Cool Cape May 2021-22

Cool Cape May
WHERE TO EAT, SHOP, STAY & PLAY

Cape May fishing fleet — the island is home to one
of America’s most lucrative commercial ports
charles riter

COOL CAPE MAY
Summer 2021 to Spring 2022
© Exit Zero Publishing
110 Sunset Boulevard, Cape May, NJ 08204
Tel: 609-770-8479
• exitzero.com
Editor & Designer JACK WRIGHT
Contributing Editor DIANE STOPYRA
Production KAYLA JORDAN Staff Writer NICOLE JAMES
Contributing Photographers ALEKSEY MORYAKOV, VIRGINIA MURRAY, JESSICA ORLOWICZ, CHARLES RITER
Map illustration CLAIR ROSSITER
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Inside This Book
FEATURES
The A-Z of Cape May...................... 4
Excerpt from The First Resort............. 12
True North...................................... 38
Excerpt from The Cape...................... 44
Light of the Cape............................. 52
Towering Attraction........................ 55
Architectural Gem........................... 56
Trolley Around Town....................... 58
Discount Deck Promotion............... 60
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
Food & Drink
Aleathea’s........................................ 142
Beach Creek.................................... 66
Beach Eatz....................................... 143
Beach Plum Farm Kitchen................ 68
Blue Pig Tavern................................ 70
Boiler Room.................................... 72
Cape May Fish Market..................... 74
Delaney’s Irish Bar & Grill............... 76
The Eat Well.................................... 144
Ebbitt Room.................................... 78
El Pueblo Taqueria........................... 145
E. M. Hemingway’s......................... 80
Exit Zero Filling Station................... 82
Fins Bar and Grille........................... 84
5 West Pub...................................... 86
410 Bank Street................................ 146
George’s Place................................. 88
Grand Lawn & Veranda Bar............. 90
Harbor View.................................... 92
Harpoons on the Bay....................... 94
Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille.............. 96
Iccara Italian Bistro......................... 145
Jardin at the Hugh............................ 148
Joe’s Fish Co.................................... 98
Jumbo’s........................................... 149
Lobster House................................. 150
Louisa’s Café................................... 151
Mad Batter...................................... 100
Mario’s Pizza................................... 104
Merion Inn...................................... 106
Nick Filet......................................... 152
Ocean View..................................... 153
On the Rocks................................... 108
Oyster Bay....................................... 110
Peter Shields Inn............................. 112
Pigdog Beach Bar & BQ................... 114
Quincy’s Lobster Rolls..................... 116
Rusty Nail....................................... 118
Saltwater Cafe................................. 120
Sapore Italiano................................ 122
SeaSalt............................................ 124
Shamone......................................... 126
Stubborn Brothers........................... 154
Taco Caballito Tequileria................. 155
Tisha’s ............................................ 126
Ugly Mug......................................... 130
Uncle Bill’s Pancake House.............. 132
Union Park Dining Room................. 134
Viggiano’s on Sunset....................... 156
Vincenzo’s Little Italy...................... 157
Vintage............................................ 136
Washington Inn & Wine Bar............ 138
The YB............................................ 140
Cafés & Ice Cream
Antojos........................................... 165
Out There Coffee............................. 162
Peace Pie......................................... 164
Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries
Cape May Brewing Company........... 168
Cold Spring Brewery........................ 170
Gusto Brewing Company................. 178
Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery..... 172
Jessie Creek Winery......................... 179
MudHen Brewery............................ 174
Natali Vineyards.............................. 180
Nauti Spirits Distillery..................... 176
Willow Creek Winery...................... 181
Shopping
Across the Way................................ 186
Antiques Emporia........................... 218
A Place on Earth.............................. 188
Arden’s Kids.................................... 219
Beef Jerky Experience...................... 220
Cape Atlantic Book Company.......... 221
Cape May Honey Farm.................... 222
Cape May Olive Oil Co.................... 223
Cape May Peanut Butter Co............. 190
Cape May Sports Memorabilia......... 224
Cape May Wicker............................ 192
Cash and Clive................................. 225
Collier’s Liquor Store....................... 226
Cotton Company............................. 227
Exit Zero Filling Station................... 194
Flying Fish Studio............................ 196
Galvanic.......................................... 198
Good Scents.................................... 228
Green Street Market........................ 229
Henry’s Fine Jewelry........................ 230
Joe Canal’s....................................... 200
Just for Laughs................................. 232
Kaleidoscope................................... 233
Lace Silhouettes.............................. 234
Louisa’s Chocolate Bar..................... 235
Love the Cook.................................. 202
Original Fudge Kitchen.................... 236
Patricia Jackson Jewelers................. 237
Red Oak Trading.............................. 238
Ripple & Root.................................. 239
Sea Gear Outfitters.......................... 204
Spice Cellar of Cape May................. 240
Splash............................................. 206
Steger Beach Company.................... 241
Sunset Beach Gift Shops.................. 242
Sunset Liquors................................ 243
Tea by the Sea.................................. 244
Tommy’s Folly................................. 245
Victorious....................................... 208
West End Garage............................. 210
Whale’s Tale.................................... 212
Willow & Stone............................... 214
The Wine Cellar............................... 216
Wingnutz Nut Haus......................... 247
Health & Beauty
Cape May Day Spa........................... 250
Massage by Stephane...................... 252
Millennium Administrators............. 253
Sea Spa at Congress Hall................. 254
The Well Cape May.......................... 255
Activities
AJ Meerwald................................... 262
Aqua Trails...................................... 294
Atlantic Divers................................ 264
Bayshore Center at Bivalve.............. 266
Cape May Bird Observatory............. 299
Cape May Carts............................... 296
Cape May County Zoo..................... 268
Cape May Inlet Watersports............ 270
Cape May-Lewes Ferry.................... 272
Cape May MAC................................... 274
Cape Sea Excursions........................... 276
Curious Cape May Tours..................... 297
Downtown Wildwood......................... 278
East Coast Watersports....................... 280
East Lynne Theater Company.......... 298
Exit Zero Jazz Festival...................... 282
Harriet Tubman Museum................ 284
Historic Cold Spring Village............ 286
Morey’s Piers................................... 258
Nature Center of Cape May.............. 300
Naval Air Station Wildwood............ 288
Pedego............................................ 301
Revolution Rail Co........................... 302
Silver Bullet Speedboat.................... 290
Starlux Miniature Golf..................... 303
Steger Beach Services...................... 304
Steger Standup Paddleboard............ 305
Wildwood Boardwalk...................... 292
Real Estate
Apex Realty, Theresa Senico............ 322
Cape Resorts Realty........................ 308
Chris Clemans Sotheby’s................. 310
Coastline Realty.............................. 312
Coldwell Banker.............................. 314
DeSatnick Real Estate...................... 323
Homestead Real Estate.................... 316
Jersey Cape Realty........................... 318
Long and Foster............................... 324
Re/Max Surfside.............................. 320
WKR Management.......................... 325
Accommodations
Ashley Rose..................................... 338
Boarding House............................... 339
Capri............................................... 340
Casablanca...................................... 341
Carroll Villa Hotel........................... 328
The Harrison................................... 342
Henry Sawyer Inn............................ 343
Heritage Inn.................................... 344
The Hugh........................................ 345
ICONA Cape May............................ 346
La Mer Beachfront Resort................ 330
Lokal Hotel...................................... 332
Marquis de Lafayette....................... 346
Mission Inn..................................... 347
Montreal Beach Resort.................... 334
Ocean Club Hotel............................ 336
Periwinkle....................................... 348
Queen Victoria................................ 349
Rhythm of the Sea........................... 350
South Winds.................................... 351

A Z
The to of Cape May
A famed lighthouse, a world-class
amusement park, a nationally acclaimed
zoo, wineries, breweries and distilleries,
whale-watching, parasailing, paddleboarding
and a wonderful living history museum.
Every day doesn’t have to be a beach day...
ALCOHOL Cape May is becoming a
dream destination for wine enthusiasts, and
for good reason. The peninsula’s climate
and geography, according to The New York
Times, help produce “one of the longest and
best growing seasons for European vinifera
wine grapes on the Eastern Seaboard.” In
addition to seven wineries located in the
area, the Cape is also home to Nauti Spirits
Distillery, which grows ingredients on an
adjacent 60-acre farm. And no stay on the
Cape would be complete without a stop at
one of our breweries, many of which utilize
local ingredients. Cape May Brewing Company,
at Cape May Airport, has won multiple
awards since its inception in 2011, while
Gusto Brewing Company is winning fans at
its new brewery in North Cape May.
BEACHES Second in the nation and ninth
in the world — that’s how Cape May’s
beaches stack up, according to TripAdvisor.
Want gnarly surf? Check out Poverty,
on the north end of Beach Avenue, or plant
your chair at the Cove on the south end
(great view of the lighthouse). Hoping to
witness some incredible natural phenomena,
like horseshoe crabs mating en masse?
Get thee to Higbee Beach on the island’s
northwest tip. Remember, tags are required
on all Beach Avenue beaches between
Memorial Day and Labor Day — separate
tags are required for Cape May Point. The
Cape May Beach Patrol, which hasn’t had a
drowning in its 110-year history, will provide
free surf chairs to people with restricted
mobility. All that’s left to do? Breathe in that
salt air and relax.
CONGRESS HALL You may know Congress
Hall as the place where Tina Fey and
Oprah have tucked into breakfast, and
Anne Hathaway has enjoyed cocktails, but
it’s also the oldest seaside hotel in America.
Built in 1816 by a man named Thomas
Hughes, it was so big locals thought it unviable
and called it Tommy’s Folly. Twelve
years later, the building was renamed Congress
Hall because of Hughes’ election to
Congress. Since then, four US presidents
have stayed there, including Benjamin Harrison,
who turned the building into the first
Summer White House. The hotel, which has
burned down twice, is now a hub of community
events centered on simple American
pleasures.
DOG FRIENDLY If dogs are a part of the
family, they should be part of the vacation,
too. Not a problem in Cape May, home to
a 1,500-square-foot dog park on Lafayette
Street. Rather bring your pet to the beach?
Check out Higbee on the Delaware Bay. As
for accommodations, the Boarding House,
Billmae Cottage, Marquis de Lafayette,
Blue Fish Inn, Madison Avenue Beach Club
and Beach Shack all cater to dogs, as do
several restaurants on the island. The Rusty
Nail even offers a doggy menu. Fair warning:
Dogs are not allowed on Washington Street
Mall or the beaches during summer.
EAGLES Cape May was recently named
the number two best birdwatching destination
in the world by National Geographic,
behind only South Georgia Island, located
east of Chile’s Cape Horn. You can expect
a “feathered fashion show,” according to
the story. In fact, this is the raptor capital
of North America, with ospreys, peregrine
falcons (the fastest animals on the planet)
and — yes — bald eagles frequenting our

The beautiful beaches of Cape May
have won international acclaim
aleksey moryakov

[6] summer events
The Cape May Lighthouse was built in 1859 and received a major renovation in 1988. charles riter
skies. The reason Cape May is, well, for the birds? During
migration, winged creatures like to stay over land as long
as possible before braving treacherous over-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
good food and a refreshing cocktail at the outdoor bar or
new beer garden. 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, 117 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 October, 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 exitzerojazzfestival.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

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, a short drive from downtown, enjoys a beautiful waterfront location that offers brand-new restaurants and a beer garden in the park. eq roy

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.
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
Cape May County Zoo has been ranked one of the best in the world by TripAdvisor.
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.
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!

Cape May’s stunning collection of Victorian architecture earned it a National Historic Landmark designation in 1976. This is the Chalfonte Hotel on Howard Street. rachel hulin

A Civil War reenactment at Historic Cold Spring Village. aleksey moryakov
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
one of the “top 75 theaters offering summer productions
in North America” by The New York Times. And the Equity
theater company Cape May Stage regularly draws Broadway-caliber
and Emmy-nominated actors who perform in
a beautifully converted 1853 church on Lafayette Street.
Elaine’s Dinner Theater, also on Lafayette, puts on raucous
shows guaranteed to please the whole family.
UTSCH’S MARINA A family operation for 70-plus years,
this isn’t just a floating campground for boaters (including
Walter Cronkite). And it’s not just home to a great tackle
shop and ship’s store. It also rents space to businesses
selling fun on the harbor, including East Coast Parasail and
Steger Stand-up Paddleboard.
VILLAGE Historic Cold Spring Village is an open-air, living
history museum that focuses on early 19th-century American
life, aka the Age of Homespun. Set on more than 30
acres with 27 restored buildings curated from across the
county, this is the largest living history museum in the state.
When you’re finished visiting with the site’s historical interpreters
or spectating a thrilling Civil War reenactment,
check out the bakery, ice cream parlor, country store and
a non-profit brewery housed in a beautiful, historic barn.
WILDWOOD This wild, wild town just north of Cape May
is famous for its doo-wop architecture, complete with
Vegas-style neon signage and delightfully tacky faux palm
trees. But it’s the two-mile boardwalk that’s the real draw.
The boards have all the funnel cake, water ice, fried oreos
and seaside souvenir shops you can dream up, but they’re
also home to Morey’s Piers, a world-renowned amusement
park. The operation encompasses beachfront restaurants
as well as two beachfront water parks complete
with wild slides, play areas and a float-up snack bar. As for
rides and roller coasters, they range from kiddie to familyfriendly,
thrilling to extreme. It’s no wonder Amusement
Today, leading trade publication of the industry, has voted
Morey’s the Best Seaside Park in the World.
X MARKS THE SPOT The red buoy situated just off
the promenade on Beach Avenue at the end of Gurney
Street marks the southernmost point in Cape May, which
is the southernmost point in New Jersey. It’s a good
reminder that this is the end — people don’t come to this
peninsula en route to somewhere else because there
IS nowhere else, just osprey-dotted skies as far as the
eye can see. The structure — an excellent photo op, if we
do say so ourselves — is reminiscent of the equally red
(and yellow and black) buoy marking the southernmost
point in the continental US. That’s in Key West, largely
considered Cape May’s sister town both because of its
similar(ish) vibe and because of the sheer number of
Cape May locals who enjoy vacationing there.
YEAR-ROUND Unlike other Jersey Shore towns, Cape
May is a destination even off-season. During autumn
months, quirky festivals take place in West Cape May’s
Wilbraham Park to celebrate Cape May’s storied agricultural
past. Oktoberfest takes over the historic downtown
the first Saturday in October. And throughout the
Christmas season, Congress Hall transforms into a Winter
Wonderland, with a 35-foot tree on the front lawn,
a shopping village, a carousel and numerous opportunities
to meet Saint Nick. Meanwhile, a community parade
sure to get you in the spirit weaves through town the
first Saturday in December. And the island is becoming
an increasingly popular destination for spring break, too
(think town-wide murder mystery events), since Cape
May is open for business and the beaches are inviting,
but the masses have not yet descended.
ZOO The Cape May County Park and Zoo, just off exit 11
on the Parkway, was ranked third best zoo in the nation
and 13th best in the world, according to TripAdvisor, and
not just because it’s free. Unlike other, concrete-heavy
zoos, the animals here — 550 of them representing
250 species — enjoy large, lush habitats. For the muchbuzzed-about
snow leopards, the Chilean flamingos
from Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch and a brandnew
baby giraffe, life is good. The zoo is highly shaded
by tree canopy and flanked by play and picnic areas as
well as wooded walking trails. Oh, and a section of the
park is home to the Tree to Tree Adventure Park, which
is guaranteed to add a little adrenaline to your vacation.
In other words, it’s time to go wild.

Morey’s Piers on the world-famous Wildwood Boardwalk is a must-see destination, especially for the kids.

[12] summer events
Excerpt from the best-selling history book
THE FIRST RESORT
by Ben Miller
Cape May’s Rise From
Ashes To Affluence

summer events [13]

[14] excerpt from the first resort
This page:
As Cape May
remained
traumatized by a
tremendous fear
of fire, Congress
Hall touted
the rebuilt
hotel’s brick
construction,
which was very
unusual for the
island
Don Pocher
Previous page:
A rare view
of the deck
of the famed
steamship
Republic, which
transported so
many travelers
to Cape May
Don Pocher
Opposite page:
Clockwise
from top left –
Lafayette Hotel
with a piece of
the Weightman
cottages visible
on the right; the
Colonial Hotel,
which is now
known as the Inn
of Cape May;
the Stockton
Hotel and its
bath houses;
McMakin’s New
Atlantic Hotel,
across Jackson
Street from the
original Atlantic
Hotel
Don Pocher
AFTER TWO disastrous fires
ravaged Cape May, leveling
nearly all the hotels and
cottages in the heart of the
city, naysayers proclaimed
America’s Original Seaside
Resort as dead and buried.
They were very much mistaken.
In fact, Cape May returned the following
season, 1879, stronger than ever. Residents and
city leaders assembled almost immediately after
the fire, in November of 1878, to discuss how to
rebuild. The first order of business was agreeing
on the purchase of a new, state-of-the-art steam
fire engine.
The following January saw Cape May take
possession of a horse-drawn Selsby fire engine.
Citizens were proud of their new fire apparatus,
which had the power to propel two one-inch
streams of water more than 200 feet. They were
confident that the town would finally be protected
from fire disasters like that of 1869 and 1878.
One of the first hotels to be rebuilt was the venerable
Congress Hall. Rather than constructing the
new hotel on the same footprint as its predecessor,
the decision was made to rebuild on a smaller scale
and subdivide the northern area of the property. A
new street was created, Congress Place, running
along the foundation of the original building.
On the northern side of the street, individual
lots were sold to private investors. On the south
side the new Congress Hall was constructed of
brick and mortar, albeit half the size of its predecessor.
Across Congress Street, Thomas H. Whitney
saw the opportunity presented by the fire and took
the opportunity to expand his cottage into a hotel.
The Windsor, as Whitney called it, was constructed
in the same L-shape design as Congress Hall and

excerpt from the first resort [15]

[16] excerpt from the first resort
This page, left:
An artist’s
depiction in an
1880s guidebook
shows the
masses of
people who
converged on
Cape May’s
beaches each
season
Don Pocher
This page, right:
A page from the
same guidebook
shows the
majors hotels
that were in
operation for
the season
Don Pocher
Opposite page:
An 1890s view
of the Cape May
boardwalk, at
Decatur Street
– many locals
and visitors
would love to
see the return
of arches on the
boardwalk
Don Pocher
was also three stories tall with a Mansard roof.
In front of the two hotels the Congress Hall
Hotel Company built a new pier that extended 580
feet over the ocean. There were no amusements
built on to the pier, although it was attached to
the newly-rebuilt boardwalk. The ocean end was
intended to accommodate steam ships and other
vessels, allowing the hotels to bring visitors to their
doorsteps.
The Columbia House land was also subdivided
and Columbia Avenue was extended to Decatur
Street, effectively cutting the old hotel’s large property
in half. The expansive front lawn was split
into separate parcels that were used for both new
homes and for the relocation of one very special
cottage.
The William Weightman cottage was originally
constructed on the corner of Washington and
Franklin streets. In 1881, the building’s namesake,
Mr Weightman, decided to purchase one of the
Columbia Hotel lots and have his large cottage
moved to it. He chose the front parcel on the corner
of Ocean Street and Beach Drive, which would give
his family the best ocean views available. Since he
lived in Philadelphia during the off-season he hired
local workers to accomplish the feat.
Unfortunately for Mr Weightman the move hit
a bit of a snag. It seems the technology existed for
laborers to split his cottage into two pieces and
pull them the five-and-a half blocks to the new lot,
but nobody could figure how to put the pieces back
together again. The workers decided to build new
walls to enclose each side of the house. When Mr
Weightman returned to Cape May the next season,
he found his cottage had been converted into two.
Across Decatur Street, on the site of Victor
Denizott’s bath houses, a new hotel was constructed.
The new inn was called The Ocean View
and, like others around the city, it was built on a
much smaller scale than the older hostelries.
The Ocean View was designed to provide hotel
rooms on the second, third and fourth floors, with
a large restaurant on the first. Almost immediately
the Ocean View’s restaurant established a strong
reputation as the best eatery in town, with the
freshest seafood available.
Directly in front of the Ocean View, the Denizott
pier extended into the ocean with small amuse-

excerpt from the first resort [17]

[18] summer events
Most of the
buildings are still
standing, like
Congress Hall,
the Sea Villa
and the Denizot
Hotel, now
Taco Caballito
Tequileria and
Iron Pier
Don Pocher
ments on the beach end. Like the Congress Hall
pier, the Denizott pier was able to accommodate
both steam ships and sailing vessels.
The Columbia name was resurrected in 1879,
with the building of the New Columbia Hotel on
a one-block parcel between Perry and Jackson
streets. It was constructed of brick, like Congress
Hall, with the belief that this would protect the
hotel against subsequent fires. That notion was
proved wrong when the New Columbia burned to
the ground in September of 1889.
The years immediately after the fire saw the
largest construction movement in the history of
Cape May. In addition to the many cottages built
throughout the burned district the western side of
the city was developed.
In 1882 the land that formerly housed the illfated
Mount Vernon Hotel was purchased by a group
calling itself the Cape May Beach Improvement
Company. They established a series of new roads
to divide the land and sold off individual properties
for the construction of new cottages.
The company was later bought out in 1887
by a new organization, The Mount Vernon Land
Company. This new group further developed the
western area of the city and founded the borough
of South Cape May in the vicinity of the current
Cove beach, with an extensive series of streets and
individual properties. Although it ultimately succumbed
to the ocean in 1944 after a series of pow-

summer events [19]
erful storms, South Cape May was once a thriving,
desirable district.
The years between 1882 and 1884 were especially
momentous for Cape May, with the construction
of the Carroll Villa and the new Atlantic
Hotel on Jackson Street, the Lafayette Hotel on the
corner of Beach Drive and Decatur Street, the Star
Villa on Ocean Street and the famous iron pier.
Additionally, electrical lines were run throughout
the city, along with gas lines.
The iron pier was finished in 1884, extending
the boardwalk 1000 feet over the ocean. The
length of the pier was 30 feet wide and underneath
the main deck a second pier was constructed for
public fishing. The structure included more than
21,000 square feet of space for amusements, shops,
and an 8,000-square-foot dancing pavilion on the
ocean end.
In 1886 the dancing pavilion was enclosed so
that it could be also be used for opera and theatre.
The iron pier was much more than a simple jetty
or boardwalk. It was the place for local gatherings,
social events, dances and weekly concerts. The
citizens of Cape May took great pride in the iron
pier and believed it to be a symbol of the modern
resort into which the city was evolving.
Cape May saw the third incarnation of the
Columbia Hotel when Colonel Henry Sawyer
leased the old Arctic Hotel on Ocean Street in 1890
and renamed it. This time the moniker proved to be

[20] excerpt from the first resort
This early
picture of
the iron pier,
which began
at Decatur
Street, was
taken before
the entryway
and the end of
the pier were
built up with
commercial
interests.
Even at this
early stage in
the pier’s life,
beachgoers had
already begun
seeking shade
underneath
it in the hot
afternoon sun
Don Pocher
lucky and the third Columbia Hotel was very successful
for Sawyer and subsequent managers.
The city saw increased expansion in 1892
after the completion of an electric railroad linked
Sewell’s Point with Cape May Point. The rail lines
ran parallel with the boardwalk, on the beach side,
and the new service proved very popular with seasonal
visitors.
The next large hotel to be built in Cape May
was the Baltimore Inn, which was constructed on
Jackson Street and spanned almost the entire block
to Decatur. And in 1895 the Colonial Inn opened for
business on Ocean Street.
The following year, Cape May widened the
boardwalk and raised it two feet off the beach.
Shops were constructed on Beach Drive alongside
the many bath houses, the entrance to the iron pier
was expanded with additional shops, and a new
entertainment hall was built on Jackson Street.
In 1898 Cape May was again forced to face the
specter of war with the threat of hostilities against
Spain. After the US government officially declared
war in April, volunteers from the city assembled to
form a light artillery unit to protect the coast. Off
the shore, navy vessels patrolled both the Atlantic
Ocean and the Delaware Bay, alleviating worries
that the ships from the Spanish Armada would
shell the Cape. The Spanish-American war continued
only four months, ending with a peace treaty
signed in Washington.
Cape May was preparing to enter the 20th century
and as citizens reflected on the past 100 years
they were hit with the largest snowstorm that had
ever been recorded in the region. The 1899 blizzard
brought heavy winds that accompanied the
snow for four days. By the time the storm ended,
on February 14, nearly four feet had been dumped
on the city.

summer events [21]

[22] excerpt from the first resort
This page: A 1901
book of railroad
schedules was
a handy tool
for vacationers
to keep track
of their travel
options
Don Pocher
Opposite page:
Clockwise from
the top left – the
Christopher
Gallagher house
is still standing
along Jackson
Street, at the
intersection
of Carpenter’s
Square; Brooks
Central Market
later became
Mecray’s
Market; this
trolley station
and movie house
stood near the
entrance to the
iron pier; the
George Allen
house is still
standing along
Washington
Street but is
now known as
the Southern
Mansion Don
Pocher
FROM THE ARCHIVES
A Truly Great
Seaside Resort
From The Baltimore Sun, June 20, 1885
THE CUSTOM of visiting coast
resorts during the summer
months has become almost
universal both in this and
European countries, and the
fashion which originated in
Europe of visiting such resorts
in winter has also taken a firm hold upon the
people of this country.
The question now is not so much as to whether
you will go to the seaside in summer as to where
you will go. Every place has its attractions and its
warm admirers. Cape May, one of the best known
and most popular of the “cities by the sea,” has
many distinctive characteristics. The magnificent
beach is acknowledged to be one of the finest in
the world, the temperature is delightful, the ocean
view grand and the surf all that can be desired by
bathers.
Another characteristic of the place is the
refined society found here, besides summer life is
made brilliant by the many social events following
each other in rapid succession at the various large
hotels. Germans, concerts, fishing, parties, yachting
go to make up a diversified programme, suited
to the tastes of even the most fastidious.
There is to be what may be called a “grand
opening day” here on Saturday next, though quite
a number of the hotels and boarding cottages

excerpt from the first resort [23]

[24] excerpt from the first resort
This page, top:
The steamship
Republic lands at
Cape May, near
the location of
today’s Sunset
Beach
Lynn Zettlemoyer
This page,
below:
A ticket for
the steamship
Republic
Opposite page:
Clockwise from
top left – early
1900s Beach
Drive in front
of the Colonial
Hotel
Cape May
County Museum
The John F.
Craig family
enjoy a meal in
their summer
cottage,
which is now a
popular B&B
on Columbia
Avenue
John F. Craig
House
A life-saving
boat on the
beach
Don Pocher
The old
Stockton Hotel
bath houses
John F. Craig
House
are already open. On Saturday the celebrated
Weccacoe Band of Philadelphia, which had taken
such a prominent part in the musical festivals held
here the past few years, and which is engaged for
the summer from July 4, is to give a concert on the
grand pavilion of the new iron pier. There is also
to be a hop given in the pavilion, which has been
enclosed with glass, and can be closed up if the
weather should prove unfavorable. On Sunday the
band is to give a sacred concert in the pavilion. Prof
Gosche is to have charge of this as well as the musical
festivals during the summer at the Cape.
As a general thing there is not much of a crowd
here until about the Fourth of July, but the arrivals
last Saturday and this week have been quite
numerous, and everything indicates a lively and
prosperous season. The weather seems not to be
getting down to business and the hot spells which
are expected to follow make the bosom of the summer
resort hotel men swell with delight, as they are

excerpt from the first resort [25]

[26] excerpt from the first resort
This page: The
community of
South Cape
May from
the top of the
lighthouse – the
Great Atlantic
Hurricane wiped
out the homes
in 1944
Cape May Point
State Park
Opposite page:
This 1890 map
of Cape May
shows that the
area’s natural
beauty was not
overlooked,
even in the
Victorian days
Cape May Point
State Park
also expected to make his pocket swell at the end of
the season. There has not been much bathing yet,
except by excursionists, but the water is becoming
pleasant, and soon a dip in the surf will be the order
of the day.
There are but few places along the coast which
can rival Cape May for well-regulated and commodious
hotels. The Stockton, so well and popularly
known, will be in charge this season of Mr
A. L. Mellen, of the St James Hotel, Baltimore. Mr
Mellen has secured the services of Mr D. Pinknew
West, the well-known Baltimore detective, who
will have charge of the police arrangements of
the house. He also engaged Andrew Nevtis,
well known as “Andy,” formerly of Guy’s Hotel,
Baltimore, and now of the Colonnade, Philadelphia,
to take charge of the bar connected with the
Stockton.
Congress Hall, a popular house for Baltimoreans,
is again in charge of Colonel Duffy, who is well and
favorably known to visitors generally to Cape May.
He has made a number of improvements to the
house, which is now in first-class order.
The New Columbia is conducted by Mr James D.
McClellan, formerly of the Logan House, Altoona,
PA, and who kept the Stockton, Cape May, last
summer. It is a fine brick structure, and one of the
most substantial along the coast.
The Windsor, of which Mr Walter W. Green is
proprietor, is located directly on the beach, and is
one of the coziest and most home-like hotels found
anywhere.
The Arlington, the well-known Baltimore
house, continues under the popular management
of Mr John J. Kromer, who is a former well-known
Baltimorean. The Arlington has undergone a number
of improvements.
The Arctic House, also popular with Baltimore
people, is under new management this year. Mr A.
E. Lyons, the present proprietor, was formerly proprietor
of Cresson Springs Hotel, PA, and kept the
New Columbia, Cape May, last winter. He has had
eighteen years experience in the hotel business.
The West End Hotel, kept by Mr L. E. Johnson,
is pleasantly located, and is largely patronized by
Baltimoreans.
The many friends of ex-Mayor F. J. Melvin
will find him in a new role this year. Mr Melvin
has made a good mayor, and thinks he can keep a
hotel. He will be found at the Sea Breeze hotel. The
house has been greatly improved and completely

summer events [27]

[28] excerpt from the first resort
“A Fine Record
Made By the
Collegians”
proclaimed the
newspapers,
as the Cape
May baseball
team ended
the 1893 season
with a record
of 21 wins, five
losses and a
tie. The local
athletes claimed
their victories
against a diverse
collection of
teams, including
the renowned
New York
Athletic Club.
The Cape May
Collegians
boasted two
players with a
batting average
over .400,
another at .394
and the team’s
three pitchers
struck out 223
batters.
Tom Dvorschak

excerpt from the first resort [29]
At the time this
picture was
taken, both the
Morning Star
Villa, on the left,
and Evening
Star Villa, on
the right, were
operated in
conjunction with
the Colonial
Hotel. The
Morning Star
and Evening Star
were moved to a
new property on
the eastern part
of Beach Avenue
by Reverend
Carl McIntire in
the 1960s, after
they were slated
for demolition
by the owners
of the Lafayette
Hotel, who
sought to use
the land for a
parking lot. The
Weightman
Cottages, visible
on the far left
of the picture,
were also moved
by Reverend
McIntire and are
now operated
as the Angel of
the Sea bed and
breakfast. The
Evening Star
has since been
demolished and
the Colonial is
now The Inn of
Cape May.
Tom Dvorschak

[30] excerpt from the first resort
This page: The
Stockton Row
cottages are still
standing today
along Gurney
Street, although
some have
been modified
significantly
Cape May
County Museum)
Opposite page:
Local developer
Humphrey
Hughes is shown
in the center
(with a white
beard and
moustache) with
his family in
this late 1800s
portrait.
Don Pocher
renovated. It is the only excursion house at Cape
May proper.
The Star Villa is a new and attractive house
built since last season. It is located on Ocean
street, near Beach avenue and has a frontage of 80
feet and depth of 135 feet, containing 50 rooms. It
has all the modern conveniences and is first-class
in its appointments. Mr J. C. Garwood, late of the
Baltimore House, is lessee.
The Brexton Villa is one of the coziest houses
– or rather series of houses, for it combines five
villas joined in one – on the island. It is eligibly
located and has a fine ocean view. Mrs J. A. Myers,
the proprietress, is a well-known Baltimore lady,
and formerly kept the Brexton in that city. Mr
Hanway, president of the first branch city council,
has secured quarters at the Brexton Villa for his
family during the season.
The Marine Villa, one of the best-known
houses at Cape May, is in charge of Miss Harrison,
of Baltimore, this year, and has a large Baltimore
patronage. The location (near the beach) is delightful
and the appointments first-class.
The Hotel Lafayette, located opposite the iron
pier, continues under the management of Mr F. H.
Hildreth. It is located on Beach Avenue, and is one
of the finest houses on the coast.
Cottage life is a feature of Cape May, and board
can be obtained at the various boarding cottages
at moderate rates, with as good fare as at the
hotels. The cottages are generally large and roomy,
well located and well kept. Mrs M. J. Hubball, of
Washington, and who formerly kept the Highland
Park Hotel, near Baltimore, this year is proprietress
of the McCollum House, on Hughes street. Mrs
F. L. Richardson continues at the head of Carroll
Villa, one of the coziest houses on the island. The
Williamson cottage, on Lafayette avenue, kept by
Mrs E. H. Williamson, is a favorite house.

excerpt from the first resort [31]

[32] excerpt from the first resort
This page,
left: The West
Jersey Railroad
put out this
advertisement
for their express
trains to Cape
May in the 1890s
Don Pocher
This page, right:
The Light of
Asia wooden
elephant was
constructed
on the beach
of South Cape
May as part of
a real estate
venture. It was
designed by the
same gentleman
who created the
famous Lucy
the Elephant
that remains a
big attraction
in Margate, NJ.
The Cape May
elephant only
lasted until
1900, six years
after it was built.
Cape May
County Museum
Opposite page:
1885 beachgoers
revel along
the Cape May
strand in front
of the Windsor
Hotel. Note the
Light of Asia,
circled in the
background.
Don Pocher
The Light of Asia, as the large building erected
in the shape of a big elephant, along the beach
midway between Cape May and Cape May Point, is
called, though begun about eighteen months ago is
not yet completed. It is so near completion, however,
that when approaching it has the appearance
of a genuine elephant, and attracts much attention
from visitors.
Mr F. C. Fossett, a well-known merchant and
property-owner of Baltimore, and Mr P. T. Dawson,
a well-known real estate broker and agent, have
been spending a week at Cape May, enjoying an
early visit to the seaside, stopping at the Windsor.
Both have been visitors to Cape May for many
years, and speak highly of the advantages of the
place as a healthful resort. They have inspected
the Light of Asia since their arrival here, and are
discussing the feasibility of buying the elephant as
a matter of speculation.
The National Flint and Glass Association hold
their meeting here this week at Congress Hall.
Mr Donald R. Collier, a well-known Baltimore
merchant, and Mr Wm F. McKewen, clerk of the
City Court, have again secured quarters for the
season at Congress Hall. Mr Collier is known to
almost everybody at Cape May, and will receive a
hearty welcome on his arrival.
Cape May has two good seaside papers, the
Wave and the Star, both of which issue daily editions
during July and August. Mr Williamson,
proprietor of the Wave, will erect a fine cottage
this year at the corner of Washington and Decatur
streets.
Mr Samuel C. Little, of Guy’s, Baltimore, who
has been summering at Cape May for many years,
has tried Atlantic City this year, and is occupying a

excerpt from the first resort [33]

[34] excerpt from the first resort
This page: The
ruins of the
New Columbia
Hotel after yet
another Cape
May fire – little
more than the
bath houses
remained
Cape May
County Museum
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Cape May Of
The Early 1900s
From South Jersey, A History, 1664-1923
OLD CAPE MAY practically
began at the Summer Station,
at the foot of Grant Street.
Here stood net-covered
horses drawing busses in
every stage of repair or dilapidation,
awaiting passengers
and the dimes that were the fare “to any part of
town.”
A small street car started its peregrinations
beside the boardwalk and wandered along the
other end of town. For several years the cars have
not run at all, and today jitneys and the old-time
busses, the “Alpha” and “Omega” of transportation,
offer the only means of conveyance to those
who do not own automobiles.
In this vicinity a dozen or more commodious
cottages had been erected on large plots of
ground. They were frame and built in the southern
style, with double porches, painted white and vine
embowered. Well kept lawns with gardens and
ornamental trees surrounded them, enclosed in
turn by hedges of a bush much like the tropical
tamarisk.
Among the bushes the white marble statuary
gleamed, and the calls of many birds that
have made of these secluded spots a feathered
sanctuary, carried one far from the sea that broke
at the end of the walk. Hydrangeas, that reached
perfection here, meet one’s eye at every turn. In
this delightful group of seaside homes were those
of General William J. Sewell; of the Sellers of
Millbourne, and the Knight family.
The first hotel beyond the station is the Windsor,
a three-story clapboard building with a long wing
parallel with the sea. A porch runs inside the angle
and across the end, while verandas hang from the
upper story. Sheltered by the building there used
to be a pebbled terrace with an ornate fence an “a
fountain in the center.” Broad wooden steps lead
down to the street level and gave the hotel an air at
once imposing and unique. Now the pebbles have
gone, the fountain is dry, and where once the water
sparkled “in its gleaming marble rim,” green paint
has transformed the basin that is filled with soil in
which geraniums (not lilies) grow.
Grass plots separated by sandy walks replace the
pebbles, and the only touch of its vanished beauty
is in the groups of the lovely hydrangeas that still
grow upon the terrace.The solid wooden fence with

excerpt from the first resort [35]
This page: The
Windsor Hotel
looks pristine
in this 1890s
picture – the
hotel sat on the
beachfront until
it was destroyed
by fire in 1979
National
Archives
its wide flat top, that guarded the ocean side of the
boardwalk, has been replaced by modern gas pipe.
In the past it was a convenient resting place, available
at any moment when fatigue threatened, when
one cared to linger, or felt that consuming desiring
that comes to the young, to commune, a deux, with
sea and sky.
Far back from the ocean stands Congress Hall.
The large brick buildings were for many years
neglected. The porch roof hung in scallops between
the tall square columns, one of which rested against
a wall. Part of the roof lay, a mass of debris, on the
floor. Broken window panes looked out like sad
blind eyes, and even birds hesitated to build amid
such evidence of decay. The hotel register contains
many names that have made history. Statesmen,
artists, travelers and the great of many lands sought
hospitality there, left their marks upon these “sands
of time,” and went again into the unknown. Recently
the house has been renovated and is now open to the
public. The tragic atmosphere of decay that so long
pervaded the building has been dispelled.
Visitors passing old Columbia, near the corner
of Washington Street and Ocean Avenue, lingered
to hear colored waiters sing. The crooning musical
voices of the negroes in their own weird melodies
have a strong appeal. They seem to reach out and
set a heart-string quivering with vague longing for
something yet unknown.
In 1878 a fire, which has been an active enemy of
Cape May, destroyed the then Columbia House and
made a place for its successor, the New Columbia.
Of all the old hotels the Columbia House showed

[36] excerpt from the first resort
This 1890s
picture shows
the rear of the
Lafayette Hotel
as the camera
looks down
Decatur Street,
past the Aldine
Hotel on
the right. By
this time, Cape
May had begun
a slow descent
into a decline
that would send
it into a slumber
that lasted 70
years.
Greater Cape
May Historical
Society
most plainly the prevalent influence of the South.
It might have been a huge plantation home transported
from some far off southern scene and set
down by the sea.
The New Columbia was a brick structure, moderate
in size and of commonplace type. It, too, was
burned, and the place of the two Columbias is filled
with small cottages built in a Close, surrounded by
grass and hedges and hydrangeas, with a common
entrance and exit to the sea.
Baltimore Inn is near. Shining in white paint,
with shaded awnings and flower boxes on the porch,
it looks inviting.
Above the old bath houses are the same names as
in years gone by. Maguire’s and further on Shield’s.
From under one of them a huge rat scampered and
ran across the drive. There was a peculiar fetid odor
of old wood rotting in salt water.
A second generation of Japanese conduct the
“Art Store,” but a touch of modernity is given by
“Arnold’s Hotel” where before the era of prohibition
good dinners and ‘good times: were to be had. Still
in the window rests the frame of scarlet lobsters, an
enticement still, but inside the gayety is subdued to
the level of the refreshment now offered. “near beer.”
On Decatur Street, a little way back from Arnold’s
is Zillinger’s Café. Beside the house a garden invites
the hungry, and between the large leaves of the vine
that clings to the latticed roof with its spiral tendrils,
are pendant bunches of green and purple grapes.
The remains of the pier voice the old question:
“If I am so soon done for, I wonder what I was begun
for?” Cut off abruptly in mid-air a few feet from the
entrance, it juts into space. At low tide jagged rusty
supports stick up from the sand, but at high tide the
water covers them and hides the danger they have
become.
The pier was built in 1885, at the foot of Decatur
Street, and for many years the only amusement
place in town. Now it houses a shop where ice cream
cones and salt water taffy are sold; a moving picture
theatre; a Japanese rolling ball game; a shop where
commonplace embroidered kimonos are shown.
At the entrance years ago a giant sword hung,
its long serrated sword striking terror into young
hearts. Beyond the merry-go-round, and further out
a theatre, and then a fishing platform with a lower
deck where boats landed. Light opera and musical
comedies were given on the pier by stars like Jennie
Prince, who shed their historic light on Cape May in
the summer time.
Across from the pier is the Lafayette, a relic of
Cape May’s gay old days. Theatrical people frequented
it and it was thought a “lively” place.
On the next corner are cottages originally owned
by the late William Weightman, of Philadelphia.
They were considered the finest and most modern
houses at the Cape. Now painted a dull battleship
grey and overshadowed by the newer residences,

excerpt from the first resort [37]
This fun late
1800s postcard
shows a minor
accident on
the pier when
a carriage
driver strikes a
pedestrian
Don Pocher
they are unremarkable.
On Ocean Avenue, near the beach and overlooking
the Stockton Baths, is the colonial, a
medium sized house of “middle age”; and “run”
on unpretentious fashion. Opposite is Star Villa, a
house of the same type.
The Stockton Hotel was the hub of Cape May,
but the Stockton Baths were surely the most
important spokes. They cover one end of the block
between Ocean Avenue and Stockton /row, and are
the last remnant of the Cape May property of the
late John C Bullitt, of Philadelphia, the framer of
the Bullitt Bill.
Always painted yellow with brown trimmings
and red tin roofs, they are today just as they were
years ago. In the center is a small house, its porch
surmounted by a clock, in which are office and
store rooms.
The bath houses extend in rows on either side.
This was the daily meeting place for all socially
inclined. At eleven o’clock on any summer morning
the porch was filled with daintily dressed women
and men in flannels. In those days girls were mermaids
and went into the sea with flowing locks,
regardless of the damage of Father Neptune might
do.
The popularity of the girls was measured by the
number of men who asked to dry her hair. A very
popular one had to “cut” the drying, as her modern
sister does her dances.

true north
When Ginny Murray moved with her husband Hugh from West Chester, PA to enjoy
a well-earned retirement in North Cape May, one of the first things she did was buy
a camera. Although Ginny had worked for 30 years in the pharmaceutical industry,
photography was one of her first loves. Take a look through this portfolio of North
Cape May images and you’ll see that the passion still burns pretty strongly.
Ginny and Hugh (a retired police chief from Willistown Township in Malvern,
PA) have become a ubiquitous presence in the area since moving here 10 years ago,
enthusiastically cataloging their jaunts around town. Ginny’s photographs and videos
on social media are enjoyed by thousands of locals and visitors to the area.
“I had a basic photography class back in the early ’80s at Delaware County
Community College, when 35mm was the only way to go,” says Ginny, whose moody
black-and-white shot of a Wildwood beach was chosen as the winner in the annual
student art show. These days, her tools are a Canon PowerShot SX60HS and her everpresent
iPhone 12 Pro.
Her favorite time to shoot? “I’m especially drawn to that magic hour right before
sunset, but there’s so much to be seen down here at all hours of the day.”

summer events [41]

[44] excerpt from the cape
The mysterious story
behind “The Cape”
A manuscript by a poor South Jersey carpenter was supposed to be released by world-famous Philadelphia publisher
J. B. Lippincott in the 1940s. But after a disagreement the unknown writer put the story in a box, where it stayed for 60
years... until it was rescued by his grandson. But how could such an unlikely man write such a remarkable story?
Charles and
Ida outside
their home
along the
Maurice River
in Cumberland
County, NJ.
BY JACK WRIGHT
This is a story about a story — it begins
with a manuscript depicting the adventures
of a young British man, the sole
survivor of a 17th-century shipwreck
off the coast of South Jersey, who
washes up on the shore of what is now Cape May.
The manuscript follows his integration into a tribe of
Lenni-Lenape indians, the original inhabitants of the
southern part of the state; his unlikely ascension to
tribal chief; and his adventures as he takes on ruthless
whalers who are drawn to the Cape. Eventually, the
hero of this tale, John McJack, is forced to leave the
Cape and lead his tribe north through Cumberland
County, while fighting off ruthless white men who
seek to exploit the land, and the people who had lived
there for centuries before the ships started rolling in.
Eventually, this manuscript became a book and
you will have to read the book to find out more — to
give you a sneak peak, we’ve excerpted the first chapter,
beginning on page 48. In the meantime, let me
tell you the equally remarkable story behind the story.
Several years ago, a tall, silver-haired man paid a
visit to the offices of Exit Zero in Cape May. As usual,
I was upstairs tapping away at my computer, wrestling
with another project deadline (cue the violins) and, as
usual, I was irked by having to walk downstairs to say
hello to a stranger making a cold call. I was greeted by
a man with twinkling (they really do) blue eyes who
told me his grandfather had written a book about
this area a long time ago and would I like to read the
manuscript? The man, George Carlisle, offered me a
box that was torn at the edges and which at one time
had contained Eagle-A paper made by the American
Writing Paper Corporation, Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Inside the box was a yellowed manuscript, the
chapters held together by paper clips, many of which
had rusted, leaving their outlines etched on the paper.
How long ago was this story written, I asked George.
“Around the 1940s,” he replied, adding that a
prominent Philadelphia company, J. B. Lippincott &
Co. (I later discovered that they published, among
other great works, Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird),
had wanted to publish the book back then, but

excerpt from the cape [45]
that George’s grandfather, Charles Whitecar Miskelly,
had refused when Lippincott asked to make some
(apparently minor) changes. A curious thing since
Mr Miskelly was a humble carpenter-turned-chicken
farmer-turned-carpenter-again-when-the-chickenbusiness-crashed
who presumably didn’t receive
these kinds of offers every day.
I was intrigued enough to take the box off
George’s hands and promised him I would get around
to reading it. Back upstairs, I slid the box into one of 30
shelves in a hutch I had built to resemble an old post
office sorting desk. I pretend that it makes me more
organized but, in reality, things go into those shelves
and can disappear from my thoughts for a long time.
Which is what happened to the manuscript.
Around six months after George visited, he
called to ask if I had read the story. I told him I hadn’t
but that I would get around to it. “No problem, Jack,
I know you will read it. And I think you will really
appreciate it,” said George.
At least another six months went by before
George called again. One of my colleagues picked
up the phone and I thought about asking her to take
a message, since I was embarrassed to admit I still
hadn’t got to the manuscript. But that would have
been unworthy behavior, so I took the call. Again,
George was chirpy. “I know you’re busy, and I know
you will get around to it,” said George.
And I did, about 18 months after George first
visited me. One day, I decided there would never be
a time when I could feel unshackled enough to take
the time to settle back in my office chair with a cup
of tea and leisurely work my way through the story,
so I took it home and decided that no matter what,
I would start the book that night. I’ll admit — I went
into it with very low expectations (the majority of
submissions I receive from wannabe writers are on
the mediocre side). But that night I read eight or nine
of the 23 chapters and only stopped when sleep took
over. As soon as I woke up the next morning, I read
about six more. That night, I read another bunch, and
finished the book the next morning.
I felt like I had discovered buried treasure. I
didn’t just love the story itself; I was also blown away
by the beauty of the writing, by the remarkable detail
in the descriptions of the landscape. One of my favorite
writers is Thomas Hardy, the great 19th-century
British novelist who made the environment a major
character in almost all of his brilliant stories. Well,
Charles Whitecar Miskelly did the same thing with
the counties of Cape May and Cumberland (although
they didn’t exist when this story was set, in the 1600s).
Shortly after finishing the book I called George,
goosebumps appearing on my arms, and told him I
would be delighted to publish the book. He was, naturally,
thrilled — but not, I should say, surprised.
I followed up by sending George an email which
explained the basics of how publishing works — I told
him about the royalties we would offer, the print run
and distribution. I wrote the email as if he knew nothing
about the publishing world, which is an assumption
I had made. A big assumption.
Shortly after I wrote that email, I Googled
George Carlisle for the heck of it. All I knew is that he
lived in Cambridge, Massachussets and loved to visit
Cape May as often as possible. Here’s what I found in
one story about him...
Carlisle, a University of Delaware graduate,
received his Master of Fine Arts from the renowned
Writing Workshop of the University of Iowa. He taught
creative writing for 45 years at St. Paul’s School in Concord,
NH — one of the top preparatory schools in the
country — and was head of the English department for
a period of time.
Turns out that George, who I had taken for a
kindly old gentleman who simply wanted to do his
grandfather a favor by having someone read his manuscript,
had taught some very fine writers, including
the brilliant Nick Paumgarten, a staff writer for The
Charles
Miskelly
(right) with his
wife Ida, their
daughter, son
and daughterin-law.
Miskelly was
a blue-collar
carpenter
who wrote
a novel that
was accepted
by a famous
Philadelphia
publisher
before a
disagreement
put the
manuscript
into cold
storage for 60
years.

