Cool Cape May 2020-21

[42] year-round activities
SEE THE ISLAND,
TAKE A little red
TROLLEY TOUR!
You’ve no doubt seen those red trolleys meandering through
the island and you’ve likely waited behind one in your car
(be patient, you’re on island time!). Well, if you haven’t tried
one, now’s the time, whatever month of the year. Cape May
MAC operates the trolley rides, most of which depart from
the Washington Street Mall information booth. For details
on when trolley rides run, call MAC at 609-884-5404 or visit
capemaymac.org.
BEHIND THE WALLS UNDER THE CRAWLS
How Long It Lasts: An hour.
What It Is: See Cape May from a builder’s perspective. Sewage
and drains, water supply and heat, structure and foundations.
Discover who had indoor toilets and who didn’t!
Who It’s For: You like to tinker with things.
CAPE MAY’S WILD SIDE
How Long It Lasts: About two hours.
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 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 and Cape May MAC.
Who It’s For: Early birds, and those who love Cape May’s
natural wonders.
CAPE MAYHEM & VICTORIAN ODDITIES
How Long It Lasts: Thirty minutes.
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. Hear stories
on this from Cape May’s history that bring to life the bizarre,
the unexplained or the just plain weird.
Who It’s For: You’re drawn to the macabre. Philadelphia’s
Mutter Museum is on your fav list.
CHILDREN’S TROLLEY RIDE
How Long It Lasts: Thirty minutes.
What It Is: Board MAC’s red trolley for a guided tour of Cape
May’s Historic District created especially for children. Funny,
informational, smart-alecky, just like your kids!
Who It’s For: Kids aged three to seven, accompanied by a
parent or guardian. Parents or guardians accompanied by
kids aged three to seven. You missed the Historic District and
you aren’t bothered by squeals and such.
GHOSTS OF CAPE MAY
How Long It Lasts: Thirty minutes.
What It Is: What was that shadow? Was it the undead of Cape
May’s past wandering their beloved haunts? You might scoff,
you might shudder, but rest assured: on board a trolley with
an experienced guide you will begin to wonder what’s beyond
when you hear the tales of hauntings unearthed in Cape May
by famous psychic medium and author Craig McManus.
Who It’s For: You enjoy a tantalizing tale.
GHOSTS OF THE LIGHTHOUSE
How Long It Lasts: About an hour.
What It Is: The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse has a frightfully
lonely visage at night — the perfect setting for the ghostly
tales unearthed by famous psychic medium and author Craig
McManus. Your trolley 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: You enjoy a tantalizing tale.
HISTORIC DISTRICT
How Long It Lasts: Forty-five minutes.
What It Is: Known as the Queen of the Seaside Resorts for
its quaint Victorian cottages and pristine beaches, Cape May
is the oldest seaside resort in the country, and in 1976, the
entire city was declared a National Historic Landmark. Possessing
one of the country’s largest collections of 19th century
framed buildings, the historic district features many styles of
Victorian architecture. It’s beautiful. It’s charming. Wonderful
tour guides will explain Cape May’s history and architecture
and how and why it has survived and thrives to this day.
Who It’s For: Anyone and everyone who finds Cape May
delightful.
A Little Extra: Combine this tour with a guided tour of the
1879 Emlen Physick Estate and save $5.
MANSIONS BY THE SEA
How Long It Lasts: Forty-five minutes.
What It Is: Don’t be green with envy on this when you see
how well the rich lived in the early 1900s in the most elegant
part of town. You’ll see the broad streets and massive plots
on Cape May’s east side on this — an area marketed as New
Cape May at the turn of the 20th century. Today, new, beachfront
second homeowners have continued the tradition, running
the gamut from the mere wealthy to the fabulously rich.
Who It’s For: You are curious how the one-quarter of one
percent lives.
MOONLIGHT TROLLEY RIDE
How Long It Lasts: Thirty minutes.
What It Is: Victorians tended to sentimentalize even the most