsula before continuing. Hot tip: The 215 acres of mudflats
and low grasses known as South Cape May Meadows
that run parallel to Sunset Boulevard are a designated bird
sanctuary with beautiful walking trails. Just one more reason
for flocking (heh) to the Cape.
FERRY The Cape May-Lewes ferry isn’t just a way to cross
the Delaware Bay in 80 or 90 scenic minutes before an
afternoon of shopping in tax-free Rehoboth or sunbathing
at, say, the Delaware Seashore State Park (although these
ARE great adventures to have). The ferry is also an attraction
in its own right. Drive, walk or bike onboard and enjoy
some pub food and a refreshing cocktail at the outdoor bar.
Breathe the salt air and keep your eyes peeled for leaping
dolphins, diving birds or even the spout of a humpback
whale. There are themed cruises as well, featuring live
music, wine tastings and more. Those sunset trips? They’re
Insta-worthy, for sure.
GHOSTS A National Historic Landmark, Cape May is full
of Victorian buildings that many believe are haunted (like
Hotel Macomber, pictured). We were even featured on the
Haunted Towns TV program. According to Craig McManus,
author of the popular Ghosts of Cape May book series,
the spirits who linger in America’s oldest seaside resort are
not the Hollywood kind; you won’t find them popping out
of dark closets to scare the living daylights out of us. Says
McManus, “This is a very calming place with great energy.
Maybe some of these ghosts don’t rush to move on because
they’ve always liked it here. Perhaps all they’re looking for is
the suntan lotion.”
HARBOR Cape May’s harbor, 116 years old, came to be
when a power broker from Pittsburgh named William Flinn
dredged 500 marshy acres with the intention of using the
spoils to develop East Cape May. His development project
never came to fruition, but the harbor proved invaluable.
During both world wars, it provided much-needed access
to the Delaware Bay for our troops, while during Prohibition
it provided a safe haven for rum runners. Now, it’s home to
the only US Coast Guard boot camp in the nation, as well
as the fourth-most lucrative fishing port, with landings totaling
more than $100 million. Recreational fishing more your
thing? The marinas along the harbor offer charter trips and
boat rentals. Sea-to-table never tasted so good.
ISLAND Yes, Cape May really IS an island. Originally, the
present-day area of Cape May was cut off from the rest
of the mainland by a small creek, aka Cape Island Creek.
Contrary to popular belief, this waterway is still intact, save
for a small portion where the city borders Lower Township.
But even without the creek, Cape May is an island. That’s
because, during World War II, the Army Corp of Engineers
created a canal connecting Cape May’s harbor with the
Delaware Bay in order to improve military operations for
the Navy. This manmade waterway is what you drive over
when you come over the bridge for a relaxing, rejuvenating
stay on the Cape.
JAZZ The Exit Zero International Jazz Festival, launched in
2012 by Michael Kline, takes over town twice a year, in April
and November, when acclaimed jazz, soul, blues and R&B
performers rock venues throughout the city. Among the
artists who’ve played the Cape? Nine-time Grammy award
winner Wynton Marsalis, piano prodigy Joey Alexander and
legendary soul man William Bell. For more information on
tickets, visit exit0jazzfest.com... and get ready to jam.
KAYAKING Paddle through Cape May’s wetlands and
you’re likely to encounter fiddler crabs, moon jellies, even
the occasional harbor seal. Jeff Martin, owner of Aqua
Trails — a harbor-based company which provides kayak and
paddleboard nature tours — has seen kayakers get close
enough to bottlenose dolphins to smell their fishy breath. It
may just be the best way to commune with nature in Cape
May… and there are a LOT of ways to commune with nature
in Cape May.
LIGHTHOUSE Located in Cape May Point State Park, the
Cape May Lighthouse — built in 1859 and originally powered
with whale oil — was designed by General George Meade,
a Union hero during the Civil War. Since it opened to the
public in 1988, the landmark has been visited by more than
two-and-a-half million people, many of whom climbed the
199 steps to the top — it IS a workout. Be sure to check in
with Cape May MAC (capemaymac.org) for info on their full
moon climbs, which allow for a panoramic (and romantic)
view of the Cape under the stars.