[46] excerpt from the cape
The original
manuscript,
which remains
at the offices
of Exit Zero
Publishing in
Cape May
New Yorker, and Rick Moody, an acclaimed novelist
best known for The Ice Storm.
I was mortified and wrote another note to
George, apologizing for what must have come across
as a very patronizing email — here I was explaining
the basics of the publishing industry to someone who
seemed steeped in it. But he hadn’t been offended in
the least and was surprised I could even find him on
Google. (George is as humble as he is charming.)
Later that year, George returned to our offices to
tell us more about his grandfather. Charles Whitecar
Miskelly, for all his obvious skills with words, was no
professional writer. He was born in 1880 and grew up
in Millville, NJ. He became a carpenter, although he
later gave that up to start breeding chickens. According
to George, the enterprise didn’t work out as
Charles had hoped and sometime in the 1930s his
grandfather lost everything. “He didn’t have a cent to
his name,” said George, “so he went back into carpentry
and did what he could to feed his family.”
George grew up in nearby Bridgeton and
although he had more than a passing interest in writing,
he didn’t discuss literature with his grandfather.
“We would go on fishing trips — he loved to fish on
the Maurice River. But he would never discuss writing.
I was always aware that he wrote a lot, on a typewriter
held together with fishing wire, but that was
the extent of it.” On a typewriter held together with
fishing wire. You can see how easy it was to fall in love
with the story of this book.
It was only after his grandfather passed away,
in 1963 at the age of 83, that George discovered the
manuscript and learned about the trip that Charles
had made, with his uncle, to the Philadelphia office of
J. B. Lippincott. “My grandfather was a shy man and
he got cold feet about visiting the publisher, but my
uncle apparently talked him into it,” said George. “I
don’t know what happened in that office, but Lippincott
were keen on putting the book on their fall print
list. However, it all fell apart when they told Charles
they wanted to make some changes.”
George kept the manuscript, along with other
stories written by his grandfather, in a closet for a
long time — more than 40 years. It was only when
he retired, in 2008, that he decided to devote time to
finally finding a publisher.
I feel proud, if I can be proud on behalf of a man
who I never met, to present this compelling piece
of work to the world. My guess is that you will be as
astonished as I was by the detailed descriptions of the
Lenni-Lenape way of life. This was a writer who had
either done a huge amount of research into Native
American culture, or who had substantial personal
experience of it. Given that Charles wrote this book
in rural South Jersey (about 60 years before Google
came along) and wasn’t given to taking day trips to
visit the Free Library of Philadelphia, it made me
wonder how he could have had access to this kind of
information. It made George wonder, too. “It’s a big
mystery to everyone in the family how he would have
known so much about the indian way of life,” he said.
“Sure, he would maybe go away fishing for the day, or
walking in the woods. But that doesn’t explain how he
could have learned so much about the Lenni-Lenape
people.”
Does George think the author’s note is genuine
— that the book is based on a true story passed along
by tribal elders? Or could Charles have played a little
fast and loose, trying to pass his manuscript off as an
authentic story rooted in Lenni-Lenape tradition.
“No, not at all,” said George. “He was a serious man,
a man of principles. The whole thing is fascinating. I
wish he were around to ask.”
So do I.
By the way, I looked up the company who made
the paper on which Charles typed his story — the
American Writing Paper Corporation began operations
in 1899 at Holyoke, MA, and at its peak controlled
75% of the country’s fine paper output. The
company went out of business in 1962. On the side
of the box is a little blue stamp that says Cohanzick
Office Supply Co., who were based in Bridgeton,
which neighbors Charles’ home town of Millville. I
don’t know who owned the office supply shop, but
was curious to see that Bridgeton’s zoo (the oldest
in New Jersey) is named Cohanzick. After a little bit
of keyboard research, I discovered that the zoo was
named for the Cohanzick tribe of Lenni-Lenape indians
who at one time lived alongside the Cohansey
River in Bridgeton.
It made me wonder — did Charles Whitecar
Miskelly buy the box of typewriter paper from an
office supply company owned by a Lenni-Lenape
family? Did he have connections to the tribe that even
his own family didn’t know about? Printer deadlines
prevented me from digging any deeper, but if there’s
a reprint (a boy can dream), maybe I will be able to
discover more about the story behind the story.
And now, that’s more than enough musing from
me... go ahead and read the story of John McJack.
Here’s chapter one...

summer events [47]
The CAPE
By Charles Whitecar Miskelly
The first white man to see the mainland of what
would later be New Jersey, and especially the
southern end of it, was one Estevão Gomez
in 1525, but nobody did anything about it
for nearly a century. The land, between its
bay and its ocean, lay as it had for ages. Its people, of the
tribe of Lenni-Lenape, walked its woods and beaches, and
where the brightly colored stones lay strewn upon the bar,
they watched the sea and marveled at the winged ships that
rode on the sea. But no ship, and no white man, ever came
to their shore.
And then, one winter day when a change of wind
blew the mists away to let the sun show red beyond the
waters of the bay, a ship seemed to sail away from the
land. From behind the point of the cape, where the land
hooked its finger between the bay and the ocean to form
a harbor, the ship sailed out to the sea. It left the shore
where the little stream trickled down from the sweetwater
pond among the cedar trees, where at the foot of
the wooded slope a little band of red people lived, back
a way from the beach.
There were a dozen wigwams or tepees, made of skins
and bark, each with the totem of the turtle painted on its
walls. Each home had its problems, of food and shelter and
water. Commonplace things through commonplace ages,
until that winter day when the strange ship moved through
the east-wind mists and sailed away when the wind had
changed to the west.
From the sandy and wooded bluff some five miles to
the north, almost as far as the little creek which shoved its
salted and twisting thread through the narrow and tree-girt
meadow, Wawakna, chief of another band, saw the ship sail
away. He stood on the bluff with his daughter, Minyanata,
who was eight years old. Forgetting both dignity and daughter,
Wawakna shouted and pointed. From the town among
the trees, back a little from the bay, his people came running.
And Lagunaka, too, the medicine man. All stood and
wondered. They were frightened, too, because how could
the ship sail away from the land without first having come
to it?
No one had seen the ship come in, but Wawakna
gravely explained that this was because of the mists. But
Lagunaka pondered. Wise in the ways of devils and such,
the magician doubted. He believed there was devilry in the
wind. He would make a brew and sing a song and shake a
rattle, and do what he could to fend off the evil.
However, because of the quarrel between the two
camps, none could go down to the point to see what had
happened. In the morning Wawakna would send a wampum
down to seek the peace and learn the news. But the
night wind shifted to the north of east; for four long days a
blizzard blew; the snow piled high in the trails. The mystery
of the ship could wait a while, and with the waiting the fear
of the people lessened. Perhaps, the ship hadn’t been leaving
the harbor at all; more likely it had been sailing along the
coast, as others had done. After his brew and his song, and
especially after the blizzard had begun to blow, Lagunaka
explained that the distance had been deceptive: the ship had
sailed past the point of land and not from it.
Lagunaka, a jealous man, was extremely isolationist.

[48] excerpt from the cape
The magician down by the pond would not agree with him on many matters, and this had
been responsible for the neighborhood ill feeling. So things continued as they were until
after warm weather had come. But the important point was this: what one ship had done
another could do.
Other ships had passed the cape. One was the Half Moon of Captain Henry Hudson,
exploring new waterways on his way to the great river and bay which would bear his name.
Bypassing the cape, leaving the naming of it to Captain Cornelius Mey, of the ship Glad
Tidings.
It was in April, eight years later, when Minyanata was sixteen and John McJack an
uncertain 23 that McJack came ashore on a piece of timber, about a mile from the point of
the cape and four miles below Wawakna’s camp, up on the bluff.
For more than three hours McJack lay on the beach without even the strength to pull
himself the rest of the way out of the water. Half unconscious, he lay with the waves lapping
about his waist, then his knees, and then his ankles as the tide receded, leaving him on the
hard-packed sand.
The skin of his arms was bloody from gripping a broken timber while the wind howled
and the waves buried him in the rush of water. As he slowly moved his arms across the sand
of the beach, he heard the crunch as the ship crashed the bar in the thunder squall, the
cracking of the planking, and the screams of the crew.
McJack dug his hands into the sand and pulled them back painfully to his side and
then stretched them over his head again as if he were swimming. He groaned, opened his
eyes, and saw the beach, the marsh, the high ground, and the forest.
“Praise to god and all his saints who brought me through.” He raised himself slowly to
his knees and added, “And the saints help all who didn’t make it,” as he saw the litter from the
wreck along the edge of the water. A few feet away from him lay the timber with the crooked
handle of his adze emerging, its blade sunk deep in the wood.
“And what is this?” he asked himself as he drew his hand across the sand and collected
shiny colored stones in his fingers. “Be I lucky enough to land on a bejeweled beach?”
But his exhaustion made his interest short-lived. The sun was setting, and he realized
that soon the tide would come back in an effort to reclaim him. He crawled himself beyond
the reach of the water where the sand was soft and soon fell asleep.
The next morning, stiff and sore from the night and starved after more than a day
without food, he stood on the beach where the forest came clear to the shore, watching the
birds come over the water. He was appalled by his loneliness. Except for the visible birds
and the invisible beasts, his world seemed empty of living things. But McJack shrugged his
shoulders and gave thanks for his adze to the saints an ’all, and raked some clams from
among the stones. He wandered down the beach and drank from a little stream.
There was wreckage, broken boards and timbers and pieces of sail, but, thanking the
saints again, no bodies. “Best they should rest where they be,” McJack decided. “Mayhap
they be better than me, at that.” He had no doubt that the woods were full of wild animals,
and probably wild men. Probably they were watching him that minute. He decided it was
fortunate the saints were on his side.
He found some canvas and enough lumber to make himself a hut between the reach
of the tide and the line of the forest. And that night falling asleep with an empty stomach,
he was grateful for his canvas-covered shelter, though he crouched and shivered. There were
strange sounds in the dark. An owl. A fox yelped shrilly. And once when McJack had dozed
a little because the owl and the fox and the night were still, there came a scream from the
dark.
“Saints help me now!” pleaded John McJack. “It’s the devil let loose in the land, and all,
to set me teeth a’ chatter with the fright. Or mayhap it were the banshee call: Saints send the

excerpt from the cape [49]
mornin’ sun to shine and stop me shivers!”
Next morning, brave in the light of it, or desperate because of hunger, he ventured into
the woods, frightened a cougar away from the carcass of a fawn, and broke his fast on raw
venison, using the adze blade for a knife. The meat was young and not too tough, and the
blood trickled down through the stubble on his chin.
“For a flint and steel I would pay, but I’ve naught with which to pay, so what I shall get I
must take. I wonder why the land be so scarce with men? I had heard there were injuns in all
of the coastlands. Mayhap some thing be wrong with this land. Mayhap that were a banshee
call! McJack, be wise and wary! Ye must, whilst ye wander in the wood.”
But that day, and in spite of his own advice, he did a foolish thing: he chased a tiny bear
cub and brought the mother charging at him from a thicket. By a miracle, or by the grace of
the saints and all, the battle was short. McJack drove the pin of the adze through the animal’s
skull. She reared and roared, spun round and round, the adze handle swaying. She pawed
at the thing, and then her spine crumpled and she fell and slowly died while McJack, whitefaced
and shaking, stood and watched.
That was how he got his robe of stinking bear hide, and the cub for a pet. He christened
it Saint Pat. It took until dusk to remove the great hide, and then he moved away from the
carcass lest it draw other beasts in the night. He went back to the more open shore of the bay.
At first the cub bit his fingers, but later it cuddled down in his arms.
“Sure,” said McJack, “ye be something to talk to, though ye be too young and too dumb
to sense that I murdered your mother, and to hold it against me. But this night we can sleep
more warm in her hide, do we sleep at all. “And,” he added, “Saints send yer daddy, if ye had
one, some other place, else he should come searching. Saint Pat, me lad, quit yer squirming
now, would ye know yer own dad did ye see him? Seems that I’ve heard ye would not at all.
By all the laws of righteous men, I reckons yerself a bastard! Seems that a bear be like some
men: he will get a wench with child and leave her to bear it. And fend for it too. Saints grant
that I have not done that same; I cannot be sure!”
This set McJack to thinking of his sins. He made a little prayer for forgiveness, while he
crouched in his sailcloth shack and heard the raindrops. Another April shower, and McJack
slept a little under his stinking bear hide, cuddling Saint Pat lest he wander away. “Saint Pat,
me lad,” he told the cub, “I needs ye to talk to, lest me head be addled with the loneliness. I
do, at that!”
Next day he went back to the carcass of the bear; some beasts had been at it. There
were cat tracks in the sand, McJack nodded. “Mayhap it will lure the beasts from me,” he reasoned.
“I will search a bit further in the wood and stay away from here come night.” And he
hadn’t gone more than a hundred yards inland when he came to a trail. It led down toward
the point and up to the north. It was almost a yard wide, winding between the thickets and
under the towering trees.
“It’s a great highway of a sort, I will wager a wagon,” said McJack to the cub. He grinned.
“And do I win that wagon, we will climb aboard and ride.” He scratched his head, felt meditatively
his chin where the whiskers were sprouting. “Sure, the path were made by the feet
of men, though no tracks show. Mayhap it’s because of the rain in the night. Where it leads
up yonder I cannot tell, but to the south it cannot go so far: it would be stopped by the sea. I
will go down yon and learn, but slow, and taking care. There may be injuns there. They may
be good or bad. McJack, ye cannot wander long alone in the wood. Mayhap do ye find them,
the Injuns will kill ye. Ye will take the path to the sea.”
He went warily, pausing at every turn of the trail. Watching for footprints of men. But
he found none, even when the way dipped down into a spot of marshland that wet his feet.
On to the south for nearly a mile, through thicketed tunnels and open places, then beneath
towering cedars. The path went through and crossed a tiny stream, two cedar logs for a
bridge. These were old, beginning to rot, but McJack walked over, adze in his right hand and
Saint Pat in his left arm, the pack strapped across his shoulders.
“This land be accursed,” he muttered. “Almost I fears to go on, but go I must. This path
leads to somewhere to be sure. I wonder what?”
There was a thicket of briars beyond the bridge and then the land sloped upward to
pines and oaks and locust trees and to what had been a campsite. The stream under the
bridge ran to a little pond; beyond stood the towering cedars, reflected in the water. Their
tops swayed in the springtime breeze, but the water was still.
Not a soul was in sight, no wigwams nor tepees. McJack crossed himself and whispered
a charm against pixies and elves and leprechauns... “or injuns, live ones or dead ones.
More like it will be the dead, for the life has been burned from the very soil. Naught grows
but trees where once the people lived. And there be dead cedars hung with the root ends up,
about the camp. I wonder.”
McJack walked warily across the campsite. The only sound at the moment was the
sea; he could faintly hear the breakers on the ocean shore. Down the stream course he could
glimpse the bay, for the marsh ran clear to the waters there.
McJack shivered. ‘Saint Pat,” said he, “we have a deadened world to our lonesome
selves. We have at that! Where be the people that were here before? Why be the place so
still?” And he dared the stillness with a loud “Ahoy!”
“Ahoy!” replied the echo from among the cedars. “Ahoy,” it whispered from beyond
the bridge, and McJack made the sign of the cross again. “There be naught in the place, and I
be afeared of it,” he confessed. “Sure, it did sound like a voice from the dead. I will not shout
again at all. I will keep closed the mouth of me, for I’ve learned before now that this same
mouth can bring me into trouble. What means that heap of soil over yon? What means these
cedars hanging by their tails to swing in the wind?”
These cedar tips had touched and swept the ground. The heap in the center showed the

[50] excerpt from the cape
ends of charred sticks. Pieces of pottery had been washed out by the rains. The shaft of an
arrow protruded. And where some beast had dug in the soil were feathers, as from a bonnet.
These were scorched a little.
McJack drew a deep breath. He glanced around and put the bear cub down. With his
adze he dragged the bonnet from the sand.
“Aye, it were once a crown of some heathen sort,” he surmised. “Did I dig in the dirt I
might find the man as wore it, the which I shall not do at all. Saints ask the god to give these
people peace — it seems the whole village has died, but, then, they could not cover in the
sand. Two things be plain,” he reasoned, “either some were left or others came and did it. A
dead man, do he be alone, lies where he falls. As will I, mayhap. Which is not a glad thought
at all; I will not think it. I be still alive; me hunger tells me so. Wait, what have I found?! A
footprint of a man! He wears some sort of soften shoe. McJack, ye should be wary, for mayhap
ye be seen! Ye cannot tell.”
But although during the day he found more footprints he could not trail them nor find
the man. “Mayhap he were but passing by, the same as myself,” he conjectured as toward evening
he stood by the bay to watch the lonely sunset. He inquired Saint Pat’s opinion, but the
bear only blinked, and McJack broke the shell of a clam for him, and the cub dined daintily.
“Ye would rather have milk,” surmised McJack, “but that I cannot give ye; I never was
shaped to that at all. So we will go back to the edge of this town for the night, for it’s plain the
injuns shun the spot and do not tarry there. Ghosts and goblins may be there, but we must
risk them. They might fright the guts from a man, but a spirit be less deadly than a spear in
the dark.”
So he pitched his tent on the edge of the camp among some saplings and he and his
bear cub huddled inside. By that time the bear skin was rank indeed, but the stink was better
than the cold, for during the night the frost came down. The new moon was growing;
it glinted on the frost and showed clear the surface of the pond, where the cedars reflected
their blackness. The bare branches of the trees made serpentine marks on the sand of the
campsite, and the sound of the surf sang faintly. No beasts made a sound, although the ducks
in the bay seemed to quack at the moon at times. Perhaps these had awakened McJack.
Cramped by his sleeping and with an ache in his knees, he pushed aside his robe and
crawled out of his tent. There he was among the saplings; when he stood his head was above
them. He could see the pond, and the cedars, and the shapes on the sand among the boles
of the trees, there in the glint of the frost. But he saw only dimly, because frost was still falling.
He stooped to rub his knees, then stood upright again. He drew a sort of gasping breath
and again he whispered his charm word. And he called on his saints. He shivered, for a chill
worse than frost had gone up his spine.
Off in the camp among the shades, there where the sand was heaped in its pile, a gray
shape showed. It walked slowly; had it not been a ghost it would have seemed feeble. It came
toward McJack and stood in the moonlight. It wore a gray cloak, and its beard was white. It
raised a hand as if pointing to the moon and, as if obedient, the moon went back behind a
cloud. And then the gray thing vanished in the gloom.
“Saints Mary and Michael!” he whispered. “What be the thing, and all?” But nobody
answered, and McJack kept his watch until dawn. The ghost didn’t show again. It seemed
to have vanished in the heap of sand where McJack was sure that the dead men lay. One,
perhaps, had been restless; he had risen to walk the night.
“Can I but live to see the light,” declared McJack, “I will leave this place far behind.”
But in the morning, when he found fresh footprints where the thing had stood, his
courage came back, with the warmth and light of the sun. So he tried to follow the tracks,
but they led over pine needles and fallen leaves, and he lost them. After that he found some
ducks’ eggs, and he choked a little as he sucked them. Saint Pat ate an egg and some grubs
that he found. He followed slowly while his master walked around the campsite and into the
woods. Then they headed for the dunes behind the meadow.
They rounded a thicket of beach plums. And beyond it, squatting in the sun, clad in a
long and ragged coat with woods leaves clinging to it, was the man. His long hair was white
and his beard hung down on his chest, his head bowed in sleep. He was so thin that the coat
pouched out in great wrinkles, and his hands showed the lines of their bones.
“God help the man!” whispered McJack. “He were no ghost at all. Mayhap he were cast
ashore the same as I. He sleeps by day and walks the wood by night. The man looks daft,
small wonder. How shall I wake him, now?”
He pondered a moment, looking up and down the shore for caution’s sake. Then:
“Ahoy, kind sir! Would ye wake and give yer greetings to a friend?”
The man slowly raised his head and opened his eyes; these were a faded blue and held

excerpt from the cape [51]
a vacant stare.
McJack told him gently, “I be a friend; I means no harm at all. I gives ye greetings. And
how come ye here?”
But the man didn’t answer. He slowly got to his feet, and in his eyes was a look of disbelief.
He came forward and seemed to grope for McJack’s hand. He ran his fingers along his
arm, he held his own head sideways to see McJack’s face, and said strange words that made
no sense at all, except for his sobbing.
McJack’s eyes were misty; he stooped to put the bearcub down. St. Pat walked over to
the edge of the thicket, as indifferent to what was going on as seemed the rest of the wild and
empty world. The long beach where the waves rolled in, cresting and breaking from out in
the sea. The endless thicketed forest there, the dunes and meadows up the shore. The sun
which shone upon it all just as it had done for thousands of years.
McJack’s voice was croaky: “I be a friend, though it’s no wonder that ye weep for joy. Ye
have not seen a living man for a long time, I’ll warrant me. Can ye speak to me now? Can ye
tell me how ye come, and how ye fared?
But convulsively, the man threw both hands above his head and fell. His body shuddered
and was still. McJack stood watching, then felt for a heartbeat as he knelt beside him.
He crossed himself. “The man be dead! Seems he has died of the muchness of his joy: it were
too great for the poor old heart to stand. Saints pray to god for his soul!”
Already McJack had been long enough alone to sense what the other had suffered, and
a chilling fear ran through his mind. “It may be thus with me.”
He was as alone as the other had been, except for his bear cub. Saint Pat, still indifferent,
lay down in the sun to snooze, and McJack was alone with the living mystery of the dead
man there. A mystery without a sequel, it would seem, for had the man lived he could not
have spoken to McJack. The latter sensed this from his speech. “Mayhap he were Dutch,” he
surmised. “I cannot tell.”
McJack buried the man beside his hut, using the oar blade as a shovel. He thrust the
scabbard into the ground, and the broken handle made a cross. He took for his own the
deerskin roll and the flint and steel, and walked up the beach to further learn the lay of
the land. There were the dunes and the meadows, and there must be a tidal stream too, he
decided, because thousands of ducks rose into the air when an eagle flow over. Then McJack
went back to the town site by the pond.
“In the morn I will tread that northern trail and see what I find. I will not sit and watch
the sea for succor, and go daft with the watching as that other has done. Mayhap, being daft,
he were the one who hung these cedars by their tails; I like not their looks at all.”
So, next morning, before he left, he cut the thongs and let the trees fall. They crackled
and bounced heavily. “And that be that,” he concluded. “They made no sense hanging there
at all.”
«
The book, hardcover with illustrations, is
available at Exit Zero Filling Station, 110 Sunset
Boulevard, Cape May; at the Cape May Ferry Terminal
store; and at Whale’s Tale and Cape Atlantic Books. Or
buy it online at exitzero.com. The price is $19.95.

[52] summer events
Light of the Cape
The Cape May Lighthouse has majestically
stood at the southern tip of New
Jersey since 1859. To this day, it faithfully
marks the northern entrance to
the Delaware Bay, a significant waterway
for 400 years. Earlier lighthouses nationwide
were proving to be inadequate — they were too
small, too dim, and often hastily and poorly built,
mostly because of the lack of funds. By the 1850s,
after many seacoast disasters and complaints
from ship captains, the federal government realized
the necessity for tall, enduring structures
that could emit powerful beacons and resounding
fog signals.
New demanding construction standards and
policies for seacoast lights (as opposed to smaller
light stations specific to rivers and inlets) were
put into effect by the government,including
that all new American lighthouses were to be
equipped with a Fresnel lens. These incredible
crystal lenses designed to magnify and project a
light beam were a revolutionary new invention in
1822 by French scientist Augustin Fresnel.
The 1850s were the dawn of a new day in American
lighthouse history. In 1857 the US Army Corps
of Engineers arrived in Cape May with a $40,000
commission to build a state-of-the-art lighthouse
on “the point.” Captain William F. Raynolds and
a small staff supervised civilian mechanics and
laborers during construction. Raynolds followed
the plans and diagrams of fellow Army Engineer
and lighthouse architect, Captain George Meade.
We know him, of course later, as General Meade
of President Lincoln’s Army of the Potomac.
This beautifully realized structure consisted
of a 145-foot brick tower topped with a 12.5-foot
metal and glass lantern. As nearly as can be determined,
500,000 bricks were used. The tower
was supported by a footpad of stone blocks that
pyramid out to 12 feet underground. Under the
footpad was a grillage of creosoted timbers for
further stability. The lighthouse was completed in
October of 1859, with its whale oil lamp officially
first lit on Halloween at sundown.
The tower tapered elegantly, with its diameter
27 feet at the base, and 13.5 feet at the top.
Meade’s design called for two separate brick
walls: an outer, conical, tapering one, and an
interior, cylindrical brick column, with air space
between the two. The walls joined near the top. A
cast iron stairway spiraled up the inner wall — no
taper inside, recall, so the steps are all the same
width throughout. There are 199 of these iron
steps (perforated for weight considerations and
aeration) to the watch room immediately below
the lantern, with six landings symmetrically positioned
(at each turn-and-a-quarter) along the way.
At five of the landings there is a window and
a brick “barrel-vaulted” arch that connects the
two walls (each landing, naturally, will be shallower
than the one below as the outer wall tapers in).
These connecting arches give the tower walls an
unbelievable strength; additionally, they evenly
distribute the weight of the walls down the side.
At each arch are ventilating openings, or “weep
holes” that allow air to circulate between the walls
to prevent moisture build-up which would attack
the brick and mortar. Small access doors to these
air chambers are located at the base of the staircase
for cleaning and inspection purposes.
To quote from John Bailey’s authoritative
book, The Sentinel of the Jersey Cape: The Story
of the Cape May Lighthouse”...
“The most plausible theory on the construction
of the tower holds that the builders constructed
the spiral stairway as they laid the brickwork.
(We surmise this because they pinned the
leaves of the stairway into the masonry.) They
actually worked on the inner wall from the stairway
itself carrying bricks and mortar up these
same steps.
“They worked on the outer wall using scaffolding
erected outside the tower. One thing is certain:
the builders were master masons. The alternating
mortar lines, inside and outside, follow a
perfectly straight sight line up from the base to
the watch room. Each of the courses lays impeccably
level and true. A reinforcing stratum of
bricks laid crosswise, so that you can see only the
ends of the bricks, separates every five courses.
“The bricks themselves have curves that follow
the curvature of the walls inside and out, present-day
master masons who visit the lighthouse

summer events [53]
photograph by mike ver sprill

[54] year-round activities
marvel at the beautiful arches on the ground
floor, the detailing throughout, the smooth corner
mitres, and the workmen’s obvious pride in craftsmanship.”
Visitors commonly ask, “Why not just build a
solid tower?” — in other words, why go to all the
trouble to solve the engineering problems of
double walls, air chambers, connecting arches?
The answer is that the Cape May Lighthouse sits
on sand, sometimes wet sand — there is no convenient
bedrock out at “the point.” It was determined
that a solid brick or stone tower of that size
would not have been stable there.
The Cape May Lighthouse still stands perfectly
true, 161 years and counting.
In December, 1986, the Cape May Lighthouse
was leased to Cape May MAC. The organization
assumed responsibility for restoring the lighthouse,
interpreting it as a historic site and opening it to
the public. The process of restoration took more
than 15 years (1987-2002) and was funded by nearly
$2 million in grants.
Cape May MAC supervised the restoration
of the lighthouse windows and doors, the addition
of safety improvements, the restoration of
the oil house which is at the entrance to the lighthouse
grounds, the restoration of the lantern roof
and windows, the interior walls and staircase, an
archaeological investigation that located the original
privies and walkways, and the restoration of the
grounds. The lighthouse has also been repainted in
its original color scheme, in which the tower is a
light beige and the lantern is red.
In 2017 the beige tower was washed and
repainted, windows and woodwork are maintained;
in 2018 the exterior of the red watch gallery
and lantern roof were repainted; and this year,
in 2021, the interior stairwell was repainted. Cape
May MAC has now invested $2.3 million in restorations
of the lighthouse.
In 2021, Cape May MAC contracted with Eastern
Industrial Services to repaint the interior stairwell,
now complete.
Visitors can climb the 199 steps to the top for a
breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware
Bay. For those who choose not to climb, the
Lighthouse’s Oil House has been fully restored,
and houses a fully accessible visitors’ orientation
center as well as a museum shop offering a variety
of lighthouse and seashore memorabilia.
Ghosts of the Lighthouse Trolley Tours offer
a chance to visit the lighthouse at night and hear
ghost stories. Tens of thousands of visitors each
year experience a visit to the top of the lighthouse
and learn about the history of this engineering
marvel and the demanding job of lighthouse keepers
of a century ago.
Visit capemaymac.org for schedule and more
information.
Rich Chiemingo, known fondly as Keeper Rich,
contributed to this story.

year-round activities [55]
A towering attraction
The World War II Lookout Tower 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. Built in 1942, the tower was one of 15 used
as observation posts to detect enemy vessels and
direct the artillery fire from nearby coastal batteries.
Fort Miles was a collection of fire control towers
and gun batteries, plus barracks and support
buildings, on both sides of the Delaware Bay. By
World War II the military used a spread-out series
of towers and batteries, whose firing ranges overlapped,
to protect a large territory.
Its largest guns and headquarters were located
on the Delaware side, in what is now Cape Henlopen
State Park, since the shipping channel hugs
the Southern shore of Delaware Bay.
The towers were not originally designed to
spot submarines, but to destroy German battleships.
Giant underwater nets prevented submarines
from entering the Delaware Bay. Teams of
American aircraft with bombs and naval vessels
with sonar and depth charges took the lead
in tracking down and destroying the German
U-boats. But when the tide of battle shifted in
our favor, a change occurred in the use of the Fire
Control Tower.
In the final year of the war, members of the
Coast Guard Auxiliary were stationed here to help
spot submarines. German submarines sank many
merchant vessels off the coast of Cape May, but
no German ships ever made it up the Delaware
River to the Philadelphia Navy Yard, Philadelphia
or Camden.
Fire Control Tower No. 23, as it was officially
known, was listed on the National Register of
Historic Places in 2003. In 2004, Cape May MAC
signed a 20-year lease for the tower and, following
restoration work, opened it to the public in April
2009. The organization continues to maintain and
interpret the site for members of the public.
Inside, a staircase winds back and forth taking
you to the sixth-floor watch gallery. Changing
exhibits along the way highlight varying topics of
history related to the tower. Interpretive panels
and photos explain the tower’s function, while a
Wall of Honor pays tribute to local residents who
served during World War II. More than 160 veterans’
photos are on display there.
A symbolic eternal flame sculpture designed
by local artist Stephen D. Bradway was installed
in 2012 on the boardwalk at the rear of the tower.
The memorial stands 44 inches tall and consists
of a copper cauldron atop a copper-clad pylon.
Three-dimensional brass flames arise from the
cauldron, symbolizing the passing of the torch
from local World War II veterans to all area veterans.
The inscription on an adjacent plaque reads,
“This eternal flame honors not only the veterans
of World War II of the Cape May area but also
all area veterans who have nobly carried forth the
torch of defending our nation.” The memorial is
open year-round for quiet contemplation.
Continuing restoration efforts rely largely on
revenue from admissions and public contributions.
The World War II Lookout Tower is open to
the public from March through November. Visit
capemaymac.org for schedule.

[56] year-round activities
Step inside an
architectural gem
Walk into the 1879 Physick
House Museum and it’s easy
to imagine a different era. In
the late 1800s, Cape May was
humming as the nation’s most
fashionable seaside resort, and this mansion home,
at the Emlen Physick Estate on Washington Street,
reflects the charms and delights of that time.
The crown jewel of Cape May MAC’s three
historic sites, the Physick House Museum is an
outstanding example of Victorian Stick Style architecture
and a testament to the dedication and perseverance
of modern-day visionaries who fought
tooth and nail to save it. Its restoration led to the
city being awarded the status of National Historic
Landmark City.
The house was built for Dr Emlen Physick, who
never married, and his widowed mother rances
Ralston. Physick’s two maiden aunts, Isabella
and Emilie Parmentier, also lived here. Physick
descended from a famous and wealthy Philadelphia
family. His grandfather, Philip Syng Physick,
has been called the Father of American Surgery,
having invented numerous medical instruments
and procedures, including the stomach pump, still
in use today. Emlen Physick graduated from medical
school but never practiced medicine. Upon his
move to Cape May, he built this home, designed by
renowned American architect Frank Furness, and
lived the life of a gentleman farmer, owning two
tenant farms and keeping chickens, guinea fowl,
cows, horses and dogs on the estate. He was a the
Cape May civic gadfly in his day.
Over the course of the 20th century, the house
fell into disrepair. Members of the Physick family
passed away and the property changed hands
several times. By the 1960s it was considered by
locals as Cape May’s “haunted mansion,” in such
disrepair that a demolition permit was issued for
its destruction.
The dramatic story of its survival is extensive
and involves the individuals who became founders
in 1970 of the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts.
The organization now known as Cape May MAC
since then has been key to Cape May’s revival and
attraction as a national and international tourist
destination.
Trained interpreters give tours of the Physick
House Museum that are revised each year to feature
particular aspects of this architectural masterpiece,
with new glimpses into Victorian life and culture.
This year, in continuation of Cape May MAC’s 50th
anniversary year in 2020, the tour theme is “This
Old House: Preservation of the Physick Estate,”
in which the focus is on the Physick House, itself,
from its years as a grand residence for the Physick
family, to its tragic decline, to its near demolition
and, finally, to its proud rise as a fully restored local
historic landmark and one of the best examples of
Victorian Stick Style architecture in the country.
The loving and careful restoration of the house is
the keystone that solidified Cape May’s revival in
the 1970s. The complete arc of this story is full of
fascinating details and history and can be heard on
a full guided tour of the estate.
Tours are offered through most of the year and
daily from March through December. Masks are
required both indoors and outdoors at all Cape
May historic sites, tours and events at this time.
COVID protocols are followed. For information
and tour schedules, visit www.capemaymac.org or
call 609-884-5404.
This page, left:
The Emlen
Physick Estate
around the
1880s. Above:
The ultimately
unsuccessful
demolition
permit, which
describes
the building
as being in
“deplorable”
condition.
And, right,
the mansion
as it is today,
a Victorian
museum.

year-round activities [57]

[58] summer year-round events 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.
SPIRITS & ODDITIES
Where It Goes: Begins and ends at the Washington Street
Mall Information Booth (except where noted) and travels
through Cape May’s historic district.
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 fave list.
HISTORIC HAUNTS
Where It Goes: Begins and ends at the Washington Street
Mall Information Booth and Trolley Stop. Travel the historic
district in Cape May then visit the Physick House Museum on
the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate.
How Long It Lasts: An hour.
What Is It: Take an evening trolley ride through the Historic
District and hear stories of haunted Cape May. Step off the
trolley at the Physick House Museum with your guide and see
the first floor of the Physick House Museum, reputed to be
haunted, as you learn about Victorian Spiritualism.
Who It’s For: You are a huge fan of Halloween. You might
have paid for a psychic reading once or twice.
HISTORIC DISTRICT
Where It Goes: Begins and ends at the Washington Street
Mall Information Booth and travels through Cape May’s 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.
MANSIONS BY THE SEA
Where It Goes: Begins and ends at the Washington Street
Mall Information Booth and travels along Beach Drive,
through the early 20th century East Cape May development
areas.
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.
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
Where It Goes: Begins and ends at the Washington Street
Mall Information Booth and travels through parts of Cape
May and West Cape May, with stops along the way, including
the Mount Zion Cemetery.
How Long It Lasts: Around 90 minutes.
What It Is: Cape May was part of the Underground Railroad
and this tells of those fraught, dangerous days. African-
American slaves fled their chains in Maryland, Delaware
and Virginia and 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 Cape May MAC 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. Tours begin and end
at the Washington Street Mall.
How Long It Lasts: Forty-five minutes.
What It Is: This is the best introduction to Cape May for firsttimers.
Find the hidden gems and the little-known treasures
of this glorious seaside town and learn about natural and cultural
points of interest.

year-round summer activities events [59]
with friends and family.
Who It’s For: Christmas makes you want to hold hands
around a huge Christmas tree — like in Whoville — and sing
out loud.
SANTA’S TROLLEY RIDES
Where It Goes: Begins and ends at the Physick Estate, 1048
Washington Street (with free parking available) and rides
through town.
How Long It Lasts: Thirty minutes.
What It Is: Mrs Claus comes direct from the North Pole to
lead this tour! She tells stories and leads holiday songs on
this jolly trolley ride through town. Oh, and she brought her
hubby. Santa is at the Emlen Physick Estate Carriage House
organizing lists with his iPad and eating cookies to carb load
before Christmas. Children will visit with Santa and get a
sweet treat!
Who It’s For: You probably should believe in Santa Claus. If
you don’t, you just might after this ride.
For more details on when trolley rides run, call Cape May
MAC at 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
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 hometown.
GHOSTS OF CAPE MAY
Where It Goes: Begins and ends at the Washington Street
Mall Information Booth (except where noted) and travels
through Cape May’s historic district.
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 CHRISTMAS PAST
Where It Goes: Begins and ends at the Washington Street
Mall Information Booth and travels through Cape May’s
historic district (except on Saturday, November 23 when it
leaves from the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street).
How Long It Lasts: Thirty minutes.
What It Is: Listen to dramatic tales of Christmas woe featuring
Victorian ghosts, told by a member of the East Lynne
Theater Company, on this ride along the historic streets of
Cape May. You’ll be happy you live now, not then.
Who It’s For: If you look for Jacob Marley’s ghost in door
knockers, you’ll appreciate this tour.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Where It Goes: Begins and ends at the Washington Street
Mall Information Booth and travels through Cape May’s historic
district.
How Long It Lasts: Thirty minutes.
What It Is: Who can resist the twinkle of Cape May’s beautiful
Victorian homes decorated for Christmas? This trolley
ride through town is a sparkly delight. Listen to Christmas
music and sing carols along the way and have a jolly time

[60] special promotion
Vacation in a Box!
Presenting the greatest collection of Cape May money-saving
offers you’ve ever seen... elegantly packaged as a designer deck
of cards. You could save more than $400 at all of your favorite
restaurants, shops and activities! Turn the page for more details.

summer events [61]

[62] special promotion
THE EXIT ZERO DISCOUNT DECK 2021
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 the publishers of Exit Zero magazine (and this book!), really IS everything it appears to be... which is
THE best way to enjoy Cape May while saving a lot of money. That’s why we call it a Vacation in a Box!
To be precise, you would save more than $400 if you used all the cards in the elegantly designed pack of cards. And all
you pay is $20! Go for dinner at one of the featured restaurants, followed by a trip to one of Cape May’s finest stores, and
you’ll already have got your $20 purchase price back, and that’s just two cards you used!
But don’t just keep them for yourself. You can give them as gift certificates to friends and family members.
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, 2021. So if you want to eat at one of Cape May’s finest restaurants on a Saturday night
in August, bring along your Discount Deck!
You can buy The Exit Zero Discount Deck from the Exit Zero Filling Station at 110 Sunset Boulevard, online at ezstore.us
or call on 609-770-8479, pay by credit card and we’ll ship it. You will also see it for sale at selected establishments around
town such as Collier’s Liquor Store, Tommy’s Folly at Congress Hall and Sunset Beach, along with the store at Cape May-
Lewes Ferry Terminal.
There’s never been a better way to enjoy the best of Cape May. It really IS a Vacation in a Box!

special promotion [63]
} participating restaurants
Aleathea’s
Save $5 on breakfast/lunch — minimum spend $20.
antojos
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Blue Pig TAVERN
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CAPE MAY Brewing Company
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CAPE MAY Fish Market
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cold spring brewery
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delaney’s irish bar & grill
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THE Ebbitt Room
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exit zero filling station
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Harpoons ON THE BAY
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hawk haven vineyard
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Merion Inn
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Oyster Bay
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quincy’s original lobster rolls
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RUSTY NAIL
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Sapore italiano
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SeaSalt
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SeaSalt
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Tisha’s
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Ugly Mug
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washington inn
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} participating stores
A Place on Earth
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Cape may honey farm
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Cape may Olive Oil Company
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Cape may peanut butter company
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Collier’s liquor store
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exit zero filling station
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Flying Fish studio
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ORIGINAL FUDGE KITCHEn
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red oak trading
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sunset beach
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TOMMY’S FOLLY AT CONGRESS HALL
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Trinkets
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willow & stone
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wingnutz
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} participating salons & spas
accent on Beauty
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Sea Spa at congress hall
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} participating activities
Cape May pedego
Save $10 on eBike rental — minimum spend $50.
Cape May Stage
Save $10 on a show ticket. (Regular $42)
Cape may trolley tours
Save $3 on a $15 trolley tour
East Coast watersports
Save $10 on 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 spend $30.

food & Drink
Seriously good food — from some of the finest
restaurants in South Jersey to good old-fashioned
pizza slices. Cape May truly runs the gourmet gamut.

[66] food & drink
Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grille
Enjoy the setting sun while dining on the waterfront deck and listening to live music. Welcome to a true island experience.
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? On the waterfront at
Schooner Landing, just off the foot of
the bridge into Wildwood.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Too many
reasons to count: excellent food,
awesome drinks, killer views/locale,
and amazing live entertainment. If
you haven’t been for any or all of the
above reasons, you need to remedy
that situation. We’ll start with the vibe:
hip but warm, modern but relaxed
and casual. Let the live music, the
water views and the chill atmosphere
de-stress you, while you unwind with
a glass of wine or a house cocktail.
Do yourself a favor and sample one
of their mojito specialties — they’re
outstanding.
Ready to order? With so many
tempting and imaginative menu
choices, you’ll be glad Beach Creek is
not open for breakfast and lunch too,
or you’d never get out of here. (Then
again why would you want to?) Beach
Creek’s chef, Jim Koch, has been here
since the restaurant’s inception, and
the quality and attention to detail are
second to none, from appetizers to
dinners to desserts. There is seating
outdoors to better enjoy the scenic
waterfront view, or relax inside in the
sleek, casual dining room.
Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grille
is open seasonally for dinner and
drinks. They also have a Happy Hour
that is popular with locals and visitors,
complete with live music. If you
want to take full advantage of Beach
Creek’s waterfront location, pull up for
dinner and drinks in a boat — there’s
plenty boat dockage. If you’d rather
arrive by car to enjoy the gorgeous
view and incredible food, there is
ample room in the parking lot.
INSIDER TIP Follow Beach Creek
Oyster Bar & Grille on Facebook and
Instagram, to stay right on top of the
line-up of live entertainment each
day. There is so much wonderful local
talent to be seen and heard that you
may want to pencil in a visits around
your favorites.
Tuna Carpaccio
Paper-thin sushi-grade
tuna slices, drizzled with
wasabi, sesame oil and
topika caviar.
Pulled Pork
Beer braised with
rosemary and onion,
shredded and topped with
jack cheese, served on
toast points.
Roasted Garlic and Onion
Soup
A new twist on a classic,
and topped with a blend
of five cheeses. Sold!
Sea Bass Champignon
Chargrilled and served
with a lobster risottostuffed
portobello cap
and garlic-sautéed
spinach, light broth.
Mediterranean Salad
Mixed greens topped
with lump crabmeat and
shrimp, with diced tomato,
red onion and a lemon dill
vinaigrette.
Grand Marnier Glazed
Duckling
Crispy duckling half,
glazed with Grand Marnier
and served with sautéed
spinach and whipped
sweet potatoes.
Desserts
Chocolate Layer Cake,
Tiramisu, or the featured
Fruit Cobbler of the night.
500 WEST HAND AVENUE l WILDWOOD l 609-522-1062 l beachcreek.net

[68] food & drink
Beach Plum Farm Market & Kitchen
Farm-fresh produce means breakfast and lunch treats and special dinners at this quaint West Cape May retreat
WHERE IS IT? Tucked away in quaint
West Cape May on Stevens Street.
WHY SHOULD I GO? More than 100
varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs
and flowers, plus pasture-raised meats,
are harvested for local restaurants — as
well as for Beach Plum Farm Kitchen,
which serves up breakfast sandwiches
plus irresistible lunches... AND a series
of themed dinners year-round.
After you work up an appetite on
a bike ride or a guided tour through
the farm, step inside the barn to order
farm-fresh salads and sandwiches.
Have a seat on the patio and inhale
the scents of the herbs growing
around you while enjoying egg salad on
wholewheat with a side of pasta salad
or BBQ pulled pork (from the farm’s
Berkshire pigs) with coleslaw and
potato salad.
In the market, browse two floors
of fresh produce harvested from the
farm, local artisanal products, plus
cool, farm-inspired merchandise, from
cookbooks to kitchen knick-knacks.
Beach Plum is also a special place
to stay — a range of cottages and barns
are perfect for gatherings of family
and friends, holiday celebrations and
much-needed retreats
INSIDER TIP During summer, guided
tours are available to the public. Selfguided
tours are offered year-round.
HIGHLIGHTS
Breakfast Sandwich
Over-easy egg, cheddar,
brioche bun.
Ricotta Toast
Housemade ricotta,
shaved radish and carrots,
herbs, aged balsamic.
Lox & Bagel
Housemade beet-cured
salmon, spinach, cream
cheese, capers, dill.
Chicken Salad Sandwich
Lettuce, tomato, onion,
brioche bun.
Pulled Pork Sandwich
BBQ sauce, pickled onion,
brioche bun.
Package Meat
You can buy pork, chicken
and turkey, all raised on
the farm.
Iced Tea
Includes lemon verbena,
honey and ginger,
chamomile and lavender.
Mint Tea Varieties
Includes apple, pineapple,
chocolate and grapefruit.
Farm Dinners
Held throughout the year,
with everything from
Valentine’s Day dinners
to Mothers Day brunch,
along with summer farm
to table and backyard
BBQ, plus fall feasts and
Christmas and New Year’s
Eve dinners, too. Join the
farm newsletter list (see
website below) for more
information.
140 STEVENS STREET l WEST CAPE MAY l 609-602-0128 l beachplumfarmcapemay.com

[70] food & drink
Blue Pig Tavern At Congress Hall
By day or by night, inside or out, this is a place where the food and the vibe are irresistible.
WHERE IS IT? At famous old Congress Hall.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Feast on signature
American tavern fare, while enjoying the simple
pleasure of a meal prepared from scratch.
The menu utilizes local seafood plus fruits,
veggies, eggs and Berkshire pig from Beach Plum
Farm, located on an idyllic 62-acre sprawl less
than two miles away, in West Cape May.
On sunny days, the Blue Pig Tavern’s lush
garden patio is a great spot to start your day with
a breakfast of, say, the signature Eggs Blackstone,
one of the healthy bowls (acai and overnight oats
are among the highlights) or one of the famous
Breakfast Skillets — the Blue Pig Tavern Skillet
combines hash brown casserole, fried eggs, red
peppers, onions, scallions and chorizo for a spicy
kick.
Sipping a farm-fresh juice from Beach Plum
will boost your vitamin intake as well as your
mood — beets and carrots boast seriously
therapeutic benefits.
Later in the day, linger over lunch as you sip
a cool drink, people-watch and indulge in classic
American comfort food.
Inside, each of the Blue Pig’s dining areas
provide a different mood. One has an airy garden
feel with a large skylight. The second evokes a
classic tavern, with vintage-style mirrors. Here,
large banquettes lend a warm, cozy feel.
There is also a beautiful enclosed porch in
case it’s a little too chilly for the garden patio.
On crisp or chilly evenings in spring, fall or
winter, the magnificent fireplace in the Blue Pig
Tavern comes alive.
HIGHLIGHTS
Breakfast Skillets
The perfect way to start
your day. The Blue Pig
Tavern Skillet has hash
brown casserole, fried
eggs, chorizo, red peppers,
onions and scallions.
Healthy Breakfast Bowls
Try the Acai Berry or
Almond Joy Overnight
Oats. Deliciously healthy.
Turkey Avocado Club
House-roasted turkey,
avocado, bacon, mayo,
rustic multigrain bread.
Steak and Cake
Veal-wrapped tenderloin
and pure lump crab meat
with a sassafras gastrique.
No filler, no frying, no
breadcrumbs.
Blue Pig Tavern Burger
House-ground and handpressed
daily. Toppings,
including Beach Plum
Farm eggs, aged cheddar
and house-cured bacon.
Homemade Desserts
Freshly made, using
seasonal ingredients.
200 CONGRESS PLACE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-8422 l thebluepigtavern.com

[72] food & drink
The Boiler Room At Congress Hall
Don’t miss a wood-burning, brick oven, artisanal pizza and craft beers within Cape May’s iconic subterranean nightclub
WHERE IS IT? The basement of
Congress Hall, America’s oldest seaside
hotel.
WHY SHOULD I GO? The backdrop
is 200-year-old brick walls and brushed
steel tables and bar — and yet, thanks
to some seriously moody lighting, the
Boiler Room feels warm and cozy. That
mood is enhanced by a wood-fired
brick oven that produces fresh pizza
in flavors such as Smoky Pulled BBQ,
Prosciutto and Arugula, and Margherita.
The pizza is carefully handmade with a
unique 48-hour, no-knead dough and
uses ingredients seasonally sourced
from just down the road at Beach Plum
Farm. They also offer craft beer on tap,
making this one of the town’s favorite
destinations for casual dining.
End your meal with something
sweet from the dessert menu, though
that shouldn’t end your evening.
More than just an enjoyable dining
experience, the Boiler Room sounds
as good as it tastes. Throughout the
season you’ll find more than enough
reasons to dance the night away, with
top-shelf entertainers providing live
blues, swing and vintage rock. There’s
a reason why this has become one of
the liveliest dance floors in America’s
Original Seaside Resort.
INSIDER TIP Twelve flat-screens ensure
that sports fans don’t miss the action.
HIGHLIGHTS
Thin-Crust, Brick
Oven Pizza
Using fresh produce
from Beach Plum Farm,
with flavors including
Margherita, Smokey Pulled
BBQ, Beach Plum Farm
Vegetable, Prosciutto
and Arugula, Sopressata
and Capicola, Berkshire,
Mushroom, Pepperoni,
Capri and Four Cheese.
Appetizers
Includes kale Caesar salad
(torn bread, freeze-dried
tomatoes, Parmesan
cheese), watermelon
salad and their famous
meatballs (choose from
pork, veal, beef blend or
turkey and sage).
Pasta
Includes the Pomodoro,
featuring house plum
tomato sauce, fresh
mozzarella and basil.
S’mores
Sweet corn marshmallow,
gingerbread, caramel corn,
dark chocolate.
Craft Beer on Tap
Enjoy a seasonally rotating
craft beer selection,
including offerings from
the award-winning Cape
May Brewing Company,
plus Congress Hall’s own
Blue Pig Tavern Ale!
200 CONGRESS PLACE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-6507 l boilerroomcapemay.com

[74] food & drink
Cape May Fish Market
In the center of the Washington Street Mall, enjoy fresh fish specialties... and a whole lot more besides
WHERE IS IT? In the heart of the Washington
Street Mall, just along from The Ugly Mug.
WHY SHOULD I GO? For so many shore town
seafood restaurants, a good gimmick is more
important than a good product. But hanging fishing
poles and buoys and plastic crustaceans on the
wall of an eatery does not, for example, make up
for serving a previously frozen fish.
At the Cape May Fish Market, the nautical
decor is kept to a minimum. Here, the focus is on
the food. The only gimmick, if you can call it that, is
a high-quality product.
Whether you choose to dine al fresco on
the Washington Street Mall (world-class peoplewatching!)
or inside in the intimate brick dining
room, you can count on your meal being fresh, and
as local as possible.
But the folks at Cape May Fish Market won’t
think it’s fishy if seafood just isn’t your thing. They
also have a wide variety of sandwiches and entrée
salads. Plus, they have an extensive kids’ menu, too.
INSIDER TIP On the way home, stop by the Ugly
Mug or Delaney’s Irish Bar and Grille for a cocktail.
These are the sister restaurants of the Cape May
Fish Market and both offer classic, old school bar
vibes. And don’t forget to ask about private parties
— Cape May Fish Market is a great venue for a
wide range of events.
HIGHLIGHTS
Oysters on the Half-Shell
The justifiably famous
Cape May Salts. Simply
delicious.
Shrimp or Crab Salad
Crisp, delectable... and
healthy, too!
New England Clam
Chowder
The classic soup, done
right.
Broiled or Fried Seafood
Combo Dinner
Filet of fish, scallops,
shrimp and crab cake.
Served with French fries,
coleslaw, roll, butter and a
variety of sauces.
Clams over Pasta
Served with a delicious
red or white sauce.
Filet Mignon
Because you might not be
in the mood for fish.
Grilled Swordfish or Tuna
Fresh and tasty!
Kids’ Chicken Fingers
It will keep them occupied
and satisfied.
Kids’ Fried Shrimp
The little ones love it,
every time.
Lobster Roll
A house specialty.
408 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-770-3790 l capemayfishmarket.com

