Cool Cape May 2020-21

MALL In the 1960s, when Cape May’s mayor Frank
Gauvry introduced his plan for a pedestrian-friendly mall
in the heart of town, residents were skeptical, even angry.
At the time, most city planning in the country revolved
around car-friendly construction, like highways and parking
garages. Business owners were convinced anything
else would ruin the town. But Gauvry pushed ahead and,
in 1971, the mall was completed. It became an instant success,
with city leaders from around the country flocking to
see it. Today, it’s home to some of Cape May’s most iconic
restaurants and shops, as well as artisanally minded newcomers
— all worth leaving the beach for.
NATURE CENTER The Nature Center of Cape May was
founded on the harbor in 1992 as a way for people to
connect with the environment via education. Today, families
come here to get up-close-and-personal with marine
ecosystems and the cool (sometimes freaky) animals who
live here: ghost crabs and salamanders and sharks, oh
my! Whether it’s making art, honing outdoor skills or simply
having an adventure you’re after, there’s a camp or
activity for you.
Commune with dolphins and other wildlife during a kayaking trip.
OYSTERS Once upon a time, the oyster capital of the
world could be found 23 miles northwest of Cape May,
as the crow flies. Port Norris — located where Maurice
River meets Delaware Bay — was homebase for this thriving
maritime industry. In the 1950s, disaster struck when
an oyster disease devastated the population. But today,
thanks to a long-term collaboration between marine scientists
and commercial fishermen, the small bivalve is making
a big comeback in Cape May’s waters. Cape May Salt
Oysters, which begin in a hatchery before being raised in
the wild, are sweet, briny and the most delectable treat on
a breezy Cape May afternoon.
PHYSICK ESTATE This 18-room mansion, built in 1879 for
an eccentric gentleman farmer named Dr Emlen Physick,
who owned the first automobile on the Cape, is the
only Victorian house museum in town. In the 1970s, there
existed a campaign to turn the island into a more modern,
Wildwood-esque place and the Physick Estate was nearly
demolished and replaced with condos. Fortunately, a
group of activists went to battle with city officials in order
to save the old building. With federal grant money, they
did just that. Those activists? They became Cape May
MAC, a nonprofit which runs the Estate, as well as trolley
tours around town and many other cultural events.
QUAINT Cape May’s historic district is home to 600
Victorian buildings, most of them charming houses with
sweeping porches, perfect for sitting in rocking chairs,
sipping lemonade and enjoying a sea breeze. The architectural
marvels are marked by intricate cupolas, verandas,
upside-down chimneys and intricate wood ornamentation
with Gothic, Italianate and Parisian details. Take a
stroll through these streets — we recommend Hughes and
Columbia — and you won’t be surprised to learn Cape
May has earned the unofficial title of bed-and-breakfast
capital of the world. The horse-drawn carriages that routinely
make the rounds? They’re just a bonus.
RESTAURANTS Cape May was named the culinary capital
of New Jersey by The New York Times. Translation: This
place is a foodie’s dream. In the mood for waterfront pub
fare and a casual setting? How about a romantic, candlelit
night out? Or a healthy, farm-to-table meal to go? A happyhour
snack with your toes in the sand? Exciting Asian food?
Or a shack where the fish is pracitcally plucked from the
ocean? The options (all covered in the pages of this) are
overwhelming… in a good way!
SUNSETS Cape May sunsets are the equal of any in the
world — no, really! They’re so beautiful partly because
the air is so clean. (Pollution in the atmosphere can mute
vibrant colors — not a problem on the Cape.) But don’t
take our word for it. Check out the flag-lowering ceremonies
that happen at the appropriately named Sunset
Beach (at the end of Sunset Boulevard) every summer
evening. This is a moving event, honoring a different veteran
each day. And it happens against a beautiful backdrop
— the sun going down behind the SS Atlantus, Cape
May’s mostly submerged, World War I-era concrete ship.
Yes, they really did build it from concrete. And it really was
as bad an idea as it appears!
THEATER Cape May is a tiny island that’s big on theater.
The East Lynne company on Hughes Street, dedicated
to the preservation of early American plays, was named