[76] food & drink
Delaney’s Irish Pub & Grill
Every American town needs a fun, buzzy Irish bar and restaurant. Come to Delaney’s and get your Celtic on!
WHERE IS IT? In the heart of the
Washington Street Mall, on the corner of
Jackson Street.
WHY SHOULD I GO? We can’t scientifically
prove that an Irish bar and restaurant is an
absolute necessity in any American town
that wants to take itself seriously, but we
can still make a pretty good argument for it.
Delaney’s has enjoyed some rave reviews
on TripAdvisor and Yelp, especially for their
burgers, crab cakes and shepherd’s pie.
It’s not an Irish bar if it doesn’t offer the
comforting indulgence of a shepherd’s pie.
The Delaney’s experience is what you
would expect from an Irish bar and grill —
good comfort food and an excellent liquor
and beer selection, including, of course, a
well-poured pint of black gold, aka Guinness.
Just like Delaney’s Cape May sibling, the
Ugly Mug, this is a spot you can enjoy with
your family during the day (either indoors
or taking in the sights of the mall on the
outdoor patio), or indulge in some late-night
partying — there is regular live entertainment
throughout the year.
INSIDER TIP Delaney’s offers an upstairs
dining room which seats up to 80 people
— it’s the perfect spot for accommodating
larger parties. Good to know if you’re out for
dinner with extended family and friends.
HIGHLIGHTS
Blackened Chicken
Seared in a cast-iron
skillet with Cajun spices.
Baby Back Ribs
A full rack broiled to
perfection in a smokey
BBQ sauce — the tender
pork ribs pull right off the
bone.
Jersey Scallops
A half-pound of sweet
juicy sea scallops, broiled
or fried just right.
Seafood Pasta
Scallops, shrimp, crabmeat
and lobster (red sauce or
white sauce: white wine,
butter, herbs and garlic).
Seafood Fra Diablo
Shrimp, scallops and clams
in a spicy marinara sauce,
served over pasta.
Fisherman’s Platter
Jumbo shrimp, scallops
and flounder. Broiled or
fried.
Baked Stuffed Flounder
Stuffed with Delaney’s
jumbo lump crabmeat
mixture.
Taste of Ireland
Bangers and mash, corned
beef and cabbage with
potatoes, shepherd’s pie,
Irish meat loaf, roasted
pork loin and Guinness
barbecue glazed-salmon.
400 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-770-8559 l delaneyscapemay.com

[78] food & drink
The Ebbitt Room At The Virginia Hotel
An acclaimed menu, featuring produce from Beach Plum Farm, imaginative cocktails... and so many great places to enjoy this bounty!
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? In the Virginia Hotel, a
haven of relaxed elegance, a half-block
from the beach on beautiful Jackson.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Given that The
Ebbitt Room is the proud winner of the
2019 OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award,
the Wine Spectator 2019 Award of
Excellence and the 2019 Edible Jersey
Local Hero for Restaurant/Chef, you
can imagine that eating here is a special
experience — but don’t regard it as
a special occasion place. The vibe is
relaxed and buzzy, thanks largely to the
U-shaped bar that flows into the dining
room, plus the charming porches and
lounges where you can also enjoy the
acclaimed food and drinks.
The menu, which includes dishes
both inventive and familiar, draws
ingredients from nearby Beach Plum
Farm, as does an impressive drinks list
(featuring spectacular mocktails). On
warmer nights, enjoy sampling from
both on the breezy front porch. Or opt
for listening to live piano in the lounge.
The porch overlooking Jackson
is Cape May’s favorite place to start
or end the evening. Enjoy the peoplewatching
(and horse-and-carriages) as
you indulge in hand-crafted cocktails
and small plates such as the farm
cheese and cured meat board, or
charbroiled burger, herb-parmesan fries
and homemade pickles. Bonus: The
addition of heaters means the best seat
in town is available year-round.
INSIDER TIP Call to reserve your table
in the beautiful garden.
Char-Grilled Oysters
Chili-herb butter,
pecorino, za’atar
breadcrumbs.
Steak and Cake
Petit filet mignon, lump
crab cake, potato purée,
carrots, pink peppercorn
sauce.
Beach Plum Farm
Pork Chop
Center-cut Berkshire
pork chop with seasonal
preparation.
George’s Bank Swordfish
Smoked white beans, kale,
squash, cranberry salsa
verde.
Beach Plum Farm
Deviled Eggs
With chef’s daily
preparations —
ridiculously tasty!
Pale Ale Calamari
Pickled bell pepper,
creamy ginger aioli.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Warm toffee sauce, vanilla
gelato.
Sweet Ricotta Doughnuts
Powdered sugar, orange
caramel.
Prohibition Cocktails
Experience resurrected
classics like the Sazerac
and the Old Fashioned.
Private Dining Room
Perfect for groups of
friends, family gettogethers,
birthdays or
milestones. Seats 18.
VIRGINIA HOTEL, 25 JACKSON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-5700 l ebbittroom.com

[80] food & drink
E.M. Hemingway’s
Enjoy oceanfront views while feasting on seasonal dishes and hand-crafted cocktails at this Cape May favorite
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? Oceanfront in the landmark Grand
Hotel, at the corner of Beach and Philadelphia.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Hemingway’s has great,
reasonably priced, seasonal menus, complemented
by superb service, and it’s open for breakfast,
lunch and dinner.
There is always a reason to join them for any
season — whether it be to watch the big game on
the six HD TVs in the bar or to have a romantic
dinner in the dining room. Liven up the night with
DJ and dancing every Friday and Saturday night.
Visit Hemingway’s for good food, cool drinks or to
just dance the night away.
INSIDER TIP Check out Hemingway’s Cape May
Facebook page for daily specials — keep up with
Sunset Dinner Specials and Holiday Specials.
Fine Meats
Feast on prime signature
meats from local farmers
and abroad. Filet mignon,
New York strip steaks,
juicy rib eye and more.
Hemingway’s can satisfy
the pickiest of palates.
Prime Rib Night
Every Wednesday, dine on
Hemingway’s slow-cooked
prime rib year-round.
Hearty Breakfast
Start your beach day off
with Belgium waffle, an
overstuffed omelet or
granola and yogurt from
the á la carte breakfast.
Exciting Menu For All
Hemingway’s have been
awarded South Jersey’s
Best. Chef Georgio Casella
has created a menu that’s
gaining rave reviews, with
unique, flavorful entrées
and appetizers that will
surpass your expectations.
Lunch Specials
Crispy spicy tuna rolls or
keep it traditional with a
Hemingway’s Handmade
Angus Burger.
Daily Drink Specials
Served year-round by their
friendly bartenders. Be
sure to try craft beers and
wines by the glass.
1045 BEACH AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-5611 l hemingwayscapemay.com

[82] food & drink
Exit Zero Filling Station
Looking for something different? Here’s a menu that’s bursting with Asian and American flavorings — and highly creative cocktails!
WHERE IS IT? Look for the big EXIT ZERO sign on a
charcoal metal building at Sunset and Broadway.
WHY SHOULD I GO? The menu offers a mix of
eclectic curries and some of the best burgers you’ll
taste on the island, along with a very creative drinks
program. Add to that a series of exciting innovations
throughout the year, and you’ll realize why Exit Zero is
the most talked-about restaurant on the island.
If you’re someone who prefers to avoid the exotic
spices found in their Thai and Indian curries, you will
find a lovely blackened salmon along with an amazing
lobster mac-and-cheese plus the famous lobster,
shrimp and crab pot pie.
But there’s a LOT more going on here than just a
cool place to eat dinner (and with a vaulted ceiling, a
huge handpainted mural and white wooden fireplace
reaching to the rafters, it IS cool). They offer breakfast
and lunch dishes that are different from the usual
fare. You’ll love the huevos rancheros bowl, the
sriracha-buffalo cauliflower bites and the mega tots.
The Filling Station also serves some of the most
creative cocktails on the island (try the Wicked
Watermelon and Mumbai Manhattan) — plus five
Cape May Brew Company drafts on tap.
The Filling Station is a perfect pit stop before
you hit the beach. There are salads, milk shakes and
smoothies. It’s open for brunch and dinner every day,
year-round! On cooler nights, enjoy the cozy warmth
from the giant fireplace.
INSIDER TIP The hottest ticket might be the vintage
camper trailers on site that were converted into
private dining pods. They’re available by reservation
only and include fun extras like record players with
vintage vinyl records for you to enjoy.
HIGHLIGHTS
Creative Brunches
From the beloved Huevos
Rancheros and Mega Tots
bowls to the epic Scottish
Breakfast and Morning
Mac.
Acclaimed Soup
The Thai Shrimp became
an instant classic at the old
Exit Zero Cookhouse.
Curries
Includes the Butter
Chicken, Thai Lobster,
Bang Bang Chicken Shrimp
and Ramen Noodles.
Kraken Chicken Wings
Easily the hottest dish in
Cape May! Tastes amazing,
but it’s not for everyone.
Vegan Dishes
Three curries, Sriracha
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
and more!
Lobster, Shrimp and
Crab Pot Pie
The most popular noncurry
dish on the menu.
Lobster and Shrimp Mac
Sublime.
Salads
Don’t miss The Chopper
— full of tasty goodness —
and the Burger Bowl.
Juicy Burgers
You might not taste a
better one on the island,
from the Americana to the
Holy Guacamole and the
Indian-inspired Bollywood.
110 SUNSET BOULEVARD l WEST CAPE MAY l 609-770-8479 l exitzero.com

[84] food & drink
Fins Bar & Grille
Right in the center of the historic district, an exciting stop for lunch, dinner or cocktails... all year long!
WHERE IS IT? Carpenter’s and
Decatur, just off the mall in Cape May.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Fins brings a
welcome jolt of color and energy to
the downtown restaurant scene. It’s
one of the city’s go-to spots, whether
you are looking for a fun lunch spot
(stopping there for a bite after a
shopping stroll through the mall is now
a rite of passage) or a place to hang
your hat for the evening.
It’s a bar you can’t miss — the 1.5-
inch rippled glass top is illuminated
with edge-lit LED. Behind it sits a
600-gallon saltwater fish tank. A new
Cape May landmark.
That glass-top bar is a favorite
place to order dinner (as well as
sample from a superb drinks list) and
so, too, is the outside patio. There are
also some nifty stainless steel booths
along one of the walls.
Fins is open year-round... during
the cooler months, enjoy lunch, dinner
or a cocktail in front of the cozy
fireplace.
So, what about the food?
Thankfully, that’s up to the same
standard. Favorite entrées include
Cape May Seafood Chowder, a tasty
reminder that you’re in one of the
busiest commercial fishing ports in
America. There is also a daily selection
on the Today’s Catch lineup, from
Scottish salmon to mako loin.
For some seriously good food from
the land, try the 12 oz pork chop with
an amazing sweet potato purée.
INSIDER TIP Try to snag a seat at the
bar in front of the saltwater aquarium.
Remember to check the Fins website
for specials and entertainment lineups.
HIGHLIGHTS
Tuna Tartare
Asian cucumber salad.
Lobster Roll
Chilled Maine lobster
salad, brioche roll.
Lobster Cobb Salad
A huge seller! Mixed
greens, avocado, applesmoked
bacon, corn,
tomatoes, cucumber,
red onions, buttermilktarragon
ranch dressing.
Cape May Seafood
Chowder
Traditional cream-based
chowder with shrimp,
scallops, clams and bacon.
Pan Roasted Crab Cakes
Creole remoulade,
whipped potatoes,
asparagus, lemon thyme
vinaigrette.
Steak Frites
10oz hanger steak, green
beans, truffle parm fries,
horseradish cream.
Fins Pie
Delicious flatbread with
jumbo lump crab, three
cheeses, arugula, and an
avocado-lemon thyme
aioli.
Beer and Wine
They have a 20-tap system
and the beers change with
the seasons. Fins also has
four wines on tap.
142 DECATUR STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-3449 l finscapemay.com

[86] food & drink
5 West Pub
Fabulous food and cool cocktails in a casual pub atmosphere... you’ll love this sister restaurant to Tisha’s
WHERE IS IT? On Bayshore Road in
North Cape May, five miles west of
sister restaurant Tisha’s.
WHY SHOULD I GO? This is not your
typical Cape May eating experience —
owners Paul and Jennifer Negro were
inspired by the gastropub phenomenon,
which originated in London. The idea?
Combine the best elements of a
classic pub and a fine restaurant for an
experience that delivers excellent food
and drinks with a fun, buzzy vibe.
The result is an establishment
where you can do one of the following:
1. Visit after work (if you’re a local)
or after a hard day at the beach (if
you’re a visitor) for a drink and dinner.
2. Go on a date night.
3. Hang out with a group of friends
and sample a bunch of small plates —
because, let’s face it, you always want
what your friend just ordered.
4. Grab a booth and take the family
— the menu has a large selection of
appetizers, and great kids’ choices.
Add in the affordable wine list
(mostly everything under $25 a bottle),
more than a dozen draft beers,
including craft, and you’ll see why
5 West Pub is a Cape May staple.
INSIDER TIP In season, you can sit
outside on their pet-friendly patio,
which also has a big-screen TV.
HIGHLIGHTS
Crab Cake Tacos
Fresh avocado, house
slaw, tomato relish,
cilantro and pepper mayo.
Pan-Seared
Local Scallops
Bacon and onion
marmalade with
horseradish cream, and
scallops as fresh as the
ocean breeze!
Brick-Oven Pizza
Thin crust and irresistible
— choose from Margherita,
Bruschetta and Pizzazz.
Big West Burgers
​Fresh — never frozen —
10 oz ground sirloin, with
half-a-dozen variations.
The Rajun Cajun was
voted Best Burger by
South Jersey magazine.
Blackened Mahi Mahi
Sandwich
Blackened in a cast-iron
skillet with Cajun spices,
baby greens, remoulade
sauce and coleslaw, on a
ciabatta roll.
Happy Hour
Happy Hour occurs every
day at 5 West from 3-6pm
and all day on Sunday.
Half Price Wine by the
Bottle Fridays
That’s right — half price all
day on Friday.
3729 BAYSHORE ROAD l NORTH CAPE MAY l 609-889-7000 l 5westpub.com

[88] food & drink
George’s place
Great home-cooked food for breakfast, lunch AND dinner, served up by a friendly staff, right across from the beach!
WHERE IS IT? Beach and Perry.
WHY SHOULD I GO? George’s is a
local legend for a reason. Guests rave
about the signature breakfast items
(dig into the sweet Waffle Nutella
or the more savory Smoked Salmon
Scramble), the mouth-watering lunches
(what’s not to love about pitas fresh
from the grill, overflowing with veggies
and chicken), and the generous dinners
(how could you not want to try a whole
branzino or Cypriot-style lamb shank?).
With a welcoming and relaxed
vibe, beachgoers looking to recharge
with something light and satisfying,
shopped-out girlfriends in need of a
quick bite, honeymooning couples and
families with kids feel equally at home.
We think it’s especially cool that
George’s has an open kitchen, so
you’re privy to every delectable sight
and smell. But don’t take our word for
it. George’s Place was featured on the
America’s Greatest Road Trip segment
of Everyday With Rachael Ray, and on
The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins
and Dives.
INSIDER TIP George’s has been
cash-only since 1968. Check out Kara
Restaurant Group’s other culinary
experiences at Younger Brother,
Vintage, Shamone, Scola, George’s
Place Court House and Michael Kara
Catering.
HIGHLIGHTS
Banana French Toast
Served with powdered
sugar and maple syrup.
Waffle Nutella
Fresh Belgian waffle
finished with Nutella
hazelnut spread, fresh
bananas and chopped
walnuts.
Meat Lovers Pita
Two eggs, bacon and
sausage, American cheese,
grilled pita, hash browns.
Smoked Salmon Scramble
Cheddar, cream cheese
bagel, capers, hash browns.
Crabcake Benedict
Two poached eggs,
applewood-smoked bacon,
muffin, hollandaise, hash
browns.
Grilled Octopus
Garbonzo, grilled lemon,
red onion, pita.
Mediterranean Salad
Feta cheese, tomato,
kalamata, boiled egg,
dolmades, roasted red
peppers, grilled chicken.
Chicken Souvlaki
Lemon potatoes,
ladolemono, tzatziki.
Lamb Shank
Cypriot style, with waffle
fries and feta.
Pork Ribeye
Lemon potatoes and
tzatziki.
Six-Pepper Tuna
Sashimi-grade, grilled with
a six-pepper crust.
301 BEACH AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-6099 l kararestaurantgroup.com

[90] food & drink
graND LAWN & VERANDA BAR
Quality food and drinks, with a magnificent old hotel and the sound of the Atlantic as your backdrop
HIGHLIGHTS
Local Oysters
Classic Cape May Salts,
plus some other highlights
from county oyster
farmers.
Deviled Eggs
Wickedly good flavors
inspired by the seasons.
Beer-Battered Calamari
Served with lemon aioli
and marinara.
Fish-n-Chips
The British pub classic,
done right.
Charcuterie Board
Inspired by fresh produce
from nearby Beach Plum
Farm.
WHERE IS IT? At magnificent old Congress Hall, in the heart of Cape May.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Congress Hall’s expansive lawn has been at the center of
some of Cape May’s biggest events in the past couple hundred years (including
visits from sitting presidents and world-famous orchestra leaders). Last summer, it
became the home to one of the island’s most exciting dining experiences. As the
city relaxed al fresco dining regulations during the pandemic, the hotel converted
the lawn into an outdoor restaurant where the clink of glasses and the buzz of
lively conversation mingled with the sound of the surf from the Atlantic Ocean
directly across the road.
Enjoy a specially curated menu, offering small plates and perfect sharing dishes
— and, let’s face it, the perfect place to share them, too.
In cooler months, igloos move on to the lawn, providing cozy private dining
pods for groups of up to six.
INSIDER TIP The Grand Lawn is a popular choice, so reservations are strongly
recommended. You can also enjoy the menu on the hotel veranda, where there is
also an alluring little outside bar.
200 CONGRESS PLACE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-8421 l caperesorts.com/congress-hall

[92] food & drink
Harbor View
The best place to be if you like beautiful sunsets, great food, great drinks, the waterfront and good times
WHERE IS IT? Between the Cape
May bridge and the Wildwood Crest
bridge.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Harbor View
is the place to be if you like beautiful
sunsets, great food and fun times.
Arrive by car or arrive by boat and
enjoy Cape May’s best view of the
harbor.
Harbor View has a full-service
dining room with a spectacular view
of the harbor, plus two great bars
and a fun-filled deck. Eat inside or
on the deck, which is the place to
enjoy their new sushi menu.
Harbor View serves lunch and
dinner seven days a week, plus
breakfast on Saturday and Sunday.
Choose from their variety of fresh
seafood entrées, as well as selected
veal, steak, chicken and pasta dishes.
For lunch, try a hot or cold
sandwich or indulge in the Harbor
View Seafood Sampler. Begin your
dinner with a delectable appetizer,
chowder or salad. As an entrée try
the Grilled Ahi Tuna, Lobster Tail,
or Filet Mignon, to name only a few.
They also offer vegetarian dishes and
a children’s menu, so you can satisfy
your entire family.
INSIDER TIP The Harbor View deck
is dog-friendly.
HIGHLIGHTS
Grilled Portabella
Mushroom
With brie, pine nuts and
grilled veggies, served
with balsamic vinaigrette.
Jumbo Shrimp
and Scallops
Skewered with pineapple
and mango, served over
rice.
Cape May Steamer
Dinner
Clams, mussels, shrimp,
sausage, red bliss
potatoes, red onions and
corn on the cob.
Seared Ahi Tuna Salad
Tuna served rare with
an Asian cabbage slaw,
soy dressing, wasabi and
pickled ginger
Veal Medallions
Sautéed with lobster,
shrimp, scallops and
pasta ribbons, bathed in a
Champagne cream sauce.
Seafood Sampler
Shrimp, scallops, flounder
and crab cake, served
with rice pilaf and a fresh
vegetable.
Surf and Turf
Baked lobster tail and
grilled 8 oz filet mignon.
Served with drawn
butter, baked potato and
broccoli.
954 OCEAN DRIVE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-5444 l harborviewcapemay.com

[94] food & drink
Harpoons On The Bay
A little slice of paradise on the bay... this place has a Caribbean flair, live music, plenty of free parking and spectacular sunsets!
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? On the bay in North
Cape May.
WHY SHOULD I GO? You won’t
need a harpoon — the sea life comes
to YOU. Some of it will be nicely
prepared on the plate, while some of
it, like the dolphins, will be swimming
across the road. While you watch
for Flipper under a sinking pink sun,
we recommend sampling from the
restaurant’s menu of beach cuisine or
sipping on a handcrafted frozen drink.
One reviewer called this hotspot
“a Florida Keys place that must
have washed north in a hurricane.”
And no Key West locale would be
complete without the kind of mellow
entertainment (live music nightly during
the season) that makes you want to
breathe deep, kick off your shoes and
order another round.
Four years into their ownership,
Brady and Jeff modernized this classic
beach shack while maintaining its
laid-back vibe for the 2021 season.
Chef Lisa and her team continue to mix
it up with new Cuban-inspired dishes.
Kids AND adults love it here.
There’s a large sandpit with games like
cornhole and ring and hook. Happy
hour is Monday through Friday (except
holidays) from 3 to 6, featuring $3
domestic drafts, $5 house wines and $5
house cocktails.
INSIDER TIP Check out their
Saturday/Sunday Afternoons on the
Sand! Enjoy a blend of jam bands,
Grateful Dead, Reggae and Latin beats
live from their giant sandbox.
Empanadas de Carne
Authentic Cuban beef
turnovers, served with
mojito garlic sauce.
Harpoons Grilled Wings
Harpoons’ take on the
classic, with choice of
sauces.
Broiled Cape May Scallops
Fresh from local waters.
Housemade Crab Cakes
Our often-imitated, but
never duplicated recipe —
made fresh daily.
Fish of the Day
Fresh-off-the-boat seafood
specials are created daily
using only the freshest
local catch.
New England Lobster Roll
The chef hails from Maine,
so this is the REAL deal!
Prime Rib
Mouthwatering prime rib
which gets rave reviews.
Arugula & Roasted
Beet Salad
Tossed in sherry
vinaigrette, topped with
candied walnuts and
crumbled goat cheese.
La Medianoche
Sweet sister to El Cubano,
but from the same Little
Havana bodega. Mojo
Roast Pork loin, fireroasted
ham and Swiss
cheese, with pickles and
yellow mustard on pressed
Cuban Sweet Bread.
BEACH DRIVE @ BROWNING l NORTH CAPE MAY l 609-886-5529 l harpoonsonthebay.com

[96] food & drink
Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille
Enjoy a fun and breezy open-air dining room, oceanfront patio bar, unparalleled panoramic views... and great beach eats!
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? At Montreal Beach Resort, on Beach at Madison.
WHY SHOULD I GO? When the late, great Harry Hirsch opened
a restaurant 48 years ago at the Montreal, he knew the food had to
taste great and be reasonably priced. Service had to be courteous,
but relaxed. A place where you could pull up a chair and stay a while.
These values remain at Harry’s, which the Hirsch family named
after its patriarch. The eatery at the Montreal celebrated its 10th
anniversary in 2020 and has become a Cape May hot spot, offering
favorites like mouthwatering burgers and unbeatable seafood.
Harry’s also boasts a huge beer menu, with dozens of bottles
and 14 rotating draughts. No wonder it’s racked up the following
accolades — “One of the best places to drink outdoors” (Philadelphia
magazine); “Best Appetizers, Best Cocktails, Best Happy Hour”
(Best of Cape May Awards); “A Must-Visit Rooftop Bar” (New Jersey
Monthly magazine).
An expansive indoor/outdoor bar links an open-air dining room
and patio. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, with daily happy
hour from 4pm-6pm, Harry’s creates a laidback vibe perfect for its
oceanfront location.
Don’t want to stop the fun? Head to the rooftop bar for cocktails
and small bites while listening to great musicians and enjoying one of
the best views in Cape May. If you need to grab a bottle of wine on
the way out, stop at the Wine Cellar, located in the same building.
INSIDER TIP Want to enjoy Harry’s with your feet in the sand? Enjoy
chairside delivery from Harry’s Beach Service.
Summer in Cape May
Salad
Mixed greens tossed with a
raspberry vinaigrette, fresh
apples and berries, candied
pecans and bleu cheese.
Harry’s Spicy Chicken
Sandwich
Southern-fried chicken,
spicy mayo, coleslaw, chip
pickles on a brioche bun.
Fish Tacos
Cape May IPA-battered
cod, shredded cabbage,
salsa fresco, Thai chili sauce.
Lobster Loaded Fries
Butter-poached lobster,
white cheddar, scallions.
New England Clam
Chowder
The six-time Cape May
Chowder & Chili Cook-off
Champion. Quarts are also
available for takeout.
Mussels
Perfectly steamed, with
their signature sauces:
Garlicky White, Fra Diavolo,
Thai Curry, Clam Chowder.
Fourteen Drafts
Local and domestic
microbrews, including the
best-selling Cape May
Brewing Company’s IPA.
Enjoy fun daily happy hour
food and drink specials.
Orange Crush
Freshly squeezed orange
juice, orange vodka, triple
sec and lemon-lime soda.
Other flavors available.
BEACH @ MADISON AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-88-HARRY l harryscapemay.com

[98] food & drink
Joe’s Fish Co.
Enjoy a casual, contemporary family meal overlooking the lights and action of Surfside Pier at 25th Street and the Wildwood boardwalk
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? Morey’s Surfside Pier at
25th Street in the heart of the world-famous
Wildwood boardwalk. Look for the giant
fish hanging at the front of the pier and the
smell of fresh seafood and margaritas.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Here’s one reason...
because it was featured on the Travel
Channel’s Food Paradise, where they
showed off some of Joe’s Fish signature
dishes
And the second reason? Because Joe’s
has plenty of outdoor seating. Heck, the
entire restaurant is outdoors and can easily
accommodate families and friends.
Joes has something for everyone! Enjoy
finger-licking, oystershucking and French
fry-munching with the freshest menu on the
island. House favorites include Jamaican jerk
chicken skewers, chicken Maryland, lobster
and shrimp roll, homemade crab cakes, fresh
fish specials and a giant crabby pretzel!
The restaurant also features a lively
second-floor bar and dining area overlooking
the lights and actions of Surfside Pier. Grab
a stool for a selection of local craft beers or
a signature cocktail and indulge as you listen
to live music or watch TV. Also, Joe’s is the
perfect spot to host a birthday dinner, family
reunion or any special occasion.
INSIDER TIP Two-hour validated parking is
available at the lot on Juniper and Ocean.
Visit moreyspiers.com for hours, menu and
group dining options.
Famous Crabby Pretzel
Jumbo pretzel topped
with signature crab dip
and melted cheddar.
Crab Cake Tacos
Fried cod topped with
Baja slaw and bang-bang
sauce.
Fried Chicken Sandwich
Buttermilk-fried chicken
breast, topped with
pickles, shaved lettuce
and buffalo mayo.
Seafood Combo
Fried flounder, fried
shrimp, broiled scallops
and broiled crab cake.
Served with seasonal
vegetable and baked
potato.
Mediterranean
Stuffed Chicken
Roasted peppers,
mushrooms, olives, garlic,
capers, balsamic, and olive
oil. Served with season
vegetable and baked
potato.
Tito’s American Mule
Tito’s vodka, ginger beer
and fresh lime juice. Add
a fresh flavor to it with
cucumber or jalapeño.
25TH STREET & BOARDWALK l NORTH WILDWOOD l 609-729-3700 l moreyspiers.com

[100] food & drink
Mad Batter
The restaurant that inspired the Cape May food renaissance is as good as ever. You’d be mad not to try it...
WHERE IS IT? Half a block from the
beach and the mall on Jackson Street,
in the Carroll Villa Hotel.
WHY SHOULD I GO? The Mad
Batter building was erected in 1882 as
a seaside retreat house for families.
When Harry Kulkowitz found himself
playing poker there, nearly 100 years
later, he recognized its restaurant
potential, with its sweeping porch.
Harry, a resourceful man who was
responsible for locating German troops
by listening to radio transmissions
during World War II, scoured junk yards
for kitchen equipment, built a terrace,
added skylights and hung a yellow-andwhite
awning over the porch.
That striped awning is no longer
attached to the restaurant, thanks to
the addition a few years back of an
enclosed porch, an inviting place to
enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner, which
visitors and locals have been doing in
the 45 years since Harry opened up.
Harry passed away in 2017 at the
age of 92, but the legacy of the Mad
Batter lives on through his family, who
continute to operate this Cape May
landmark. The standards are as high
as ever — the Batter has been voted
Best Brunch by New Jersey Monthly
magazine and CapeMay.com. More
evidence? The lines of people who
patiently wait for breakfast and brunch.
The restaurant also hosts art
exhibits and open mic nights, hangs
the artwork of local artists and serves
as a venue for social organizations. As
for the menu, it features vegan and
vegetarian options, gluten-free choices,
as well as seafood, steaks, and pasta.
Now you can feel even better
about being a Mad Batter fan — they
installed solar panels, while the bar is
made of recycled materials.
INSIDER TIP Take advantage of daily
happy hour specials, great wines, craft
beers on tap and a great martini list. Try
a Manmosa if you dare!
HIGHLIGHTS
Orange and Almond
French Toast
A rich batter of heavy
cream, eggs, fresh orange
juice and almonds.
Chesapeake Bay Benedict
Poached eggs on a toasted
English muffin with jumbo
lump crabmeat and caper
hollandaise.
Waldorf Chicken Croissant
Chicken, apples, grapes,
walnuts, celery, red onion
tossed in a creamy Waldorf
dressing on a croissant.
Mad Batter Crab Cakes
Two of the restaurant’s
championship super-lump
crab cakes with four-cheese
macaroni and remoulade.
Apple Salad
Romaine and radicchio
with Granny Smith
apple, dried cranberries,
candied walnuts, crumbled
bleu cheese, cranberry
vinaigrette.
Seafood Risotto
Lobster, lump crabmeat,
shrimp, scallops, peas,
spinach, white wine truffle
oil, cream.
Seitan Hot Wings
Blackbird seitan, house hot
sauce, vegan cucumber
ranch sauce, celery sticks.
Grilled Vegan Burger
Beyond Meat burger,
lettuce, tomato, onion,
pickles, vegan house
cheddar sauce.
19 JACKSON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-5970 l madbatter.com

[102] food & drink
Magnolia Room At The Chalfonte Hotel
Celebrating 145 years of seaside beauty, relaxation, legendary cuisine and classic cocktails
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? In the magnificent
Chalfonte Hotel on Howard Street.
WHY SHOULD I GO? When Helen
Dickerson was running the Magnolia
Room kitchen, which she did for more
than 70 years, she expected good,
old-fashioned Southern manners from
her crew. Her daughters, Dot Burton
and Lucille Thompson, seamlessly
continued the tradition, running the
kitchen together for 50-odd years,
until Dot’s passing in 2015 at the age
of 88. Craig LaBan of The Philadelphia
Inquirer wrote, “Any time you get a
chance to have an 80-plus-year-old
Southern chef cook for you, do it.
Make that two 80-plus-year-old chefs
with a century-old chicken-frying pan,
and it’s worth changing your plans.”
Chalfonte matriarch, Lucille and
esteemed Cape May chef John Siuta
lovingly continue the Magnolia Room’s
legacy. As for that Southern-fried
chicken, it’s prepared in huge cast-iron
skillets. The secret is in the thickly
sliced onions. It’s a trick that must
work, because the dish was named
one of the 10 best in the country by
USA Today. The restaurant regularly
receives national acclaim, with
features on Discovery Channel’s Home
Matters and Food Network’s Tyler’s
Ultimate.
INSIDER TIP Eat inside the Magnolia
Room or on the veranda — there’s
nothing more Southern than spending
the evening in a rocking chair. Either
way, stop by the King Edward bar, a
classic watering hole, to kick off your
evening. And look out for regular live
entertainment on the alluring porch at
this famous old hotel.
Dot’s Southern
Fried Chicken
There’s no other fried
chicken like it.
Miss Helen’s Crab Cakes
Crabmeat held together
with fresh herbs and Miss
Helen’s secret sauce.
Lucille’s Clam Chowder
Chalfonte regulars will tell
you it’s the tastiest clam
chowder ever.
Sea Scallops
Broiled scallops with
lemon, garlic and white
wine.
Vegetarian Entrée
of the Day
Ask your server.
Breakfast
Begins at 8:30am daily in
season.
Dinner
Begins at 5:30pm daily
in season. Reservations
recommended.
King Edward Bar
Opens at 3pm daily in
season.
CHALFONTE HOTEL, 301 HOWARD STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-8409 l chalfonte.com

[104] food & drink
Mario’s Pizza & Italian Eatery
Delicious pizza? Check. Freshly made Italian classics? Check. Free parking? Check? Delivery to the beach or hotel in season? You bet!
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? In Acme shopping
center, just steps to the mall.
WHY SHOULD I GO? It’s not just
good pizza — it’s excellent pizza, served
by the slice or as a whole pie. Glutenfree
pizza is also available. Plus salads
and pasta and French fries. When
the Fusco family bought Mario’s Pizza
in 2013, the decision was made to
change… nothing. If it ain’t broke, don’t
fix it. But you don’t have to take our
word for it — check out their 4.5 out of
5 ratings on TripAdvisor. Plus they have
been voted Best Pizza in the Best of
Cape May awards from 2016 onwards.
If you build your own dough and
pizza sauce in-house, they will come.
Mario’s also makes their own bread for
their paninis and their own scrumptious
garlic knots in-house, as well as their
cannolis, but we’re putting the dessert
cart before the pizza horse here. Their
best-selling pizza is the Margherita, but
there is also the regular thin crust, as
well as seven specialty and six gourmet
pies from which to choose. Don’t
forget calzones and stombolis. Plus,
pasta dinners included Shrimp Scampi,
Stuffed Shells, Chicken Marsala and
Eggplant Parmigiana.
This family-friendly place isn’t
just for take-out — it seats 48 inside,
and another 15 outside, with plenty
of parking. It’s a perfect spot for a
birthday party — and did we mention
catering? Office parties, showers...
Mario’s has it covered.
INSIDER TIP You can enjoy whole
wheat or even gluten-free pasta here.
In season, Mario’s will deliver to your
hotel room or even the beach.
Awesome Fries
Smothered in mozzarella
and bacon, served with
ranch dressing for dipping.
Oven-Baked Specialties
Meat lasagna, baked ziti,
stuffed shells, manicotti,
ravioli.
Homemade Cannoli
Made in-house — have
with espresso!
Margherita Pizza
Mario’s top seller — four
cheeses, chunk tomato,
garlic, fresh basil, extravirgin
olive oil.
Kids’ Menu
Hot dog, spaghetti and
meatball, chicken tenders,
grilled cheese — plenty to
choose from to keep the
wee ones happy here.
Cheese Steaks
The hottest selling nonpizza
item here is the
cheese steak, and we’re
here to tell you — it’s
good enough to satisfy
the toughest Philly native
critic.
Salads
Fret not if you’re watching
your carbs — the salads
here are varied and
hearty, from Garden to
Buffalo Chicken to an
Antipasto for Two.
WASHINGTON COMMONS, 315 OCEAN STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-0085 l mariosofcapemay.com

[106] food & drink
Merion Inn
In the middle of the Historic District, a classic, beautiful bar, great food and world-class music
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? In the heart of the Historic District, a block from
Cape May’s beach and the mall.
WHY SHOULD I GO? This 1885 classic seafood and steak house
is in Cape May’s DNA. It offers live piano music nightly and
seasonal specialties, showcasing fresh, local catches. Newcomers
discovering this gem for the first time and generations of those
“coming home” are drawn by classics such as stuffed lobster tail
and the Merion potato cup, its dress-up or dress-down relaxed
ambiance, cozy candlelit dining rooms and mahogany bar — the
oldest in Cape May, and the best place to get a martini, says
Philadelphia magazine. In addition to classic cocktails, the Merion
offers a reasonably priced, varied wine list, including offerings
from local vineyards. A roster of talented pianists perform jazz
standards and other favorites on the Steinway grand piano.
INSIDER TIP In addition to nightly piano music, a weekly jazz
trio performs Tuesdays (Thursdays in off-season). There’s an
early diners’, three-course prix-fixe, plus an Express Menu is
offered all night. A kids’ menu caters to the next generation of
loyal diners.
Farmer’s Market Salad
Featuring seasonal
veggies from local farms.
Cape May Salts
The local oyster that’s
famed nationally.
Cape May Scallops
& Local Catch
Changes often. Something
that never changes? The
quality of the dishes.
Stuffed Lobster
A Merion classic — cold
water tail and crab meat.
Filet Mignon, NY Strip,
Prime Rib
Optional preparations
include au poivre,
blackened, roquefort or
with shrimp scampi.
Simple Entrées
Unadorned seafood,
meats and vegetables are
offered, gluten-free and
healthy.
For Vegetarians
Vegetables take center
stage. A veggie-centric
potpourri of seasonal
veggies with optional fish
or meat add-on.
Express Dinner
Scaled-down entrée with
small salad and dessert.
Real Strawberry
Shortcake
You may find it impossible
to resist, and who are we
to judge? Have at it!
106 DECATUR STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-8363 l merioninn.com

[108] food & drink
on the rocks
There’s a new restaurant at Cape May Ferry Terminal. Come for the views, stay for the great food and drinks!
WHERE IS IT? At the Cape May-Lewes
Ferry Terminal, a quick ride across the
bridge from Cape May. Please take
the far right lane as you approach the
ferry terminal. That way, you won’t
accidentally get on a boat!
WHY SHOULD I GO? For starters,
this is one of the best-kept secrets in
the county. This waterfront restaurant
overlooks the bay and offers some of
the most amazing sunset views.
Then there’s the fact that Exit
Zero Filling Station, one of Cape May’s
hottest eateries, just took over the
operation of the restaurants and retail
store at the ferry terminal.
There are some super-exciting
attractions and improvements planned
over the next two years which will
turn the terminal into a landmark
destination. But, even now, it’s a muststop
on your itinerary.
Enjoy live music as you indulge in
casual American fare and craft cocktails
by the water. Or head to the beer
garden in the park, where a plethora
of Cape May Brewing Co. draft are
available (plus wine and spirits).
INSIDER TIP If you’re planning a
special event (from pop-up weddings,
birthdays to reunions and more),
the second-floor Sunset Lounge has
breathtaking panoramic water views.
Call for more details.
HIGHLIGHTS
Cauliflower Bites
Crispy and tossed in your
choice of sauce.
Sweet & Spicy
Brussels Sprouts
Garlic aioli, sriracha agave
glaze, pickled red onions,
chickpeas, bacon, blue
cheese.
Mega Crab Tots
Crab, Old Bay, cheese
sauce, goat cheese,
jalapenos, bacon, garlic
aioli, scallions.
Beets & Berries
Beets, strawberries,
blueberries, dried cherries,
tomatoes, red onion, goat
cheese, candied walnuts,
torn basil, and baby kale,
charred onion vinaigrette.
Buffalo Chicken Mac
Ooey-gooey goodness.
Local Fish Taco
Beer-battered white fish,
escabeche slaw, chipotle
aioli, salsa fresca, spicy
guacamole, lime crema,
crispy onion strings.
Hot Chick
The sandwich Exit Zero
made famous! Buttermilk/
sriracha-marinated fried
chicken, pepper jack
cheese, cajun slaw, sweet
pickles, sriracha aioli.
Blackened Salmon
Atlantic salmon blackened
and served with a tangy
slaw, jalapeno aioli on a
toasted bun.
1200 LINCOLN BOULEVARD l NORTH CAPE MAY l 609-770-8479 l exitzero.com

[110] food & drink
Oyster Bay Steak & Seafood House
Eat in the vaulted, airy dining room or in the buzzy cherry wood bar. Either way, this is a Cape May classic.
WHERE IS IT? On Lafayette Street,
opposite the Acme.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Oyster Bay is
one of those restaurants you know
is going to be good, even before you
take a bite or read a review. Here are
some of the signs...
1. It’s not the kind of place
that snags you with a waterfront
view. And it’s not inside one of the
restored mansions or B&Bs that draw
tourists with their history. It’s just a
simple building, a little off the beaten
path. And it’s STILL busy.
2. Oyster Bay attracts locals as
well as tourists, which is always a
good sign.
3. Chef Chris Holl is also the
owner, meaning he cares that much
more. The meat/seafood combos are
varied, so you can try something new,
even when ordering an old favorite.
Filet mignon topped with jumbo
lump crab meat anyone?
4. There’s a stunning, 28-seat
cherry wood bar, with a bar menu.
A fun, buzzy alternative to the main
dining room.
INSIDER TIP The menu changes
seasonally — given that Oyster Bay
is open 10 months of the year, that
gives you plenty of opportunities to
sample the goods!
HIGHLIGHTS
Oysters Rockefeller
Oysters baked the
traditional way and glazed
with hollandaise.
Bang Bang Shrimp
Crispy fried shrimp, tossed
in a creamy, spicy sauce.
Fried Tomatoes
with Crab Meat
Panko-crusted tomatoes,
fried and topped with spicy
New Orleans remoulade
sauce.
Spinach and Brie Salad
Toasted almond brie over
curly spinach with croutons,
red onion, dried cranberries
and a strawberry-infused
vinaigrette.
New York Strip Steak
Cooked to order, served
with roasted shallot and
peppercorn sauce, topped
with Boursin cream.
Seafood Risotto
Jumbo shrimp and scallops
served atop sweet potato
risotto, tossed with fresh
spinach and parmesan
cheese.
Cajun-Spiced Pasta
Lightly spiced shrimp,
scallops, clams, mussels and
diced tomatoes, sautéed
in natural seafood broth,
served over linguini.
Filet Mignon and Crabmeat
Flame-broiled, center-cut
filet mignon, topped with
jumbo lump crabmeat and
served with bérnaise sauce.
615 LAFAYETTE STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-2111 l oysterbayrestaurant.com

[112] food & drink
Peter Shields Inn
Food so stunning you could put a frame around it. Indulge in fine American cuisine and enjoy oceanfront accommodations.
WHERE IS IT? On the eastern end of
Beach Avenue.
WHY SHOULD I GO? A trip to Peter
Shields (or PSI as locals and regulars
call it), located in a gorgeous Georgian
revival mansion, is a vacation for all
five of your senses...
1. Hear: As you eat, in one of five
dining rooms or on the outside porch,
you might hear ocean waves. They
are, after all, just across the road.
2. See: Take in the elegant,
understated decor. Enjoy the natural
light bouncing off the candle on your
table in the sun room or the sleek,
sexy vibe of the zebra room.
3. Feel: Truly experience the vibe
of the Peter Shields by taking in the
magnificent views from the outside
porch, where guests are welcome
to take a chair and open their bottle
of wine while they are waiting to be
seated. It’s the perfect aperitif!
4. Smell: Get a whiff of the ocean
and fresh flowers that adorn your
table. After that, you won’t be able to
smell anything but the mouthwatering
aromas of an award-winning chef.
5: Taste: You’ll have to experience
for yourself...
INSIDER TIP Off-season is the
perfect time to take in a sunset and
sunrise over the ocean from one of
nine guest rooms.
HIGHLIGHTS
Yellowfin Tuna Tartare
Avocado, compressed
mango, micro cilantro,
miso vinaigrette.
Jumbo Lump Crab Salad
Smoked salmon, mâché,
almonds, basil aioli.
Grilled Octopus Salad
Nicoise salad, caper
berries, kalamata puree
and aged balsamic.
Seared Hudson Valley
Foie Gras
Brioche toast, seasonal
fruit compote, red wine.
Alaskan Halibut
Melted leeks, chantrelles,
potato gnocchi, white
balsamic.
Grilled Filet of Beef
Asparagus risotto,
balsamic onions, wild
mushrooms, bordelaise.
Veal Porterhouse
Barley risotto, baby
carrots, haricot verts,
truffle aioli.
Chocolate Tasting
Panna cotta, cocoa
biscotti, hot chocolate
“espresso,” chocolate
hazelnut ice cream.
Toffee Pudding
Caramel, vanilla ice
cream.
1301 BEACH AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-9090 l petershieldsinn.com

[114] food & drink
PIGDOG BEACH BAR & BQ
This new barefoot beach bar is a dog-friendly, BBQ spot right on the beach... get ready to drink up and pig out!
WHERE IS IT? At Mariner’s Pier, Schellenger and
the Boardwalk. Head past the Giant Ferris Wheel
and follow the smell of delicious BBQ on the beach.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Because it’s where surfers,
beach-goers, BBQ lovers and locals all go to hang
out on the beach. Laid back with its dog-friendly
beach area, PigDog is the perfect spot to quench
your thirst, satisfy your appetite and soak up some
rays.
Made so you can drink up and pig out, Morey’s
newest barefoot beach bar is family-friendly and
invites pooches and guests of all ages to kick back
and enjoy the atmosphere, accessible from Raging
Waters Water Park, the beach and the boardwalk.
The new breed of beach bar is serving up some
tasty barbecue classics and cool summery cocktails.
Special dishes include BBQ lettuce wraps, smoked
buffalo chicken dip, smoked pulled pork sandwich
tacos and Bloody Mary-seasoned peel-n-eat shrimp.
You can also get one of Morey’s Piers’ signature
boardwalk drinks, the Lemon Shake Up, with a twist
— vodka included.
PigDog features a large bar with plenty of
seating, a beach area with games, hammocks and
picnic tables. You can dine in or get your food to go.
Be sure to bring the whole family this summer and
enjoy some brews and chews with ocean views!
INSIDER TIP Enjoy live music daily. For hours, menu
and entertainment, visit moreyspiers.com. Follow
them on social media for specials, promos and more!
HIGHLIGHTS
Brisket Platter
Half-pound of brisket,
served with Hawaiian rolls,
baked beans and coleslaw.
Shrimp Tacos
Rum-glazed shrimp,
shredded cabbage, grilled
pineapple, ancho lime
crema, scallions.
Smoked Pulled
Pork Sandwich
Rubbed and smoked pork
with Texas western
Bar BQ Sauce
Trash Can Nachos
Layers of chips, chicken,
black beans, pepper relish,
salsa, jalapeños, sour
cream, scallions — and
topped with a tableside
pour of hot cheese.
Brisket Quesadilla
Peppers, onions, smoked
beef brisket, salsa and
sour cream.
Bushwhacker
Blackstrap rum, kahlua
with vanilla and a touch of
chocolate syrup.
Beach Tea
Perfect mix of sweet tea
vodka and lemonade.
3501 BOARDWALK l WILDWOOD l 609-729-3700 l moreyspiers.com

[116] food & drink
Quincy’s Original Lobster Rolls
Bringing a little taste of New England to town, one delicious split-top bun at a time... with two locations in Cape May!
WHERE IS IT? On Beach Avenue,
opposite Convention Hall, and in the
middle of Washington Street Mall.
WHY SHOULD I GO? It’s a place
where you can take a few minutes out
of your day to relax, see a friendly
face and enjoy delicious lobster rolls,
while remembering all those great
experiences you’ve had during past
and present summer vacations.
In 2012, a group of friends were
discussing the great times they’ve had
at different beach spots during family
summer vacations. They kept coming
back to memories from the Jersey
Shore and those familiar great times;
but memories of the beauty and
laidback lifestyle of a New England
vacation popped up, especially those
mouthwatering lobster rolls they
enjoyed so much.
These friends wanted to
recreate and share those good times,
especially the food. Fast-forward a
few years and there are now FIVE
Quincy’s locations (the others are in
Ocean City, Wildwood and Sea Isle
City). Now visitors and locals can
enjoy a classic lobster roll... or two.
INSIDER TIP Follow their social
media promotions. They have a
Lobster Roll Happy Hour Mondays
— Thursdays, while kids eat free on
Wednesday nights. They’re BYOB.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Classic
Maine lobster meat on
lightly buttered, toasted
New England-style, splittop
bun with a light bead
of mayo, lemon-butter
drizzle. If you’re not
already salivating, please
check your pulse.
Maine Liner
Lobster salad atop a lightly
buttered and griddle
toasted New Englandstyle,
split-top bun.
No-Carb Lobster Boats
Love the lobster,
but not so much the
carbohydrates? Any roll
can be prepared on two
deliciously fresh and crisp
baby romaine leaves.
Crab Roll
Sweet Jonah crab served
on a New England-style,
split-top bun with a
light bead of creamy
horseradish sauce,
garnished with lemon
butter and seasonings.
Land Lovers
Organic chicken tenders,
grilled cheese and hot
dogs are available.
Take Out
Because there is no better
place than the beach to
enjoy a classic lobster roll.
709 BEACH AVENUE & 320 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-600-3571 & 609-305-4379 l quincysoriginal.com

[118] food & drink
Rusty Nail
Let your hair down... this is beachfront dining at its coolest
WHERE IS IT? Across the street from the beach. Just
follow the surfers.
WHY SHOULD I GO? It’s the only bar in Cape May
where you can enjoy a cold drink and seriously good
beach eats, with your toes in the sand. And thanks to
the addition of a beautiful indoor fireplace, the Nail is
just as alluring on cooler evenings.
The Nail made a name for itself in the 1970s,
when lifeguards, surfers and beach bunnies gathered
around the wood bar that’s the longest in Cape May.
Today, it’s still the go-to for sandy beach-goers. This
popularity is due, in part, to the Nail’s draft beer,
the coldest in town. Then there are the two fire pits,
which elevate the outdoor experience. No wonder
Travel & Leisure named the Nail one of America’s Top
10 Beach Bars.
For those who’d rather be inside, the live music
creates a mellow vibe — the kind you’ll want to leave
only in order to check out the dolphins frolicking in
the surf.
Wherever you hang, the Nail is a spot where
every member of the family feels at home — kids
love their meals served on a frisbee and the furry
members of the family will dig the doggie menu, while
you share the addictive nachos, feast on the grilled
mahi tacos or rip into the raw bar offerings.
While it’s an idyllic spot for lunch and dinner,
there’s another great time to enjoy the quirky delights
of the Nail — order breakfast in the breezy dining
room. Among the highlights are macadamia nut
pancakes and eggs fresh from Beach Plum Farm.
INSIDER TIP On cooler nights, the Nail’s garage
bar transitions into an indoor games room, with
shuffleboard, foosball and ping-pong!
HIGHLIGHTS
Chef Jimmy’s Pig Roast
Jimmy Burton is famous
for his pig barbecues. See
why at the Nail, Mondays
in season from 4pm!
Signature Boardwalk-
Style Cones
Featuring conch fritters,
fried clam strips and Rusty
Nail fries with a signature
seafood spice.
Raw Bar
Oysters, clams, shrimp,
crab.
Baja Grilled Fish Tacos
Grilled Mahi, corn, pico
de gallo, lettuce, cheddar
cheese, black beans and
guacamole.
Jersey-Style Lobster Roll
Fresh lobster salad on
a fresh-baked roll, with
green leaf lettuce and
tomato.
Jersey Clam Bake
Clams, mussels, shrimp,
redskin potatoes, grilled
corn.
Signature Cocktails
Including Beach Plum
Farm Cucumber Mint
Margarita and Classic
Mai Tai.
Canine Cuisine
The Nail also offers a
menu for dogs — both
food AND drinks!
205 BEACH AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-0017 l rustynailcapemay.com

[120] food & drink
Saltwater Cafe
A cool spot right on the harbor... good food, good vibe, with wonderful views of the waterfront. This is a place you have to try.
WHERE IS IT? A beautiful location
at South Jersey Marina — on your
left after you cross the main bridge
coming into Cape May, and just
before the little harbor bridge. (If
you’re leaving Cape May, it’ll be on
your right...)
WHY SHOULD I GO? Because
who doesn’t want an exceptional
meal in a relaxed environment on
the harbor? If you snag a seat in the
canopied outdoor area, the views of
the water and the boats coming and
going at the marina add some serious
ambience to the experience.
And here’s the REALLY good
news — you can enjoy the fresh food
and fabulous views for breakfast and
lunch seven days a week.
PLUS, Saltwater Cafe now serves
dinner throughout the summer
season. Seating for dinner is limited
and reservations are recommended.
Dinner includes butlered hors
d’oeuvres, salads and a choice of
land or locally caught sea option as
the main entrée, accompanied by
farm-to-table sides and dessert.
INSIDER TIP After your meal,
pop next door to Fathoms, South
Jersey Marina’s cool clothing and
accessories store. After all, a spot of
retail therapy is always the perfect
way to finish off a memorable meal.
HIGHLIGHTS
Savory Piggy
Housemade corn muffins
topped with savory pulled
pork, fried eggs, poblano
pepper sauce, roasted
Jersey corn salsa.
Eggs Florentine
Artisan grain toast topped
with sautéed spinach, red
peppers and house-dried
tomatoes, poached eggs
and classic hollandaise
sauce.
One Fish Two Fish
Smoked salmon, whitefish
salad, toasted bagel,
tomato, whipped cream
cheese, sliced red onion,
capers and potato pan
latkes.
1231 ROUTE 109 l CAPE MAY l 609-884-2403 l saltwatercafecapemay.com

[122] food & drink
Sapore Italiano
A great choice for a romantic dinner for two or a classic feast for the whole family. This is Italian done right!
WHERE IS IT? In a beautiful Victorian on South
Broadway in West Cape May — between Sunset
Boulevard and Congress Street. It’s on the right if
you are headed toward the beach.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Elegant and classic, Sapore
Italiano boasts a large menu of traditional Italian
cuisine with the cozy ambiance of a restored
Victorian home. The portions are large and the
entrée options are wide and varied, including
homemade pastas, seafood, chicken, veal and risotto
dishes to suit any palate, made with local farm
ingredients. A gluten-free menu is also available
Dinner includes bread and a complimentary
antipasti plate. Sapore is BYO so don’t forget to
bring along a bottle of your favorite red or white
to accompany your meal. Sapore is open daily for
dinner from 4pm.
INSIDER TIP Reservations are recommended
here! But if you arrive without one and are waiting
to be seated, take a short walk around the corner
to Sunset Liquors, where you can find the perfect
bottle of wine to compliment any meal at Sapore.
HIGHLIGHTS
Eggplant Rollatini
Fresh eggplant battered
in egg, rolled with ricotta,
baked with tomato sauce
and mozzarella.
Beets and Goat
Cheese Salad
Beets, goat cheese,
candied walnuts and baby
greens in extra virgin olive
oil.
Linguine alla Pescatora
Linguine sautéed with
mussels, clams, shrimp,
calamari, garlic and extra
virgin olive oil in white
wine or tomato sauce.
Rack of Lamb
Sautéed with shitake
mushrooms, roasted red
peppers and asparagus in
a cognac demi-glaze.
Pollo Francese
Chicken cutlet dipped in
egg with capers, lemon
and extra virgin olive oil in
a white wine sauce over
capellini.
Risotto Primavera
Arborio rice sautéed with
extra virgin olive oil, garlic
and fresh vegetables in
white wine or tomato
sauce.
Gnocchi Al Gorgonzola
Homemade potato
pasta with gorgonzola
and mascarpone, cream
cheese sauce.
416 SOUTH BROADWAY l WEST CAPE MAY l 609-600-1422 l saporeitalianorestaurant.com

[124] food & drink
SeaSalt
Inspired by the ocean, just steps away, SeaSalt features indigenous ingredients and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? At the beachfront Ocean Club Hotel.
WHY SHOULD I GO? With its black wood-and-granite
tables, custom-made mother-of-pearl barfront, and river
rock decor, SeaSalt is pure architectural sex appeal.
It’s the place to be when you feel like a change from
Victorian ambiance.
Relaxing underneath an umbrella on the outside
terrace, enjoy the spectacular view and SeaSalt’s
signature craft cocktails, made using only the freshest
ingredients as cocktail mixers; organic purées, freshly
squeezed juices, freshly muddled fruits and herbs, and
house-infused fruit vodkas.
Prefer mouthwatering, locally sourced food?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at SeaSalt is always a
surprise with eclectic and artful combinations bursting
with summer flavors and locally inspired.
And then there’s the entertainment. After you’ve
toured the turret-topped cottages and historical B&Bs of
town, head to SeaSalt for a party that is anything but old
school. Local guitar players, jazz trios, salsa bands and
steel drum players all contribute to a vibe that’s equal
parts New York and South Beach.
INSIDER TIP Ask about the lunch service available
on the beach and at their outdoor tiki bar, TikiTen35.
Private party? Opt for SeaSalt’s Chef’s Table, a private
space with glass walls, privacy curtains and a mesquite
wood table fit for a king — unmatched ambiance for your
mouthwatering meal and irresistible wine pairings!
Jersey Corn and
Crab Soup
Chives, lime crème
fraiche, tabasco.
Coriander-crusted Tuna
Shaved asparagus, citrus
sweet chili sauce.
Crispy Pork Belly and
Arugula Salad
Sesame-soy vinaigrette.
Lobster Ravioli
Brown butter, grilled
asparagus, grape
tomatoes.
Pan-seared Halibut
Summer baby vegetables,
roasted red pepper coulis.
Whole Grilled Branzino
Grilled asparagus,
caramelized lemon.
Squid Ink Linguine
Fra Diavolo
Mussels, clams and squid,
cooked in a spicy tomato
sauce
BBQ Grilled Chicken
Sesame-chili dipping
sauce, sweet and sour
slaw, roasted peanuts.
Scallop au Poivre
With cauliflower purée,
balsamic reduction.
28-Day Aged Rib Eye
Red wine reduction,
grilled ramps. Totally
irresistible.
1035 BEACH AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-7000 l seasaltcapemay.com

[126] food & drink
Shamone
Take pleasure in a 15-course tasting menu in Cape May’s only tapas-style restaurant
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? At City Centre Mall on
Washington Street.
WHY SHOULD I GO? The only Cape
May restaurant accessible by escalator,
Shamone offers an elevated dining
experience unlike any other. Designed
for those evenings when you’re either
feeling adventurous or simply have
no idea what you’re in the mood
for, Chef/Owner George Brannon
develops a brand-new 15-course tapasstyle
tasting menu every night.
No more endless staring at the
menu while trying to decide. Gone
are the days of suffering order
envy when the neighboring table’s
meal arrives. The well-trained staff
delivers the palate-pleasing small
plates with perfect timing, each more
delicious than the last. Allergies are
accommodated — just let them know
when you call to reserve! Bring your
sense of adventure along with your
appetite, oh, and your favorite drink —
this intimate joint is BYOB.
Despite being told by Joe
Bastianich on the show Restaurant
Startup that “Shamone might be the
worst name I’ve ever heard for any
restaurant, ever,” the Kara Restaurant
Group team — also behind George’s
Place, Younger Brother, Vintage,
Scola, George’s Place Court House,
and Michael Kara Catering — is proud
to say that this Cape May gem has
outlasted the television series.
INSIDER TIP Depending on the
season, Shamone offers either one
or two nightly seatings. Check their
website for current availability and
reserve by phone.
Potato Leek Bisque
Charred leeks, Yukon gold
and sherry.
Garlic Crusted Lamb
With demi-glace butter.
Artisan Flatbread
Fig and prosciutto.
Tuna Ceviche
With avocado and cilantro.
Stuffed Piquillo Pepper
Shrimp, goat cheese.
Slow Roasted Pork Belly
With shiitake and baby
eggplant.
Prawn Croquettes
With romesco.
Steakhouse Wedge Salad
Topped with an herb
buttermilk dressing.
Shepherd’s Pie
Wine-braised beef and
celery root.
Sirloin
With piquillo peppers and
capers.
Chocolate Zanzibar Torte
Dark chocolate and rum.
421 WASHINGTON STREET, CITY CENTRE MALL l CAPE MAY l 609-884-6088 l kararestaurantgroup.com

[128] food & drink
Tisha’s
This landmark location has been serving delicious meals in Cape May for a quarter of a century. Today, it’s as good as ever!
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? Ideally located, right in the heart of
the Washington Street Mall.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Paul Negro was working as a
mechanic in Philadelphia when a talent for cooking
pushed him to pursue a culinary career instead. He
and his wife Jennifer opened the original Tisha’s on
the beachfront 26 years ago. Today, one bite of his
short rib bolognese or shrimp and gnocchi and you’ll
know — Paul has not misjudged his calling.
Tisha’s is a place where variety is the spice of life
— here, daily specials come and go, while the more
“established” items hang around for no more than a
month. Every dish is influenced by the season — this,
Paul says, allows plenty of opportunities to showcase
all that can be done with new American food, full
of Italian accents. Tisha’s is a great spot for dinner,
but it’s also the ideal lunch spot in between a day of
shopping on the mall.
Something else we love about Tisha’s: many
of the dishes are still made using the cookbooks
of Paul’s mom, for whom the restaurant is named.
Which means they’re made with love. That’s always
the most important ingredient.
INSIDER TIP For a romantic evening, dine by
candlelight on the outdoor patio — reserve ahead
of time. And don’t forget to check out their sister
restaurant in North Cape May, 5 West Pub (also
featured in this book), a fun, buzzy gastropub.
Lobster Bisque
A delicious, perfectly
seasoned soup.
Cajun-Fried Oysters
Hand-breaded in Cajun
panko, on baby greens,
with pepper cream.
Lobster Risotto
With sautéed lobster tail.
BBQ Buttered Shrimp
Sautéed shrimp on
toast rounds with BBQ
butter sauce, finished
with fontina cheese. The
ultimate appetizer.
Tuscan-Grilled Chicken
and Shrimp
Boneless chicken and
jumbo shrimp marinated
in olive oil, ginger, garlic
and cilantro, rolled in a
panko crust and grilled,
set on garlic-mashed red
skins and drizzled with
cilantro oil.
Thai Salmon
Seasoned and grilled to
your liking, finished with
jumbo shrimp and sugar
snap peas, sautéed in a
sweet and spicy Thai lime
sauce.
Short Rib Bolognese
Pork short ribs slow
cooked in a tomatobased
sauce, tossed with
homemade pappardelle
and shaved asiago.
322 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-9119 l tishasfinedining.com

[130] food & drink
Ugly Mug
If you really want to experience Cape May, make it a point to show your own mug (ugly or otherwise) at the Mug
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? In the heart of the
charming Washington Street Mall.
WHY SHOULD I GO? The Mug isn’t
just a bar and restaurant that’s been
around for over half a century; it’s
a genuine local legend. Mugs hang
from the ceiling, turned to face the
sea when their respective Mug-loving
owners pass on. Then there’s the
famous Froth-Blowing Contest that’s
been held since 1954. Whoever blows
the most froth out of the glass wins
a trophy — and, of course, serious
bragging rights.
The Mug is not only a classic,
traditional bar — it’s a full-service
family-friendly restaurant, too, offering
a selection of appetizers, sandwiches
and entrées which you may enjoy in
three different ways...
1. Nestle into the cozy wooden
booths that now occupy both dining
rooms in the Mug — perfect for a more
intimate eating experience.
2. Position yourself on one of the
bar stools, and partake in the hottest
dining movement of the moment —
eating at the bar, while either catching
up with the sports news on one of the
flat-screen TVs, or conversing with the
friendly bartenders.
3. Seat yourself at an outdoor table
on the patio overlooking the bustling
Washington Street Mall, the ultimate
people-watching spot in the city.
INSIDER TIP The locally made crab
cakes, from Chef Gary Romberger’s
Cape May Crab Factory, are among
the best in town.
Grilled Crab Cakes
They’re handmade by
the Mug’s chef Gary
Romberger, and they’re
among the best in town.
Handmade Burgers
With a variety of toppings.
Grilled Panini Sandwiches
What goes better with a
cold beer than a satisfying
grilled sandwich? It’s the
pub classic and there’s
always a great selection at
the Mug.
Fried Crab Patty
Sandwich
Actually, this goes pretty
well with a cold beer, too!
Crab Mug
In a casserole, broiled,
topped with cheese.
Salivating as you read this?
Cheesesteaks
The South Philly classic,
done right.
Chili Cheese Dog
Served with pickle and
chips — irresistible.
Corned Beef Sandwich
Topped with coleslaw and
Russian dressing. The beef
comes from the worldfamous
Carnegie Deli in
Manhattan.
Ocean Burger
With shrimp salad and
sharp cheese.
Chicken Chipotle Panini
Sandwich
This delicious treat
delivers a kick.
426 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-3459 l uglymug.bar

[132] food & drink
Uncle Bill’s Pancake House
Fantastic flapjacks make for happy families. PS: They serve up a lot more than pancakes!
WHERE IS IT? Just a few steps from
the beach, in front of Congress Hall.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Bill isn’t your
uncle (or, at least, chances are pretty
good that he’s not), but guests are
consistently treated like family when
they dine here. And they’re consistently
treated to a delicious meal.
Ever walk by a restaurant and get
instantly hungry? Those smells hit you,
your appetite was sparked, and the
tummy started rumbling. This is what
happens when you pass by Uncle Bill’s.
The lovely aromas drift 35.5 feet
around the restaurant (we’ve made
exhaustive scientific measurements)
and you’ll see people streaming into
the place from all angles for breakfast,
brunch and lunch. Once inside, you’ll
find out that the hearty breakfasts
don’t disappoint. The fact that many
of the booths in this circular building
have views of the Atlantic doesn’t hurt.
For an even better view, try and snag
an outside table — a perfect spot for
breakfast or a filling lunch from their
extensive lunch menu.
INSIDER TIP Breakfast is served all day
from 6:30am — visit before 9am and
after 11am to avoid the crowds. Uncle
Bill’s now accepts credit cards, but
there is also an ATM on-site if you need
to grab some cash for the rest of your
beach day.
HIGHLIGHTS
Chocolate-Chip Pancakes
The classic sweet-andsavory
combination.
Blueberry Pancakes
Great taste AND a healthy
blast of antioxidants!
Yeasty Old Fashioned
Buckwheat Pancakes
You’ll enjoy this blast from
the past!
Hawaiian Ham Steak
A thick slice of smokecured
ham, garnished with
a generous slice of grilled
pineapple, with three
pancakes.
Peach Waffle
Topped with peaches and
crowned with whipped
cream.
Creamed Chipped Beef
Served on a waffle or
toast and heaped with
tender, creamy good stuff.
Enticing Lunch Menu
Fresh soups, salads and
sandwiches, daily specials.
Pet-Friendly Patio
Complete with water and
treats for your furry best
friend.
Lunch Menu
There’s more than great
breakfasts served here —
there’s also an extensive
lunch menu.
Takeout Window
So convenient!
BEACH AVENUE @ PERRY STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-7199 l unclebillspancakehouse.com

[134] food & drink
Union Park Dining Room
Elegant ambience, great food and a spectacular beachfront setting... this is romance personified
WHERE IS IT? In the lovely, historic Hotel
Macomber (see Accommodations), at the corner
of Beach and Howard.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Union Park has been a
mainstay on NJ.com’s Most Romantic list, and
you’ll realize why from the moment you are seated
at your candlelit table. Perhaps you will have an
ocean view, or be treated to a cozy spot in front
of the fireplace.
Wherever you dine at Union Park, you will
enjoy service that’s unobtrusive, but attentive
enough to make you feel as though you’re the only
customers in the room.
And the food? Union Park is rightly famous
for the South African Lobster Tail, while Colorado
Lamb is another favorite.
Union Park is available for both casual and
elegant parties, receptions, special occasion
dinners and complete weddings. Their facility
can host groups up to 125 people, depending on
the type of reception you desire. Book the entire
restaurant, for the ultimate beach wedding, or
just one of their three private rooms available for
groups of eight to 45 guests. It’s BYOB, though
local wine is available.
INSIDER TIP In season, Union Park has outdoor
seating, with great views of the beach and
promenade.
HIGHLIGHTS
Oysters
Half-dozen of the
justifiably famous Cape
May Salts, chili lime,
cocktail sauces.
Foie Gras
Seared, apple walnut
bread, poached apples,
balsamic syrup.
Seafood Plateau
Lobster, shrimp, mussels,
crab, oysters.
Tartare Trio
Steak, salmon, tuna, crème
fraiche, toast.
Kobe Beef Burger
Boursin cheese,
caramelized onions,
fingerlings, chipotle
ketchup.
Shrimp and Scallops
Cucumber noodle pad
Thai, ginger lime cream,
smoked soy.
Colorado Lamb
Whipped potato, caponata,
merguez sausage, garlic
rosemary au jus.
Filet Mignon
Whipped potato, dolce
gorgonzola, caramelized
onions, au poivre sauce.
South African Lobster
Union Park has become
famous for this dish —
butter-poached lobster
served with mascarpone
risotto and pancetta.
BEACH & HOWARD STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-8811 l unionparkdiningroom.com

[136] food & drink
Vintage
A fully outdoor, eclectic dining experience on beautiful mansion grounds — with something new to try every visit!
WHERE IS IT? On the beautiful grounds of the Emlen
Physick Estate.
WHY SHOULD I GO THERE? At Vintage, experience a
touch of fine cuisine in a casual atmosphere for brunch and
dinner brought to you by Chef Nikos Goutzouris and the
Kara Restaurant Group team — you’ll recognize the name
behind some Cape May favorites, including George’s Place,
Younger Brother, and Shamone BYOB — in partnership with
Cape May MAC.
The restaurant steers off the beaten path with
American bistro flair and a menu full of fresh takes on
familiar favorites. Inspired to offer a creative menu that
appeals to everyone’s palate, Chef Nikos is cooking
up brunch classics with a Vintage twist, including the
Strawberry Cheesecake Waffle and the BBB Grilled
Cheese (that’s brie, blackberries, and bacon)!
If you’re in the mood to try something different for
dinner, check out the fig and goat cheese sliders or Duck
Confit with a juniper berry demi-glace. All offerings are
made fresh daily, and Chef Nikos is always adding new
seasonal dishes and specials — no visit needs to be the
same! Vintage is BYOB, so you can pair your meal with your
favorite wine or beer from home but, in case you forget,
the gift shop at the Emlen Physick Estate also carries wines
from Cape May Winery.
Nestled among the beautiful and gardens of the Emlen
Physick Estate, Vintage is peaceful and inviting for guests
of all ages. And while Vintage is entirely outdoors, the
team has taken care to provide a weatherproof, climatecontrolled
tent where you can comfortably enjoy your meal,
no matter the season.
INSIDER TIP Nearly all menu items are gluten-free or can
be altered to accommodate guests. Plus, this pet-friendly
eatery welcomes you to bring your pup along for your meal.
HIGHLIGHTS
Cheesecake Waffle
Mom’s old-school
cheesecake on a waffle
topped with strawberries
and chocolate drizzle.
Pancake Charcuterie
Pancakes, peppered
bacon, sausage, fresh
fruit, peanut butter,
Nutella, chocolate chips
and homemade whipped
cream.
Shrimp Avocado
Cherry tomatoes,
cucumbers and tortilla
strips topped with
Sriracha ranch.
Filet Tenderloin
Panko-encrusted tender
cut with wasabi béarnaise.
Duck Confit
With juniper berry demiglace
and pomme purée.
Sesame Encrusted Tuna
Tuna over crimson chili
rice noodles, topped
with crimson watermelon
and cucumber, raspberry
vinaigrette and sesame
ginger sauce.
Pork Ribeye
Everchanging dish — Chef
Nikos’ 101 ways with pork.
1048 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-224-6064 l vintagebyob.com

[138] food & drink
Washington Inn & The Wine Bar
Whether you’re dining in the beautiful dining rooms or on the alluring garden, this is an essential Cape May eating experience
WHERE IS IT? On beautiful, tree-lined
Washington Street in the middle of the Historic
District.
WHY SHOULD I GO? If you’re a regular, or even
sem-regular, visitor to Cape May, you’ve likely
eaten at (or heard of) the local legend that is the
Washington Inn. Now there are even more ways to
enjoy the remarkable food that put this familyowned
restaurant on the map.
What became a necessary adaptation because
of the pandemic quickly became a favorite choice
of guests — eating al fresco in the beautiful
gardens and on the patio. It’s a lovely change of
scenery, though we still recommend a cozy fireside
table in cooler weather.
Wherever you choose to eat, you will not
find a better selection of wine by the glass at the
shore. Why stick to the traditional appetizer-andentrée
method when you and your companions
can graze, tapas-style from the menu, while
perusing the extensive list, via an iPad supplied
for the purpose. Scroll at your leisure through 600
selections as you check out the details and the
labels.
If it sounds like the ultimate wine-tasting
experience, it is! And if you have trouble choosing,
ask the sommelier for direction. Or seek out the
Washington Inn’s experienced, friendly bartenders,
who are always happy to share their knowledge.
INSIDER TIP For unrivaled wine expertise, ask for
the Sommelier. The Inn has a Som on the floor who
can find hidden gems on the wine list. Request the
Al Fresco dining for the most romantic dining.
HIGHLIGHTS
Chipotle Shrimp
Miguel’s BEST guacamole,
Cotija cheese, tortillas.
Lamb & Cavatelli Pasta
Broccoli rabe, Spanish
Manchego, red pepper
flakes.
Spanish Octopus
Purple potatoes, roasted
grapes, green olives, lime
aioli.
Key West Oysters
Jicama, mango-lime crème
frâiche, wasabi tobiko.
Espresso-Rubbed Hudson
Valley Duck Breast
Shiitake-brioche bread
pudding, foie gras cream,
spinach, blackberry demi.
Local Seafood Cioppino
Clams, shrimp, scallops,
fish, spicy tomato broth,
garlic aioli, toasted
focaccia.
Charred Baby
Spanish Octopus
Broccolini, romesco,
toasted hazelnuts.
Mediterranean Bronzino
Caramelized fennel,
roasted potatoes, roasted
tomatoes, black olive
tapenade.
Chocolate Mousse Tower
Chocolate lattice filled
with chocolate mousse,
fresh berries and whipped
cream.
810 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-5697 l washingtoninn.com

[140] food & drink
Younger Brother
What do you get when you combine irresistible menus and a beachfront location? A must-try, says The New York Times!
WHERE IS IT? This beachfront eatery enjoys a
sweet location, between Perry and Jackson.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Over the years, this
intimate restaurant — the second to join Kara
Restaurant Group, the creative crew behind
George’s Place, Vintage BYOB, and Shamone —
has delighted diners with an evolving menu of
American fare and seasonal changes to the dining
experience. After a year of being stuck indoors,
the Karapanagiotis brothers knew it was more
important than ever to introduce a fresh take on
Younger Brother — widely known as YB.
Not only is Younger Brother debuting a
complete dining room renovation, but they've also
created a wide-open kitchen. Guests can be part
of the action and see the magic behind each dish
unfold. And the menus are all-new this year! Now
featuring the island’s only full-lobster brunch, the
restaurant’s beach views pair perfectly with its
delicious offerings like the Lobster Benedict with
housemade béarnaise or the Lobster Cubano.
As the sun sets and you soak in the gorgeous
Cape May scenery from your table, indulge in fish
and vegetable-forward dinner options. You may be
surprised to see cauliflower as an entrée, but you
won’t be disappointed once you taste the tender,
prime-cut topped with king-crab butter.
Whether you’re gathering with friends and
family for a casual meal, or you need the perfect
spot for a romantic date night, Younger Brother is
a crowd pleaser you won’t want to miss.
INSIDER TIP Younger Brother is BYOB and
accepts all major credit cards. Reservations are
available on OpenTable.
HIGHLIGHTS
Lobster Benedict
Poached egg, lobster meat
and bacon on a croissant
topped with a béarnaise
sauce.
Lobster Taco
Scrambled eggs, lobster,
cilantro, goat cheese, lime
topped with an avocado
crema.
Lobster Flatbread
Lobster and bacon topped
with a truffle aioli.
Lobster Cubano
Lobster, pickles, Swiss
cheese, bacon and whole
grain mustard.
Scallops
U-10 scallops with a basil
gastrique.
Cauliflower
Prime cut with tarragon
and a king crab butter.
Sashimi Taco
Hamachi, avocado and
amarillo crema.
Chilean Sea Bass
Yellow pepper coulis and
caper puffs.
Pork Belly
With miso cream and
hoisen glazed.
314 BEACH AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-898-2009 l ybcapemay.com

[142] food & drink
Aleathea’s
Fresh, creative food and a porch bar, housed in a magnificent old hotel, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? In the majestic Inn of
Cape May, on the corner of Beach
and Ocean Street.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Come and
enjoy a 127-year-old tradition of
wining and dining by the beach. The
wraparound Victorian porch offers
dynamic ocean views, whether you’re
dining in the restaurant, sitting at the
inn’s bar or enjoying a cocktail seated
in the wooden rocking chairs.
Aleathea’s offers a full breakfast,
lunch, bar and dinner menu, covering
everything from a quick bite with
friends and family to a date night.
Also, Aleathea’s can help you
plan your wedding, bridal or baby
shower, birthday, family reunion
or business meeting. And they
specialize in large dinner parties.
INSIDER TIP A local secret is letting
the kids play on the front lawn while
you enjoy food and drink on the
patio.
Panko Flounder
Cherry tomato and crab
vin blanc.
Poke Bowls
Rice, cherry tomato,
cucumber, carrot, pickled
cabbage, wakame seaweed
salad soy glaze. With tuna,
chicken, scallops or shrimp.
Pan-Seared Sea Scallops
Local scallops, citrus
beurre blanc.
Avocado Crab
Lemon poppy-dressed
jumbo crab meat over
avocado, micro greens and
cherry tomato salad.
Beef Carpaccio
Raw, paper-thin filet
mignon, diced red onions,
capers, pecorino romano
cheese, horseradish sauce.
Baked Brie
Puff pastry with
strawberries and grapes,
topped with raspberry
coulis.
Mozzarella and
Tomato Salad
Fresh mozzarella and slices
of Jersey tomato, layered
with basil and balsamic
reduction.
Soy-Glazed Salmon
Over sautéed spinach, wild
mushrooms and risotto in
Aji-Mirin broth.
Pan-Seared Filet Mignon
Caramelized onion and
blue cheese in a cabernet
demi-glace.
7 OCEAN STREET @ THE INN OF CAPE MAY l 609-884-5555 x 226 l innofcapemay.com

[143] food & drink
Beach Eatz
Enjoy takeout from your local favorites... and you won’t even need to leave the beach!
WHERE IS IT? Order on your mobile device
to have your food delivered to your beach
chair or front door within seven miles of Beach
Avenue.
WHY SHOULD I GO? If you’re hungry and
don’t want to leave your beach chair on a hot
summer day, Beach Eatz is here to help. This
locally run food delivery app is the easiest way
to enjoy your favorite local restaurants, coffee
and snack shops without interrupting your
sunbathing or sandcastle building.
Beach Eatz launched in 2018 when
founder Bianca Picardo was at the beach
with her mother and got a craving for Hot
Dog Tommy’s. Having no desire to wait in a
long line, her mother suggested she invent a
solution. Bianca and her coding team worked
together to create the app and Beach Eatz
was born, with new businesses joining them
every year.
Beach Eatz works to encourage customers
into neighboring local businesses and the
delivery app is customer driven. Based on
customer reviews and polls, local businesses
lock in each summer with no competition
within the app. You’ll find their exclusive,
available businesses on the app, including Hot
Dog Tommy’s, Coffee Tyme and Nick Filet.
They also incorporate home delivery within
seven miles of Beach Avenue — Cape May,
West Cape May and North Cape May
Beach Eatz is a convenient and affordable
way to enjoy a meal delivered right to you.
They charge a flat delivery rate of $6.99 for
each order and promise to get your food to
you as quickly as possible. Download the free
Beach Eatz app — compatible with iOS and
Android — and enjoy the surf, sun and sand
while they take care of the rest!
INSIDER TIP Beach Eatz skips the line to pick
up all orders so the only place you’ll wait is
your beach chair.
HIGHLIGHTS
Hot Dog Tommy’s
The best hot dogs by the
beach. Try one of their
signature favorites or
stuff-in-a-bowl creations.
Nick Filet
Filet mignon and Maine
lobster dishes like you’ve
never seen before.
Sandwiches, bites, mac
and cheese and more!
Coffee Tyme
Voted Best Coffee of
Cape May 2015 through
2019. Get yourself some
freshly baked goods and
locally roasted coffee.
Cappy’s Seaside Pizza
and Steaks
Enjoy gourmet pizza,
wings and sandwiches
seven days a week!
ON THE BEACHES l CAPE MAY l 609-305-0880 l beacheatzdelivery.com

[144] food & drink
the eat well
Fresh, creative food, with ridiculously good bread, from an eatery that loves to give back to the community
WHERE IS IT? A short drive from
Cape May, just west of the corner of
Bayshore Road and Town Bank Road.
WHY SHOULD I GO? A love
for both cooking and community
inspired Drew Gandley to open The
Eat Well five years ago. This selftaught
chef started out in the front
of house of restaurants while living
in New Orleans, but always had a
passion for cooking. When he and
wife Martha moved to the area, he
wanted to find a place where he
could do what he loved for the rest
of his years. “As long as it doesn’t
feel like a job, I’ll do it,” Drew says.
The small, year-round café offers
a simple menu packed with fresh
food and a lot of flavor. Drew bakes
all of his artisan bread inhouse. His
Cuban/Reuben Fusion sandwich is
one of the highlights — he cures his
own pastrami and corned beef to
ensure everything is of the highest
quality.
The Eat Well gives back to the
community whenever possible. Drew
began a pay-what-you-can promotion
to benefit kids who are hungry after
school. Kids can stop in any time
during opening hours to grab a
grilled cheese with tomato soup and
he’ll accept what they can afford.
INSIDER TIP The Eat Well caters
small gatherings and offers at-home
baking and pizza-making classes to
share their love of cooking with the
community.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Eat Well Cuban
Mojito pork, ham, Swiss
cheese, pickles and
mustard.
Cuban/Reuben Fusion
Pork, corned beef, Swiss
cheese, kraut, thousand
island dressing.
Shrimp or Fish Po’Boy
On a homemade hoagie
roll with tomato, pickles,
fresh greens and
remoulade sauce — fried or
blackened.
Italian Beef
Seasoned roast beef,
provolone cheese, topped
with pepper and onions.
Mambo Chicken
Chicken thigh with grilled
onions, roasted peppers,
asiago cheese and
balsamic.
Warm Lobster Roll
Sautéed in butter with
shallots, garlic and white
wine, on a ciabatta bun.
Cape May Sunset Salad
Arugula, olives, red
peppers, pickled onion,
asiago cheese and tomato.
Caprese Salad
Tomato, fresh mozzarella
cheese, fresh basil, dressed
with extra virgin olive oil
and balsamic.
Beet and Feta Salad
Beets, feta cheese, tomato,
pecans on a bed of arugula,
dressed with extra virgin
olive oil and balsamic.
508 TOWN BANK ROAD l NORTH CAPE MAY l 609-600-7077 l eatwellcapemay.com

[145] food & drink
El Pueblo Taqueria
Imagine a Mexican family treating you to a smorgasbord of amazing food. Welcome to El Pueblo! Now on the beachfront!
WHERE IS IT? They made their name
at Cape Plaza center on Bayshore
Road, a short drive north of Cape May.
But early this summer they expanded
to a second location on the Cape May
beachfront, near Convention Hall.
WHY SHOULD I GO? So maybe
you’ve tasted a lot of Mexican food...
but how often have you eaten genuine
Mexican food? There’s a world of
difference. Don’t take our word
for it. Your hosts Ruben and Dalila
Nuñez-Martinez have conjured up a
smorgasbord of fantastic Mexican food
that’s attracted a serious fan base in
the three years since they opened.
This is what you call an authentic,
affordable Mexican dining experience,
prepared with only the freshest
ingredients and a whole lot of TLC —
from their family to yours.
Ruben cut his teeth working
at popular Cape May restaurants,
learning to cook from his late father
Oscar and mother Lucia, whose magic
is still woven into many of the dishes at
El Pueblo. “We couldn’t do it without
her,” says Ruben. Those years in the
business and his Mexican heritage
combine for a meal you won’t want to
miss.
INSIDER TIP This year, they’ve added
some seriously good seafood options,
including ceviche and fish of the day.
HIGHLIGHTS
Burritos
Your choice of meat on a
flour tortilla, with quesillo,
refried beans, Spanish rice,
sour cream.
Tacos
Four per order, with
chopped onions and
cilantro, served with
homemade tortillas, radish
and spring onion.
Chilaquile Bowl
Crispy tortilla chips tossed
in a red mole or salsa
verde, sour cream, queso,
fresco, onions, fried egg.
Rice Bowl
Meat choice, Spanish
rice, frijoles, charros,
queso fresco, grilled corn,
tomatoes, avocado and
quajillo crema.
Coctel De Camarones
Poached shrimp tossed
in a spicy ketchup and
lime sauce with jalapeños,
tomatoes, cilantro, onions,
avocado, with saltines.
Tacos Dorados
Crispy hand-rolled chicken
chicken tacos topped with
lettuce, tomatoes, queso
fresco, crema, pickled
jalapeños, carrots, salsas.
La Cubana
Sandwich with milanesa,
ham, hot dog, chorizo, egg,
lettuce, tomatoes, onion,
avocado, pickled jalapeños.
730 BEACH AVENUE, CAPE MAY & 3704 BAYSHORE ROAD, NORTH CAPE MAY l 609-600-3793 l elpueblotaqueria.com

[146] food & drink
410 Bank Street
The New York Times says it’s worth the drive just to eat here. That’s a review you can bank on.
WHERE IS IT? Facing the gazebo on
the town square adjacent to Cape May
Stage.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Walk through
the garden of the wisteria-covered
cottage, beneath the spinning fans
stirring the aromas of mesquite grilled
fish and steaks, and be transported
to Key West or old New Orleans.
The flavor palettes of the Caribbean,
French New Orleans and hints of Asia
merge into a cuisine that the New York
Times calls “powerfully addictive.”
Judging from the guests who travel
from New York and Washington just to
dine at 410, it works.
In what was once a stable and
residence for drivers of the Victorian
horse-drawn fire wagons, Chef Ron
Panczner continues the 410 legacy
that transformed fine dining in New
Jersey. The service made one critic
feel “as if dining on a private yacht.”
Recipient of the International Five-Star
Diamond Award, 410 was voted Best
of the Best, Best French and Best
Caribbean Restaurant in South Jersey
in NJ Monthly readers’ poll. Bring your
appetite: dinner is bold and exciting,
and your server will guide you through
a dozen nightly specials.
INSIDER TIP With direct contacts with
local fishing boats, this is the place for
fresh fish and seafood. They also offer
dinner and a show packages for Cape
May Stage and East Lynne Theater.
HIGHLIGHTS
Blackened Sea Scallops
With Louisiana remoulade
sauce.
Gulf Stream Crab Terrine
Layers of jumbo crab,
fresh avocado and Jersey
tomato.
Blackened Prime Rib
Applewood smoked on the
bone, seared in signature
spices and pan-blackened
to order.
Cajun Shellfish Gumbo
Lobster, scallops, shrimp,
crawfish and crabmeat
with Louisiana smoked
sausage, smothered in a
Cajun dark-roux.
Jamaican Steak
Center cut 8 oz filet
mignon flame-grilled and
served with twin island
sauces and savory bread
pudding.
New Orleans
Voodoo Shrimp
A Cajun classic with a
touch of black magic.
You’ll be entranced — they
guarantee it.
Baby Rack of Lamb
With a French country
Pinot Noir demi-glaze.
Served with truffle butter
mashed potatoes.
410’s New Orleans-Style
Bread Pudding
With warm bourbon
whiskey sauce. Called
“better than the best of
New Orleans.”
410 BANK STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-2127 l 410bankstreet.com

[147] food & drink
Iccara Italian Bistro
The ambience of a Sicilian seaside trattoria, a warm, welcoming vibe... and food you will remember long after your visit
WHERE IS IT? Located in the
heart of historic downtown Cape
May, Iccara is just steps from the
Washington Street Mall, behind
Collier’s Liquor Store (which is very
useful, given that Iccara is BYOB).
WHY SHOULD I GO? Proprietor
and local restaurateur of more than
30 years, Vincenzo Sanzone grew up
in a small town in Sicily called Iccara.
Vincenzo’s grandmother, who was
always creating remarkable culinary
concoctions in her simple kitchen,
taught him that delicious food is
equally as important as a warm,
welcoming atmosphere surrounded
by family and friends.
Today, Vincenzo brings the
food inspired by the coastal Italian
town of Iccara to the seaside town
of Cape May. Years after Vincenzo
moved to Cape May, the name of
his childhood town was changed
to Carini, but Iccara still lives in
Vincenzo’s heart — after dining at
Iccara, it might just live in yours, too.
INSIDER TIP Did you know studies
show consuming lobster lowers
the chances of obesity and heart
disease? Lucky for you, there are not
one but two delectable lobster pasta
options on the Iccara menu — and
both are prepared with scratch-made
pasta and fresh Cape May lobster.
HIGHLIGHTS
Portobello Mushroom
Fresh lump crab meat.
Grilled Octopus
With arugula, cured
olives, tomato and lemon
vinaigrette.
Little Neck Clams
Simmered with fresh herbs,
garlic and white wine.
Antipasto
Imported salami, aged
provolone, roasted
peppers, olives, artichoke
hearts, prosciutto, grilled
eggplant and fresh
mozzarella.
Lobster Pasta
Sautéed lobster with
shallots and mushrooms
in light tomato cream with
squid ink fettuccine.
Saltimbocca
Sautéed with fresh spinach,
prosciutto and fresh
mozzarella in a wine sauce,
served with potatoes and
fresh vegetables.
Alla Vincenzo
Sautéed with fresh
tomatoes, lump crab meat,
shrimp, mushrooms and
fresh basil in wine sauce
and served with potatoes
and fresh vegetables.
Cioppinno
Fragrant Italian fish stew,
with mussels, lobster, clams,
fish, shrimp, scallops, and
calamari simmered with
tomatoes, onion and fennel
with roasted garlic crostini.
311 MANSION STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-0200 l iccaracapemay.com

[148] food & drink
Jardin at the hugh
A mindful, restorative dining experience just steps away from the center of town — welcome to an entirely new eatery!
WHERE IS IT? Inside The Hugh Boutique Bed and Breakfast on
Washington Street, next door to City Hall.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Jardin is a French cuisine restaurant new
to the Cape May dining scene. The same team behind the Hugh
Bed and Breakfast, John and Sandy Vizzone and partner Chef
Michael Schultz, are introducing some new flair to Washington
Street.
The Vizzones always dreamt of incorporating a gourmet
restaurant into their bed and breakfast. When introduced to
Chef Michael Schultz, their philosophies aligned to create an
eco-friendly restaurant with polished food and service. The
restaurant’s chic design reflects the boldness of the owners
and the ultra-creative menu is a direct result of Chef Michael
returning to the stove and carefully creating each dish. When
searching for the perfect date night, look to Jardin for a new
experience.
Jardin — meaning “garden”— influences the diverse, fresh
menu items. They rely on local farms and organic products
as much as possible. Eighty percent of the items are sourced
from within 500 miles — including Beach Plum Farm and Linda
Conover of Wood Song farm in nearby Rio Grande — and
all standards and practices of these sources are thoroughly
researched. Enjoy a mindful experience and feel good about
what you are eating with every bite.
You won’t find any red meat or pork at Jardin, but you can
enjoy dishes with local chicken, eggs and seafood — or opt for
their full-vegan menu. Indulge in artisanal breads baked from
ancient grains, spread with cashew cheeses and plant-based
butter cream — you would never know the difference. Expand
your palate with the artistic delicacies of Jardin — there’s nothing
else like it on the island.
INSIDER TIP Menu items change with the seasons and what can
be sourced — there will always be something new to try. Reserve
and pay for your Jardin experience on their reservation portal.
HIGHLIGHTS
Faux Gras Paté Maison
Seasonal local jam, mini
brioche and whipped
blackcurrant truffle crème.
Housemade Tagliatelle
“Primavera”
Spring herb pistou,
summer truffles, Beach
Plum Farm daily harvest
vegetables and cured egg
yolk “parmesan.”
Farm-Raised
Maine Scallops
Puffed lentil granola,
gooseberries, hemp,
pumpkin seed and
pomegranate.
Woodsong Farm Golden
Chestnut Mushroom
Forest Tart
Chervil and birch.
Nourish Plant-Based
Creamery Cashew
Blue Cheese
Waldorf garnishes,
champagne grape gelee,
charred apple, walnut,
candied celery, sucrine
lettuce and black pepper.
Senat Farms
Organic Chicken
Fig, pear and polenta
“chicharrones.”
Almond Creme Caramel
Local cherry confit and
cardinal basil.
653 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-435-5458 l thehughinn.com

[149] food & drink
Jumbo’s grub & pub
Indulge in steaks, gourmet pizzas or some cocktails at the Founders Bar, while enjoying the views of the boardwalk
WHERE IS IT? Let the glow of the Giant Ferris
Wheel take you to Morey’s Mariner’s Pier and
the smell of fresh boardwalk pizza bring you to
Jumbo’s.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Jersey Fresh is the flavor at
Jumbo’s. Enjoy re-imagined boardwalk classics in a
family-friendly atmosphere overlooking Wildwood’s
award-winning beaches and Morey’s Mariner’s Pier.
Jumbo’s offers full-service dining so bring
your appetite and feast on pizza, sandwiches,
salads, soups and more. Menu items include fried
mozzarella balls, nachos, cobb salad, multiple styles
of cheesesteaks and chicken cheesesteaks and, of
course, Jumbo’s famous 24-inch pizza pies. Treat
your friends to a basket of Chef Wally’s famous
Cuban-spiced fries or quench your thirst with a
variety of craft beers, frozen drinks and wines. The
housemade twin Maryland Crab Cakes are a Morey
favorite, paired with a house margarita or daiquiri.
Jumbo’s offers a heated outdoor deck to allow
guests a comfortable dining experience, even on
chilly evenings. This back deck is also home to the
Founders Pub, so be sure to stop by one of the
newest spots to grab a cold one with your family or
friends. Jumbo’s also offers a children’s menu and
is open every day for lunch and dinner throughout
the summer. Be sure to bring your appetite
because they don’t call it Jumbo’s for nothing!
INSIDER TIP Jumbo’s is the perfect spot to
host a birthday dinner or any special event. Visit
moreyspiers.com for hours, menu and group dining
offerings. Follow Jumbo’s Grub & Pub on Facebook
and Instagram for specials, offers and more!
HIGHLIGHTS
Signature Beach Burger
Bacon, lettuce, tomato,
beer-battered onion rings,
American cheese and
special sauce.
Baja Bang Bang Shrimp
The classic with a Mexican
twist. Crispy fried shrimp,
shaved lettuce and green
onions with housemade
chipotle-sweet chili sauce.
Jumbo’s Famous
24” Pizza Pies
Cheese, Pepperoni,
Veggie White,
Four Cheese Whit,
Cheesesteak and more!
They use unbleached flour
and 100% Italian sea salt
in the pizza dough.
Fish and Chips
Beer-battered Alaskan
cod, with French fries,
coleslaw and tartar sauce.
Lobster and Shrimp Roll
Celery seed, pickled red
onion and bibb lettuce,
served on a grilled New
England-style lobster roll.
Tacky with a Capital T
Rum, lime juice, fresh
mint, fresh watermelon,
and simple syrup. Topped
with club soda.
Surfcoaster
Sassy and sweet West
Indies specialty of spiced
rum, pineapple and
creamy coconut.
MARINER’S PIER @ SCHELLENGER AVENUE l WILDWOOD l 609-729-3700 l moreyspiers.com

[150] food & drink
Lobster house
Fresh seafood by the docks, sipping on cool drinks, taking in the harbor scene... it’s classic Cape May dining!
WHERE IS IT? You can’t miss The
Lobster House. Not unless you fly
into Cape May by helicopter (and
even then...) or you’re sitting in the
passenger seat of the car with a
blindfold on as you cross the bridge.
WHY SHOULD I GO? It would be
like visiting Paris and leaving the Eiffel
Tower off your itinerary. The Lobster
House is at the heart of the harbor,
the second-biggest fishing port on the
eastern seaboard. It has a commercial
fleet, a fish market and the busiest
restaurant in town.
There are many different dining
options. The main restaurant comprises
a number of picturesque rooms
overlooking the harbor, and serves
a varied menu that’s crammed with
the freshest seafood, but also offers
classics like prime rib, New York strip
steak and various chicken dishes.
Then there’s the unmissable Raw
Bar, by the docks, where you can sit
with a pitcher of beer, tucking into
lobster and crab.
The 146-foot Schooner American
is a wonderful place to enjoy an outdoor
cocktail and also has its own
food menu.
INSIDER TIP The Lobster House also
has takeout and a coffee shop that’s a
great breakfast spot!
HIGHLIGHTS
Chilled Shellfish Combo
Three clams, three shrimp
and crab fingers, served
with cocktail sauce and
lemon.
Baked Clams Casino
Fresh clams, peppers,
celery, onions, herbs
and bacon, baked to
perfection.
Homemade Snapper
Soup
A rich turtle soup served
with sherry.
Maryland Blue Claw
Crabs
Hot and spicy by the
dozen or half-dozen.
Jumbo, large and medium
sizes available.
Steamed Whole Lobster
With a baked potato and a
fresh ear of corn. There’s
no better place to eat it.
Baby Back Spare Ribs
Char-broiled over an
open flame with barbecue
sauce, served with freshcut
onion rings and
coleslaw.
Harbor Burger
Topped with shrimp salad,
provolone and cheddar
cheese, served with handcut
fries.
Lobster Salad Roll
Delicious, especially when
washed down with a cold
beer as you sit by the
docks.
FISHERMAN’S WHARF l CAPE MAY l 609-884-8296 l thelobsterhouse.com

[151] food & drink
Louisa’s Café
Celebrating more than 40 years of food made with love and pure ingredients. This is a meal you are going to cherish!
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? Just off the mall, on
beautiful Jackson Street.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Long before the
farm-to-table trend took hold, Louisa’s
espoused this philosophy, serving food
to match. The iconic eatery opened in
1980 and has been dishing out fresh,
delicious food in their historic little
building in the 40-plus years since.
The menu is all regional fare — fish
caught from the Atlantic Ocean and
Delaware Bay, plus vegetables, fruits,
herbs (and beautiful fresh flowers) from
West Cape May’s Beach Plum Farm
and other New Jersey farms.
The kitchen philosophy is to cook
simple, expertly seasoned dishes that
are lovingly prepared and made from
fresh, first-rate ingredients.
The menu changes often, but the
one constant you’ll find here is their
dedication to a great dining experience.
INSIDER TIP Because Louisa’s is
small AND very popular, reservations
are highly recommended — they’re
accepted up to a month in advance.
Crab Cakes
If they aren’t already, they
will likely become one of
your favorite dishes here.
Served with homemade
tartare sauce.
Snapper Bluefish
If you like your fish with a
kick, this is the one to try.
With hot pepper spices.
Homemade Seasonal
Soups
Made daily with the
freshest ingredients from
Beach Plum Farm. In
summer months, try the
famous chilled corn and
buttermilk soup.
Seasonal Toasts on
Portuguese Bread
Toppings include crisp
radishes and creamy herb
butter or sautéed leeks
and gorgonzola.
Cape May Scallops
Simple, fresh and
delicious Just like food
should taste. With tamari
and fresh ginger.
Dark Chocolate
Bread Pudding
Louisa’s is famous for its
homemade desserts. Try
this one and you will see
why. Served with caramel
sauce and sea salt
104 JACKSON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-5882 l louisascapemay.com

[152] food & drink
NICK FILET
After wowing customers in the Philly suburbs, this unmissable new eatery is on the beachfront. Prepare to feast!
WHERE IS IT? Located on Cape May’s beautiful
beachfront, between Perry and Jackson.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Because we really ARE
talking about the ultimate comfort food here!
Imagine succulet filet mignon served on a toasted
sandwich, with melted cheese (and lobster, if you
want to ratchet up the indulgence factor).
There’s always something reassuring about an
eatery that basically does one thing — because you
know it’s going to be really good. Such is the case at
Nick Filet, which opened on the beachfront in the
summer of 2019. It’s their third location — Nick Filet
originally launched in Paoli, Pennsylvania, and later
added another eatery in nearby Wayne.
The Cape May beachfront is a place where Nick
feels comfortable, having cut his teeth managing
Quincy’s Original Lobster Rolls, located a little
further down the road.
After coming up with his idea for the new
eatery, Nick made 10 sandwiches for three friends,
testing out different spices and recipes. “These three
girls, who were notoriously shy eaters, destroyed
these 10 sandwiches in about 10 minutes. They
couldn’t put them down,” says Nick. “I knew we were
on the verge of something pretty big.”
Sink your teeth into one of Nick’s sandwiches
and you will very likely feel the same way.
INSIDER TIP The Cape May location is open from
April every year, while the Nick Filets in Paoli and
Wayne are open daily year-round.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Nick Filet
Quarter pound of
succulent filet mignon on a
kaiser roll. Add any cheese
or additional toppings.
The Big Nick
Half pound of filet mignon
on a kaiser roll.
Nicky Hollywood
Provolone, pineapple,
BBQ sauce, jalapenos and
bacon on a toasted kaiser
with either a quarter, half
or a pound of filet mignon.
Bold ’N Smokey
Cheddar, BBQ sauce and
crispy fried onions on
a toaster kaiser with a
quarter, half or a pound of
filet mignon.
Lobster Roll
New England style.
Surf & Turf
Half pound of filet mignon
and lobster on a club roll.
Mac & Cheese
Mix it up by adding filet
mignon, lobster — or both!
Grilled Cheese
The classic. Done right.
Salad
Spinach with tomatoes,
cucumbers, carrots. Add
filet, lobster (or both).
Fries
Either plain, Old Bay or
Parmesan Truffle.
Filet Bites
Cut the carbs! Served
either regular or with
spicy seasoning.
316 BEACH AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-600-3816 l nickfilet.com

[153] food & drink
Ocean View
Classic downhome dishes, a beautiful view of the beach... and very affordable prices
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? Beachfront at Grant Avenue.
WHY SHOULD I GO? This classic family restaurant recently got
a beautiful makeover. Something that hasn’t changed? It’s still
beloved by locals and savvy tourists. Although the Ocean View is
famous for its breakfasts, it’s also an excellent and wallet-friendly
venue for lunch and dinner.
Few things in life are more satisfying than sliding into a
comfortable restaurant booth and feasting your eyes on a menu
that’s full of mouthwatering options. (Or you can sit yourself at the
counter for a classic diner experience.)
A favorite entrée is chicken of the sea — breast stuffed with
crabmeat and topped with shrimp sauce. And when all that beach
play gives you an appetite, the Ocean View has a great lunch
menu, including a roast turkey pita, or shrimp salad pita, Philly
cheesesteak wrap, Italian sausage wrap, and a whole lot more.
INSIDER TIP Don’t miss the Early Bird Dinners, served noon-5pm.
Crab Cake Bites
Wasabi dipping sauce.
Ocean View Omelette
Ham, mushrooms, onions,
peppers and cheese.
Philly Cheesesteak Wrap
The classic comfort food.
Monterey Chicken Panini
A favorite sandwich.
Seafood Combination
Lobster, shrimp, flounder,
crabmeat, scallops, fish.
Tasty Salads
Includes Greek, kale and
quinoa, tuna, buffalo
chicken, shrimp and more!
Crab Imperial
En Casserole
A classic comfort food.
Penne Á La Siciliana
Peppers, provolone
cheese, chopped tomato,
basil, olive oil and garlic.
Chicken Scampi
Over linguine.
Lobster Tail and
Filet Mignon
Stuffed shrimp, mushrooms
or shrimp and scallops.
Eggplant Parmigiana
With spaghetti.
Seafood Combination
Flounder, shrimp, scallops,
oyster, deviled crab.
Baked Virginia-Style Ham
With sweet sauce.
Broiled Boneless
Strip Steak
With onion rings.
Stuffed Mushrooms
With crabmeat.
BEACH AVENUE @ GRANT l CAPE MAY l 484-344-5561 l oceanviewrestaurant.com

[154] food & drink
Stubborn Brothers Beach Bar & Grille
Steps from the famous boardwalk, a relaxing, tropical venue with delicious food and entertainment
WHERE IS IT? Morey’s Surfside Pier
at 25th Street and the beach.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Sibling
rivalry never tasted so good. Morey
brothers, Will and Jack, spent years
just agreeing on a name for this place,
but they both agree that it’s where
families, friends and foes come to
eat, drink, laugh and settle their
family disputes. Mind you, it’s hard to
squabble when you have ocean views
and ice-cold brews. It’s a great spot to
grab some shade and a bite to eat.
Share, or don’t share, some
homemade guacamole, shrimp
quesadilla, wings, or some Nor’Easter
Nachos. Other favorites include
the homemade crab cake sandwich,
signature salad, Baja fish tacos and
buffalo chicken wrap.
And if you must throw down
(some drinks, that is), we suggest
trying their blueberry piña colada or
pirate punch.
You gotta love family. No,
seriously — mom said so. And she also
said you’re buying!
INSIDER TIP Live music daily
and two-hour validated parking is
available in the lot at Juniper and
Ocean. Visit moreyspiers.com for
hours, menu and entertainment.
Follow them on social media for
specials and promos.
HIGHLIGHTS
Sibling’s Signature Salad
Field greens, strawberries,
blueberries, goat cheese,
candid pecans, house
balsamic vinaigrette.
Baja Fish Tacos
Beer-battered cod, Baja
slaw and lime crema in
flour tortillas.
Quinoa Bowl
Shaved Brussels sprouts,
arugula, candied walnuts,
avocado with orange
vinaigrette.
California Burger
Signature blend topped
with cheddar cheese,
house guacamole, lettuce
and tomato.
Stuffed Jersey Tomato
Jersey tomato stuffed with
lobster and shrimp salad.
Shrimp Quesadilla
Shrimp, black bean and
corn salad, and cheddar
jack cheese. Served with
sour cream and salsa.
26th Street Fries
Tossed in Old Bay, served
with white cheddar.
Blueberry Pina Colada
Made with Cape May
Distillery’s Blueberry Rum
and blended with fresh
blueberries.
Pirate Punch
A perfectly blended
concoction of light
and dark rum, a light
blackberry brandy and
banana liqueur.
MOREY’S SURFSIDE PIER @ 25 TH STREET l WILDWOOD l 609-729-3700 l moreyspiers.com

[155] food & drink
Taco Caballito Tequileria
Authentic Mexican cuisine with over 70 tequilas to choose from right on the beachfront
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? ºn the beachfront at the corner of
Beach and Decatur. The same food menu is also
offered at the Logan Township location.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Enjoy some of the best
modern Mexican and artisanal tequila on the
beachfront. The team behind the former Cabanas
switched things up for their newest venture — Taco
Caballito Tequileria.
It might be the same wonderful beachfront
location as before, but this is an entirely new foodand-drink
experience. No wonder they’ve been
enjoying rave reviews since opening last summer.
Head over from the beach to grab a quick bite and
a couple drinks to enjoy to-go in your beach chair
or kick back in the vibrant, spacious dining room.
Taco Caballito is your destination for a no-shower
happy hour after a long day in the sun. How does a
delicious blood orange margarita and chicken tinga
tacos sound? They also offer meatless choices,
including avocado and Brussels sprouts.
The Tequileria offers over 70 different brands,
many of them from small artisan distilleries. From
Blanco and Reposado to Añejo and Mezcal — take
your pick! Enjoy a sweet, classic margarita with
a salted rim or a spicy jalapeño margarita with a
chipotle salt rim.
Not a tequila fan? Don’t worry — you can still
sip on the famous Cabanas Orange Crush, their
rotating draft beer or variety of reds and whites.
Taco Caballito is great for the entire family.
The kids’ menu offers a scoop of ice cream with
every meal. Enter full vacation mode at this
beacon of eclectic Mexican food and handcrafted
cocktails.
INSIDER TIP Ask about their variety of meal kits
and enjoy their most popular menu items at home!
Tijuana Street Fries
French fries topped with
carne asada, pico de gallo,
queso blanco and a blend
of Mexican spices.
Nachos Grande
Four-cheese blend of
Oaxaca, jack, cheddar
and cotija, choice of beef,
chicken or carne asada,
pico de gallo, guacamole,
crema, jalapeño over
tortilla chips.
Mexican Street Bowl
Blistered corn, cotija
cheese, roasted jalapeño,
pico de gallo, avocado,
crispy tortilla chips,
chipotle aioli radish
served over Mexican rice.
Fried Avocado Taco
Street corn, mango salsa,
Monterey jack cheese,
jalapeño ranch and
cilantro in a corn tortilla.
Short Rib Bahn Mi
Marinated short rib,
sriracha mayo, pickled
onion, carrots, radish,
cilantro on a bao bun.
Prickly Pear
Patron Silver, Cointreau,
prickly pear juice, fresh
squeezed lime, cane sugar
syrup with sugar rim.
Smokey Pinata
Del Maguey Vida, Sauza
Blue tequila, muddled
pineapple, jalapeño, fresh
squeezed lime, agave,
Cointreau with sugar rim.
429 BEACH AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-4800 l tacocaballitotequileria.com

[156] food & drink
VIGGIANO’S ON SUNSET
Want to be transported to southern Italy? Take a trip to this irresistible restaurant on Sunset. Enter as friends, leave as family.
WHERE IS IT? In the colorful stretch
of buildings on Sunset Boulevard,
across from Exit Zero Filling Station.
WHY SHOULD I GO? The food
at this BYO will transport you to
southern Italy. It’s that authentic.
Viggiano’s was an instant hit after
opening in the summer of 2019 — New
Jersey Monthly named it one of the
state’s 30 Best New Restaurants.
Owner/chef Mark Viggiano is the
son of first-generation Italians — his
grandparents came to America in
the late 1800s, bringing with them
the recipes of Bel Paese, aka the
beautiful country. The best childhood
memories of Mark and his 10 siblings
center around memorable family
dinners.
Mark and his wife Lisa, a
registered nurse, already operate the
original Viggiano’s, an acclaimed spot
in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. In
the Cape May kitchen, the concept
thankfully remains the same: familystyle
service and food made from
scratch, using fresh ingredients
sourced as locally as possible.
The menu items, though they may
look familiar, won’t taste like the
Americanized take on Italian food
you’ve likely encountered before.
“We pride ourselves on our chicken
parm,” Mark says. “It sounds simple,
but we do it to order so it’s as fresh as
possible, with the perfect amount of
crunch.”
But it’s not just the food that’s
been given the caring attention of
the owner, it’s the space. The vibe is
old-world Italian, meaning plenty of
stone and tile, all laid by Mark and a
friend.
From start to finish, this
restaurant experience has been
curated by the Viggiano family.
The cherry on top of the sundae?
Or, should we say, the powdered
sugar on top of the cannoli? There’s
plenty of free parking, which makes it
that much easier to buon appetito.
INSIDER TIP You have the option
of two entrée sizes: piccolo (feeds
one to two) or grande (feeds three to
four).
HIGHLIGHTS
Appetizer Sampler
Calamari, stuffed cheese
wedges, sausage-stuffed
mushrooms, tomato and
mozzarella.
Antipasto Plate
An Italian festival of
Kalamata olives, marinated
artichoke hearts, roasted
peppers, marinated fresh
mozzarella, Genoa salami
cones filled with basil
cream cheese, along with
prosciutto and provolonestuffed
cherry peppers,
topped with shaved
prosciutto.
Eggplant Parmesan
Viggiano’s original red
sauce and Italian cheeses.
Cavatappi and Chicken
Fresh rosa sauce.
Gnocchi with
Baby Meatballs
Sautéed in rosa sauce,
topped with ricotta.
Rigatoni with Mussels
Garlic butter, red wine
sauce.
Sautéed Veal and Shrimp
Roasted peppers,
pomodoro sauce.
Chicken Marsala
Boneless breasts sautéed
in a wild mushroom
marsala wine demi-glace.
Grilled Salmon
Cooked over open coals,
with Roma tomatoes and
capers in a lemon butter
Chardonnay sauce.
109 SUNSET BOULEVARD l WEST CAPE MAY l 609-435-5026 l viggianosbyob.com

[157] food & drink
Vincenzo’s Little Italy & Pizzeria
Want home-cooked food that will satisfy you, your family, AND your wallet? Guess what — you found it.
WHERE IS IT? Go over the West Cape May
bridge and head toward the ferry. Turn right
at Bayshore Road and drive a half-mile —
Vincenzo’s is on your left, across the street
from Wawa.
WHY SHOULD I GO? This is a REAL Italian
restaurant, reasonably priced and familyfriendly,
with food that will have you talking
with your hands... Italian style.
So what’s the restaurant like? It’s bright,
spacious, adorned with charming Italian
murals, and it smells like all the best things to
ever come out of your grandmother’s kitchen,
including sauce pies, pizza, pasta dishes and
mouth-watering seafood entrées. And the
staff... they’re as friendly as an old-fashioned
Italian grandma, too. You’ll also love the cozy
booths — perfect for an intimate meal.
Everything on the menu is served at the
height of freshness. All dishes are prepared
in the traditional Italian way, so if you’ve been
craving something just like mama (or grandma)
used to make, you won’t get closer than you
will here. The portions are generous, too,
because you should eat — it’s a good thing.
INSIDER TIP Vincenzo just expanded his
pizzeria section and it can now host bigger
groups and even private parties. And be sure
to check out their sister restaurant, Iccara
Italian Bistro, in the heart of Cape May.
HIGHLIGHTS
Vongole Alla Casino
Clams blended with
onions, green pepper
and Italian breadcrumbs,
topped with bacon and
baked to perfection.
Penne Alla Giovanni
White cream sauce with
broccoli, red peppers,
sundried tomatoes and
grilled chicken breast over
penne pasta.
Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Shrimp sautéed in garlic
with a spicy marinara
sauce over pasta. One of
the house favorites.
Flounder Mediterranean
Broiled flounder with
seasoned fresh tomatoes
and fresh herbs.
Veal Alla Vincenzo
Tender milk-fed veal
sautéed with butter, fresh
tomatoes, lump crabmeat,
mushrooms, herbs in a
wine sauce.
Chicken Saltimbocca
Alla Romana
Sautéed in butter, topped
with ham and melted
mozzarella cheese. What’s
not to love?
3704 BAYSHORE ROAD l NORTH CAPE MAY l 609-889-6610

Cool Cape May
restaurant guide
Telephone
all 609 code
Dishes
Served
Liquor
Served?
Need to
Reserve?
Wheelchair
Accessible?
Credit
Cards?
Onsite
Parking?
Is there
Takeout?
Food for
Kids?
Aleathea’s 884-5555 B, L, D BAR NO YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES YES
Beach Creek 522-1062 D BAR NO YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES YES
Beach Plum Farm Kitchen 602-0128 B, L, D BYOB NO YES V, MC, AE, D YES NO YES
Blue Pig Tavern 884-8422 B, L, D BAR YES YES V, MC, AE, D VALET NO YES
Boiler Room 884-8421 L, D BAR YES NO V, MC, AE, D VALET NO YES
Cape May Fish Market 770-3790 L, D BYOB NO YES V, MC, AE, D NO YES YES
Delaney’s Irish Bar & Grill 770-8559 L, D BAR NO YES V, MC, AE, D NO YES YES
Eat Well 600-7077 L, D BYOB NO YES V, MC, AE, D NO YES YES
Ebbitt Room 884-5700 D BAR YES NO V, MC, AE, D VALET NO NO
El Pueblo Taqueria 600-3793 L, D BYOB NO YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES YES
E.M. Hemingway’s 884-5611 B, L, D BAR NO YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES YES
Exit Zero Filling Station 770-8479 B, L, D BAR NO YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES YES
Fins Bar & Grille 884-3449 L, D BAR NO YES V, MC, AE, D NO YES YES
5 West Pub 889-7000 L, D BAR NO YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES YES
410 Bank Street 884-2127 D BYOB YES NO V, MC, AE, D YES NO YES
George’s Place 884-6088 B, L, D BYOB NO YES CASH ONLY NO YES YES
Harbor View 884-5444 L, D BAR NO YES V, MC YES YES YES
Harpoons on the Bay 886-5529 L, D BAR NO YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES YES
Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille 88-HARRY B, L, D BAR 8 or more YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES YES
Iccara Italian Bistro 884-0200 D BYOB YES YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES YES
Jardin 435-5458 D BYOB YES NO V, MC, D NO NO NO
Joe’s Fish Co. 729-3700 L, D BAR NO YES V, MC, AE, D NO YES YES
Jumbo’s 729-3700 L, D BAR NO YES V, MC, AE, D NO YES YES
Lobster House 884-8296 L, D BAR NO YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES YES
Louisa’s Café 884-5882 L, D BYOB YES YES CASH ONLY NO YES NO
Mad Batter 884-5970 B, L, D BAR NO NO V, MC, AE, D NO YES YES

Cool Cape May
restaurant guide
Telephone
all 609 code
Dishes
Served
Liquor
Served?
Need to
Reserve?
Wheelchair
Accessible?
Credit
Cards?
Onsite
Parking?
Is there
Takeout?
Food for
Kids?
Magnolia Room 884-8409 B, D BAR YES YES V, MC, AE, D NO YES YES
Mario’s Pizza 884-0085 L, D BYOB NO YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES YES
Merion Inn 884-8363 D BAR YES YES V, MC, AE, D YES NO YES
Nick Filet 600-3816 L, D NO NO YES V, MC, AE, D NO YES YES
Oceanview 884-3772 B, L, D BYOB NO YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES YES
On The Rocks 770-8479 BRUNCH, D BAR NO YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES YES
Oyster Bay 884-2111 D BAR YES YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES YES
Peter Shields Inn 884-9090 D BYOB YES NO V, MC, AE, D NO YES NO
Pigdog Beach Bar 729-3700 L, D BAR NO YES V, MC, AE, D NO YES YES
Quincy’s Lobster Rolls 600-3571 L, D BYOB NO YES V, MC, AE, D NO YES YES
Rusty Nail 884-0017 B, L, D BAR NO YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES YES
Saltwater Cafe 884-2403 B, L BYOB NO YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES YES
Sapore Italiano 600-1422 D BYOB NO YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES YES
SeaSalt 884-7000 B, L, D BAR NO YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES YES
Shamone 884-6088 D BYOB YES YES CASH ONLY NO NO NO
Stubborn Brothers 729-3700 L, D BAR NO YES V, MC, AE, D NO YES YES
Taco Caballito Tequileria 844-4800 L, D BAR NO YES V, MC, AE, D NO YES YES
Tisha’s Fine Dining 884-9119 L, D BYOB YES YES V, MC, AE, D NO YES (B, L) YES
Ugly Mug 884-3459 L, D BAR NO YES V, MC, AE, D NO YES YES
Uncle Bill’s Pancakes 884-7199 B, L BYOB NO YES NONE, ATM YES YES YES
Union Park 884-8811 D BYOB YES YES V, MC, AE, D NO YES NO
Viggiano’s on Sunset 435-5026 D BYOB YES YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES YES
Vincenzo’s Little Italy 889-6610 L, D BYOB YES YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES YES
Vintage 224-6064 BRUNCH, D BYOB YES YES V, MC, AE, D YES YES NO
Washington Inn 884-5697 D BAR YES YES V, MC, AE, D VALET YES YES
Younger Brother 898-2009 BRUNCH, D BYOB YES YES V, MC, AE, D NO YES NO

Cafés & Ice Cream
Want to start your day with gourmet coffee, whether it be
draft latte, cold brew or espresso? Or maybe you want to end
your day with a sweet treat. Look no further... pleasures lie ahead.

[162] cafés & ice cream
out there Coffee
Right in the center of town, an innovative coffee shop selling the whole gamut of gourmet drinks... and über-tasty treats
WHERE IS IT? In the Washingon Commons center,
near the ACME grocery store.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Because there aren’t many
better ways to kickstart your Cape May day — Out
There Coffee gets rave reviews for a good reason. This
cool coffee shop is the brainchild of 30-something
husband-and-wife team Nikki Neilson and Craig
Stonis, who’ve been “out there” themselves — they
once quit their jobs as dental hygenist and carpenter,
respectively, to travel the country with their dog
in a 24-foot trailer. Between hiking, biking, skiing
and canoeing (and taste testing from some of the
nation’s most innovative coffee shops) the couple
envisioned a future that would be fulfilling, artisanal
and community-minded. They combined Nikki’s
experience as a barista in Oregon with Craig’s passion
for home-roasting... and Out There Coffee was born.
This isn’t just a career — it’s a way to connect.
Nikki and Craig showcase the work of locals artists
and work with other businesses on cool, tasty
collaborations. Recently, they helped the local Gusto
Brewing Co develop an Out There English ale infused
with their Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee beans. As a
socially conscious startup, Out There also espouses
an eco-friendly ethos — think stainless steel straws and
upcycled countertops. Bring your own to-go cup and
you’ll receive 10% off your order!
And the menu offerings? Exciting and creative, as
you might expect. Whether you’re looking for a coffee
shop standard or something a bit more inventive, you
can be sure all treats are scratch-made locally with
gluten-free and healthy snack options.
INSIDER TIP Loyalty program means every 10 visits
will earn you a free beverage of your choice.
HIGHLIGHTS
Espresso and Coffee
Organic, single origin,
locally roasted to
perfection.
On Tap Offerings
Includes smooth, naturally
sweet Nitro Cold Brew.
Superfood Lattes
Delicious and vibrant!
Favorites include Ruby
Ginger and Golden Chai.
Frozen Drinks
You have to love frozen hot
chocolate with single-origin
Peruvian chocolate sauce
from Holy Kakow.
Smoothies
Whole food smoothies
include the Green Machine
or Zesty Orchard.
Gluten-Free Baked Goods
Housemade GF goodies
and a rotating selection of
healthy energy balls.
Toasts
Avocado on locally made
multigrain or honey oat
gluten-free bread.
Cashew Coffee
Whole cashews and
coconut oil are blended
into delicious organic
Guatemalan coffee.
Firehouse Donuts
Scratch-made, so good.
Big Tea Selection
It’s not ALL about the
coffee!
Hydration Station
Teas and lemonades from
Humankind Water.
WASHINGTON COMMONS, 315 OCEAN STREET l CAPE MAY l outtherecoffee@gmail.com l outtherecoffee.com

[164] cafés & ice cream
PEACE PIE
What started as a treat for family and friends has become a tasty, East Coast phenom. One taste and you’ll understand why.
WHERE IS IT? Carpenter’s Lane
between Jackson and Decatur.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Once upon a
time, Jerry Klause made what he called
an ice cream pecan pie lasagna for
family and friends. And, boy, did they
love it. Jerry realized he had stumbled
across a delicious creation that would
cater to the masses and the Klause
family set out to share their sandwiches
at farmers markets and festivals.
In 2015, the first brick-and-mortar
establishment opened in Cape May.
The growing success of Peace Pie led
to the opening of three more locations
— Ventnor City on the Jersey Shore;
Charleston, South Carolina; and St
Augustine, Florida.
The success story continues...
BuzzFeed listed Peace Pie as one
of the top 25 ice cream sandwiches
in the country; their Insider Dessert
video shot in St Augustine went viral
with more than a million views; and a
Charleston store was featured on The
Baker Sisters on Food Network Canada.
INSIDER TIP The Peace Pie family fully
support the racism is wrong campaign
led by local couple Mal and Dottie
Knapp. Note the sticker in the window!
HIGHLIGHTS
Salted Caramel Brownie
Vanilla ice cream, salted
caramel, brownies,
chocolate cookie.
Mint Choc Chip
Mint chocolate chip ice
cream, chocolate mousse,
chocolate cookie.
Peanut Butter Chiffon
Chocolate ice cream,
peanut butter chiffon,
shortbread cookie.
Molten Chocolate
Chocolate ice cream,
chocolate mousse,
chocolate cookie.
The Elvis
Chocolate ice cream,
peanut butter mousse,
banana butter, chocolate
cookie.
Pecan Pie
Vanilla ice cream,
maple pecan pie filling,
shortbread cookie.
Salted Caramel Apple
Vanilla ice cream, salted
caramel, apple pie filling,
cinnamon cookie.
Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry ice cream,
vanilla mousse, shortbread
cookie.
Candy Bar
Chocolate ice cream,
walnuts, caramel, peanut
butter chiffon, chocolate
cookie.
326 CARPENTER’S LANE l CAPE MAY l 609-435-5321 l peacepieworld.com

[165] cafés & ice cream
Antojos
It’s called Mexican cravings for a reason... you WILL crave the ice cream, toppings, fresh fruit, smoothies and more!
WHERE IS IT? At the Cape Plaza center on Bayshore
Road, a short drive north of Cape May.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Your tastebuds will demand
it! Owner Jehovanny Nuñez, aka G, who many will
recall from his years serving up the goods at Big Wave
Burritos, opened his Mexican dessert eatery last year
and has been receiving rave reviews ever since.
This is dessert as you’ve probably never tasted
it. And well worth the trip! Try the chamoyada, a cup
of frozen and fresh mango drizzled with sweet-andsour
chamoy. Other highlights include ice cream
sandwiched in concha rolls and the wildly original
tostilocos — a bag of Hot Cheetos which gets ripped
open and is given a riotous treatment that includes hot
sauce, lime juice and Japanese peanuts. “It’s superweird,”
says Jehovanny. “But people love it.”
INSIDER TIP Also check out the insanely good
Mexican food served up by G’s brother Ruben at El
Pueblo Taqueria, just a few doors down.
HIGHLIGHTS
Churros
Freshly prepared per
order and can be topped
off with your choice of ice
cream and/or choice of
sauce on the side.
Chamoyadas
Choice of sorbet topped
off with fresh mango,
chamoy, tajin, lime juice
and a tamarindo straw.
Crepes
Not your usual crepes —
these are prepared with a
Mexican twist.
Tostilocos
Choice of bag of chips
topped off with salsa
valentina, chamoy, tajin,
cueritos (pickled pork
skins), lime juice and
Japanese peanuts.
Fresas Con Crema
Fresh strawberries topped
off with the homemade
crema and whip cream.
Concha Ice Cream
Sandwich
Traditional Mexican bread
filled with a scoop of your
favorite ice cream.
Paletas
Variety of Mexicanflavored
popsicles.
Ice Cream
Thirteen different flavors
to choose from — and
there are always dairyfree
options.
Fresh Fruit Smoothies
Refreshingly good.
3704 BAYSHORE ROAD l NORTH CAPE MAY l 609-551-2498

Wineries,
Breweries
& Distilleries
The New York Times raved about the wine in Cape May
County. Now we’ve got breweries and distilleries turning this
area into the east coast version of Napa. Explore and enjoy!

[168] wineries, breweries & distilleries
Cape May Brewing Co.
Happy tenth anniversary to a regional phenomenon. Try the beers and you’ll be celebrating, too!
WHERE IS IT? At Cape May Airport, a veritable
vehicular stone’s throw from Cape May!
WHY SHOULD I GO? Because beer is awesome!
CMBC began 10 years ago, with three guys making
one beer in a 1,500-square-foot space. Now, they’ve
got nearly 90,000 square feet of space, their own
distributorship, and offer more than 100 flagship,
seasonal, and small-batch brews. Their original space
is now dedicated to experimental brewing — sour
beers, barrel-aged brews, and whatnot — with a
separate, industrial brewing building across the way.
The sour brewery’s got an interactive, self-guided
tour, designed in a style reminiscent of Wildwood
boardwalk. Play games, pose for photos and learn
how grain, hops, yeast and water become beer. The
CMBC Tasting Room has 23 taps — so there’s sure to
be something on tap for every taste. Get a flight of
four beers with a souvenir glass or try one of Cape
May’s new, gluten-free, all-natural hard seltzers and
take it out into the Beer Garden to enjoy. Recently
expanded and renovated, the Beer Garden is the
perfect place to quaff your new favorite brew. Or
visit the new Brewtanical Garden! Recently created
with its own entrance behind the brewery, the
Brewtanical Garden is a socially-distant wooded glen,
perfect for finding your new favorite beer.
CMBC has handcrafted, homemade sodas
for the kiddies and your faithful designated driver.
Before you leave, be sure to check out the gift shop,
The Brewtique. You’ll find great deals on comfy swag,
as well as beer-to-go in six-packs, cases, or kegs
INSIDER TIP New Jersey law doesn’t allow
production breweries to serve food, but feel free to
bring your own!
HIGHLIGHTS
Cape May IPA
A gateway IPA, this beer
emphasizes a ton of hop
flavor and aroma, but
none of the bitterness. A
favorite of both hopheads
and casual beer drinkers.
Coastal Evacuation
Hurricane season hits
hard, and CMBC hits
back with this Double IPA.
Tons of Centennial hops
dominate the flavor from
start to finish.
Cape May White
Brewed with orange and
lemon peels, coriander,
grains of paradise, and our
favorite Belgian Witbier
yeast. Fruity esters upfront
with an easy-drinking
finish.
The Bog
This cranberry wheat ale is
blended with lemonade to
create the perfect summer
shandy. Sure to be light
and refreshing while still
packing tons of flavor.
Tan Limes
Persian lime juice and
locally sourced sea salt
combine in this Mexicanstyle
lager to refresh and
invigorate you.
Crushin’ It
The best orange crush
you’ve ever had... because
it’s a CMBC beer.
1288 HORNET ROAD l CAPE MAY AIRPORT l 609-849-9933 l capemaybrewery.com

[170] wineries, breweries & distilleries
Cold Spring Brewery
New Jersey is a hotbed of craft brewing. Say cheers to a new addition — a 19th-century barn where you’re drinking for a great cause!
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? At Historic Cold Spring
Village, a short drive from Cape May.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Beer brewing is
hot, in case you hadn’t noticed! There are
around 120 craft breweries in New Jersey,
with many more expected to open in the
near future. All of this has created tens of
thousands of jobs in the state — something
worth drinking to! One of the latest
additions to our local brewscape is Cold
Spring Brewery, on the beautiful grounds of
Historic Cold Spring Village.
But this isn’t your typical craft brewery
— it’s a rare beast, a brewery that’s entirely
non-profit, since all proceeds go to the
Village, a living history museum.
Cold Spring kicked off with a delightful
selections of ales, but have been expanding
based upon requests. They are also working
on developing several beers that were
commonly consumed during the mid-19th
century.
As well as drinking for a great cause,
you’ll be doing it in a special location — the
brewery building is a beautiful, English-style
heavy timber-framed barn built in 1804 in
the northern part of Cape May County.
The building was tagged, disassembled and
brought to Historic Cold Spring Village on a
flatbed trailer.
INSIDER TIP Make a night of it by buying a
32 oz or 64 oz growler and taking it to go!
Cresse American Wheat
Short, creamy head, a
smooth blend of light malt
nose, slightly tart.
Hildreth German Wheat
Cloudy and straw-colored
with a soft white head,
fragrant and complex
bouquet of bananas,
cloves and citrus.
Cold Spring Red
Rich, burnt sienna in color
with a creamy head leaving
good lace. Lightly roasted
malt flavor up front.
Dennisville Inn Porter
Dark, hazy brown with a
creamy, tan head. Rich
deep-roasted malt aroma
with a hint of chocolate
and coffee.
Limited Edition Brews
Please visit Cold Spring
often to check out the
latest releases!
Ghost Walks
Come join us for
beers and boos! Ghost
Walks will be available
beginning at Cold Spring
Brewery — please check
Facebook and hcsv.org
for more details. Advance
reservations are strongly
encouraged.
733 SEASHORE ROAD l CAPE MAY l 609-854-3077 l coldspringbrewery.org

[172] wineries, breweries & distilleries
Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery
Take a trip out to this fun, inspiring spot, where the fine wine is only part of an unmissable experience
WHERE IS IT? Off the beaten path,
but only a 10-minute drive from Cape
May, on Railroad Avenue, Rio Grande.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Because
it is worth the visit whether you
do an educational wine-tasting
or experience their small-batch
production wines. Todd and Kenna
Wuerker have created a place that
is intimate and fun, warm and cool
all at once. Situated on a 100-acre
farm that has been in their family for
generations, this multifaceted venture
has become a popular haven for new
and knowledgeable wine lovers alike.
The emphasis is on experience
— seasonal curated tastings, breathtaking
vineyard vistas, Friday concerts
and plenty more. The customer
experience is top priority — ensuring
guests try something unique, discover
their new favorite, and leave feeling
excited to return or buy online (now
shipping to 40 states)! Producing
at least five types of sparkling
beverages, including Brut, Pét-Nat
and cider, Hawk Haven is Cape May’s
sparkling wine HQ! Explore their
award-winning wines all year round.
INSIDER TIP Interested in some oneon-one
time with the knowledgeable
staff or the wine maker? Stop in
midweek for a more intimate and
educational wine-tasting experience.
HIGHLIGHTS
Taste
Wine by the glass and
bottle, and wine flights
served daily.
Tour
Experience everything
Hawk Haven has to offer
with a tour of the vineyard
grounds.
Wine Club
Join the club and receive
exclusive access to cellar
and pre-release wines,
additional discounts and
more!
Summer Weekly Events
Fridays — Rootstock
Concert Series; Saturdays
and Sundays — wine by
the glass, bottle and flight.
European-style Red
Blends
Quill and Talon.
Limited Production
Handcrafted Wines
Albariño, Cabernet Franc,
Viognier, Gewürztraminer,
Malbec, Rosé Pét-Nat,
Sparkling Wine.
Hours
Hawk Haven is open daily,
year-round. Visit their
website for seasonal hours
or to find out how you can
ship directly to your home.
600 S. RAILROAD AVENUE l RIO GRANDE l 609-846-7347 l hawkhavenvineyard.com

[174] wineries, breweries & distilleries
MudHen Brewery
Get ready to feast at a stunning industrial-chic space with an unmissable restaurant, craft beers and a full bar
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? You can’t miss it...
located on the main gateway into
Wildwood, NJ.
WHY SHOULD I GO? MudHen, which
opened in 2018, is named after the
first passenger train in Wildwood. In
1883, the West Jersey Railroad system
was designed to carry passengers
from Cape May Court House to the
fishermen’s village of Anglesea. As a
result of the ocean’s ever-changing
tides, muddy water would often wash
over the tracks, causing the train to
derail and passengers to be stranded
for hours at a time. Locals soon
nicknamed this line the Mudhen.
The brewpub’s industrial
rustic vibe plays homage to the
establishment’s history. The
5,500-square-foot space has been
gutted and remodeled from a former
Harley-Davidson outlet. The brick
of the exterior is reclaimed from
Philadelphia industrial sites. The
wooden walls are reclaimed from old
wine barrels. The main dining room is
home to a 40-foot full-service bar with
a view of the production area, where
head brewer Tony Cuhna works his
magic with a 15-barrel brew system and
canning production line.
The upstairs loft offers a lounge for
tasting by the fireplace, balcony dining
overlooking the main dining area and
bar and another full-service bar tucked
into a quaint corner. This is a space
where you can enjoy high-quality beers
in a relaxed setting with names and
flavors inspired by Wildwood’s history.
Visit the garage that features
a large full-service concrete bar, a
preserved neon sign from the former
establishment and a glass garage door
that can be left open during warmer
months. Hang out on the outdoor
patio lined with pine trees, complete
with fire pits, outdoor games, covered
seating and a flat-screen TV. It’s also a
perfect venue for private events.
Wherever you choose to dine,
expect a delicious meal from a menu —
casual, fresh and local fare — designed
by Food Network star Brian Duffy.
INSIDER TIP MudHen offers online
ordering and local delivery of food and
beer.
BBQ Smokehouse Menu
Choose between pulled
pork, a half or full rack of
ribs, smoked chicken or
brisket.
MudHen Burger
Because sometimes,
nothing but a juicy, flavorful,
exquisite burger will do.
Hen Chips
A homemade signature
side, seasoned with beer
cream, malt vinegar aioli
and devil’s mustard.
Seafood Curry
Famous chef’s dish
Kid’s Menu
MudHen is adult AND
kid-friendly.
1883 IPA
MudHen’s Flagship IPA
named for the year the
MudHen railroad was
established.
Baker’s Double
This double IPA pays
homage to the Baker
Brothers, who founded the
Wildwoods. Packed with
Hops!
Holly Beach Wheat
Hints of citrus, orange
peel and ginger. A summer
favorite.
MudHen Pils
American hops make for
a thirst-quenching flavor
profile.
Seasonal Beers
There are always new
options and styles to taste.
127 W. RIO GRANDE AVENUE l WILDWOOD l 609-846-7918 l mudhenbrew.com

[176] wineries, breweries & distilleries
Nauti Spirits FARM Distillery
NJ’s premier farm distillery serves up delicious cocktails crafted with their award-winning spirits
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? Five minutes from
downtown Cape May. Take Broadway
over the bridge, left at light on
Sandman, left at the next light, onto
Shunpike. Third driveway on the right.
WHY SHOULD I GO? It’s FUN and
fascinating for the family! Outstanding
cocktails, beautiful coastal farm, and
stunning facilities combine to make
Nauti the home of Cape May’s True
Spirits. Take a tour and savor some
of the USA’s finest spirits in the most
delicious cocktails west of the Atlantic
(non-alcoholic beverages available too),
while enjoying live music, outdoor/
indoor games and events, or just kicking
back and taking in the gorgeous fields
and sunsets from the tasting room bar
honed from timbers of 19th-century
sailing ships.
Nowhere is the agricultural artisan
spirit more alive than at Nauti, the Mid-
Atlantic’s premier farm distillery, where
spirits are made the right way — the real
way. From ingredients grown largely on
their farm, the Nauti crew handcrafts
their internationally awarded gold
medal vodka, gin, rum and whiskeys.
They created their flagship vodka
from sweet potatoes and corn grown
on their farm, while their aromatic gin
begins its life as 100% locally grown
wheat, infused with juniper, citrus and
exotic botanicals.
Nauti rum, batch-distilled from highgrade
southern molasses, is made for
both sipping and mixing. With corn from
their farm, and rye, wheat and barley
grown on local land that they lease,
Nauti produces its outstanding straight
bourbon whiskey and small-batch
“session” whiskeys.
Head Distiller Brad Ransom has
been at Nauti since the very beginning,
working as a production assistant and
eventually stepping up to the top role.
Brad’s attention to detail and passion
for creation are two of the biggest
factors in bringing Nauti products to its
guests and patrons
When leaving, stop by the Bottle
Shop to pick up some Nauti Spirits to
take home, along with all the tools you
need to elevate your home (or beach)
cocktail experience!
INSIDER TIP Check out nautispirits.
com for live music and events and ask
for Nauti at your favorite liquor stores
and restaurants throughout the Mid-
Atlantic region!
Tours
Self-guided as well as
behind-the-stills guided
tours are available. Visit
nautispirits.com or call for
a current schedule of tour
times.
Taste
Innovative craft cocktails
made using handcrafted
spirits in the Tasting Room.
Bottle Shop
The perfect place to stock
your home bar with local
spirits, craft cocktail tools
and Nauti Spirits apparel,
featuring their super-cool
logo (bonus points if you
can guess what else is in
there other than a pirate!).
Hours
In the summer, Nauti
Spirits is open seven days
a week. While open all
year, off-season hours
vary, so please check the
website and/or Facebook
page for the current hours.
916 SHUNPIKE ROAD l CAPE MAY l 609-770-3381 l nautispirits.com

[178] wineries, breweries & distilleries
gusto Brewing company
Drop in for a fun, friendly and quirky vibe as you enjoy some seriously good (and seriously interesting) beers!
HIGHLIGHTS
Hand Spun
A series of custardinspired
milkshake IPAs
(Mango, Piña Colada,
Tangerine Twist).
Cool Hand Lucas
English-style extra
special bitter.
Soft Handshake
Dryhopped pale lager.
September Song
Pink guava pale ale.
Inside Joke
A rotating series of spritzy
fruited sours.
Disco Flip
Imperial West Coast IPA.
Regular-Sized Rudi
Single-hop pale ale.
WHERE IS IT? A short drive from downtown Cape
May, in the North Cape May Shopping Center.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Prepare for a fun, quirky
vibe and beers that are traditional, unique and
everything in between! During owner Zack Pashley’s
time serving in the Coast Guard, he and his wife
Adriana explored the south and its many breweries.
The beers they came across inspired them to bring
something different back to their home town.
The taproom’s small crew opened the doors
in December 2018 — the purpose, says Zack, is to
“cultivate something truly unique, give like crazy and
whip up really swell beer.”
Gusto is a small-batch brewery with different
beers coming online all the time. Head brewer Dan
Petela creates the recipes so that the community
can enjoy something fresh and interesting. Gusto’s
traditional English-style ESB, Cool Hand Lucas, and
Cosmic Doodles, an ultra-smooth hazy IPA, are
among the highlights, and demonstrate the wide
spectrum of beer that’s on offer. Bonus: They offer
25.4oz to-go cans of anything on tap AND local
delivery of cans and merchandise.
As a community brewery, Gusto believes in
giving back. Their program, Totally Non-Random
Acts of Community, focuses on different non-profit
organizations throughout the year. They kick it off
with a fundraiser party in the taproom and donate
proceeds from apparel, decals and more.
INSIDER TIP Gusto is a family-friendly brewery that
welcomes the kids to come enjoy coloring pages
and more fun activities while mom and dad enjoy
some seriously good brews in a bright, spacious
taproom and lush year-round beer garden.
3860 BAYSHORE ROAD l NORTH CAPE MAY l 609-849-8260 l gustobrewco.com

[179] wineries, breweries & distilleries
Jessie Creek Winery
There’s a reason why people are heading here... fine wines and good times in a beautiful setting!
WHERE IS IT? Located in the heart of Cape May
Court House at the end of Hand Avenue on Route
47, a short drive north of downtown Cape May.
WHY SHOULD I GO? There’s a reason people are
flocking to Jessie Creek. The vineyard is gorgeous,
the hospitality is top notch and the wines are
delicious.
Tucked away in Cape May Court House, this
winery is becoming one of the region’s premiere wine
destinations — it truly is a great way to escape the
crowded beaches and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
They produce the most popular varietals,
including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and
Pinot Grigio as well as sweet and fruit wines such
as Concord and Apple. Your tasting will take place
in their working Barrel Hall and you’re free to buy a
bottle of wine and relax by the vineyard afterwards.
INSIDER TIP Every first Sunday of the month they
host an Art Opening Meet & Mingle with their
featured local artist in the new Gallery. A favorite
wine is spotlighted and samples are offered along
with homemade wine cake!
HIGHLIGHTS
The Conservation Series
Jessie Creek is continuing
their efforts to support
local conservation efforts
with the upcoming release
of a New Conservation
Series. This new series has
wetlands and waterfowl
conservation in mind. A
portion of sales from each
Port Wine will be donated
to the Ducks Unlimited
organization.
Ruby Redhead Port
Made from their
Chambourcin grapes and
fortified grape whiskey, this
bottle features a beautiful
redhead duck.
Golden Port
Made with Vidal Blanc and
fortified grape whiskey, this
white port bottle is adorned
with a goldeneye duck.
The Inn at Jessie Creek
A vineyard escape at the
Shore! Enjoy a peaceful
night at the idyllic vineyard
in the historic inn. The Inn
was built in 1846 and has
been fully renovated. It’s
now available for bookings
on AirBnB.
1 NORTH DELSEA DRIVE [RTE 47] l CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE l 609-536-2023 l jessiecreekwinery.com

[180] wineries, breweries & distilleries
natali vineyards
Expertly made wine in a beautiful setting on Cape May County’s acclaimed wine trail!
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? A scenic 20-minute drive from Cape
May to Goshen, via rustic Route 47.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Secret’s out: The Cape May
peninsula, federally recognized as an American
Viticultural Area in 2018, is a wine-lover’s dream.
Our loamy soil combined with our climate makes
this an ideal place for the growing of vitis vinifera, or
European, wine grapes. This is the specialty of Natali
Vineyards’ owner/founder Alfred Natali.
As a history student at Columbia University, Al
completed dissertation research in France and Italy,
where his love affair began. Then, in 2000, after a
19-year career on Wall Street, he purchased a 22-acre
horse pasture in Goshen and began converting the
land into a bountiful vineyard.
This passion project has grown by leaps and
bounds since its launch — Natali added an airy, rusticmodern
tasting room to seat up to 50 people. Or,
if you prefer, relax outside on the lovely patio area,
overlooking the grounds as you sip.
Part of the reason Natali is so well-loved is that
customers can taste the care with which his grapes
are grown. As a vigneron — the French word for a
person who tends vines AND makes wine — Al is
hands-on at every stage. He studied his craft via
courses and workshops at Virginia Tech, Rutgers,
Penn State, the University of California (Davis) and
Cornell’s Research Station in Geneva, New York.
INSIDER TIP Natali now hosts five-course wine
pairing dinners with new chef Mark Kalla. And why
not schedule a cooking class with Chef Kalla for
groups of four or more — choose your own date and
menu!
Erotic Aronia
This blend of the Aronia
Berry, Chardonnay and
Trebbiano is super-high in
antioxidants. Smells fresh
with a hint of dried flowers,
and is savory in the mouth.
Take an adventure and try
Natali’s best-selling wine!
Rosé
It’s off-dry, so just a hint of
sugar. Pairs great with a
cobb salad and a beautiful
summer night.
Sauvignon Blanc
Aroma of mangoes and
a floral bouquet — a
refreshing drink at day’s
end. Goes well with shellfish
and the Jersey Shore!
Nonna’s Cucina
A Riesling that should be
served chilled. Try it with
any shellfish or chicken dish.
Cedar Hammock
Paying homage to the
Native Americans’ original
name for Goshen, this is a
blend of Cabernet Franc
and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pepper notes on the nose,
spice on the palate and soft,
silky tannins. Perfect for red
meat or big pasta dishes.
Nonno’s Cellar
A three-grape blend, but we
can’t tell which three — it’s a
secret. At 14% alcohol, the
wine’s nickname — “Party in
a bottle” — is fitting.
221 NORTH DELSEA DRIVE [RTE 47] l CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE l 609-465-0075 l natalivineyards.com

[181] wineries, breweries & distilleries
Willow Creek Winery
Stop by this beautiful winery for tastings, tours, a farm-fresh grill menu, private events or the wedding of a lifetime
WHERE IS IT? A short bike ride or a
five-minute drive from Cape May.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Seasoned
wine drinkers and newbies alike will
delight in the beauty of this vineyard,
farm and winery. The only winery on
Cape Island, Willow Creek is 50 acres
of unadulterated nature with roaming
white geese and lush gardens designed
by owner Barbara Wilde.
Then there’s that other reason to
go — the wine! The 12,000-square-foot,
post-and-beam winery is handcrafted
by Mennonites from Lancaster, PA and
hung with dramatic crystal chandeliers.
Individuals, groups and private parties
of up to 400 can experience fun,
educational wine and sangria tastings,
vineyard tours, wines by the glass,
bottle or case as well as enjoy the
Tasting Room’s grill menu. Looking for
something more casual? Grab a glass
and a burger and watch the game at
the outside wine bar. From Pinot Noir
to Malvasia to Blackberry Merlot and
more than 35 different sangrias, there’s
something for everyone. Throughout
the year, the winery hosts various
events and activities, from live music on
Fire Pit Fridays to UnCorked Comedy
to Sip & Shop and yoga in the vines.
INSIDER TIP Call first. Reservations fill
up fast for tastings and tables. Check
website for closed-to-the-public events.
HIGHLIGHTS
Wine
Willow Creek grows 15
types of grapes — from
Spain, Italy and France
— producing 24 wines
as well as some fruit
wines, including Jerseygrown
Wilde Cock Apple
and Blackberry Merlot.
Tastings are available daily.
Farm-fresh Grill Menu
The farm offers a farmfresh
grill menu for lunch
and dinner year-round
to pair with your wines.
Delicious cheese boards,
16-hour slow-smoked beef
brisket, pulled pork and
arugula salads coupled
with the amazing vineyard
views make it hard to
leave.
Outside Wine Bar
Relax at Willow Creek’s
fully enclosed outside
wine bar, equipped
with new televisions for
viewing your favorite
sports. Enjoy a tableside
flight, a glass of sangria or
something from the grill.
Special Events
Check out the website
for events or to book a
private winery event — or
the wedding of a lifetime.
168 STEVENS STREET l WEST CAPE MAY l 609-770-8782 l willowcreekwinery.com

Shopping
Maybe it’s time to update that swimsuit, or party dress.
Or maybe you want to stroll through charming streets for
quality souvenirs. Either way, you’re in the right place!

[186] shopping
Across the Way
Ever wonder into a store where the products AND the staff make you smile? Welcome to one of thoses places.
WHERE IS IT? First block of the
Washington Street Mall, in a great new
location next to their sister store, Madame’s
Port (also worth a visit!).
WHY SHOULD I GO? The husbandand-wife
team of Chris and Margaret are
enthusiastic members of the group of young
entrepreneurs who are breathing new life
into America’s Original Seaside Resort.
Chris and Margaret love the products
they sell — and that passion comes through
in this quirky gift store. When you put that
love into every product you carry, guess
what happens? You find little treasures to
occupy every shelf and corner, and that
often brings a smile to the customers’ faces.
From Across the Way’s nifty reusable
bags, to their charming jewelry, their fun
and inspiring books and cards, you will find
gifts for loved ones (and yourself!) that go
the extra mile.
When you combine high-quality, fun
merchandise with excellent customer
service (you WILL be greeted with a smile
at Across the Way), what you get is an
authentic, enjoyable shopping experience.
INSIDER TIP Across the Way has a location
in Stone Harbor, 10 miles up the Parkway.
HIGHLIGHTS
Lenny and Eva Jewelry
Handemade in Nashville.
Meaningful quotes and
sentiments make each
piece a form of selfexpression.
Bungalow 360 Bags
Quirky canvas bags perfect
for the beach or anywhere.
Made with non-toxic water
based dyes, and ecofriendly
cotton canvas.
Reclaimed Barnwood
Signs
Inspiring signs made from
salvaged barnwood. Each
one is unique and naturally
weathered. All made in
Wisconsin.
Benny and Ezra Jewelry
Made in the USA, these
distinctive pieces tell the
world your story and style.
Olivina & Jack Black
These men’s shaving
and skin care products
are made with the finest
ingredients.
Michael Connor Silver
The silver jewelry of this
local artist is made to
highlight the natural beauty
of the gemstones he
selects.
Switchplates
Handmade ceramic
switchplates.
Compendium Books
and Cards
To help you remember
what matters in life.
313 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-4199 l shopacrosstheway.com

[188] shopping
A Place On Earth
A gorgeous, imaginative, inspiring store where quirky, beautiful soaps and lotions are handmade at a local factory!
WHERE IS IT? On the mall — look for
the stairwell down from Winterwood.
A Place on Earth also has a factory and
outlet store at Cape May Airport and
a cool spot on Ocean City boardwalk,
next to Stewart’s Root Beer.
WHY SHOULD I GO? The differences
between supermarket soaps and the
soap Canyon Allen and his mother
Rose make? Let’s start with the amazing
scents, like Fresh Cut Grass, Key
West Key Lime, Sex On The Beach,
Tangerine Chamomile. Next, they are
hand-stirred, cured in wooden molds
and hand-cut. Only plant life is used to
make them — olive, coconut palm and
other vegetable-based ingredients are
integral. Then organic botanicals are
mixed in, like lavender flowers, ground
oats or rosemary. The scents come from
essential oils and are tested on family
and friends — not Fido or Thumper.
Their new Body Spread is awesome
— the richest, creamiest, best-smelling
lotion you’ll find. There are also handcut
soap rocks to exfoliate, and Monster
Spray, a lavender-scented sheet and
room spray that will lull you (and more
importantly, your kids) to sleep.
INSIDER TIP The buffet-type
countertop features sugar scrubs like
Death By Chocolate and Cuban Mojito.
Grab a ladle and start scooping. They’ll
take your shower to another level!
HIGHLIGHTS
Body Spread
This is A Place On
Earth’s newest creation
— sublime, absurdly rich,
fragrant lotions.
Bath Salts
As much fun as sand art
when you were a kid,
these salts transform your
bath.
Soy Lotion Candles
It’s a candle AND a
moisturizer! Light the
candle until a small pool
of oil is liquid. Wait a
minute or so for the oil
to cool and then dip your
fingertips in oil or pour
a small amount on your
palm to massage into skin.
Monster Spray
Rids closets, under beds
and dark halls of pesky
monsters, with the added
bonus of a soothing
lavender scent to help you
sleep!
Bare Naked Lady Spray
Tested on every naked
lady they could find.
(Does not repel ladies
like Monster Spray repels
monsters.)
Monkey Farts
You read it right! A Place
On Earth’s best-selling
scent. And yes, it does
have essence of banana.
526 WASHINGTON STREET & CAPE MAY AIRPORT & 836 BOARDWALK, OCEAN CITY l 866-400-SOAP l aplaceonearth.com

[190] shopping
Cape May Peanut Butter Company
A gourmet store stacked with all kinds of sweet and savory treats inspired by the American classic
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? On Carpenter’s Lane, right off the Washington Street Mall.
WHY SHOULD I GO? We are in the midst of an artisanal revolution, and Susan
and Carl Spatocco are at the forefront — they also operate Cape May Olive
Oil Company and Spice Cellar of Cape May. “We don’t carry mass-produced
products,” Carl says. “It’s important that everything we offer is of the highest
quality.”
Freshly baked PB cookies, edible PB cookie dough, tubs of bakeable PB
cookie dough and crispy cannoli shells filled with peanut butter mousse are just
examples of the goodness created by their inhouse pastry chefs.
Admit it… a peanut butter sandwich makes you nostalgic for your childhood;
it’s one of the reasons that more of these are sold to adults than kids at Cape
May Peanut Butter Company. The simple pleasure of the PB&J is mirrored
by the simple, clean aesthetic of the store itself. Out back is a beautiful, petfriendly
courtyard with umbrellas for you to savor your treat.
INSIDER TIP Both Cape May Olive Oil Company and Spice Cellar are both
within walking distance. Now THAT is sweet.
Nut Butters
Including almond,
chocolate, sunflower,
cappuccino, butterscotch,
cashew, sunflower, natural,
honey roasted and
organic.
Jams and Jellies
Over 40 flavors including
carrot cake, habanero,
oatmeal stout, India pale
ale and of course, grape
and strawberry.
Sandwiches
There’s Fireside Delight
(chocolate peanut butter
and Fluff), Monkey’s
Uncle (peanut butter
and bananas), the Hot
Stuff (peanut butter and
pepper jam) and more.
Coffee, Tea & Cocoa
NJ’s Crescent Moon
beverages plus their own
Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa
Mix.
PB Dog Treats
Healthy dog treats made
from their peanut butter,
with a percentage going to
local animal charities.
Pet-Friendly Courtyard
Friendly pets are always
welcome.
516 CARPENTER’S LANE l CAPE MAY l 609-898-4444 l capemaypeanutbutter.com

[192] shopping
Cape May Wicker
Looking to establish your own backyard haven or sunroom getaway? This is the place to go for that and a whole lot more.
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? Two convenient
locations — in West Cape May, a
pleasant walk (or short drive) from
downtown Cape May; and in Clermont,
a 20-minute drive north of town.
WHY SHOULD I GO? For nearly 40
years Cape May Wicker has been a
favorite for locals and visitors. Owned
and operated by the Cape Islandbased
Wenzel family, Cape May Wicker
features its own NorthCape brand
including outdoor wicker and teak.
They are also a warehouse outlet for
Casual Comfort and Breezesta poly
lumber furniture.
Customers always return to see
Cape May Wicker’s unique collection
of gifts, candles, souvenirs and home
décor brought in from all over the
world.
Many loyal customers visit on
a weekly basis because Cape May
Wicker is never the same store twice
with ever-changing collections and
deals on irresistible items for their
home, patio or garden. Find new oneof-a-kind
items at Cape May Wicker’s
famously low prices.
INSIDER TIP The company also make
their own cushions and offer a wide
selection of fabrics. You can come in
and buy factory direct.
Outdoor Wicker
Cape May Wicker’s own
NorthCape brand is
simply an excellent value
for designer looks at
discount prices.
Cushions Galore
Sofa and chair cushions
take a beating in a
well-loved shore house.
Choose from dozens of
in-stock fabrics to freshen
up your furniture, indoors
and out.
Hand-woven Baskets
Willow baskets for
storage, laundry, gifts,
home decorating. Useful
AND stylish, these
represent a win-win.
Nautical and Beach Decor
Hundreds of unique
decorations to make your
beach house a little more
beachy.
Candles and Country
Cape May wicker has
scented candles, country
decorations and artwork
to add comfort and
warmth to your home.
Open Year-Round
Cape May Wicker is
open all year for your
convenience. Call ahead
for off-season hours.
203 SUNSET BOULEVARD l WEST CAPE MAY l 609-884-1849 l capemaywicker.net

[194] shopping
Exit Zero Filling Station
The ONLY place where you can buy the cool range of Exit Zero merchandise... from caps to tees to mugs to hoodies. And more.
WHERE IS IT? The big gray metal barn next to the
former gas station, which is part of Exit Zero Filling
Station.
WHY SHOULD I GO? If you love Cape May, there’s
a good chance you’re a fan of the Exit Zero brand.
And this is the ONLY store that sells this cool line
of merchandise. (If you don’t know what Exit Zero
is, it marks the fact that Cape May lies at the end of
the Garden State Parkway.)
There is a wide range of beautifully designed
T-shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces, baseball caps, car
magnets, wine glasses, coffee cups and more, all
bearing a range of Exit Zero logos, including the
classic original (which used to adorn the covers of
their weekly magazine) and the fun, retro logo for
the Filling Station.
You will also discover the finest range of Cape
May artwork here, including a selection of prints by
Exit Zero artist Mike DeMusz. There are also prints
of classic Exit Zero magazine covers from 2006 and
2007 by acclaimed artist Victor Grasso, inspiring
Cape May photography from artists like Charles
Riter, plus a series of vintage-style posters by Marie
Natale that were also featured on covers of Exit
Zero color issues.
Because Exit Zero is also a publishing company,
you will see a compelling selection of beautifully
produced books, including their best-selling Cape
May history, The First Resort, children’s books In
the Land of Exit Zero and To the Lighthouse, the
acclaimed novel The Cape and THIS book!
INSIDER TIP The Filling Station also houses an
excellent restaurant and bar, so it really IS a onestop
shop for all your shopping and eating needs!
HIGHLIGHTS
Local Artwork
A stunning range of Cape
May prints (plus some
originals) and photography.
You won’t find anything
like it anywhere else on
the island.
Exit Zero Sweatshirts
Looking for that extra
layer on a chilly evening?
Slip on one these stylish
sweatshirts, embroidered
with various, fun Exit Zero
logos. They’re warm on the
inside and, with vintage
applique letters on the
front, cool on the outside!
Local Books
Exit Zero has produced
a bunch of high-quality
local books over the years
and all are available for
sale, from The First Resort
history to the popular kids’
book In the Land of Exit
Zero.
Quality T-Shirts
The Exit Zero Store only
uses the best quality shirts.
No cheap tees that will
shrink to half their size
after the first wash. Even
better, each piece is locally
printed at The Flying Fish
in West Cape May. Wear
them with pride!
Baseball Caps
High quality, beautifully
designed caps to add to
your collection!
110 SUNSET BOULEVARD l CAPE MAY l 609-770-8479 l exitzero.com

[196] shopping
Flying Fish Studio
Welcome to the home of beautiful, original tees, clothing and accessories, designed and printed here on the island
WHERE IS IT? On Park Boulevard,
across from the CVS pharmacy. Look
for all the locals.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Want to
snag something high quality and
unique that is made locally? Here
at the Flying Fish they design and
screenprint by hand each and every
one of their cool, offbeat garments
— so we can guarantee you will NOT
find them anywhere else! Owner Sue
Lotozo has been having fun for the
past 30 years, creating and designing.
The Flying Fish folks have an entire
line celebrating Cape May life and
traditions... this along with their Beach
Series and their designs celebrating
marine life is sure to provide
something for everyone. There is a bit
of heart and soul in everything they
do, so go visit to see what’s new.
INSIDER TIP If you’re a business
owner and want your staff to look
comfy AND cool, the Flying Fish does
wholesale orders. The Exit Zero Filling
Station, Congress Hall and Rusty
Nail get their merchandise printed at
Flying Fish Studio — there’s a vote of
confidence for you!
HIGHLIGHTS
Tees and Sweats
So many designs, how can
you choose? Lovely colors
and fabulous graphics on a
wide selection of shapes,
styles and sizes.
I Love Cape May
A quirky, compelling new
range that allows you to
spread the love for your
favorite place AND look
pretty good in the process!
Hats and Bags
The Flying Fish’s own line of
messenger bags, field bags
and beach totes printed
with quirky fun images, and
hats...they have so many,
guy hats and girl hats — plus
caps, sun hats, warm hats
and fun hats.
Beachwear
Casual clothing for day and
night — outfits that can take
you from fun and sun at
the Cove beach all the way
to dinner and drinks at the
Rusty Nail.
Art for the Home
Wonderful, quirky pillows,
hand-printed blankets for
beach or bed, painted fish
for the wall — all one-ofa-kind
and made in West
Cape May.
Accessories
Finish off your Flying Fish
outfit with accessories
for all seasons — scarves,
earrings, necklaces,
bracelets and more.
130 PARK BOULEVARD l WEST CAPE MAY l 609-884-2760 l theflyingfishstudio.com

[198] shopping
Galvanic
The merchandise and the vibe are an elegant mixture of substance and style. This is Cape May shopping at its finest.
WHERE IS IT? In a totally renovated, elegant
two-story red-brick building at the end of
Washington Street, across from Congress Hall.
WHY SHOULD I GO? The name Galvanic means
“to have an electrifying effect.” And there’s no
denying the impact Galvanic has had since opening
in 2013. The compelling design of the store and
the highly curated collection of clothing and
accessories is a must-visit for discerning shoppers.
The clean, contemporary interior of the new
store is enticing, but it is Galvanic’s merchandise,
curated by husband-and-wife owners Ryan and Sam
Platzer, that is the best reason to visit. They work
with brands from across the country and the globe.
Their offerings are constantly changing both weekly
and seasonally to give their customers a fresh
experience each time they visit, in store and online.
You’ll find the women’s collection on the
ground floor, with the men’s upstairs. But wherever
you look, this is a place where you will see classic
clothing and accessories from heritage brands,
mixed with edgy new brands, creating a relevant
shopping experience for all ages. Follow Galvanic.
co on Instagram and Facebook and shop at
Galvanic.co.
INSIDER TIP Galvanic hosts weekly events and
limited product releases so make sure you follow
on social media to stay in the know.
HIGHLIGHTS
Brands for Men
APC, Arc’teryx Veilance,
Canada Goose, Citizens of
Humanity, Frame Denim,
Han Kjobenhavn, Helmut
Lang, Filson, Ksubi, Neuw
Denim, Norse Projects,
Outerknown, Pleasures,
Rag & Bone, Rains, Reigning
Champ, Roark, Saturdays
NYC, Stussy, Wood Wood,
Wings and Horns, and more.
Brands for Women
Alo Yoga, Agolde, AMO,
Canada Goose, GANNI,
Frankies Bikinis, Helmut
Lang, Golden Goose,
Citizens of Humanity,
Current Elliot, Calvin Klein,
Mate the Label, GRLFRND,
Frame, Hudson Jeans, Ksubi,
LNA, Sundry, Nation, NSF,
Rollas, Rag and Bone, Tavik,
Solid and Striped, Vince.
Accessories
Herschel, Miansai,
Shinola, Komono, Status
Anxiety, Grown Alchemist,
Sachajuan, Bang and
Olufsen, Bellroy Wallets,
books by Taschen, Rizzoli,
Phaidon, eyewear from Saint
Laurent, Han Kjobenhavn,
Komono, Salt Optics.
Footwear
Asics Platinum, Converse,
Dr. Martens, Golden Goose,
Kahru, Jaggar, James Smith,
New Balance, Rag & Bone,
Redwing Heritage, Schultz,
Vans, Vince, and more.
301 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-600-2608 l Galvanic.co

[200] shopping
joe canal’s of cape may
Great prices, great selections and a great staff to help you pick the perfect bottles, cans (and treats). It’s all here!
WHERE IS IT? Just before you come over the
bridge into Cape May, next to AtlantiCare Urgent
Care. There’s also a second location in Rio Grande.
WHY SHOULD I GO? First, there’s the pricing. It’s
low. Like, really low. They don’t call it a discount
liquor store for nothing — great sales are the MO.
Then there’s the selection. With more than 12,000
items in stock, browse all your favorite brands plus
new, novelty or limited edition offerings. And if you
need snacks or quality treats to go along with your
purchase, they’ve got you covered there, too.
Finally, there’s the staff. Owned by brothers
Bill and Tom Feraco and sisters Ann Wilson and
Cathy Sawyer, this is a family spot where customer
service is paramount. The employees make a point
of knowing their product inside and out, so they can
guide you, whether you need help finding a specific
bottle or you’re not sure what it is you’re looking for.
“We’re always learning,” says manager Tina
Ormrod. “And we love sharing that knowledge with
our customers.”
The staff realize you’re here for a seaside
vacation, and stocking your fridge or cooler is a
prerequisite for a relaxing time with friends and
family. The bottom line? Buying booze should be as
pleasant an experience as drinking it.
INSIDER TIP Joe Canal’s sells beer and spirits
made at local breweries and distilleries found in
this book. Also: Sales on selected products change
monthly!
HIGHLIGHTS
Talluto’s
Authentic Italian food made
with quality ingredients from
a Philadelphia company.
Di Bruno Bros
Gourmet meats and
cheeses are the perfect
complement for your
summertime snacking.
Josh Cellars
Best-selling California wines,
bold but approachable.
La Crema
From California and
Oregon, another top seller.
Cape May Brew Co
Pick up their signature IPA,
or something from their
16-ounce series.
Einstok
Icelandic beer, made with
pure glacial water.
White Claw
This spiked seltzer has
become a summertime
favorite at Joe Canal’s.
Bourbon and Scotch
Extensive selection includes
the classics and some newer
offerings.
Jeppi Nuts
From crabby to Cajun, ideal
with your post-beach beer.
Once-A-Year Offerings
Think Firestone Velvet
Merkin, an oatmeal
stout with bourbon and
chocolate-espresso flavors.
Gluten-Free Beer
Good stuff, from Glutenberg
craft brewery in Montreal.
918 ROUTE 9 l CAPE MAY l 609-884-7676 l joecanals.com

[202] shopping
Love The CooK & CAPE MAY ROASTERS
Home of the unmissable line of Cape May Roasters coffee... plus so many kitchen essentials and accessories
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? On the Washington Street Mall, near the Perry Street side.
WHY SHOULD I GO? First, there is that intoxicating smell… a coffee lover’s dream.
Then, the goodies — everything you need for your dream kitchen is here. But let’s
start with that artisanal java. This place roasts its own delicious, small-batch blends
at Cape May Airport. They’re available as whole beans or ground — flavors include
Pecan Sticky Bun, Double Double Vanilla and Hazelnut. With every purchase of
a bag of coffee, you’ll receive a coffee club card, and 10 cards will earn you a free
bag. Not in town? No problem… you can redeem by mailing them in.
As for teas, browse classics like Earl Gray, newer blends like Emperor of Japan,
and flavored green options such as Strawberry Cream. Whether you’re a lover of
loose leaf or prefer your tea in unbleached bags, they’ve got you covered.
Plus, there are more oils, sauces and mustards on offer here than you can
shake a wooden spoon at — and, yes, they’ve got those, too. But our favorite part
may be browsing the kitchen gadgets on display. You’ll find what you’re looking for…
and maybe even some things you didn’t know you need.
INSIDER TIP Cookbooks include national best-sellers and collections of Cape
May recipes, including their best-seller, The Washington Inn Cooks for Friends.
Cape May Breakfast
Blend Coffee
May be the most
enjoyable cup you ever
taste — mild yet rich.
And Cape May Roasters
carries 26 other flavors, in
regular and decaf.
Waffle-Weave Dishtowels
Super-absorbent, each
with a different design!
Makes drying the dishes
almost fun.
Palm Peeler
Fits on your finger like
a ring and peels in the
palm of your hand. Extra
sharp for peeling veggies
like carrots, potatoes and
asparagus.
Leak-Proof Stopper
These expendable
stoppers prevent drips
from bottles that are
stored on their side... and
they come in really bright
colors, too!
404 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-9292 l lovethecook.com

[204] shopping
Sea Gear Outfitters
How do you take your great outdoors experience to a new level? Walk through the door into a world of gear, gadgets and goodies.
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? Head north over Cape
May bridge — it’s on the right next to
the Shell gas station.
WHY SHOULD I GO? If you love life
outdoors, this place has everything you
need to look (and act) the part. Imagine
a shop where you can get paint for your
boat, a Yeti cooler to carry on your
boat AND an on-trend-but-functional
outfit to look good while boarding said
boat. This is that place.
All of the brands here blend form
and function. In other words, the
apparel (men’s, women’s and kids’)
hasn’t just been inspired by an outdoor
or coastal lifestyle, it helps facilitate
that lifestyle.
Shoes are non-slip. Shorts are
quick-drying and made to go from
water to land. Tees are equipped with
cooling technology to keep you from
overheating while fishing or hiking.
Sea Gear Outfitters also carries all
the equipment for whatever outdoor
activity lights your fire. Into recreational
boating? They’ve got cleaners, waxes
and all the tools to go with them.
Thinking about taking up scuba? Check
out the dive shop. Need something
for that bucket of oysters you’ve
purchased from the Lobster House
Raw Bar? Here’s a wide selection of
shucking (and filet and tactical) knives.
When summer’s over, Sea Gear will
carry you into fall, with all the supplies
necessary for hunting season.
INSIDER TIP That adorable dog who
greets Sea Gear customers? His name
is Opie, the one-eyed wonder dog. And
yes, he’s as friendly as he is cute.
Clothing
Brands like Dark Seas,
Grundens, HUK, Jetty, Olu
Kai, Under Armour, Xtratuf
and Ariat for every outdoorloving
demographic.
Footwear
Check out the machinewashable
and arch-recovery
Oofos flip -flops.
Boat Maintenance
Supplies
Need a bilge cleaner, an
engine cleaner or maybe
a mildew stain remover?
Coolers
Huge selection, whether
you need to refrigerate a
six-pack or a flounder.
Atlantic Divers Dive Shop
They offer scuba classes,
wreck-diving trips — plus all
the gear and accessories.
Hat Wall
Yes, an entire wall of them.
Firearms
A large selection of guns,
ammo and accessories. Sea
Gear also buys and sells
consignment and estate
firearms.
Yeti & Hydro Flask
Drinkware
Insulation engineering
eliminates condensation
and keeps your beverages
cold up to 24 hours (or hot
up to 12). Plus, by reusing
a water bottle, you’ll cut
down on plastic waste and
help the environment.
795 ROUTE 109 l CAPE MAY l 609-884-0330 l seagearmarine.com

[206] shopping
Splash
Looking for seaside treasures that shine? Pick up something special at Whale’s Tale’s fabulous sister store.
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? On the fashionable flipside of the Washington
Street Mall — just two blocks from Whale’s Tale.
WHY SHOULD I GO? If you like Whale’s Tale you’ll LOVE Splash!
They have hand-picked the finest selection of jewelry, local fine
art, home decor and American handcrafts. You’ll find handmade,
one-of-a-kind jewelry from name designers and local artisans, even
Cape May Diamonds. Find gifts inspired by the sea from sea glass
to fused glass, along with handcrafted pottery, beautiful lamps and
mirrors. Take the time to find Whale’s Tale’s fabulous sister store.
Stop in and see what’s making a splash this year.
INSIDER TIP Want to take home a piece of the shore? Consider
Cape May seaglass jewelry by local artist Janet Payne, a sterling
silver mermaid necklace by Joy Hannan or sealife-inspired jewelry
by Michou. You’ll always find something unique!
Cape May Sea Glass
Splash has the largest
selection of Cape May sea
glass jewelry anywhere in
town, handpicked from the
beaches of Cape May. With
sea glass in all shapes, sizes
and colors, each of their
designers has their own
unique style. Choose from
simply elegant to bold and
splashy.
Michou Jewelry
Inspired by the beauty
of the ocean, Michou
combines sterling silver
and gold vermeil with
freshwater pearls and
semi-precious stones to
create settings for sea
life such as dolphins,
sea stars, crabs and fish.
Designs range from simply
elegant everyday wear to
statement pieces perfect
for the mother of the bride
or other occasions.
Meet the Locals
Splash often hosts artist
receptions where you can
meet the local artists that
Splash represents and
enjoy light refreshments.
For Men
Santa Fe Stoneworks
knives and money clips,
plus wooden cufflinks and
tie clips, nautical neckties
and a line of sun hats from
Australian resort company
Kooringal.
513 CARPENTERS LANE l CAPE MAY l 609-846-7100 l whalestalecapemay.com

[208] shopping
Victorious
Boutique shopping at its best with two locations! Fine antique jewelry, designer jewelry, clothing, shoes and luxury handbags.
WHERE IS IT? Two beautiful locations — the historic
Pink House at 33 Perry and the yellow building at the
start of the mall, opposite Congress Hall.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Between both locations,
you’ll find an irresistible array of high fashion and
classic vintage, whether we’re talking clothing,
footwear, accessories or jewelry.
At the Pink House, shop for brands such as Free
People, Farm Rio, One Teaspoon and Wooden Ships.
Need something for a night on the town? They have
a great selection of sharp pieces by BCBG Maxazria
and the made-in-Italy brand Baci, as well as one-ofa-kind,
handmade pieces to stand out. As for shoes,
check out a fabulous selection of Jeffrey Campbell,
Frye and Free People.
The Pink House also now carries new fine
diamond jewelry from designers like Adina Reyter
and Gabriel & Co., as well as estate/antique pieces.
But it’s at the mall location where you’ll be wowed
by a HUGE selection of antique and estate jewelry
— Victorious substantially increased their versatility
and volume, from vintage sterling silver, turquoise and
large-carat engagement rings and wedding bands.
Customers come to browse styles both timeless
and avant garde. On site is GIA Graduate Gemologist
Jennifer Tozer, who’ll introduce you to the likes of
Gabriel & Co., where impeccable artistry meets
fashion-forward design; and Julie Vos, whose bold
24-karat gold-plated and semi-precision stones have
attracted a fanatical following.
INSIDER TIP The antique jewelry is all one-of-a-kind,
and new items are brought in weekly. Victorious is
open year-round and the boutique carries fabulous
spring and fall lines.
HIGHLIGHTS
Antique Diamond Rings
Fantastic original antique
diamond right-hand rings
and engagement rings.
Diamonds range in size
from .10cts to 3cts plus.
Diamond Eternity Bands
Victorious offers all sizes!
Diamond weight starting
at .25cts to 5cts, and
up. Victorious also has
colored stones, sapphires,
rubies and emeralds.
Great for wedding bands
or stacking!
Vintage Gemstone
Jewelry
Platinum, gold or white
gold. Sapphire, emerald,
ruby, tanzanite, colored
diamonds, sapphires, opal,
amethyst, aquamarine,
quartz and more — unique
and high quality.
Estate Jewelry
One-of-a-kind bracelets,
earrings, rings and
necklaces. Modern,
Victorian, Edwardian,
Deco and retro styles.
Fashion Jewelry and
Handbags
Includes Hammitt, Hobo,
MZ Wallace, Julie Vos and
Latico Leather.
Volcano Candles
This stylish line pairs
striking visuals with
intoxicating scents to
create beautifully aromatic
products.
33 PERRY STREET & 302 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-898-1777 l victoriousantiques.com

[210] shopping
West End Garage & cafÉ
An unmissable collection of cool stores AND a farm-inspired café and bakery! Here you’ll find the very best of Cape May.
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? On West Perry Street, across from
CVS and Wilbraham Park
WHY SHOULD I GO? The West End Garage is a
Cape May shopping landmark. There are around 65
quality vendors offering a dizzying array of things
quirky, beautiful and cool. There is extraordinary
stuff at every turn. And, whenever you want a
break from the shopping, the Beach Plum Bakery
& Café is right there! Great shopping, great coffee
and tasty treats... that’s a win-win.
You name it, they’ve got it, along with favorite
Cape May merchants like O’Neill’s Estate Jewelry,
Bridgetown Antiques, the Bird House of Cape May,
the Madd Potters, A Place on Earth and many more.
Local photographers and artists display their
many wares here, plus there are antiques, home
furnishings, books, jewelry, vintage clothing,
gourmet food including olive oils, vinegars, sauces,
jams, candy... the list goes on and on, and the
inventory changes all the time. We’re told that some
regulars come in weekly, just to see what’s new.
And there are bargains to be had. You could
easily spend a couple of hours browsing in here
every time you come to visit.
INSIDER TIP Since West End Garage is a co-op,
the vendors themselves usually staff the place,
so you can count on friendly, exceedingly helpful
and knowledgeable service. If you’re looking for
the same-old, same-old, you’ve come to the wrong
place.
Local Artists
Photography, paintings,
wood carvings and jewelry
are just a few of the
treasures.
Local Shops
Many local favorites are
here, such as A Place on
Earth, Good Scents, Flying
Fish, Mariah’s, A Rose is
a Rose and Cape May
Peanut Butter.
Estate Jewelry
An irresistible collection
of vintage and antique
estate jewelry.
For Your Home
Antique furniture and
accessories, vintage
memorabilia, local artwork,
candles and other quirky
accessories.
For Your Body
All your favorite soaps,
lotions and bathroom
accoutrements plus oneof-a-kind
fragrances.
For You
New and vintage clothing,
shoes, accessories, leather
bags, hats galore and lots
of jewelry.
For Your Soul
Browsing through
beautiful things in a cool
environment? Priceless.
484 WEST PERRY STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-770-8261 l thewestendgarage.com

[212] shopping
Whale’s Tale
Making memories on the Washington Street Mall for 47 years, this Cape May landmark is a local treasure!
WHERE IS IT? “The block with the
clock” at the start of the mall, near
Congress Hall.
WHY SHOULD I GO? The Whale’s
Tale is a Cape May institution. Locally
owned and operated for 47 years,
now two generations of the Pritchard
family continue to surprise and delight
customers year after year with their
eclectic variety of creative, carefully
chosen, gifts, jewelry, housewares,
cards, ornaments and books. The
family focuses on sustainable and
environmentally conscious products as
well as supporting local, independent
makers and community outreach.
Whether you’re looking for wedding,
hostess or birthday gifts, the perfect
card to bring a smile, or a jewel to
remind you of the shore, the Whale’s
Tale is your one-stop shop. Open all
year, the Tale is the locals’ favorite
place to ‘shop small.’ With three rooms
to satisfy your needs, the Whale’s Tale
is sure to charm with their carefully
curated, whimsical gift selection.
INSIDER TIP The children’s section
is amazing! You’ll find beautiful and
educational toys, puppets, puzzles
and books. Many of the books are by
local authors and are signed editions,
including The Legend of the Cape
May Diamond, Cape May
A to Z and In the Land of Exit Zero.
HIGHLIGHTS
Jewelry
From beachy to bridal,
they have it all. With fair
trade Firefly, botanical
Holly Yashi and vibrant
Ayala Bar to Michou sealife
and local sea glass, the
selection is enormous and
sure to delight.
Gifts for the
Nature Lover
Whether you love birds,
sea life or just the beach,
you’ll find nature-inspired
gifts and jewelry including,
sun catchers, glass and
metal work, pottery and
horseshoe crab jewelry.
Books
Browse through Cape
May history, bird watching,
sea glass and shells or
pick up some humorous,
light beach reading or an
inspirational journal.
Greeting Cards
With an entire room
dedicated to cards, they
have the perfect one for
any occasion. The room is
often filled with laughter as
happy customers peruse
the wide selection.
Customer Service
The staff at Whale’s Tale
greet each customer as
a special guest. They
have won Best of Cape
May Awards for 14 years
straight. Now that’s
something to spout about!
312 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-4808 l whalestalecapemay.com

[214] shopping
Willow & Stone
Shop for classic comfort that will always be in style in this beautiful new downtown boutique, for women AND men
WHERE IS IT? Diagonally across from Fins on the
corner of Decatur and Carpenters Lane.
WHY SHOULD I GO? To shop for classic and
comfortable clothing for adults of all ages and
sizes. Willow & Stone is brought to you from the
same owner of Good Scents and Red Oak. Like
those two Cape May favorites, it’s another eclectic
and exciting addition to the local shopping scene.
For owner Cindy Huf, the new store was
inspired by a desire to buck the trends of the
fast-paced fashion world. She realized the impact
it has on the environment as colors and patterns
of clothing go in and out of style, resulting in
perfectly good clothing ending up in a landfill
at a faster rate. Cindy wanted to make an ecofriendly
change, while also appealing to a broader
audience.
The store carries eco-friendly and sustainable
jewelry and clothing for men and women. Each
piece is carefully selected to ensure a flattering fit
for all body types, along with a look that will never
go out of style.
They offer a beautiful range of dresses, tops,
pants, loungewear, jewelry, accessories and hats.
Elegant and stylish clothing with longevity is what
you will find when you step inside Willow & Stone.
No age or body type is forgotten — it’s
inclusion at its finest.
They are open year-round and carry styles for
every season from scarves and wraps to sandals
and sunglasses.
INSIDER TIP Be sure to sign up for the Willow &
Stone insider mailing list to be included in private
sales, offers and events.
HIGHLIGHTS
Barefoot Dreams
Ultra-soft and stylish
bamboo clothing, including
sweaters, wraps and
loungewear.
High Strung Studios
Guitar String Jewelry
Made from previously
played and donated
strings from musicians
around the world. A
portion of the proceeds
are donated to the
NJ based non-profit
organization, Musicians on
a Mission.
Krazy Larry
The most comfortable
and chic women’s pants
you will ever own! A wide
range of solids and prints
that flatter all bodies.
Art by Any Means
American jewelry artist
Vanessa Gilbert Savlen
creates stunning sterling
silver and gemstone
jewelry reminiscent of the
natural forms of nature.
Oribags of London
Durable, weather-resistant
and all-purpose backpacks
and bags made from
recycled bottles.
Hats Hats Hats!
Authentic Panama hats,
contemporary and classic
hats made of durable and
high-quality materials for
men and women. There
truly is one for every head.
215 DECATUR STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-827-1159 l facebook.com/willowandstonecm

[216] shopping
THE WINE CELLAR
Cape May’s only beachfront liquor store and wine shop is ready to serve you
WHERE IS IT? At Montreal Beach Resort, on
Beach Avenue and Madison Avenue.
WHY SHOULD I GO? There are a lot of
excellent restaurants in Cape May, and the
majority of them are BYOB! Which is where
Cape May’s only beachfront liquor store,
a proud member of the Montreal Beach
Resort family, comes in.
Browse a carefully selected,
comprehensive selection of wines from
around the world, including Cape May
County. The Wine Cellar also features a
great selection of domestic, imported and
craft beers and a wide array of your favorite
liquors and spirits.
Staffed by friendly and knowledgeable
employees, The Wine Cellar prides itself in
supplying delightful and tempting libations.
Whether you are planning a large party
or an intimate dinner, the staff will help you
choose the perfect beverages for your event.
The store will also place special orders
for any of those hard-to-find items that you
may have in mind.
INSIDER TIP The Wine Cellar offers
customized packages for weddings, birthday
parties, reunions and other special events.
HIGHLIGHTS
Wine
A huge selection, whether
you are a fan of French
and Italian, Napa Valley,
or South America. It’s all
here, and at price points
for every occasion.
Beer
A large selection of
domestics, and imports,
along with an expertly
selected range of
specialty craft beers,
made in America.
Liquor
An extensive range of
Scotch and Irish whiskey,
plus some of the best
small-batch bourbons
and ryes from American
distilleries, along with a
superb selection of all the
spirits you need for every
occasion.
Local Products
Award-winning beer, wine
and spirits from Cape
May, including Cape May
Brewing Co., Hawk Haven
Winery and Nauti Spirits
Distillery.
Beach Supplies
There’s more than liquor
here! Shop for necessities
such as sunblock, beach
toys and coolers.
Ice
They have you covered.
BEACH AVENUE @ MADISON AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-6114 l montrealbeachresort.com

[218] shopping
Antiques Emporia
Ramp up your vacation with a shopping expedition full of surprises. With 40-plus dealers, it’s a browsing wonderland!
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? Just down the street from Swain’s Ace Hardware on West Perry Street.
WHY SHOULD I GO? You never know what you’re going to find in the next aisle. It
could be vintage kitchen knick-knacks or costume jewelry. Prepare to be surprised and
delighted. If you love mermaids, you’ll find bottle openers to a three-foot illuminated
mermaid to watch over your pond or pool. You’ll also find a selection of the popular
Byers’ Choice figurines, hand-painted custom rocking chairs, clocks and watches,
postcards, magazines, comics, books, sports and war memorabilia, artwork, kitchen
accessories, lamps, dishes, dolls, toys, guitars, drum sets and vinyl records.
INSIDER TIP Visit Tea by the Sea next door, where you can get tea and all your brewing
supplies. Tea and antiques... now THERE’S a combination you can’t resist.
Sports Memorabilia
Baseball cards, signed
footballs, team yearbooks,
autographed jerseys and
much more.
Handbags
Can’t afford the “real
thing?” Check out these
variations on the popular
styles — no one will guess.
Jewelry
Beautiful sets of sparkly
fun, fit for a princess in a
wide range of styles. At
these prices you can afford
to be generous, whether it’s
a gift or for little old you!
Little Egg Harbor
Soap Company
They carry a variety of
locally made soaps.
Vinyl Records
With such a great selection
of new, affordable (and
Bluetooth-compatible)
turntables available, vinyl
has never been hotter!
Artwork
Unusual and surprising, the
art is worth seeing — from
charming old prints and
paintings to the sad clown
era.
Nautical Pieces
An entire room of sailboats,
buoys, lighthouses, old salts,
and portholes. Take home a
piece of the ocean.
Byers’ Choice
The ever-popular
handcrafted carolers.
405 WEST PERRY STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-898-3332 l antiquesemporia.com

[219] shopping
arden’s kids
A Cape May institution for four decades is back! New location, same great kids’ clothes, accessories and toys!
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? Washington Commons, near Acme.
WHY SHOULD I GO? For 35 years, Lynn Arden’s
Children Shoppe operated on the mall, known for
fashionable children’s clothing and cool toys and
accessories at reasonable prices. Then Lynn Arden
Kramer, a mom of four and grandmom of six, decided
to retire. But not for long.
“No sooner than it was sold, I wanted it back,”
she says. “Customers said they were sorry to see us
go.”
A second iteration of the beloved store, Arden’s
Kids, opened in Washington Commons in 2018.
All the best brands are back, plus some great new
additions. There’s practical and there’s whimsical.
There’s cute and there’s, well, really cute.
But don’t take our word for it. Check out the
shop for yourself — your kids (or grandkids or
newphews or nieces or friends) will thank you.
INSIDER TIP It’s a true family business, with three
generations working together to run the store. Lynn
is joined by her daughter Jennifer, who handles the
daily operations, and Jennifer’s daughter Arden, who
assists her grandmother with merchandise buying.
Magnetic Me
Organic cotton onesies
which make dressing the
wiggliest of babies a snap!
Little Me
A brand that’s equal parts
quality and cute.
Books
We’re especially partial
to WorryWoo Monsters,
an award-winning series
that builds emotional
intelligence by helping
children process their
feelings. WorryWoo plush
toys are available, too!
NameTrains
The cars of the train are
letters which you can mix
and match to spell any
name you choose before
attaching to a caboose and
engine.
Christening Gowns
And bonnets, too!
Sailor Suits/Dresses
What Cape May vacation
would be complete without
a nautical outfit?
WubbaNubs
An adorable plush toy
attached to a pacifier,
meaning fewer lost binkies.
Hugalugs
A whimsical, handknit
sweater line.
Melissa and Doug
Award-winning toys which
foster the imagination by
facilitating free play in
overscheduled kids.
WASHINGTON COMMONS, 315 OCEAN STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-8643 l lynnardens.com

[220] shopping
Beef Jerky experience
Sample all the wild snacks and flavors... it’s a must-try before hitting the road!
WHERE IS IT? On the Washington Street
Mall, nearest to Ocean Street.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Because there aren’t
many places you can get your hands on a bag
of kangaroo jerky. The Beef Jerky Experience
specializes in all kinds of jerky with over 100
varieties. It is your one-stop shop for the road
snacks you crave.
Originally from Lancaster, PA, the Veitch
family came across the Beef Jerky Experience
during a trip to West Virginia. They tried
samples, explored the shop and wanted
to bring the store’s flavor to their favorite
vacation spot at the Jersey Shore. Husbandand-wife
team Tom and Kristie with their two
sons Hunter and Noel, headed down to Cape
May for their first retail adventure.
The snack shop is organized by flavor
zones to help you choose items you won’t
find anywhere else. Beef Jerky Experience
carries dehydrated and smoked jerky from
beef, pork and turkey to alligator, ostrich and
salmon. Vegans and vegetarians can enjoy
their flavorful plant and soy-based jerky in
six different flavors, including chipotle, carne
asada and pineapple habanero. They also offer
varieties of popcorn, peanuts, candies, hot
sauce and fun apparel.
Shopping at the Beef Jerky Experience
is exciting and fun, with hands-on employees
ready to assist and teach in any way. They
are family-owned-and-operated with their
team always asking questions to tailor to their
customer’s needs. Try something new or enjoy
traditional favorites — if you can’t find it, they
will do their best to find it for you.
INSIDER TIP Beef Jerky Experience offers a
comprehensive rewards program. Receive six
cents back on every dollar you spend, along
with a special discount on your birthday!
HIGHLIGHTS
Traditional Beef Jerky
Dehydrated, old-school
cowboy style. Thinly cut
and firm jerky in a variety
of flavors, including
cracked black pepper,
honey jalapeno and dill
pickle.
Smoked Beef Jerky
Tender, thicker-cut
jerky in a variety of
flavors, including Cajun
BBQ, cherry maple and
peppercorn.
Popcorn
Over a dozen flavors
of fresh popcorn
with seasonal flavors
throughout the year.
Hot Sauce
Their hot sauce wall
displays 30 to 40 different
types of hot sauce, ranging
from crazy hot to sweet.
Many have been featured
on the successful YouTube
series Hot Ones.
Gift Boxes
They offer a variety of
18 different gift boxes
that can be tailored to
any business, holiday and
birthday with a selection
of flavor profiles.
Pet Treats
Choose from delicious
beef or pork treats to spoil
your pet.
518 WASHINGTON STREET, WEST UNIT l CAPE MAY l 609-600-2122 l beefjerkyoutlet.com/cape-may

[221] shopping
Cape Atlantic Book Company
From essential beach reads to compelling local history books and national best-sellers... it’s all here!
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? In the middle of Washington Street Mall, inside the City Center mall
at the top of the escalator.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Books and beaches go together like milk and cookies. But, in
case the sun doesn’t shine every day, books and rocking chairs on rainy day porches
go great, too! Point is, your vacation isn’t complete without a good read. And if you
enjoy Cape May year-round, Cape Atlantic is open! This independently owned and
operated business sells fiction and nonfiction, mystery and romance, and books for
all ages. A plethora of local authors and artists line the shelves. You can pick up a
copy of Sherlock Holmes in Cape May, written by local high school history teacher
Steve Leadley, while Weird NJ’s Guide to New Jersey will help you on your quest
for all things quirky in the state. The store also stocks Exit Zero Publishing titles.
INSIDER TIP They have limited space, but make up for it in customer service. If
you’re looking for a title, and can’t find it, they will do the looking for you. Call the
shop, tell them the title and author, and they will get it shipped to Cape May.
Mary Ann Castagnetta
Winner of the Purple
Dragonfly Book Award,
Castagnetta is a local
children’s author. Among
her titles are Bubble Gum
Dreams, Elephant Soup,
Rosie Ravioli’s Cape May
Adventure and the new
Haunted Vacation.
The Great Lost
Cape May Novel
In the 1940s, famed
Philadelphia publisher
J.B. Lippincott wanted to
print a novel by a Millville
shipbuilder called Charles
Miskelly, but after a
dispute, it lay in a closet
for 60 years. Then the
author’s grandson brought
it to Exit Zero magazine,
who published this can’tmiss
novel, The Cape.
New York Times
Bestsellers
Current hardcover and
paperback best-sellers —
they are all here.
Category Highlights
« Local Interest
« Local Authors
« History
« Young adult and middle
grade
« Discounted bargain
bulks
« Dover Thrift Classics
« Jigsaw Puzzles
421 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-846-7688 l capeatlanticbookco.com

[222] shopping
Cape May Honey Farm
An amazing taste experience AND the power to heal. Experience pure, all-natural honey. Call it beehive to table!
WHERE IS IT? On Sunset Boulevard, across from
Exit Zero Filling Station.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Buying from the Cape May
Honey Farm is a sweet experience because…
1. You get to support owners Doug and Andi
Marandino, two of the hardest-working people on
the island. Along with raising two young boys, the
Marandinos harvest honey from five apiaries around
some of the finest and most natural areas of West
Cape May. And their bottling and labeling is done by
hand.
2. The shop has a charming rustic aesthetic, with
handmade shelves fashioned from hive boxes.
3. The honey is unadulterated, unlike the stuff
you might find at the grocery store. “When you buy
grocery store honey, you don’t always know what
you’re getting,” says Doug. “Possibly Chinese honey
that’s been laundered through different countries.”
4. Stop by their tasting bar and try a sample.
There are many varieties; some meant to cure
different ailments, from bronchitis to insomnia.
5. There are health and beauty-promoting
products, from lip balms to night creams. “Nothing
the bees make goes to waste,” Andi says.
6. You might learn a fascinating thing or two —
bees do a dance called a waggle and pollinate onethird
of our food supply. “I’ve come to understand
how really important they are,” says Andi.
INSIDER TIP Do you suffer from allergies? Try the
Wildflower Honey — it works wonders.
HIGHLIGHTS
Honey, Honey, Honey
Loaded with amino acids,
antioxidants, vitamins and
minerals.
Pollen
Just a dash on your cereal
or in your yogurt works
to lower cholesterol and
up your B12 levels, which
helps your nervous system
and the production of red
blood cells.
Honeycomb
Delicious with Greek
yogurt, fresh fruit, or
sharp cheese!
Royal Jelly
Used for centuries to
rejuvenate the body and
fight aging.
Pure Beeswax Candles
Long-burning and nontoxic
they purify the air
from dead skin cells and
dust particles while they
burn.
Madagascar Vanilla
Honey
Sweet and decadent, this
exotic honey is the latest
buzz.
Skin Care
All made with honey,
beeswax, royal jelly and
pollen. Hive products
are highly nourishing
and moisturizing — they
stimulate collagen
production and skin cell
regeneration.
135 SUNSET BOULEVARD l WEST CAPE MAY l 609-425-6434 l capemayhoneyfarm.com

[223] shopping
Cape May Olive Oil Company
An exquisite gourmet experience... and there is so much more than olive oils to enjoy
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? On Carpenter’s Lane, tucked behind the
mall.
WHY SHOULD I GO? For their 25th anniversary, Carl
and Susan Spatocco traveled to Napa Valley. While there,
they sampled olive oils and spreads, which they enjoyed
so much that plenty were brought home. Inspired by
these savory souvenirs, the couple decided to open up
a shop of their own, where others could enjoy gourmet
food products as well.
Here, you will experience a wide variety of flavorful
olive oils, including Butter, Chipotle, and Black Truffle.
Despite the name, Cape May Olive Oil sells much more
than just olive oil — they also offer balsamic vinegars, dips
and spreads, including a line of tapenades and cheese
spreads from their beloved Cape May Gourmet brand.
INSIDER TIP Visit sister stores, Spice Cellar, next door,
and Cape May Peanut Butter Company, a short walk.
Bacon Olive Oil
Sauté it with red onions
and white raisins, then
caramelize. Use as a
topping for your next fish
dinner.
Citrus Habanero
Olive Oil
A hot and spicy oil,
fantastic for spicing up a
bland dish.
White Pineapple
Balsamic Vinegar
All the white balsamic
vinegars are interesting,
but the White Pineapple
version makes a salad
dressing you won’t soon
forget.
House Olive Oil
Yes, they have their own
house blended olive
oil for you to purchase.
Containing one Greek,
one Italian, one Spanish,
it’s packed with flavor.
Flavor-Infused Gourmet
Sea Salt
It’s a necessary nutrient,
but not all salt is created
equal. Sprinkle Murray
River on a fresh salad or
rim your martini glass with
infused chipotle for a new
cocktail experience.
Gift Cards
The perfect gift and
always the right size.
324 CARPENTER’S LANE l CAPE MAY l 609-898-4441 l capemayoliveoilcompany.com

[224] shopping
Cape May Sports Memorabilia
High quality sports cards and memorabilia at really reasonable prices. It’s a win-win every time!
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? In Antiques Emporia, on West Perry, a short walk from downtown.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Whether you ARE the sports nut in your life, or you
know and love one, this is the motherlode. Football, baseball, hockey, basketball
and more are represented in the form of yearbooks, trading cards, PSA and
JSA-authenticated framed items and signed baseballs, bats and programs. There is
a large selection of New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia teams on display here,
so no infighting is necessary with whatever fan you happen to be shopping with.
INSIDER TIP Visit capemaysportsmemorabilia.com to shop online. Sign up for the
mailing list and receive information about new collections and discounts throughout
the year. Click on the eBay link on the Cape May Sports Memorabilia home page
if you are looking for current auction items. Is there a specialized gift you are
searching for? Click the contact us tab and email them your special requests.
Vintage Baseball Cards
Whether you’re looking
for early 1900 cards, stars,
rookies, complete sets,
team sets, and starter sets
or lots, look here.
Signed Sports
Memorabilia
Baseballs, bats, jerseys,
equipments, cards,
books...
Yearbooks and Programs
Focusing on New York and
Philadelphia baseball and
football teams, along with
a wide variety of other
teams.
Baseball Programs
They have quite the
collection of programs
from All-Star and World
Series baseball games of
your favorite teams.
Sports Books
Cape May Sports
Memorabilia carries a
large selection of vintage
hardcover book titles,
including some hard to
find books... for example,
My 66 Years in The Big
Leagues by Connie Mack
for the Phillies fans.
Check Out eBay Site
Don’t miss a great
range of items on their
eBay site. Their eBay
ID is SprtsCardsRus.
You can also email
capemaysports@gmail.
com.
405 WEST PERRY STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-898-3332 l capemaysportsmemorabilia.com, capemaysports@gmail.com

[225] shopping
Cash and Clive
Welcome to a breezy-yet-sophisticated shopping experience. Don’t dare miss it!
WHERE IS IT? Cash and Clive moved to a prime
location in the middle of Washington Street Mall,
in the heart of Cape May’s Historic District, two
doors down from the black building that houses
Queen May.
WHY SHOULD I GO? The compelling selections
are a mix of classic, current and laidback luxury
Inside this clean and inviting space, you’ll browse
apparel designed at the intersection of fashion
and function.
The collections are inspired by the effortless
style of owner Jessica Cicchitti’s late mother,
Donna, who managed an understated chicness
even while digging in the garden. (The shop is
named for Donna’s two goats who, in turn, were
named for music legends Johnny Cash and Clive
Davis.)
Jessica, a graduate of Philadelphia University’s
fashion merchandising program and a former
buyer for Burlington Coat Factory, has curated
a selection of apparel and accessories from
established and emerging designers that are the
building blocks of a breezy-yet-sophisticated
wardrobe.
Peppered in with these everyday essentials
are investment pieces that will take your closet to
the next level.
Most items have been selected in a neutral
palette. But against this landscape, Jessica
spotlights the seasonal color trends. The result? A
delightful, rewarding experience.
INSIDER TIP You can shop Cash and Clive yearround
at cashandclive.com.
HIGHLIGHTS
Brands to Know
27 Miles Malibu, 360
Cashmere, Alice & Olivia,
Bella Dahl, Cami NYC,
Closed, Cotton Citizen,
Crush., James Perse, LA
Made, Line Knitwear, Love
Shack Fancy, Madeworn,
Misa, Naadam, OOF, Rails,
Show Me Your Mumu,
Smythe, Stutterheim, The
Great, Zadig & Voltaire.
Denim
7 For All Mankind,
Boyish,Closed, Jbrand,
Mother, Moussy, Parker
Smith, Pistola, Re/Done.
Swim
Amuse Society, Boys +
Arrows, Hunza G, L Space,
Marysia.
Footwear
Caverly, Closed, Dolce
Vita, Kaanas, Tkees, Zadig
& Voltaire.
Accessories
Alexa Leigh, Bauble Bar,
BKR, Boy Smells, Clare V.,
Electric Picks, Gorjana,
Lele Soudoughi
Active/ Lounge
Aviator Nation, Beach
Riot, Joah Brown, Monrow,
Splendid, Stateside, Strut-
This, Z Supply.
321 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-600-3115 l cashandclive.com

[226] shopping
Collier’s Liquor Store
In a city full of BYO restaurants, this is one must-stop on your Cape May itinerary
WHERE IS IT? On Jackson Street in
the heart of downtown — it’s become a
local landmark.
WHY SHOULD I GO? “We want the
finest wines available to humanity. And
we want them here, and we want them
now!” So said a wine-loving character
in the cult comedy Withnail and I. You
might not know the movie, but you get
the idea. Collier’s is much more than a
geographical marker — in a city packed
with BYO restaurants, it’s a must-stop
at the beginning of your evening (or
the beginning of your day if you like
to plan). Although they might not have
ALL of the finest wines available to
humanity, they ARE famous for 3-star
and 4-star wine recommendations —
whether you’re looking for a wine that
delivers great bang for the buck, or a
great hostess gift.
Craft beer your thing? Collier’s
has an ever-changing selection of the
latest brews, including many local
selections. And when it comes to the
liquor selection, Collier’s has all the
bourbons, scotches, vodkas, tequilas
and rums that anyone could dream of,
including a dedicated locally produced
section.
INSIDER TIP Collier’s also carries a
nice selection of premium cigars, wine
bags, wine accessories, wine glasses,
premium grade cheeses and snacks.
HIGHLIGHTS
Customer Service
Collier’s has been familyowned
and operated
since 1934 — the staff
members are friendly and
knowledgeable.
Wine Selections
All wines are tasted before
selection. Many high-end
wines available, as well as
a multitude of quality-toprice
ratio selections
Beers
Great choice of crafts
(don’t miss the mix-asix),
plus domestic and
imported.
Liquor
Everything you could
ask for, including vodka,
gin, rum, hand-crafted
bourbons, single malt
scotches, as well as
tequilas and mezcals.
Wedding, Party Planning
They’ve been experts at
this for almost 20 years.
Collier’s also provide
products such as ice, cups,
mixers. They have a wellestablished
relationship
with all of the local venues.
Cigars
Plus fine cheeses and
crackers, wine carriers,
corkscrews.
Free Delivery
They deliver seven days a
week in season and now
they have an app to make
it even easier!
202 JACKSON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-8488 l colliersliquor.com

[227] shopping
Cotton Company
Purveyor of all your island needs, offering contemporary fashion and lifestyle must-haves for men and women
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? On the mall, next to The Original Fudge Kitchen.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Check out Cotton Company and see what everyone is
talking about. It’s a refreshing approach to fashion — the philosophy embraces
“style for all”, with women’s, men’s and plus-size collections. Dance to music and
enjoy an upbeat shopping experience with designer labels and unique boutique
pieces all in one shop. They have expert stylists on staff to interpret the trends
to fit you, your look and lifestyle.
INSIDER TIP Want to keep your beach beverages cold (or hot) all day long?
Cotton Company has a wide assortment of Yeti! From the latest colors of
tumblers in all shapes and sizes, to soft and hard coolers. You and your drinks
will be ready for fun in the Cape May sun all day long.
Vineyard Vines and
Life is Good
A Cape May collection
exclusive to Cotton
Company! The brands you
love, and the place you
love, all on one incredible
shirt!
Southern Tide
Feel good every day with
classic styles for men and
women. Shop clothing,
bags, sandals and beach
accessories.
Columbia and Patagonia
Casual wear for your fishing
trip, active gear for a hike
in the dunes, or a jacket for
the chilly beach nights —
they’ve got it here.
Tribal
A line of easy-breezy,
wardrobe must-haves
for the modern woman.
Providing on-trend
collections for any
generation. Look your best
and enjoy life’s adventures
in comfort and style.
Costa and Yeti
Whether you’re a
beachcomber or voyager,
Costa has the gear to suit
your lifestyle. Complete
your fishing or beach trip
with a YETI cooler.
SAXX
Meet the life-changing
men’s underwear brand.
Stop in and see for yourself.
517 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-600-2923 l cottoncompanyforall.com

[228] shopping
Good Scents
A store that smells great, looks tantalizing and nourishes body and soul. Call it a win-win-win...
WHERE IS IT? On the corner of
Carpenter’s Lane and Jackson Street.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Your eyes, nose
and ears won’t know what to do first.
The aromatic blending of candles and
incense floats you through the door,
the twinkling of lanterns, jewelry and
giftware dance before your eyes... as
you listen to classical, jazz and world
grooves. You’ll notice all kinds of
goodies at every turn, like Naked Bee,
natural skincare and sunscreens made
with honey and aloe, and Fishbellies,
USA-made hot and cold therapy pillows
in lots of fun colors and patterns.
Love natural fragrance? Don’t miss
the ever-expanding selection of natural
products including oils, incense, plus
botanicals like sage smudge sticks and
palo santo imported directly from all
over the world.
Then there is handmade jewelry
and pottery by regional artists, an
inspiring selection of cards and books,
plus a where-did-you-get-that?! range of
accessories.
INSIDER TIP Incense is their specialty
and they carry lots of brands that
can’t fit on the shelves. However, it’s all
stored in the upstairs stockrooms — so
if you are looking for something specific,
just ask! You can also shop online for a
huge selection of incense and fragrance
botanicals from all over the world.
HIGHLIGHTS
Shop Here Often?
Ask about their Free
Secret Club and collect
points at each visit to
receive a $10 coupon. All
you need to do is shop —
they’ll take care of the rest.
Local and Regional
Handcrafted Jewelry
Made with sea glass, sea
pottery, sterling silver,
precious and semi-precious
stones.
Campbell Pottery
Handmade in Cambridge
Springs, PA for over 40
years and a Good Scents
classic. Functional and
beautiful, with radiant
glazes, each one varies.
From coasters to large
serving pieces — great for
wedding or birthday gifts!
Incense
Natural, traditional
Japanese, natural incense
resins and botanicals
including white sage and
herbal blend smudge
sticks, palo santo, and raw
frankincense. Accessories
including burners, holders,
matches and the finest
Vietnamese aloeswood.
Books
Check out their corner
of inspirational (but not
hokey) books. They’ll make
you giggle, think and propel
you to do great things.
327 CARPENTERS LANE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-0014 l goodscentscapemay.com

[229] shopping
Green Street Market
Indulge yourself at this full-service health and gourmet grocery store
WHERE IS IT? A 10-minute drive
from Cape May. Pro tip: Route 9
to Rio Grande is quicker than the
Parkway!
WHY SHOULD I GO? Take
advantage of this vacation to relax,
improve your health and feel better
about yourself. Green Street Market
is a full-service grocery store that
features fresh organic produce,
meats, vegan and vegetarian meals,
wheat/gluten and allergen-free foods,
natural and organic personal care
products, vitamins and supplements,
gourmet specialty items, cleaning and
pet supplies.
Green Street also offers a juice
bar and to-go café, using only organic
ingredients! Go online to view their
menu — you can call ahead for to-go
pickup. Or browse the chalkboard to
whet your appetite.
Whether you want to fill a picnic
basket for an afternoon at the beach
or need ingredients for a delicious
healthy gourmet dinner, Green Street
Market has it all.
As you might expect, the
atmosphere at Green Street is
tranquil and welcoming, with friendly,
knowledgeable staff.
INSIDER TIP Green Street Market
is family-owned and operated, with
a well-trained, dedicated staff to
address any questions or concerns
you have. And they have a Holistic
Health Counselor on staff — learn
while you shop!
HIGHLIGHTS
CBD Products
Green Street offers a wide
range of CBD products,
from oils, capsules and
salves, to chocolate, water
and gummies. All are
heavily vetted and tested
by the staff.
Green Monster Blend
Banana, green apple,
spinach, kale and choice of
protein.
Vegan Reuben
Housemade sauerkraut,
marinated tempeh, vegansmoked
gouda on grilled
organic rye.
Organic/Wild Meats
and Fish
Wild eco-fish salmon isn’t
just healthier; it has so
much more flavor. Plus real
beef, from healthy, organic
grass-fed cattle — it tastes
better than anything you’ve
had in your burger recently.
Cosmetics
Cut down allergic reactions
to cosmetics and personal
care products when
you choose all-natural
ingredients.
Wallet Friendly
Organic basics and
favorites throughout the
store from value-priced
house brand Field Day.
Stay Social!
Follow Green Street on
Facebook and Instagram
for specials.
3156 ROUTE 9 SOUTH l RIO GRANDE l 609-463-0606 l greenstreetmarket.com

[230] shopping
Henry’s
Celebrate your love. Say it with a diamond... at Cape May’s Landmark Jeweler.
WHERE IS IT? Washington Street Mall.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Henry’s,
Cape May’s Landmark Jeweler,
presents elegant, modern styling for
today’s woman. Definitely not your
grandmother’s jewelry! They bring
decades of experience in handselecting
each diamond to ensure
the brightest, ethically sourced, most
beautiful material for their unique,
contemporary designs. That’s why
Henry’s is consistently voted Best
Jewelry Store in Cape May and has
been recognized as one of America’s
Top 50 Designer Retailers. So cap off
your romantic getaway and celebrate
your love. Say it with a diamond!
Henry’s also offers a wide range
of distinctive creations you won’t find
in other stores — from affordable,
fun accessories to museum-quality
gemstones — all in a casual, no-pressure
atmosphere. Henry’s is a Cape May
experience you don’t want to miss.
INSIDER TIP Henry’s is also your
exclusive source for original Cape Mayinspired
designs, such as its exclusive
Beach Tag necklace (pictured below).
HIGHLIGHTS
Pandora
As a full-service shop-inshop,
Henry’s offers the
latest Pandora collections
as well as limited-edition
custom designs that
reflect the beauty of Cape
May. They are the area’s
only authorized Pandora
retailer.
Diamond Jewelry
Since 1972, Henry’s has
grown by offering only the
brightest, most brilliant
diamonds. As Cape May’s
Landmark Jeweler, Henry’s
guarantee is that you’ll
enjoy years of satisfaction.
Tanzanite
See a spectacular array
of this rare, velvety-blue
gemstone, one of the
largest collections on the
east coast.
Cape May Designs
Vacationers from
throughout the US and
around the world enjoy
browsing and shopping
the exclusive collection of
sea-themed jewelry, each
design influenced by the
unspoiled natural wonders
of our beaches and sealife.
Mark the moment of your
stay in our resort with one
of their award-winning
designs!
407 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-0334 l henryscm.com

[231] shopping
Just For Laughs
Because why would you want to take life too seriously? No, seriously...
WHERE IS IT? Look for the funny gifts
in the window at 504 Washington.
WHY SHOULD I GO? You’ll leave
laughing. Or blushing. No in between.
They’re the final word in funny tee-shirt
wisdom. Like, “I tried to retire but now I
work for my wife” or “National Sarcasm
Society — Like we need your support.”
Sometimes people want to make a
statement. Socks are the answer. Got a
meeting you’re dreading? “This meeting
is bullshit” is a must. Wear them under
those Brooks Brothers suit pants and
quietly smile at the rebel in you. Going
to your bookclub? You’ll be a hit in the
“F**k off — I’m reading” socks.
Then there are the hot sauces:
Colon Cleaner and Anal Angst will add
that special something to your dinner
parties. Just make sure the guests clear
out before the digestive process begins.
Are your oven dishes too hot to
handle? Get a set of oven mitts that
make a statement. “I’ll feed all you
f***kers” or the more conservative “I’ve
got a knife” says it all.
For the trendy baby, why start life
with a boring onesie? Stake your claim
as a baby with a ‘tude. “His Majesty Has
Arrived” and “Her Majesty has Arrived”
sums up the Big Wait. Look for many
more to suit his or her little personality.
INSIDER TIP Life is short. When you
can laugh — do it.
HIGHLIGHTS
Blue Q
“Maybe You Touched Your
Genitals” hand sanitizer
and new this year:
“Vladimir Pootin’ Lavatory
Mist” for those delicate
moments.
Mega Poop
As seen on Channel Six
Action News when they
visited Just For Laughs
last summer. No true
trickster can be without
this classic gag gift.
Mega Whoopie Cushion
Yep, still funny after all
those years.
Colon Cleaner Hot Sauce
Professor Phardtpounder’s
special sauce is an
excellent creation of a
Caribbean mustard hot
sauce. Kiss colonoscopies
good-by. Guaranteed to
clean that colon.
Magnetic Poetry
Reinvigorate your barroom
banter when you
take a classic pickup like,
“Is there an airport nearby
or is that my heart taking
off?” and give it a new
twist like, “Can I buy you
an airport or do you just
want a drink?”
504 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-5466

[232] shopping
Kaleidoscope
A haven of fun, fashionable finds... at prices that will surprise you. Get ready to dress up (or down)!
WHERE IS IT? Look for the pretty
accessories and colorful clothing in the
window at 506 Washington.
WHY SHOULD I GO? The
Kaleidoscope folks believe that every
woman needs to put a little beauty in
her life without putting a strain on her
pocketbook. There’s a wide range of
silk scarves and pashminas in colors
and prints meant to add that special
touch to a plain outfit.
Jewelry? Looking elegant doesn’t
have to start at Tiffany’s. Earrings,
necklaces, bracelets and jewelry sets
are a fun way to make you look sparkly
and ready to face a night of dancing.
Kaleidoscope is known for its hats
— from Fascinators to “Keep that sun
off my face, please” hats. We’ve got
Sunday-go-Meeting hats and “I need
a wide brim for the beach” hats. If you
need it, we got it.
Add a final touch to those
accessories with a handbag.
Kaleidoscope is proud to carry Betsey
Johnson, handbags of the stars.
Blending flirty fashion with practical
and versatile design, Betsey Johnson
bags offer kitschy, stand-out style.
INSIDER TIP Kaleidoscope specializes
in dresses to get you through those
lazy, hazy, days. Lines include Sacred
Threads, Elan and Eagle Ray Traders.
HIGHLIGHTS
Sign, Sign Everywhere
a Sign
“We need to have a ‘Bring
your wine to work day’”
and “Today’s good mood
is sponsored by WINE” is
just the gift winos love.
Eagle Ray Traders
Batik clothing and
accessories from
culturally sensitive and
environmentally sound
sources.
Elegant Scarves and
Ponchos
The widest and prettiest
array to dress up/down
your favorite outfit.
Speaking of Wine and
Beer
Our re-purposed military
tent and truck-tarp canvas
bags are just the thing to
carry a six pack or a bottle
of wine to your favorite
BYOB restaurant.
Natural Life
Look for our large
selection of boho
headbands and mini bohos
that can double for masks.
Feeling literary? A great
selection of journals will
get you started on that
novel. And don’t forget
to hydrate. Water bottles
that carry a message —
“Beautiful girl, you can do
anything” or “Think happy,
be happy” will keep you
inspired and hydrated.
506 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-1702

[233] shopping
Lace Silhouettes lingerie
Lingerie, sleepwear and more for real women. Specializing in bra fittings, sizes 30A-44H!
WHERE IS IT? On the Washington
Street Mall, across from the Ugly Mug.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Get ready to
delight yourself in everything cozy
and stylish! This shop is a one-stop
undergarment, sleepwear and clothing
oasis.
Lace Silhouettes Lingerie is known
for their team of Bra Therapists — any
bra issue you’ve got, the expert fitters
will help you select the size and style
that will fit and flatter your body
type. Enjoy top brands like Wacoal,
Hanky Panky, Natori, Chantelle and
Cosabella, as well as hard-to-find
independent designers.
Getting married? Make it a
honeymoon to remember with special
bridal lingerie. Lace Silhouettes
Lingerie specializes in bridal trousseau,
from traditional peignoirs to modern
chemises and babydolls. Ask about
the Spanx shapewear collection and
strapless bras for under your dress!
Looking for the perfect outfit for
day-to-night? Shop their women’s
clothing collection inside their
Signatures boutique. Their stylists
will dress you from head to toe! Also
featuring Brighton jewelry.
INSIDER TIP Did you know — the
right bra can make you look 10 pounds
lighter and feel 10 years younger? One
visit with their Bra Therapists can help
with that. You’ll walk out the door with
your spirits (and your girls!) lifted.
HIGHLIGHTS
UGG
Check out their UGG
loungewear and robes for
stylish comfort!
Bra Fittings
Their expert Bra
Therapists fit for comfort,
so you’ll look and feel your
best! The Rx for Comfort
bra fit experience — only
at Lace — is available
every day by walk-in and
appointment.
Lingerie
Something special for
every occasion — sexy
lingerie from European
brands, practical panties
for every day and
everything in between.
Sleepwear at Cape May
Pajama Company
Whether you’re looking
for a classic gown from
Eileen West, or pajamas
and loungewear from PJ
Salvage and Donna Karan,
there’s something for
everyone.
The Cabana Shop
@ Lace Silhouettes
Visit the Lilly Pulitzer
Cabana Shop for a wide
selection of all things Lilly!
Tommy John
One of the first boutiques
to carry the brand known
for ultimate comfort!
Delight in underwear and
loungewear for men and
women.
429 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-898-7448 l lacesilhouetteslingerie.com

[234] shopping
Louisa’s Chocolate
Bar
The coolest little chocolate bar, serving American-made artisan chocolate, bon-bons and caramels
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? Just off of the Washington Street Mall, on Jackson Street.
WHY SHOULD I GO? One word: Chocolate. Okay, two words: Amazing
chocolate. Browse award-winning artisan chocolates, all handcrafted here in
America. You can find incredible creations ranging from the best salted caramels
in the world to a spicy chocolate bar filled with ghost peppers!
Louisa’s Chocolate Bar beats out their competition for a couple of reasons:
their chocolatiers’ use of fair trade and organic cocoa beans, and their courteous
customer service. These confections will open you up to a sweet experience you
didn’t even know existed in domestic chocolate. From Brooklyn and Philadelphia
to Portland and Los Angeles, their shelves are stocked with products made by
the best chocolatiers in American... from the finest chocolate on earth.
INSIDER TIP There are more than 500 types of chocolate combinations (even
bacon!), most of which are “bean-to-bar,” meaning many of the chocolatiers are
making their own chocolate straight from the cocoa beans.
Signature Line of
Chocolate Bars
Custom chocolate bars
made fresh by an awardwinning
third-generation
chocolate maker
exclusively for Louisa’s
Chocolate Bar.
Handmade Chocolate
Bon Bons
New this year, selling
handcrafted bon bons
sold by the piece!
Including marshmallow
caramel swirls, peanut
butter cups and the outof-this-world
chocolate
ganache-filled figs.
Famous Homemade
Desserts
Not only do they have
insanely good chocolates,
they also have an insanely
good restaurant right next
door. Their very popular
desserts from Louisa’s,
Cape May’s original farmto-table
restaurant, are
available at the chocolate
shop to take home by the
slice.
Chocolate for all Tastes
They carry a whole line of
chocolate that is nut-free,
and have soy-free, glutenfree
and vegan chocolates.
They also have white, milk
and dark chocolates of all
types.
106 JACKSON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-5519 l louisascapemay.com

[235] shopping
The Original Fudge Kitchen
Hard ice cream, licorice, chocolate truffles, almond clusters, coconut clusters... and world-famous fudge
WHERE ARE THEY? Washington
Street Mall and on the Promenade,
near Convention Hall.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Their motto
is “Simply the Best” for a reason.
Chances are good that you won’t
get past the front door without
trying a piece of something special.
Stroll inside and soak in the smells
of freshly whipped fudge, and feast
your eyes on an incredible range
of colorful candies and irresistible
chocolates.
The fudge is whipped right here
by expert candy makers and is the
same recipe that’s been used by the
Bogle brothers — Joe and Paul — for
more than 50 years.
Picking out favorite candies isn’t
easy, what with chocolate-covered
strawberries, pretzels, licorice
Scottie dogs, licorice allsorts (still
Joe’s favorite), chocolate truffles,
candy seashells, malt balls, almond
clusters, and more to choose from.
There are six stores along the South
Jersey coast in case you’re in the
mood for a day trip!
INSIDER TIP They’re open every day
of the year, rain or shine. Shop online
at fudgekitchens.com and friend them
on Facebook — @FudgeKitchens.
HIGHLIGHTS
Creamy Fudge
Cookies & Cream,
Chocolate Chip,
Chocolate Peanut
Butter, Seasalt Caramel,
Snickers, Vanilla Nut...
hungry yet? No matter
the weather, The Original
Fudge Kitchen always
has someone serving free
samples. Why? Because
one taste will cause you
to abandon all New Year’s
resolutions. Anyway, a
little of what you fancy
does you good. And don’t
forget: every autumn,
make sure you enjoy
Pumpkin Fudge!
Special Occasion
Headquarters
Hearts made of whipped
creamy fudge for
Valentine’s Day. Irish
Potatoes for St Patrick’s
Day. Easter eggs with all
kinds of shapes, sizes and
centers. Not forgetting
traditional Christmas
candies.
Irish Potatoes
These confectionery
delights are made of fresh
cream and coconut, handrolled
and dipped in fresh
cinnamon.
728 BEACH AVENUE & 513 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 800-23-FUDGE l fudgekitchens.com

[236] shopping
Patricia Jackson Jewelers
A remarkable selection of jewelry inspired by the sea, crafted on the premises
WHERE IS IT? Next door to the
famous 410 Bank Street restaurant.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Entering
Patricia Jackson’s for the first time,
your first thought might be, “Why
haven’t I been here before?” Looking
at the diamonds and brilliantly colored
stones in unique rings, bracelets and
necklaces you realize this isn’t jewelry
you’ve seen elsewhere.
Unlike other area jewelry stores,
all pieces are designed and made on
the premises. The recognizable oval
shape of Pat’s Cape May charm and
mile-marker shape of her Exit 0 charm
are just two examples of this originality.
All the sea life charms have been
molded from shells found on Cape
May beaches.
Custom work is Patricia Jackson’s
signature. They can design pieces
from your existing jewelry or create
something original. All designs are
available in platinum, 18k, 14k gold
and sterling silver. They are experts
on platinum engagement rings
and creating wedding bands to
complement your existing ring. Pat also
offers expert repair on all fine jewelry.
INSIDER TIP They offer free jewelry
cleaning and inspection. Customers
are delighted with Pat Shannon’s
expert cleaning, and return year after
year.
HIGHLIGHTS
Radiant-Cut Diamonds
Patricia Jackson is the
exclusive, original Radiant
Cut Diamond dealers in
South Jersey. All GIAcertified
diamonds in
unique platinum settings.
Colored Gemstones
The finest colored
gemstones, each one
hand selected and set
in original designs in
platinum, gold or sterling.
Multi-colored sapphires
and tourmalines are their
specialty.
Freshwater Pearls
Come and browse THE
largest and most unusual
collection of freshwater
pearls. There are pearl
strands as large as 14mm
in natural shapes and
colors.
Sealife Collection
Gathered from the Cape
May beaches, molded
and cast in gold and
sterling silver. Original and
beautiful.
On-Premises Jewelers
No other local store offers
on-premises jewelers for
custom work and repairs.
414 BANK STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-0323 l patjacksonjewelers.com

[237] shopping
Red Oak Trading
An irresistible store that’s packed with fun and fashionable goods, much of it made in the USA
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? The 300 block of Washington Street Mall.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Red Oak Trading is part of a new breed of
irresistible, artisanal-minded stores which stocks exciting, quality,
often handmade merchandise. Because it’s from the same people
behind Good Scents, one of Cape May’s best-loved stores, you
can expect quality in every corner.
You will find an eclectic selection of handbags in every
shape and size including neoprene, guitar-strap shoulder bags
and vegan-leather bags. Choose from jewelry, clothing and
accessories, many handcrafted in America, along with a fun-andfashionable
range of imports. A quirky selection of books will
entertain the guys! Red Oak is a must-stop in Cape May.
INSIDER TIP Dresses, Dresses, Dresses. Red Oak is the place to
find that comfortable, I-could-live-in-it dress — for the beach, a
beach wedding or evening out. With sizes to fit most bodies, and
affordable prices, it’s really hard to choose!
Maruca Handbags
A women-owned-andrun
small design studio
located in the outskirts of
Denver, Colorado. Every
bag is hand-cut and sewn,
never mass produced.
Not driven by trend,
Maruca’s beautiful fabrics
and functional shapes are
designed to work for you
in your everyday travels.
Stylish Accessories
From scarves to
hats to necklaces to
bracelets — finish
off your look by
browsing through
a wonderful range, much
of which is crafted in the
USA.
Vegan Friendly
Check out a large
selection of cool canvas,
cloth and faux leather that
look so real you really will
have to look twice!
Customer Service
Looking for a second
opinion on how to
match that dress with an
accessory? The friendly,
savvy Red Oak staff are
great at putting outfits
together. Just ask!
324 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-827-8320

[238] shopping
Ripple & Root
A shop that will make you feel good with every irresistible purchase
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? On your left when
heading toward Sunset Beach, right
after Exit Zero Filling Station.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Ripple and
Root specializes in homegrown gifts, all
inspired by nature. Whether you are
shopping for the garden lover in your
life, a statement piece for an upcoming
event or beautiful artwork for your
home, it is all crafted from the land and
sea.
Ripple and Root opened in 2019
when Wendy Collins and Laura
Shaddock — the same duo behind
The Mission Inn bed and breakfast —
aspired to have meaningful gift options
for locals and visitors of Cape May.
Every item in their store is made
in the US and not available anywhere
else in town. They offer many causebased
products that support saving
the oceans, charities and nonprofits,
including Silver and Seeds,
an organization focused on giving
adults with disabilities creative and
meaningful job opportunities. You can
be proud of every purchase you make.
They thrive on the idea that a small
pebble can make a big impact. Wendy
and Laura are all about being good
community members while providing
products you can connect with.
Find gifts like live succulents, garden
statuary and handcrafted artwork.
They work with artisans and designers
to create nature-inspired jewelry that
ranges from quirky to elegantly refined.
This sustainably minded business
also uses upcycled containers for their
homegrown succulents, all propagated
right here on the island. Nothing is
made from plastic — all products are
made with the betterment of our
environment in mind.
Pick up a few mementos for a
loved one to bring home with you from
your stay in Cape May. Take a stroll
or bike ride over or if you’d prefer to
drive — the West Cape May shop has
free parking available in their back lot.
Support a local business that supports
others — and grab a keepsake for
yourself while you’re at it.
INSIDER TIP Bring your own
container or planter when shopping
and Ripple and Root will plant your
purchased succulent for you!
Garden Statuary
Choose from a variety of
designs and sizes to liven
up any garden, yard or
patio.
Wall Art
Artisanal tiles with a
variety of scenes and
quotes which makes for a
perfect, meaningful gift.
Succulents
Live succulents are grown
locally and planted in
a variety of upcycled
containers.
Textiles
Variety of hand towels,
table runners and other
beautifully designed
fabrics for your home.
Jewelry
Handmade, nickel-free
and nature-inspired
pieces from artisans and
designers, all of them
crafted in small batches.
Puzzles
American-made hardwood
puzzles with beautiful
nature themes in a variety
of shapes and sizes.
122 SUNSET BOULEVARD l WEST CAPE MAY l 609-884-5554 l rippleandroot.com

[239] shopping
Spice Cellar Of Cape May
It’s a treat for at least three of your senses. See beautifully packaged products, smell the amazing aromas... and taste the end result!
WHERE IS IT? Beneath the Merry Widow Inn on
Carpenter’s Lane.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Before last year, if you
wanted to visit a spice shop, you needed to cross the
Delaware Bay or travel two hours to Red Bank, New
Jersey. That changed when Spice Cellar of Cape May
— brought to you by the artisanally minded people
behind Cape May Peanut Butter Company, Cape May
Olive Oil Company and Wingnutz Nut Haus (Cape
May Airport) — opened its doors. With 150 spices and
other items to choose from, this is the ideal way to
spice up a vacation (you know we had to do it).
So why wouldn’t you just hit up the grocery store?
For starters, there’s a big difference in freshness. “Our
spices don’t get ground until we order them,” says
general manager Marcus Vause, a professional chef of
15 years who’s helped curate the store’s flavor profiles.
“Nothing sits around.” Consider the turmeric — it’s a
beautiful golden color, not the dingy mustard shade
you’re likely to find when the spice has gone stale. And
you’ll be hard-pressed to find paprika this vibrant red.
There’s also a more exciting selection at the spice
cellar than at your typical food market. You’ll see
cinnamon, sure, but Vietnamese cinnamon, too. (It’s
richer, sweeter, and because of a higher oil content, it
disperses more fully through your baked goods.)
Overwhelmed by choice? The staff are eager to
help you navigate the Spice Cellar shelves, provide
tastings of all the products, and offer guidance on how
to use them.
INSIDER TIP Keep your eyes peeled for events at the
Spice Cellar and neighboring Olive Oil Company —
professional chefs frequently do demonstrations here
using only products in the store.
HIGHLIGHTS
Blends
Spice and herb mixes
named for beaches and
landmarks in Cape May
make for popular gifts
and souvenirs. Lighthouse
Ranch is a must-have.
The Gull blend is a great
seasoning for poultry.
Higbee Beach is infused
with coffee, which makes it
a tasty rub for beef.
Chili
Forget the tin can and
adobo sauce. These
peppers — Kashmiri,
Guajillo and smoked
jalapenos — come whole
and dried.
Flavored Honey
Once you try them, you’ll
never want to go back to
the sweet stuff that comes
in a plastic bear container.
Soup Mixes
Another line of artisanal
products created by their
in-house chefs. Think
Indian Mulligatawany to
Wild Rice & Mushroom.
Both made with spices
from the store.
Flavored Sugars and Salts
Spiceaholics will love the
ghost pepper-infused salt.
Chewing Gum
A must-have from this allnatural
line? The fennel.
324 CARPENTER’S LANE l CAPE MAY l 609-898-4441 l spicecellar.net

[240] shopping
Steger Beach Company
A Cape May institution brought to life in a collection of cool merchandise and souvenirs
HIGHLIGHTS
100% Silk Ties
Handmade silk ties with
the iconic Victorian
cabana motif.
Retro Staff Tee
The classic staff shirt
is now available for
everyone!
Garment Washed
Long-Sleeved Tee
Feel the comfort of these
super-soft washed tees,
available in a variety of
colors and designs.
Cape May Headwear
Classic trucker hats,
modern flat-brim designs,
and even sun visors. All
branded to show your love
of Cape May.
WHERE IS IT? Shop online at StegerBeach.co — and you’ll see some of it
being worn by the Steger crew on the Cape May beach.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Following World War II, local surfing pioneer Bob
Steger and his wife Betty turned his father’s bathhouse into the island’s first
surf shop, Steger’s Surf-n-Sun. While the store closed around 30 years ago,
the Steger family has continued to operate the iconic Steger Beach Service,
providing beach rentals and Victorian cabana service to the Cape May
beaches since 1930.
Now Steger Beach Company is offering authentic vintage and modern surf
aesthetic through their online store at StegerBeach.co. Fresh new designs, as
well as old favorites, are available to ship nationwide.
INSIDER TIP Check out the stories on Steger Beach Service and Steger
Stand-up Paddle Board elsewhere in this book.
CAPE MAY l 609-884-3058 l stegerbeach.co

[241] shopping
Sunset Beach
One-stop gift shopping, a magnificent mini-golf course, a seaside eatery... and a great little beach (with no tags required!)
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? Journey down Sunset
Boulevard towards Cape May Point
until you come to the end of the road.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Sunset Beach
was named in TripAdvisor’s Top 25 US
Beaches. Sunsets are spectacular as
they fade over the Delaware Bay.
There’s also a beautiful miniature
golf course, and even more fun can be
had browsing the cool merchandise.
Hungry? Sunset Beach Grille serves
burgers, dogs and other classics.
Sunset Beach, family-owned and
operated for more than 40 years, is
also home to the sunset flag ceremony
honoring an American veteran. Every
night before sunset in the summer, Old
Glory is lowered to the sounds of Kate
Smith singing “God Bless America,”
followed by a rendition of “Taps.”
Plan to spend at least one leisurely
summer evening at Sunset Beach
for this patriotic event. Arrive early
(4-5pm) for a bite to eat at The Grille,
play a round of mini golf and do some
shopping before the ceremony. If you
can’t make it to Sunset Beach, shop
online!
INSIDER TIP On the adjoining beach
(no tags required!), search for Cape
May diamonds, shiny quartz stones
that wash up on this beach. Or visit
the gift shop and buy some of these
beauties, polished and set in stunning
jewelry. Sunset Beach is open yearround
and has ample, free parking.
Cape May Diamonds
Sunset Beach offers a
stunning collection of
gorgeous jewelry, including
Cape May diamonds.
Shells
A wide range of
fascinating shells from all
around the world.
Local Gourmet Foods
Sunset Beach proudly
carries a selection of
delicious gourmet items
from local vendors. Hot
sauces, peanut butters,
honeys are just a few of
the goodies you’ll find
here.
Apparel
Your headquarters for
destination apparel,
including tees, sweatshirts,
hats and more.
Treasures of the Earth
Mesmerizing minerals,
fossils and rocks that will
interest the eager eyes of
the curious.
Sunken Concrete Ship
Just offshore lies the
remains of the SS
Atlantus. You’ll have to
visit to learn more about
this fascinating slice of
local lore.
The Grille
Good eats by the beach,
including cheesesteaks,
burgers, hot dogs, seafood
and ice cream.
502 SUNSET BOULEVARD l CAPE MAY POINT l 609-884-7079 l sunsetbeachnj.com

[242] shopping
Sunset Liquors
The Wild West vibe will make you smile... the fabulous selection will make you giddy
WHERE IS IT? Sunset Boulevard, near
the corner of Broadway.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Sunset Liquors
opened in 2012, becoming the first
establishment in West Cape May’s
history with a liquor license. But this
is only one reason the store created
such a buzz when it opened. The
3,000-square-foot building has a
fun Wild West vibe. It’s sided with
reclaimed cypress wood and decorated
with wine barrels from local vineyards.
But unlike the Wild West, the
building has a calming feel. This isn’t
your typical discount warehouse liquor
store — think Edison lightbulbs in
homemade fixtures instead of harsh
fluorescent lighting. The look is a combo
of boutique and homey, which isn’t easy
to pull off — but it works.
Contributing to this boutique feel is
a selection of 180 craft beers. The wine
selection, four aisles large, includes
varietals from California to Australia
to New Zealand, in prices ranging from
$5.49 to $250.
Liquor more your thing? They’ve
got everything from a $9 bottle of
tequila to out-of-the-ordinary, nextlevel
spirits, plus natural wines and the
latest summer seltzers. If you don’t see
what you’re looking for, let the friendly,
knowledgable crew know, and they’ll do
their best to have it ordered.
INSIDER TIP The staff here don’t
just know wine — they know the local
restaurants, too! Stop here for BYOB
recommendations.
HIGHLIGHTS
Customer Service
Sunset Liquors is family
owned and operated and
the staff pride themselves
on customer satisfaction
and local knowledge.
Wine
A large stock of imported,
domestic, organic, natural
and value wine. A large
higher-end selection
available, too.
Beer
Sunset Liquors specialize
in craft brews, with 180-
plus varieties. They also
have a large selection
of local, domestics and
imports.
Liquor
Whether you are looking
for a bottle of Jack or an
exquisite bottle of smallbatch
bourbon like Bulleit,
these guys have it all.
Mix-of-Six Wall
Create your own six-pack.
If you try something new
and don’t like it, you
won’t be stuck with five
unwanted beers!
Wedding Service
They take the headache
out of planning your liquor
needs for the big day...
AND provide free delivery
and pick-up.
Free Delivery
Year-round... now that IS
customer service!
106 SUNSET BOULEVARD l WEST CAPE MAY l 609-435-5052 l sunsetliquorsnj.com

[243] shopping
Tea By The Sea
If you love tea, or know someone who does, prepare to be delighted. This is a tea lover’s wonderland!
WHERE IS IT? On West Perry, a short
walk from downtown Cape May.
WHY SHOULD I GO? You’ve heard
of superfoods — tea is a superdrink!
Drinking it can help prevent cancer and
heart attacks, due to its concentration
of antioxidants. Some scientists
believes it can help fight Alzheimer’s
and could be beneficial to people with
Type 2 diabetes.
Bonus: There are SO many ways
to enjoy it, from a pitcher of iced tea
in the summer, or infused with honey
as a warm-up in winter, or black tea
served with milk, the way the British
like it (served with a chocolate cookie!).
When you’re in Cape May, Tea by the
Sea is the place to go. You’ll find books
on tea, recipes, new flavors and old
favorites — plus dessert teas like Key
Lime and Island Coconut.
But there’s a lot more than tea.
Enjoy a selection of Keepers of the
Light candles, cards and books.
INSIDER TIP Visit during the holidays,
particularly if you’re a fan of wassail,
which they carry at that time. Please
note, Tea by the Sea does not SERVE
tea. You’ll do the brewing at home.
HIGHLIGHTS
Tea, Tea and More Tea!
More than 300 varieties
on offer, including a new
range of Wellness teas.
Teapot Necklaces,
Bracelets, Earrings
Miniature porcelain or
crystal teapots mounted
in sterling silver to wear
on your wrist or neck.
Bonus: You will find
matching earrings for all
the necklaces.
Scones and Curd
Fine selection of English
curds, which blend
perfectly with more than
20 flavors of scones. A
British teatime classic!
Keepers of the
Light Candles
Made right here in New
Jersey, these candles’
wonderful scents make
the tea shop smell like
freshly baked cookies,
cakes and pies.
The Naked Bee
Natural skincare
products with nourishing
ingredients and addictive
scents.
Tea for Little Monsters
Indulge in the taste of
the tropics with this tart,
tantalizing hibiscus tea.
Cards and Children’s
Books
Will entertain the kids on
rainy days.
405 WEST PERRY STREET l WEST CAPE MAY l 609-898-4832 l teaincapemay.com

[244] shopping
Tommy’s Folly BOUTIQUE & KIDS
In a new prime mall location... an expanded boutique and cool kids’ store!
WHERE IS IT? Corner of the
Washington Street Mall and Perry
Street, opposite Congress Hall.
WHY SHOULD I GO? The wildly
popular Tommy’s Folly Boutique and
Tommy’s Folly Kids stores have moved
from the lobby of Congress Hall to a
prime corner location on the mall.
What hasn’t changed? Tommy’s
Folly Boutique continues to offer
a compelling collection of curated
apparel, accessories and footwear
for women and men from classic and
fresh new labels.
Alongside the Boutique you’ll find
Tommy’s Folly Kids, where cute meets
cool. There’s apparel and swimwear,
trending games, toys and accessories,
and perfect gift items.
Bonus: Check out the expanded
online Boutique at caperesorts.com/
boutique or shop directly through
Instagram @tommysfollyboutique.
INSIDER TIP The Tommy’s Folly
Logo Collection is still located in
Congress Hall, offering fun branded
merchandise, from caps to belts to
tank tops and sweatshirts, including
footed Blue Pig jumpsuit pajamas for
the family. The iconic stuffed pigs are
here, too, plus kids’ toys and games
along with the hotel’s china and guest
room linen and a fun collection of
whimsical ornaments.
HIGHLIGHTS
For Women
Perennial favorite brands
Nimo with Love and
Oliphant are back with easy,
beachy, chic styles you’ll
love. Complete your look
with sandals from Castaner
and Mystique, or flip-flops
from Havaianas. And stay
organized on the road with
fun travel pouches from
Stoney Clover Lane. The
Cape May sweaters make
the perfect gift, too!
For Men
Shop a great selection of
Johnnie-O polos, shorts,
and swimwear and keep the
family together in dad-andlad
swimwear styles from
Snapper Rock.
For Kids
Fun accessories (hello
unicorns!) including hair
clips, head bands and bags
for girls, plus toys and
activities to keep kids of
any age occupied during
dinner out. Don’t miss the
totally charming outfits
from The Beaufort Bonnet
Company.
Logo Collection
Including linens, rugs,
and bath products from
the guest rooms, china
and table linens from the
restaurant, and souvenir
items from stickers to
pet items to apparel and
everything in between!
302 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-554-3957 l congresshall.com/tommysfolly

[245] shopping
wingnutz NUT HAUS
For a totally nutty experience that will tantalize your tastebuds, head over to Cape May Airport and get ready to sample!
WHERE IS IT? At Cape May Airport, also home of
Cape May Brewing Company.
WHY SHOULD I GO? The team at Cape Island
Foods, who brought you Cape May Peanut Butter
Company and Cape May Olive Oil Company,
introduces Wingnutz. This nut haus is a spin-off of
their widely loved peanut butter store that offers
different bar snacks — all warm, salty and delicious.
From their peanut airplane logo, to their
variety of flavors, Wingnutz takes a light-hearted
approach to its newest endeavor. “It has its own
style and personality,” says general manager
Marcus Vause. “You will find products you won’t
find anywhere in Cape May.” The store is a fun,
quirky experience.
Wingnutz staff carefully tasted a number
of recipes to develop their own twist on classic
mixes. The best part is there are options for
any tastebuds — spicy mixes, sweet mixes and
traditional fresh roasted, in-shell peanuts.
Aside from their nuts, Wingnutz offers fresh
kettle corn, a variety of cheese spreads and other
snacks. Everything in store is prepackaged and a
great addition to any party menu for a big game,
birthday party... or share with friends at Cape May
Brewing Co. next door.
Wingnutz remains creative, offering a range of
tasty handheld foods. Think Jersey Devil Chicken
sandwich and peanut butter and jelly on banana
bread.
INSIDER TIP Wingnutz offers party trays to
include their large variety of nuts. Call ahead
to reserve yours for any gathering to enjoy with
friends and family.
HIGHLIGHTS
Snack Mixes
Old Bay
Fish Tales
Beer Pairings
Smoked Almonds
Sriracha Ranch Peanuts
Honey Roasted Peanuts
Pistachios
Sunflower Seeds
Get it Hot
Roasted Peanuts
Spicy Roasted Peanuts
Fresh Kettle Corn
Spreads
Cape May IPA Cheese
Spread
Asiago Parmesan
Cheese Spread
Kalamata Tapenade
Manzanilla with Lemon
Tapenade
Sweet Nuts
Cinnamon Almonds
Cinnamon Pecans
Cinnamon Walnuts
Candied Coconut Peanuts
Candied Peanuts
Candied Spicy Peanuts
1298 HORNET ROAD l CAPE MAY AIRPORT l 609-435-5429 l wingnutz.net

Health & Beauty
Treat yourself with a massage, pedicure, facial or
hairdo... or maybe sneak in a workout. Either way,
go spoil yourself — you ARE on vacation.

[250] health & beauty
Cape May Day Spa
Offering the perfect escape, before and after play... because you deserve a massage.
WHERE IS IT? On the corner of Jefferson and
Columbia Avenue. It’s a short walk from downtown
through the charming streets of the Historic District.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Vacations are designed to
supply you with an escape from the mundane and a
chance to relax. Some will say that a visit to the spa
feels like you added an extra day to your vacation.
Make a date with Cape May Day Spa and treat
yourself to an uplifting, luxurious spa experience.
This full-service boutique spa offers stateof-the-art
services in a tranquil, richly appointed
ambiance of total comfort. Spa treatment rooms are
calming and subdued, and the creatively customized
treatments feature both botanical and marine
ingredients. The Spa is the ideal place for special
get-togethers with a loved one or with a small group
of friends. Enjoy the spa’s soothing services such as
massages, facials, baths and body wraps — plus, of
course, pedicures and manicures. For a true getaway
experience, there are services and packages starting
at one hour, up to the five-hour Ultimate Spa Day —
relaxation never felt this special! Want to treat that
perfect someone? A gift card to Cape May Day Spa
says it all!
INSIDER TIP The spa has the only couple’s room
in Cape May. Experience the romance of this
historic city in the elegantly designed room, relaxing
together in the oversized whirlpool tub, followed by
an invigorating massage. Take it to another level by
adding a salt scrub to make your skin feel baby soft.
This is what bliss looks, and feels, like!
HIGHLIGHTS
Sweet Escape For Two
By candlelight in the
couples’ room, soak in
the whirlpool then enjoy
a side-by-side couple’s
massage, followed by foot
reflexology. Romance is
alive and well!
Tension Tamer
The best of the massage
world is encapsulated in
this upper-body treatment
that focuses on the most
common tension areas.
Love Head To Toe
Escape with your loved
one for a relaxing date!
Start with a side-by-side
Classic Swedish Massage
and then enjoy scrumptious
chocolates during a
Spa Pedicure together.
Euphoria!
Sea Escape
Escape the stress of
your world as you step
into the world of Cape
May Day Spa. Relax in a
seawater bath followed by
a Classic Swedish Massage
with aromatherapy and
European Facial. This is
Cape May Day Spa’s most
popular package.
Muscle Relaxer Massage
Choose your pressure and
style, in a fusion of various
techniques and intensity,
then wrap it up in a relaxing
massage supercharged by
Himalayan salt stones.
607 JEFFERSON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-898-1003 l capemaydayspa.com

[252] health & beauty
Massage by stephanie
A personalized experience focusing on health and healing
HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE IS IT? On the second floor of the pink
building across the street from Exit Zero Filling
Station.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Make the most of your
Cape May getaway and enjoy a personalized
experience that promotes healing, relaxation and
recovery.
Massage by Stephanie was one of Cape May’s
best-kept secrets, but not any longer with her new
location on the second floor of Accent on Beauty.
Each session focuses on the specific needs of your
mind and body to help relieve the stress of day-today
life or make the most of your time away from
it all. Spend some quality time with yourself — no
nonsense and no frills — only a great massage and
service at a reasonable price.
Stephanie Vogel has practiced massage
professionally since 2011. She is a member of the
Associated Bodywork of Massage Professionals
and certified in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone
Therapy, Thai and Pre-Natal massage, Medical Neck
and Back, Healing Touch, Reflexology and Touch
for Health. Stephanie provides a professional,
judgement-free environment where each client can
feel comfortable. She will become your muscle and
joints’ new best friend.
Massage can improve circulation and flexibility
and decrease anxiety and fatigue. Stephanie
assesses each of her clients to learn about their
health issues, muscle pain and stress levels upon
arrival to focus on those problem areas.
She will twist your body like a pretzel and
stretch it like taffy — you will thank her later
while enjoying that glass of wine at dinner, feeling
refreshed and ready to schedule your next visit by
phone or online.
Transition into a calm, tranquil mindset and
take advantage of Stephanie’s services. Heal aching
muscles, relieve back pain or simply relax before
enjoying a beach day with family or friends. Thirtyto-90-minute
appointments are available and gift
cards can be purchased online. Give the gift of
a healing massage to a loved one or enjoy it for
yourself.
INSIDER TIP Stephanie integrates Thai massage,
also known as a “lazy man’s yoga,” into every
massage to stretch and twist the body for optimal
relaxation of mind and body.
Deep Tissue
This technique focuses on
areas of chronic pain using
deeper strokes and friction
on deeper layers of the
muscles and connective
tissues.
Swedish
A lighter, rhythmic touch
that can be both relaxing
and energizing. It promotes
healing for injury and is the
foundation for all massage
techniques.
Thai Massage
Combines compression
and passive stretching
techniques to improve
range of motion, flexibility
and overall well-being.
Pre-Natal Massage
Using a special pregnancy
pillow, it aims to relax
tense muscles, ease
soreness, improve
circulation and mobility
and make you feel good!
Hot Stone Therapy
Using smooth, heated
stones to warm up tight
muscles so the therapist
can work on pressure
points and problem areas
to alleviate tension and
stress. (upcharge)
Exfoliating Scrub
Enjoy a scented exfoliating
scrub on your feet or back
to soften skin. (upcharge)
109 SUNSET BOULEVARD l WEST CAPE MAY l 267-251-3462 l stephvogel.massagetherapy.com

[253] health & beauty
Millennium Administrators
A healthcare agency focusing exclusively on healthcare benefits for individuals and companies
WHY SHOULD I CALL? Even when
you’re on vacation, your health
care shouldn’t be. Millennium is
the agency of choice for all of
your health insurance needs, big
and small. They are the experts in
designing and managing custom
benefit plans that contain costs for
employers as well as individuals. They
deliver everything from traditional
to innovative benefit designs, fully
insured plans, self funded insurance
plans, broker services to third-party
administrator services (TPA) and
more.
You’ll know right away that
you and your health care coverage
are in good hands. Their service
is uncommonly personalized and
they always have an agent on call to
immediately address your issues.
The staff of Millennium
Administrators have unparalleled
expertise in managed care dating
back to the mid-1980s for some of
the industry leaders including Aetna/
US Healthcare and Independence
Blue Cross.
INSIDER TIP Millennium prides itself
as a “health care cost containment
advocate” without sacrificing the
quality of healthcare benefits. Today,
Millennium supports many union
funds, municipalities and employer
groups large and small.
HIGHLIGHTS
509 SALDFORDVILLE ROAD, UNIT 4 l LEDERACH, PA l 610-222-9400 l millennium-tpa.com

[254] health & beauty
Sea Spa At Congress Hall
An elegant, indulgent retreat by the ocean where your vacation will be taken to a new level
WHERE IS IT? In the heart of Cape
May’s magnificent Congress Hall.
WHY SHOULD I GO? The Sea
Spa is a full-service spa offering
an irresistible atmosphere with
effortless simplicity. Located in the
west wing of this historic hotel, the
spa is beautifully appointed, superbly
equipped and playfully decorated.
Relax in a yellow-and-white-striped
cabana-style treatment room — think
of it as your private beach.
Wander into a dimension where
the only focus is on you. Nice
thought, isn’t it? Well, it needn’t be a
daydream — the Sea Spa is a vacation
within a vacation.
Sample the Sea Spa’s range of
Beach Plum Farm lotions or their
cosmeceutical line, SkinCeuticals,
which is backed by science.
The full-service menu includes
luxurious massage, body, and facial
treatments as well as manicures and
pedicures. Indulge, relax, and refresh
your mind, body and spirit.
INSIDER TIP Don’t let seasonal
parking issues keep you from relaxing
at Sea Spa — complimentary valet
parking is included for non-hotel
guests. The spa is proud to sell both
Beach Plum Farm and SkinCeuticals
retail items. Private parties are
available.
HIGHLIGHTS
Outside Garden Massage
Enjoy a massage al
fresco in Congress Hall’s
garden space. It’s a great
experience for couples,
friends... or just you!
Sea Spa Customized
Facial
Their estheticians are
trained to recognize your
skin type and needs to
customize a skincare
treatment. Includes
customized facial, an eye
and lip treatment, warm
hand treatment and hot
oil scalp massage.
Manicure/Pedicure
Old Fashioned Manicure
and Pedicure or opt for
Shellac.
Waxing
A full menu available. Ask
for details.
200 CONGRESS PLACE @ CONGRESS HALL l CAPE MAY l 609-884-6543 l seaspacapemay.com

[255] health & beauty
The Well cape may
Stress is inevitable, suffering is optional!
WHERE IS IT? At 600 Park
Boulevard, a five-minute walk past
the CVS, near Antique Doorknob
and Balance Pilates & Yoga Studio.
WHY SHOULD I GO? The Well
has been in Cape May since 2006,
offering some of the best massage
therapists in the area. Now home
to Cape May’s only acupuncture
practice, The Well will add
sound healing, holistic skin care,
hypnotherapy, counseling and other
healing therapies to the mix in its
brand new location, which is a hop,
skip and a jump away from their old
spot.
These days, body and energy
work are more than an indulgence
— they’re required maintenance!
Managing stress in order to achieve
balance between making a living and
loving life could be the key.
You’re on vacation, which is
actually the ideal time to dedicate
some time for wellness while you’re
in Cape May! Try something new
or just enjoy a great massage by
therapists who know what they’re
doing.
The motto at The Well? Stress is
inevitable, suffering is optional.
INSIDER TIP Check The Well
website for specials and to book
appointments online.
HIGHLIGHTS
Well-Being Massage
The Well offers 30, 60, 75
or 90 minutes.
Being Well-Balanced
Holistic minifacial with
customized massage.
Acupuncture & Herbs
One-hour sessions with
master acupuncturist and
herbalist, with a dedicated
focus on you and your
wellbeing.
Thai Massage
Lighter, longer, looser —
that’s you! Choose Classic
Thai on the floor or Table
Thai traditional combo.
Table Tune-Up
Need a quick fix? See what
20 minutes can do! Fully
clothed on the table. Walkins
available in summer, but
it’s best to call.
Wellness Boosts
reiki recharge
Adds a 15-minute energy
cleanse to any massage.
zero balancing reset
Your body finds balance
with traction and pressure
point work.
mini lymph lift
Drains stagnant fluid to
relieve sinus conditions,
headache and enhances
immune function.
guasha face + neck
Softens tension and opens
up lymph channels to
brighten and plump the
complexion.
600 PARK BOULEVARD l WEST CAPE MAY l 609-884-3177 l wellmassagecenter.com

Activities
Broadway-quality theater, world-class music, a theme park
to rival Disney, a top-class zoo, a splashy selection of water sports,
golf courses, museums and... well, boredom is NOT an option.

[258] activities
Morey’s Piers
The classic Wildwood experience... three beachfront parks with amusement rides that range from slow and steady to extreme thrills
WHERE IS IT? Follow the screams, laughs and scent of
Curley’s Fries to GO WILD at the World’s Best Seaside Park!
WHY SHOULD I GO? There’s a coaster-load of new
enhancements that you can’t miss. For adrenaline junkies, the
Sea Serpent roller coaster is topping off the list with a new
lift hill and trains for a smoother, more exhilarating ride. But
if flipping upside down at speeds of 55mph isn’t your thing,
grab the wheel of the new bumper cars for the big kids and
navigate the hodgepodge of the Super Scooters. Rounding
out the list is 240 feet of brand new Great White coaster
track. Yes, we know the allure of a wooden coaster is that
rickety experience you get, especially on those tight twists
and turns. But, rest assured, the essence of your wooden
coaster ride will still be there to awaken all your senses.
Voted Amusement Park of the Year by Amusement
Today, Morey’s features three huge amusement piers, two
beachfront waterparks, 100-ish unforgettable rides, one
insanely flashy arcade, 40 thrilling games and five ridiculously
fun restaurants. Spanning 18 acres and six beach blocks, there
are countless ways to have fun with the whole family.
There are rides for mom, dad, little brother, big brother,
big sister and second-to-youngest-brother... thrills that will
even make grandma giggle. Bring childhood memories back
to life with boardwalk classics like Tea Cups, Bumper Cars,
Carousel and Giant Wheel. Then there’s the extra excitement
of Wild Whizzer, Zoom Phloom and KONG.
Big-thrill rides include six world-class coasters, extreme
rides, a really big go-kart track and a HUGE haunted ship.
Experience high-energy attractions like “it”, the Great
Nor’Easter and AtmosFEAR. Plummet 150 feet at up to
50mph on the world-famous Great White wooden coaster.
Want to go higher? Fly over the beach on SkyCoaster, feel the
G-force of SkyScraper or shoot for the moon on SlingShot.
Voted Top 10 Best Water Parks in the USA by Trip
3501 BOARDWALK l WILDWOOD l 609-729-3700 l moreyspiers.com

[260] activities
Morey’s Piers
The classic Wildwood experience... three beachfront parks with amusement rides that range from slow and steady to extreme thrills
Advisor, Raging Waters and Ocean Oasis offer the best in water park
fun. Packed with treasures for the family to uncover, Raging Waters
is the best place to run aground for a summer afternoon. Float along
the River Adventure, discover the Sky Pond Journey tube slide or
take the plunge down Shotgun Falls.
Ocean Oasis water park moves to the beat of its own tropical
rhythm. Rent a private cabana, relax in a tranquil cove of shaded
hammocks, enjoy cocktails at a swim-up bar — or pick up the beat
and head for a race on WipeOut, a six-lane racer slide. Kick up
excitement and drop five stories in three seconds on the Cliff Dive or
watch the kids as they play in Bonsai Beach, an interactive play area
of water jets, climbing ropes and slides. This is island life at its best.
Morey’s also know that you need to eat while on vacation — so
treat your tastebuds at one of their delicious restaurants or graband-go
food stands. From classic cool cones to culinary cuisine,
there’s everything your stomach desires. Executive Chef Wally
Jurusz has handcrafted a delicious menu, featuring seafood, gourmet
pizzas, sandwiches, cocktails and more.
Joe’s Fish Co. offers seafood with an eclectic twist and features
a lively second-floor bar overlooking Surfside Pier. Grab a stool and
choose from local craft beers or signature cocktails and indulge in
Morey’s signature crab cakes and seafood dishes.
In the center of all the action on Mariner’s Piers you’ll find
Wilhelm’s Bier Garten — offering ice-cold German bier along
with a delicious, themed menu including beefy bratwurst, smoky
knackwurst, Bavarian pretzels and fried perogies.
Stubborn Bros. Beach Bar & Grille, on the beach at Surfside Pier,
offers the best in beach-influenced fare. Soak up some rays, sip on a
refreshing cocktail and listen to some live music.
No trip to Morey’s is complete without a stop at PigDog Beach
Bar + BQ, on the beach at Mariner’s Pier. Laidback and dog-friendly,
it’s the perfect spot to quench your thirst and satisfy your appetite.
INSIDER TIP Visit moreyspiers.com for hours of operation, events,
weekday specials and more.
3501 BOARDWALK l WILDWOOD l 609-729-3700 l moreyspiers.com

[262] activities
aj meerwald
Don’t miss the opportunity to spend time aboard a beautiful, historic oyster schooner in Cape May this summer. Prepare to board!
WHERE IS IT? The AJ Meerwald’s home port is in
the tiny village of Bivalve at a working waterfront
museum in Cumberland County, a 45-minute drive
from Cape May. But this beautiful tall ship is based
in Cape May every year and will be sailing in August
and September.
WHY SHOULD I GO? The AJ Meerwald is New
Jersey’s official “tall ship,” a majestic wooden oyster
schooner that’s more than 90 years old (but still
looking great!).
Commissioned in 1928 by the Meerwald family
of South Dennis, the ship became an instrument in
one of the state’s most valuable industries. At the
time, Port Norris — where the Maurice River meets
Delaware Bay — was the oyster capital of the world.
Sixty million bivalves were harvested per year by
intrepid, rake-wielding schooner crews.
Disaster struck in the 1950s when a parasite
lethal to oysters but not dangerous to humans
devastated the Delaware Bay population. This,
combined with a history of overharvesting, meant
catches were depleted by 98 percent. The AJ
Meerwald — which had already been reinvented
during World War II as a fire boat meant to respond
with water pumped from the Delaware River should
Philadelphia be bombed — was reinvented once
more as a clamming vessel. It looked as though the
grand oystering history of the Delaware Bay was
destined to become the stuff of legend.
Enter marine scientists from Rutgers University
who, along with local commercial fishermen, have
been working together to bring back the bivalve,
developing disease-resistant oysters and nurturing
their seed in a lab before transferring it to the wild.
This science has allowed for an oyster renaissance.
Farms have popped up in Cape May, Cumberland
and Ocean counties.
“This has increased the relevance of our
ship,” said Brian Keenan, executive director of the
Bayshore Center at Bivalve, who acquired the
Meerwald in 1988. “We’re seeing more and more
passengers who are interested in history, who enjoy
the environment and who are excited to connect
with family or friends for a few hours on the water.”
In August and September, the AJ Meerwald will
set sail from Cape May ferry terminal. Some will
feature live music, others will highlight local history
and culture, while some will involve passengers in the
vital work of oyster bed restoration. Just one oyster
can filter up to 50 gallons of Delaware Bay water per
day.
Whatever your goal — a history lesson, some
environmental activism or simply feeling the sun
on your face and the wind in your hair — the ship is
up to the task. Last year, the Meerwald underwent
renovations, including the installation of a new
engine. But some things have stayed the same.
“When the crew is calling orders back and forth
to each other, and they’re pulling lines or raising sails,
it’s this rhythmic, meditative state,” Keenan said. “It’s
pretty moving to be part of that experience.”
2800 HIGH STREET l PORT NORRIS l 856-785-2060 l bayshorecenter.org

photograph by nona martin

[264] activities
atlantic divers
Amazing underwater adventures await... and if you’re a beginner, no worries! There’s training for all levels.
WHERE IS IT? Heading out of town,
cross the Cape May bridge — it’s on
the right next to the Shell gas station,
inside Sea Gear Outfitters.
WHY SHOULD I GO? If you are
an experienced diver, want to get
certified or are in search of more
adventurous diving opportunities,
look no further! This full-service dive
shop offers a variety of technical and
recreational equipment, excursions
and classes.
The inhouse dive master, Gene
Peterson, has been an instructor since
1976 and is an avid wreck diver, logging
over 4800 off the North Atlantic from
Florida to Newfoundland. He will
take you through scuba courses no
matter your experience level. You will
learn the fundamentals in order to
explore the underwater world safely.
It requires two class sessions and four
pool sessions at Cape May County
Technical School.
In addition to beginners, Atlantic
Divers offers classes for the more
experienced diver. They provide
refresher courses for divers to
reevaluate their skills, advanced
training on shipwreck history,
equipment handling and expedition
planning, as well as technical training
to qualify divers to extend their
bottom time, lessen surface intervals
and maximize every dive.
Atlantic Divers is the leader in
North Atlantic Wreck Diving and
has been for over four decades.
They have a variety of wreck-diving
adventure trips to satisfy every level
of enthusiast. These include overnight
trips, group travel trips, camping, and
diving expeditions to fantastic offshore
wreck sites. Destinations include New
Jersey, Maine, Virginia Beach, North
Carolina, Nova Scotia, Bahamas and
more.
Wreck diving in Cape May allows
you to witness sea life up close — the
pelagic fish that travel up and down
the coast, whales, dolphins, seals
and more. You can also see tankers,
destroyers, German u-boats and
American submarines. Gene has
recovered and preserved thousands of
artifacts throughout his career — you
can find these at places such as the
Museum of Cape May County, the
New Jersey Maritime Museum, the
Bayshore Center at Bivalve and the
online museum at njwreckdivers.com.
Atlantic Divers is open seven
days a week, year-round and is ready
to get you in the water on your next
adventure!
INSIDER TIP Atlantic Divers has the
largest schedule on the mid-Atlantic
coast for wreck dives — from Florida
to Newfoundland. In short, this is the
mecca of shipwreck diving!
HIGHLIGHTS
Scuba Classes
Basic courses for any
experience level. Certifies
you to scuba dive
anywhere in the world.
Atlantic Divers also offers
Advanced Training and
Technical Dive Training.
Refresher Courses
For those experienced in
scuba, but it’s been a few
years, Atlantic Divers offers
courses to reevaluate your
skills and get you back in
the water.
Wreck-Diving Trips
A variety of trips are
offered — overnight, group
travel, camping and diving
expeditions. Destinations
include New Jersey, New
York, Maine, Nova Scotia,
Newfoundland, Virginia
Beach and more.
Tropical Group Trips
The best dive resorts in
the Caribbean catering to
novice and experienced
divers. Take scuba classes
and get certified in a
tropical resort and do as
little or as much as you
want.
Tank Fills, Hydro & Nitrox
Their air is certified
to the highest safety
standards. The store also
sells wetsuits and scuba
gear and offer equipment
repairs/services and rental
equipment.
795 ROUTE 109 l CAPE MAY l 609-884-0330 l njwreckdivers.com

[266] activities
bayshore center at bivalve
Immerse yourself in a fascinating period of New Jersey history... and enjoy an inspiring family day out with a beautiful backdrop
WHERE IS IT? The Bayshore Center
is located in Bivalve, Cumberland
County, a 45-minute drive from
downtown Cape May.
WHY SHOULD I GO? It’s a great
day trip from Cape May for a family
or for couples looking for something
different to do! Bayshore Center is
New Jersey’s only environmental
history museum and the home port of
the 1928 Schooner AJ Meerwald, New
Jersey’s official tall ship (see page ???).
Located on a working waterway,
the Bayshore Center operates the
Delaware Bay Museum and the Oyster
Cracker Café in oyster shipping sheds
dating back to 1904.
The Bayshore Center is the
perfect place to unplug from everyday
life and experience the natural beauty
of the region. There’s a pirate boat for
children to play on, a scavenger hunt in
the museum, and miles of nature trails
to explore.
Together, you and your children
can bag oyster shells, a fun family
activity that also helps to improve the
Delaware Bay and local economy
Or perhaps you and your children
could simply sit quietly on the docks
and enjoy an unspoiled view of the
beauty of the Maurice River, where
oysterman work as osprey and bald
eagles soar overhead.
This is a place where you can
learn about New Jersey’s oyster
industry past and present, sail aboard
a historic oyster schooner and enjoy
an outstanding meal. It’s a refreshing
change from the beach!
The Bayshore Center at Bivalve
works to further the understanding of
the human impact on the environment
— that’s a pretty good gift to share with
your kids.
This year, the center will be open
from April 10 through November 28,
Wednesday to Sunday, 11am – 3pm.
The Oyster Cracker Café offers great
food everyone can enjoy from April 1
through December 1, Wednesday to
Sunday, 11am – 3pm.
Admission to the museum is a
suggested donation of $7 per adult, $5
for seniors and children.
The Bayshore Center also hosts
educational programs (both landbased
and shipboard), which will
enlighten and inspire participants,
adaptable to all ages.
Land-based programs include
Wetlands Walk, Bivalve Discovery Tour,
Life in the Delaware Bay and a History
of Bivalve. Shipboard programs include
Educational Sail, Oysters, Wetlands
and Water Chemistry.
INSIDER TIP Don’t miss 2nd Friday
events from April thru October — live
music, presentations and café specials
from 5:30pm to 8:30pm!
2800 HIGH STREET l PORT NORRIS l 856-785-2060 l bayshorecenter.org

photographs by michael schuelke
photographs by seth beaumont

[268] activities
Cape May County Zoo
It’s more than a county gem... it’s been named one of the best zoos in the world! Come see what all the fuss is about.
WHERE IS IT? Take Exit 11 on Garden State Parkway and
follow the signs.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Cape May County Zoo has, for
years, been something of a secret treasure, although its
profile was raised after it was named at number five on
the list of TripAdvisor’s best zoos in the world! Now, more
people than ever are realizing why this is one of the gems
of the county. The park and zoo are a great place to spend
a few hours to view more than 550 species of animals and
the landscaped gardens and natural wooded areas.
And not only that... now you can also engage your inner
Tarzan by taking part in the Tree to Tree Adventure Park.
It’s an aerial course featuring zip lines, nets, swings and
other fun obstacles for every age and ability. Depending
on your preference, it could be a pretty decent workout or
merely a fun day in the woods.
As for the zoo itself, visit the giraffes, lions and tigers
in the African Savanna, play spot the snow leopard, feed
a variety of farm animals, slither your way through the
Reptile and Amphibian House or watch the birds fly high in
the World of Birds Aviary.
Or how about a stroll in the park? Cameron Wildlife
Sanctuary is a wonderful place that appeals to hikers,
bikers, joggers and wildlife watchers. The park offers
several habitats including woodlands, lakes and wetlands,
crossed by easily walkable dirt and paved trails.
While the park and zoo are free, donations are greatly
appreciated to help maintain this fabulous amenity.
707 US ROUTE 9 l CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE l 609-465-5271 l cmczoo.com

[270] activities
Cape May Inlet Marina Watersports
Go dolphin watching and sightseeing on a speedboat. Enjoy the view of a lifetime while parasailing. Or zip around on waverunners!
WHERE IS IT? A scenic 10-minute
drive from Cape May. Go over the
canal bridge then veer right onto
Ocean Drive towards the Wildwoods
when you reach the stoplight at the
foot of the bridge (DON’T get on the
Parkway). Continue on Ocean Drive
for 1.5 miles — they are located just
past the bridge on your left — look for
the yellow building and signs. There is
plenty of free parking and bathrooms.
WHY SHOULD I GO? If you want
a great experience on or above the
water, you came to the right place.
Choose between parasailing, dolphin
watching and waverunners, or do all
three! Fly high above the Wildwood
beachfront with Atlantic Parasail
and see the coast like never before.
Their professional captain and flight
technician handle every aspect of
your journey — ages six and up can fly.
You can also climb aboard
Thunder Cat Dolphin Watch Speed
Boat to seek out those irresistible
bottlenose dolphins that inhabit our
waters. The dolphins will entertain
you playing in the boat’s wake like
you’ve never seen before and provide
some incredible photo-ops.
Looking for something even
more thrilling? Hop on a new
Yamaha Waverunner at Wildwood
Waverunners to quench your needfor-speed
as you cruise across the
water. They guarantee customer
satisfaction, plus trained staff will
give all operators and passengers a
hands-on briefing before heading out.
It’s all great family fun! They are
the closest marina to the ocean, so
you get to spend more time doing
your activity and less time getting
there.
INSIDER TIP They are open mid-
May thru mid-September and
reservations are recommended. Go
to CapeMayInlet.com to reserve
your space and save money using the
promo codes offered.
1001 OCEAN DRIVE l WILDWOOD CREST l 609-522-1869 l capemayinlet.com

[272] activities
Cape May-Lewes Ferry
From the exciting new restaurant and beer garden to the boat trip and the delights of Delaware... so many reasons to head for the ferry!
WHERE IS IT? In North Cape May, a
short drive or shuttle from downtown.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Because it’s
fun AND practical. Take the 85-minute
cruise between Cape May and Lewes,
Delaware and continue to points south
with a smile, or enjoy local shopping
and dining in tax-free Delaware. This
summer, you’re invited to become
a Ferry Insider and discover all the
reasons the ferry has been awarded the
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
nine years running.
Bring your car and visit the shopping
outlets and a beautiful state seashore
park, or walk on the ferry and leave your
car in the free, secure parking lot — you
can bring a bike for free.
The boat ride alone is a memorable
experience. Many passengers choose
just to stay on board and enjoy the bay
breezes. Beautiful blue skies, sunset
cruises, panoramic views, dolphin and
whale-spotting are particular ferry
favorites.
Stroll the decks, eat, drink,
shop — all three boats in the fleet
are comfortable and each feature an
outdoor Lido Bar with cool drinks and
scenic views.
Throughout the summer, check
CMLF.com for info on special events
and excursions on board and events and
activities on land.
INSIDER TIP At the Cape May terminal,
you can kick back at On the Rocks
restaurant, featuring an outdoor bar,
relax and take in the water view, wait for
a later boat or just enjoy the cool bay
breezes on the boardwalk and terminal
green.
1200 LINCOLN BOULEVARD l NORTH CAPE MAY l 800-643-3779 l cmlf.com

[274] activities
Cape May mac
New name, new brand... but the same mission for the organization that saved Cape May. Prepare to be entertained and inspired!
In 2020, the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts
& Humanities (MAC) became Cape May MAC
(Museums + Arts + Culture), launching a new
name and brand, and a Carroll Gallery exhibit
devoted to its half-century history remains
open through October 2021. The organization
celebrates five decades of carrying out its mission
to promote the preservation, interpretation and
cultural enrichment of the Cape May region,
and the commitment and countless hours of its
thousands of staff and volunteers over the years.
To know Cape May is to know the story
of MAC. In 1970, a band of energetic historic
preservationists created this not-for-profit
organization and fought to save the 1879 Emlen
Physick Estate from demolition. By persistence
and guile they succeeded, an acknowledged
turning point that moved the city toward its
National Historic Landmark City status. Had they
not won that tough fight, Cape May would look
very different today.
Cape May MAC, as it has for decades,
continues to offer the following to the Cape
May community, of which you are a part, simply
because you are reading this book...
Emlen Physick Estate
Cape May MAC’s flagship historic site, the 1879
Emlen Physick Estate, is at 1048 Washington
Street. There you will find the Physick House
Museum, the Carroll Gallery in the Carriage
House, the Carriage House Museum Shop, and
interpretive panels about each outbuilding.
The Physick House Museum is Cape May’s
only Victorian house museum and a must-see
as one of the nation’s best examples of Stick
Style architecture. Entertaining guides tell of the
Physick family and delve into this gem, designed
by Frank Furness, Victorian America’s great
modern architect. The grounds are dog-friendly
and the gardens are beautiful. Outdoor festivals
support Cape May MAC’s preservation efforts.
Free exhibits are offered year-round in the
Carroll Gallery, and parking is free.
Cape May Lighthouse
Climb the 199 steps for a one-of-a-kind view.
Since 1988, when Cape May MAC restored the
historic site and opened it to the public, over
2.5 million people have climbed to the top. The
1048 WASHINGTON STREET & VARIOUS LOCATIONS l CAPE MAY l 609-884-5404 l capemaymac.org

lighthouse (the third on this site) was first lit on
Halloween, 1859, and remains an active aid to
navigation — its light can be seen 24 miles out to
sea. Climbing is a great workout, with the built-in
reward of a gorgeous view at the top. Those who
choose not to climb can see a large-scale photo
of the view in the Lighthouse Museum Shop.
World War II Lookout Tower
(Fire Control Tower No. 23)
Cape May MAC opened this historic site to the
public in 2009 after an award-winning restoration.
Part of Fort Miles and the strategic defense of
the Delaware during World War II, the towers
helped aim the big guns hidden in bunkers on
the beach. Visitors can climb to the sixth floor
spotting gallery and view exhibits along the way.
This tower, located toward the end of Sunset
Boulevard on the left, with free parking on the
right, is the only restored one of its kind in New
Jersey. A bunker is still visible on the beach at
Cape May Point State Park but is not accessible.
Cape May MAC Museum Shops
The Carriage House Museum Shop is on the
grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, while the
Lighthouse Museum Shop is located in the Oil
House at Cape May Lighthouse. The Carriage
House contains books, artwork, jewelry, teas,
jams and jellies, toys, and local memorabilia.
The Lighthouse Museum Shop offers maritime
and lighthouse memorabilia and gifts, clothing,
artwork, books, toys and more.
Cape May MAC Trolley Tours
Dozens of trolley tours leave from Washington
Street Mall at Ocean Street, while others begin at
the Physick Estate on Washington Street. Tours
are entertaining and offer the best way to get
to know Cape May and its history. They include
Welcome to Cape May, the hugely popular
Historic District, Mansions by the Sea, the Ghosts
of Cape May and the Underground Railroad.
Trolley tours are accessible with advance notice.
They’re available for groups, weddings and
special events.
Washington Street Mall Information
Booth and Trolley Stop
This adorable structure on Washington Street
Mall houses Cape May MAC Visitor Service
Associates ready to tell you what’s going on in
town and help you choose tours, activities and
events to enjoy. Pick up tickets as well as This
Week in Cape May magazine, brochures, maps,
blankets and more. Trolley tours start at the Cape
May MAC trolley stop across the street.

[276] activities
Cape Sea Excursions
Unparalleled marine adventures, including whale and dolphin watching and super-fun pirate cruises!
WHERE IS IT? Cape May Whale Watch &
Research Center has moved to South Jersey
Marina (across from Lucky Bones), at 1231
Route 109. Dark Star Pirate Cruise and the
Starlight Fleet fishing excursions sail from
6200 Park Blvd in Wildwood Crest.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Because you’re
gaining access to a wide range of expertly
crafted oceanic adventures, ranging from
whale watching to pirate cruises.
The breathtaking sights of the world’s
largest mammals surfacing and breaching
never gets old. Cape May Whale Watch &
Research Center was founded 36 years ago,
and they’ve been the pioneers in whale and
dolphin watching along the New Jersey coast.
They’ve come a long way and now
partner with Whale SENSE as well as the
Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society
to promote awareness of protecting whales,
dolphins, porpoises and the environment.
Dolphins are a common sight aboard this
vessel and riders get an up-close viewing
experiencing as they frolic right alongside the
boat. The M/V American Star, their gorgeous
90-foot vessel, is set up for non-obtrusive,
up-close viewing of whales and dolphins.
There is an onboard naturalist who will
teach you all about the critters you see, plus
a touch tank to keep everyone immersed
in this at-sea, environmental educational
experience.
Many trips sell out, so reserve your space
online ahead of time! To reserve, please call
609-898-0055.
Another part of Cape Sea Excursions,
the Dark Star Pirate Cruise is a 50-foot,
authentic pirate-themed ship which sails
daily during the summer season. Buccaneers,
young and old, are entertained with tales
of fortunes and treasures that would
turn Blackbeard green with envy on a
scenic voyage through Cape May’s coastal
waterways.
When you step onboard, you’ll become
a crew member as the fully interactive show
puts you right in the middle of the adventure
with sword fighting, singing, water cannon
battles and treasure hunting. Parents can rest
assured knowing this 49-passenger vessel is
fully Coast Guard inspected and certified.
To reserve, please call 609-729-3279.
INSIDER TIP Book online and use this
exclusive promo code for 20% off your Cape
May Whale Watch & Research Center or Dark
Star experiences: COOLWHALE.
SOUTH JERSEY MARINA, 1231 ROUTE 109 l CAPE MAY l 609-898-0055, 609-729-3279 l capeseaexcursions.com

[278] activities
Downtown Wildwood
Shop the farmers market and stores, eat out, play in the clubs, take a fitness class, watch movies under the stars, stay at fab hotels
WHERE IS IT? Just off the boardwalk, Downtown
Wildwood includes Ocean, Atlantic and Pacific
Avenue from Cresse Avenue to 26th Avenue.
Located in the middle of the island, it’s close to all
the action!
WHY SHOULD I GO? There is always something
to DOO in Downtown Wildwood! Shop the
Pacific Avenue clothing boutiques, gift shops, the
hometown bicycle shop and the local real estate
offices — there’s never been a better time to invest!
Stay at one of the hotels or motels on Ocean
and Atlantic Avenues and enjoy the pool, as well
as the beach, all within walking distance to minigolf
courses, bars and eateries. You’ll find a great
assortment of bars and restaurants, from fine dining
to pizzerias and ice cream shops, and everything in
between! Many of the bars and restaurants offer
nightly entertainment, so whether you’re looking to
kick back with a cold beer or dance the night away
after a gourmet meal, you’ll find it in Downtown
Wildwood.
Byrne Plaza is the new outdoor event venue at
3400 Pacific Avenue where you will find many free
entertainment events like Tuesday Night Family
Movies and Thursday Night Concerts. There are
also weekday morning exercise classes for a fee
and the Saturday morning Farmers Market. Bonus:
There is ALWAYS free parking for Byrne Plaza
events!
Be sure to follow them on Facebook at
Wildwood By The Sea to stay informed about
everything happening in Downtown Wildwood.
You’ll find the up-to-date schedule of events online
at DOOWW.com.
Are you ready to DOO Wildwood?
JUST OFF THE BOARDWALK l WILDWOOD l 609-523-1602 l dooww.com

[280] activities
East Coast Jet Boat, Parasail & Jet Ski
Whether you want to go dolphin watching or a whole range of fabulously fun water sports, this is your do-it-all destination!
WHERE IS IT? In Cape May, at the
base of the bridge, follow the u-turn
signs until Utsch’s Marina.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Quite a
few reasons! You can experience
a ride on High Speed Jet Boat
Dolphin Tours, the fastest and only
New Zealand-style jet boat on the
east coast that can operate in the
open ocean. The boat is powered
by a twin supercharged diesel
700hp engine, which allows for
incredible acceleration, speed and
maneuvrability. Don’t worry — the
engine cuts when the dolphins come!
Next, East Coast is the only
parasail company on the island. No
need to go over bridges, pay tolls or
sit in traffic. You have to experience
the high-flying thrill and panoramic
views at the Jersey Shore. And you
don’t need any skills or experience
whatsoever! East Coast’s Master US
Coast Guard-Licensed captains and
crew will take care of everything.
Last, but not least... if you are
looking for a cool and refreshing way
to enjoy your vacation, try renting a
personal watercraft, also called a Jet
Ski or Waverunner. This is a great
way to live life to the fullest without
breaking your budget.
INSIDER TIP Reservations are
recommended for all water sports.
Book online and you will save 15%!
Just use code CCM20.
1121 ROUTE 109 @ UTSCH’S MARINA l CAPE MAY l 609-898-8754 l eastcoastwatersportsnj.com

[282] activities
Exit Zero Jazz Festival
Twice a year, the Exit Zero Jazz Festival turns the nation’s oldest seaside resort into a hip little music village. Ready to be moved?
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL It’s a
phenomenon. Twice a year, every
spring and fall, sensory experiences
go on overload when Exit Zero Jazz
Festival stages its world-class festival
in Cape May, America’s Original
Seaside Resort.
The music and energy can be
heard and felt everywhere — on the
streets in the form of New Orleansstyle
second line parades, in the
clubs and restaurants bursting at the
seams with excitement, and on the
two main stages, with international
touring artists throwing down at
what has become one of the most
respected and creative jazz festivals
in the country.
Exit Zero Jazz takes its cue from
European festival models, which puts
the city of Cape May center stage.
Festival-goers stroll from club
to club along the streets, soaking up
the exhilarating sounds — proving
that the magic of the festival is not
so much who you know, but the
discovery of bands and music new to
you and your friends.
Put simply, it’s a blast. A Cape
May can’t-miss event.
The Exit Zero Jazz Festival
is presented by Chris Clemans
Sotheby’s International Realty,
Motema Music, Exit Zero Filling
Station and Philadelphia Mortgage
Advisors.
For ticket and festival
information, please visit the festival
at exitzerojazzfestival.com.
VARIOUS VENUES l CAPE MAY l 609-849-9202 l exitzerojazzfestival.com

photography by richard conde

[284] activities
HARRIET TUBMAN MUSEUM
Commemorating and celebrating the legacy of an American hero at Cape May’s newest cultural attraction
ABOUT THE MUSEUM For years, rumors
swirled in Cape May that Harriet Tubman once
worked as a cook on the island, stowing away
money for her work as a conductor on the
Underground Railroad. But longtime visitors
knew to take such stories with a grain of sand.
Then a funny thing happened. Research
confirmed that not only did Tubman spend
time in Cape May, but the town was an
epicenter of the abolitionist movement in the
northeast. To honor this legacy, the community
banded together to build a Tubman museum,
which opened in June of 2020.
With a $52,000 bounty on her head,
Tubman had good reason to keep her
movements secret, but we know that she led
over 300 people out of slavery. And she spent
the summer of 1852 working to raise money
for her operations in Cape May. That fall, she
made a clandestine trip to the Eastern Shore,
where she led nine people out of slavery.
A 1909 article from The New York Sun
claims Tubman engineered a settlement
for freed slaves in Cape May, and that she
did it the same year this rescue happened,
suggesting this group — and potentially others
— established new lives in town. In other words,
this place may have been a final stop on the
Underground Railroad.
The museum was created in a building
owned by the predominantly African American
Macedonia Baptist Church. Visitors to the
museum will engage with the work of African
American artists and artifacts from the late
Reverend Robert Davis collection, who was the
longtime minister at the Macedonia.
Emily Dempsey, the African American
owner of a local antique shop who represents
at least the fourth generation of her family
in Cape May, has also donated a first-edition
copy of William Still’s book, The Underground
Railroad: A Record, in which the author
documented the hardships relayed to him
during interviews with escaped slaves who
came through Cape May.
“It’s like a light’s been switched on in Cape
May,” Dempsey said. “I know my grandmother
had stories of Harriet Tubman, but you don’t
talk too openly about a person who had a
bounty on her head. We thought this history
was lost. Now, we’re learning about our
ancestors.”
632 LAFAYETTE STREET l CAPE MAY l harriettubmanmuseum.org

Photograph by
Suzanne Kulperger

[286] activities
Historic Cold Spring Village
Enjoy a wonderful living history museum, with 27 restored buildings on a beautiful 30-acre wooded site
ABOUT THE VILLAGE
The 1800s come to life in 27 restored buildings
where historically clothed interpreters
demonstrate blacksmithing, woodworking,
pottery, tinsmithing and basket weaving. Make
personal connections with the past through
interactive, hands-on family activities. The
Village features weekend events, a Welcome
Center, Country Store, Bakery, Ice Cream
Parlor, Cold Spring Grange Restaurant and Cold
Spring Brewery! The Village is open from March
to December.
720 ROUTE 9 l CAPE MAY l 609-898-2300 l hcsv.org
June 19-20 Military Timeline
June 26–27 Quilt and Fiber Arts Show
July 3-4 Independence Day Weekend
July 10-11 Hands-On History
July 17-18 Automobiles, Trains and Planes
July 24-25 Hands-On History
July 3–August 1 Down on the Farm Weekend
August 7-8 Hands-On History
August 14-15 Midsummer Heritage Music Fest
August 21-22 Hands-On History
August 28-29 Seafarers’ Weekend
September 4-5 Hands-On History
September 11-12 Revolutionary & Civil War
Weekend
October 22-23 Fourth Annual Ghoul
Spring Village
November 13 Village 40th Anniversary
Candlelight Celebration
December 4 Wassail Day

[288] activities
Naval Air Station Wildwood
When education and pure fun combine, special things happen. Welcome to one of those special places!
beauridgeweddings.com
WHERE IS IT? Just north of the island.
Take Broadway/Seashore to Breakwater,
turn left. Look for planes a quarter-mile on
your right and follow signs to museum.
WHY SHOULD I GO? History! And
airplanes. How can you need more reason
than that? The Cape May County Airport
is built on what used to be a naval air base
during the Second World War, a place
where brave young men trained to fly the
“quirky” SB2C Helldiver. And by “quirky”
we mean, in the words of one pilot, “the
worst airplane ever built.”
Only the bravest or most reckless of
pilots flew the Helldiver — and they lived,
trained and worked right here. Surrounded
by wetlands, they disturbed few while divebombing
over sparkling rivers and fields
(before heading off to the South Pacific,
where the Helldiver sank more enemy ships
than any other plane in the war).
Their presence is still felt, more than 70
years later, because the Aviation Museum is
still exactly the way they left it. But, oh, the
difference 70 years has made in aviation!
And you can see that difference made
clear as you get up close and personal
with the F-14 Tomcat, F-16 Fighting Falcon,
the UH-1 Huey, the T-33 Thunderbird, and
a Coast Guard rescue helicopter you can
actually sit in. Also on display in the Coast
Guard section is a USCG Humvee! And the
museum recently added a unique WWII
F6F-3 Hellcat fighter aircraft.
The NASW is supported in part by
a grant from NJ Department of State,
Division of Travel and Tourism.
INSIDER TIP The museum has interactive
exhibits, videos and original posters from
the era. A blast for vets, their grandkids
and history buffs of all ages, the museum
is always growing and available for special
events! NASW was added to the National
Register of Historic Places, so look for even
more exciting things to happen!
500 FORRESTAL ROAD l CAPE MAY COUNTY AIRPORT l 609-886-8787 l usnasw.org

[290] activities
Silver Bullet Speedboat & Dolphin Watching
The ultimate adventure on water. There’s a reason why they call it legally insane! (But they DO cut the engines for the dolphins.)
WHERE IS IT? Less than a 10-minute drive from
anywhere in Cape May. Take Exit 4A off the
Parkway, head right after the toll and another right
after you take the bridge into Wildwood.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Ever wished you could
experience the thrill of a NASCAR race driver as
he accelerates coming out of a corner? The Silver
Bullet can give you this thrill — and more — as it
speeds up and down the oceanfront.
Sounds like a theme park, right?
Except... you won’t have to wait in long lines,
because you’ll never have to get off the boat to
experience all this family fun. The Silver Bullet’s
twin V-12 turbo-charged diesel engines will show
you the Wildwoods in a truly one-of-a-kind way.
But it’s not ALL speed... nothing puts a stop
to the hard-charging Silver Bullet like the daily
spotting of our dolphin friends! The captain will
expertly maneuver you to our mammal friends’
favorite fishing spot. Your family will then have the
time of their lives watching the dolphins glide and
cavort alongside the boat. You’ll also see many
types of marine life and pelagic birds along the way.
So hustle on down for some legally insane fun over
the wild blue yonder aboard a speeding bullet.
INSIDER TIP Pack sunscreen and bring money for
the ice-cold beer that’s for sale! Also, please note:
Speedboat equals wave splashing! So swimwear
is your preferred mode of clothing. BONUS:
Parasailing is also offered here — ask for details.
502 W. RIO GRANDE AVENUE l WILDWOOD l 609-522-6060 l eastcoastwatersportsnj.com

[292] activities
Wildwoods Boardwalk
38 blocks with ocean view, amusements, restaurants, entertainment... and those beautiful, free beaches! “Watch the Tram Car, Please!”
WHERE IS IT? The Wildwoods
Boardwalk spans two miles from Cresse
Avenue in Wildwood to 16th Avenue in
North Wildwood. It can’t be missed...
just head towards the beach!
WHY SHOULD I GO? There is nothing
like it! This wooden boardwalk runs
along the beachfront and holds five
gigantic piers chock-full of breathtaking
amusements rides, including three of the
best roller coasters on the east coast!
There are also three action-packed
waterparks, a brand-new swim club,
hundreds of stores, games, restaurants,
with and without bars, and more.
Unforgettable memories are made here!
You can bike the boards every day
until noon. In the evening, don’t miss the
Boardwalk Parades, including an Irish
Pipe Brigade, Mummers and high school
marching bands, that start at 7:30pm,
Monday through Thursday. Plan to be
on the Boardwalk on Friday nights at
10pm for the weekly fireworks that are
synched to music on the PA system. The
Boardwalk gives you THE best view.
Be sure to Like them on Facebook
at Wildwood By the Sea to stay up to
date on their schedule of weekly events
and special weekend events like craft
shows and car shows.
INSIDER TIP Ride the Tram Car from
11am until the Piers close at night!
Download the Wildwoods Tram Car
app to purchase tickets and locate
Tram Cars in real time! Discount tickets
and wristbands are also available,
or you can pay the one-way fare of
$4 to the attendant. Be sure to visit
DOOWW.com for more information
and a full event calendar. Watch The
Tram Car Please!
ALONG THE OCEANFRONT l WILDWOODS l 609-523-1602 l dooww.com

[294] activities
Aqua Trails
Explore the wetlands under a full moon, as the sun sets, or in daylight. Or go paddle boarding!
WHERE IS IT? At The Nature Center of Cape
May on Delaware Avenue.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Because it doesn’t
really matter what type of Cape May
experience you’re after — from a romantic
escape to an educational one, from a physical
workout activity to a couple of hours of family
fun — Aqua Trails covers the bases. Owned and
operated by local high school marine biology
teacher Jeff Martin (that’s him on the left) and
his wife Tracey, Aqua Trails is one of those
no-fail, put-it-on-the-to-do-list kind of places.
Think of the photo ops as you glide along
in your kayak, encountering all measure of
aquatic flora and fauna. The colors alone
are enough to provoke jealousy among your
Facebook friends and Instagram followers. And
you can pick your pleasure — tidal marsh tours,
where you’ll get up close and personal with the
wetlands and the exotic birds for which Cape
May is so renowned; sunset tours, where you
can get views of the spectacular sunsets from
a different perspective; and the wildly popular
full moon tours. There are even a couple of
road trips scheduled each year — check the
website for details. There are also two kayak
summer camps for kids ages 12-16.
Paddle-boarding is now a popular part of
the Aqua Trails itinerary, with a variety of tours,
lessons and rentals for all ages. Not only is it a
fun way to navigate the harbor, it’s a killer workout.
After all, those vacation Margarita calories
aren’t going to burn themselves off.
INSIDER TIP Forget your sunscreen or
waterproof phone case? Aqua Trails will hook
you with a loaner as a courtesy — along with
maps of waterways, snacks and water bottles!
NATURE CENTER OF CAPE MAY @ 1600 DELAWARE AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-5600 l aquatrails.com

[296] activities
Cape May Carts
Navigate Cool Cape May in style... without paying for gas! And now... they’re Bintelli electric bicycle dealers, too.
600 PARK BOULEVARD l WEST CAPE MAY l 609-600-3865 l capemaycarts.com
WHERE IS IT? Just up the street from the CVS Pharmacy.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Technically considered Low Speed Vehicles,
these carts are the perfect way to get from one place to the next
while navigating the beautiful streets of the island. They’re able to
travel on roads with speed limits of 35mph and below. Slow things
down a bit, help out the environment and see the town, hit the
beach, head to a winery or bar-hop.
They have a full fleet of vehicles and offer four and six-person
carts, all of which are equipped with seatbelts, windshield wipers,
headlights and blinkers. During your Cape May vacay, you might
notice a cart emblazoned with CAPE MAY FREE RIDE. That’s
these guys, offering free rides, whether you are heading to a
restaurant, bar or the mall. No catches. The cart is also available for
rental for special occasions. Cool or what?!
New this summer! Cape May Carts is now a Bintelli electric
bicycle dealer. The Bintelli is a hybrid vehicle combining the ease of
owning an electric bicycle with all the features of a scooter.
INSIDER TIP Carts will travel about 30 miles when charged, but
each comes with an onboard battery charger and plugs into a
standard 110v outlet. Bonus: They offer pick-ups and drop-offs.

[297] activities
Curious Cape May tours
Add some history to your vacation with the secrets and stories of America’s Original Seaside Resort
WHERE IS IT? All tours start and end right behind Ripple
and Root on Sunset Boulevard, next door to Exit Zero.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Experience America’s Original
Seaside Resort on two wheels — or two feet — with Curious
Cape May. Hear the interesting and unusual tales of the
historic town on a bike or walking tour to complete your
stay in Cape May.
During a tour with Curious Cape May, you will get off
the beaten path and hear little-known facts and stories
to share for years to come. Take a downtown tour and
learn about Cape May’s Victorian history from a different
perspective. Adventure to Cape May Point and discover
the secrets behind the famous lighthouse (spoiler alert: it’s
the third one at that site). Look beneath the surface during
an exciting and educational way to vacation with local
guides leading every tour.
Your guide will also provide inside information about
local happenings, such as where you can hear the hottest
live music, enjoy the freshest seafood or catch the best
sunset views. Curious Cape May makes sure to stop at a
few locations throughout town for a quick photo op, too. Be
sure to bring your phone or camera along to capture those
great Instagram moments or photos for the family album.
They provide it all — high-end beach cruisers complete
with oversized, adjustable seats, a basket for your personal
belongings, and helmets and bells for safety. Already have
a bike? Ask about their “BYOB” (Bring Your Own Bike)
discount! And if you can’t make a scheduled tour, check
out their free self-guided walking tour on their website. Get
outside, breathe in the ocean air, and learn about the small
town you visit each summer.
INSIDER TIP Ask about scheduling a private tour for groups
of four or more people — perfect for family reunions,
bachelorette parties or corporate retreats.
122 SUNSET BOULEVARD l WEST CAPE MAY l 833-386-7433 l curiouscapemay.com

[298] activities
East Lynne Theater Company
One of the top 75 theaters offering summer productions in North America – The New York Times
ABOUT THE THEATER COMPANY
East Lynne is celebrating its 41st
season of presenting spectacular
American classics and new works that
reveal through comedy and drama,
this country’s diversity, challenges,
and triumphs. This award-winning
Equity professional company is
recognized for artistic excellence and
cultural significance by The New York
Times, The Wall Street Journal, The
Philadelphia Inquirer and WHYY Public
Television and Radio.
In 2020, ELTC produced outdoor
events and via Zoom and YouTube. In
2021, ELTC is still offering virtual events
while planning to resume live shows,
outside in June through August, and
hopefully moving inside in September,
at Cape May Presbyterian Church, 500
Hughes Street. Visit their website for
possible changes and updates.
Vaudeville Variety
June 12 – August 28, Saturdays
at 7:00pm (Sunday the rain date):
Performed outside at West Cape
May Borough Hall’s Back Yard, 732
Broadway. It’s 1916, and Mae Savell
Croy, portrayed by Susan Tischler,
is traveling the country lecturing on
her new book, Putnam’s Household
Handbook. Croy did write the book
that contains such suggestions as “if
the baby wants to cry, let it do so,
thereby exercising and strengthening
its young lungs.” She is joined by two
vaudevillians, played by Holly and Will
Knapp, who add songs and skits.
Dorothy Parker: A Certain Woman
September 15 – October 16: Selections
from Dorothy Parker’s work performed
by Suzanne Dawson. A popular writer
for The New Yorker, Parker (1893-1967)
exchanged witticisms with fellow
celebrities over lunch at the Algonquin
Round Table. “I’d rather have a bottle in
front of me than a frontal lobotomy” is
one example of her bon mots.
A Hundred Thousand Days of Light
September 11: An evening of American
classics spanning the American
Revolution to Gian Carlo Menotti, sung
by world-famous soprano Barbara
Quintiliani, who’s performed under the
batons of legendary conductors.
Nosferatu
October 23: Silent classic horror
film with live organ accompaniment
provided by Wayne Zimmerman.
Poe by Candlelight
October 23: Actors read favorite Poe
stories in time for Halloween.
Sherlock Holmes Adventure of
the Blue Carbuncle
Octobrt 29-30 and November 5-6:
Performed radio-style, it’s based on Sir
Arthur Conan Doyle’s story. Holmes and
Watson must find out who stole a gem
before an innocent man is convicted.
Christmas with Harte and O. Henry
November 27, 28, December 6, 10, 11,
12: Gayle Stahlhuth adapted stories by
Bret Harte and O. Henry, and performs
them in her unique, storytelling fashion.
Tales in the Backyard
Thursdays at 4:00 from June – August:
Based on ELTC’s long-standing Tales of
the Victorians, this version was devised
in 2020. Usually, the Tales take place
at a variety of venues, but last year
they took place in one backyard. ELTC
actors used microphones to perform
classic American stories, famous
speeches and one-acts. Up to 30
people are socially distanced, and the
cost is $5.
Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Rides
November and December, ELTC
provides the costumed storyteller
performing on Cape May MAC trolleys.
500 HUGHES STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-5898 l eastlynnetheater.org

[299] activities
NJ Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory
You’re in a world-class natural paradise, and this is the HQ... in idyllic Cape May Point
WHERE IS IT? On East Lake Drive, off
Lighthouse Avenue at Cape May Point — but
their events will take you into the outdoors
throughout the area.
WHY SHOULD I GO? You will find a great
range of binoculars and spotting scopes, unique
clothing, gift cards, books and more. The store
not only offers wonderful seasonal ideas for
wildlife and birdwatching gifts for you and your
loved ones, it also serves as the first stop to get
you on the road to enjoying the fabulous birdlife.
Pick up a copy of CMBO’s quarterly events
schedule and you can soon be exploring the
best of wildlife watching. Events run throughout
the year and range from easy-going, two-hour
strolls through the state park to two- or threeday
workshops — you choose the level!
Ever wondered what those birds are that
hang out on the beach? Why are the birds here?
And where do they go when they’re not? If you
have never tried a bird walk before, come on
one of the beginner sessions, where CMBO’s
fine cadre of volunteer leaders will offer all the
advice you need. If you are a first-timer, they
have loaner binoculars — bring the kids, too!
The Ryan De Witt Memorial Trail behind
CMBO’s Northwood Center is always busy with
birds thanks to wildlife-friendly landscaping,
while a bird blind provides for your viewing and
photographing pleasure.
INSIDER TIP Events run through the year
so, if you enjoy CMBO walks in the summer,
hurry back in fall as another spectacular hawk
migration takes place! When not in Cape May,
order gear online at FeatherEdgeOptics.org.
Proceeds benefit Cape May Bird Observatory.
701 EAST LAKE DRIVE l CAPE MAY POINT l 609-884-2736 l birdcapemay.org

[300] activities
NJ Audubon’s Nature Center Of Cape May
Explore all the amazing things around the cape... this is a children’s wonderland!
WHERE IS IT? Near the US Coast Guard base.
WHY SHOULD I GO? The Nature Center offers adult,
family and children’s programs from a serene, eco-friendly
campus overlooking Cape May Harbor and at other natural
areas in the region. The Center’s aquariums, exhibit areas,
art gallery, meadow habitat trail and lookout tower are mustsee
stops.
Summertime brings children’s day camps, Monday
through Friday throughout July and August, for ages 5-14.
It’s designed with summer visitors in mind — campers may
attend just one day or all summer.
The Nature Center’s day doesn’t end with the setting
sun. Join them for evening family programs, including full
moon kayak tours, evening campfires and moonlight beach
strolls in search of bats, ghost crabs and other nocturnal
creatures.
Fall is the time to enjoy the change of seasons and the
panoramic view from the welcome center’s three-story
observation tower. It’s also the perfect time to join migrating
monarchs for a tour of the wildlife meadows and gardens.
1600 DELAWARE AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-427-3045 l njaudubon.org/centers/nccm

[301] activities
Pedego Electric Bikes
Experience all of Cape May in a new and exciting way... and at a much faster pace!
WHERE IS IT? On Park Boulevard across from the CVS
Pharmacy.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Make the most of your vacation and
see more of Cape May than you ever imagined with Pedego
Electric Bikes.
Cape May is a beautiful, but expansive area and it’s a
challenge to cover it all on a conventional bike — that all
changes with Pedego. Spend an afternoon on the beach,
head over to Historic Cold Spring Village for a walking tour,
then hit Harry’s for a quick bite with enough time to cruise
over to Sunset Beach for sundown. Their e-bikes give you
and your family a chance to experience everything Cape
May has to offer in an affordable way without over-exerting
yourselves.
Pedego offers two different riding options — pedal
assist, where the bike knows you’re pedaling and will help
you along the way; or throttle, where the bike will take you
on its own. Riding with Pedego will bring out your inner
child, transporting you back in time to when riding a bike
was an easy, care-free activity. It travels up to 20 miles per
hour and its charge will last 40 to 60 miles. Simply plug your
bike battery into a wall outlet for three hours and you’ll be
ready for your next ride.
Pedego offers 20 different models and a variety of
sizes to choose from with staff ready to train you to feel
comfortable. If you love your rental so much and want to
ride it at home, buy your own e-bike! Pedego offers sales,
half-day and full-day rentals, tours, full-service maintenance
and all the accessories you’ll need for a safe ride through
town. Reservations are highly recommended. Pedego gives
you the best of both worlds by allowing you to exercise at
your own pace while having the time of your life.
INSIDER TIP Ask about their many daily bike tours
including self-guided and sunset tours.
110 PARK BOULEVARD l WEST CAPE MAY l 609-305-4566 l pedegocapemay.com

[302] activities
revolution rail co.
Welcome to a quirky new way to enjoy the beauty of Cape May... just pedal along the rail track and watch the world go by!
WHERE IS IT? Directly behind the Cape May
Welcome Center and Cape May Station.
WHY SHOULD I GO? It’s a quirky, fun way to get
outside and enjoy the beauty of Cape May. Railbiking
with Revolution Rail Co., who, in partnership with
Cape May Seashore Lines, takes you on an outdoor
adventure on the historic railroad tracks that run
from the center of Cape May out to the Cape May
canal — all you need to do is pedal!
The round-trip excursion is a four-mile trip
with multiple stops along the way — guides provide
cool facts about the railroad, the ecology and the
Cape May canal. The railroad travels alongside the
Garrett Family Preserve where riders can explore
expansive native wildflowers meadows and flora,
plus experience world-class viewing opportunities
for migrating songbirds, raptors, bumblebees and
monarch butterflies. The trip stops at the Cape May
canal and riders get to watch boats go by as the
railbikes are spun around for the return trip back to
town. You never know what wildlife you may see on
this adventure. Every trip is different.
There are two-seat railbikes ($80) and four-seat
railbikes ($140). Each trip takes about two hours and
they run rain or shine. The leisurely pace makes it
accessible for all ages and ability levels. Revolution
Rail Co. provides a fun, educational experience great
for team building within a business or with family and
friends. Reservations are strongly encouraged and
are available at revrail.com.
INSIDER TIP Book a trip of 20 riders or more and
receive a 15 percent group discount.
609 LAFAYETTE STREET l CAPE MAY l 518-251-2345 l revrail.com

[303] activities
Starlux Miniature Golf Course
The coolest putting green around
WHERE IS IT? Across from the
world-famous “WILDWOOD” sign
and retro Starlux Boutique Hotel.
For those needing more precise
directions it’s on the corner of Rio
Grande and Ocean.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Because
this is one of the coolest mini golf
courses ever built. With 27 holes, two
levels and three incredible themes
(beach, ocean, and boardwalk),
this is definitely a must-do on your
Wildwood vacation. So, grab a club
and put your best putting skills to the
test. But as you grip, swing and aim for
a hole-in-one try not to get distracted
as you are wowed along the course
by an enormous sand castle, giant sea
creatures, plastic palm trees swaying
in the sky and the world’s largest
artificial sand dune on the island.
And if all this putting and staying
on par has worked up your appetite,
then stop by Kohr Bros. A round of
golf and some frozen custard is about
all you need to make this outing just
perfect!
INSIDER TIP If you don’t want to be a
total duffer, consider practicing on the
world’s coolest and largest practice
green before you set off to tackle the
real deal. Visit starluxminigolf.com for
insider tips, pricing and schedule of
operation.
305 EAST RIO GRANDE AVENUE l WILDWOOD l 609-846-1048 l moreyspiers.com/starluxminigolf

[304] activities
Steger Beach Service
A fourth-generation family business that helps you create the perfect beach day in Cool Cape May!
WHERE IS IT? There are 11 concession stands between the
beaches at Second and Trenton Avenues.
WHY SHOULD I GO? There are few things as idyllic as a beautiful
beach day in Cape May — the sand is powdery, the water is
clean and inviting, and the waves are frequented by surfing
dolphins. What’s not so lovely? Lugging one’s gear onto the hot
sand. Because as relaxing as it is spending a few glorious hours
lounging seaside, transporting the necessary gear can be a sweaty,
exhausting experience. Enter Steger Beach Service, a fourthgeneration
family business that takes the work out of your vacation.
Launched in 1933 by a local lifeguard, the Steger family
business was originally a bathhouse between Jackson and Perry for
changing in and out of one’s suit. (Walking into a hotel in a bathing
costume at the time was prohibited). Today, the family operation
rents cabanas, which are great if you’d rather not end your vacation
looking like a lobster, of if you need a basecamp of operations
for the family. They also offer privacy, meaning fellow beachgoers
can’t snoop what’s in your cooler. Even sun-worshippers enjoy the
touch of ritz a spacious cabana brings to a beach day. Also on the
Steger menu? Sturdy umbrellas they’ll set up and take down for
you, staking out an ideal spot with a view, as well as chairs (high or
low seated). Then there are the watersport rentals — they’ve got
you covered whether you prefer your boards of the boogie or surf
variety.
Want to bring your own gear? Rent a beach cart to make
transport easier. Steger’s also offers wooden beach boxes on the
sand for the storage of up to five chairs and other beach supplies.
(These are painted in a signature Steger’s Blue, a color mixed
specially for the business by the local hardware store, Swain’s.) In
other words, the only thing you need to take with you when you
leave the beach? Your memories.
You can now book online at stegerbeachservice.com. Also,
elsewhere in this book, check out stories on Steger Standup
Paddleboard and Steger Beach Company shop, where they sell
their branded and beach-inspired swag.
STEGER BEACH l CAPE MAY l 609-884-3058 l stegerbeachservice.com

[305] activities
Steger Standup Paddleboard
Whether you’re an absolute beginner, or a seasoned paddler, this is a great way to see the island
WHERE IS IT? At Utsch’s Marina, at the
foot of the Cape May bridge. Follow signs
for East Coast Watersports.
WHY SHOULD I GO? You may already
be familiar with the iconic Steger Beach
Service, which rents all the gear necessary
for a blissful day on the sand. Now, with
the addition of the Steger Stand-up
Paddle Board business on Cape May’s
112-year-old harbor, a kickass SUP-ing
experience is on offer, too.
Steve Steger, whose grandfather was
one of Cape May’s pioneer surfers, has
curated a combo lesson/tour package
that runs four times per day. (Sunset is
an option.) It begins with an instructional
period that’s a nice refresher course for
seasoned paddlers, while being beginnerfriendly.
(First-timers are their specialty.)
Once you can handle the board
like a pro, you’re in for some beautiful
scenery along a route that takes you past
Schellenger’s Landing and Spicer’s Creek.
You’ll see insider views of Cape May
you can’t get from land, while learning
interesting historical tidbits. Or opt to rent
the boards and take them wherever you
wish… the Lobster House for a cocktail,
perhaps? Says Steve, “The great thing
about paddleboarding is that it can be as
strenuous or as easy as you want.”
INSIDER TIP Need an out-of-the-box
activity for your bridal party? Book tours
and rentals at stegerbeachservice.com.
1121 ROUTE 109 @ UTSCH’S MARINA l CAPE MAY l 609-884-3058 l stegerbeachservice.com

REAL ESTATE
Needing a bigger place to house that growing extended
family? Consult the experts when it comes to finding a
Cape May rental (or maybe a place of your own).

[308] real estate
cape Resorts Realty
Friendly, knowledgeable and highly experienced agents who will guide you to your dream home at the shore
ABOUT THE COMPANY Cape Resorts and Charity Clark
have come together to present Cape Resorts Realty, an
innovative residential real estate brokerage committed
to making the buying and selling process seamless for
its clients. Charity Clark, Broker of Record, has been an
integral part of in the Cape May real estate community
for 27 years, mastering the market, selling hundreds of
homes, winning sales awards and successfully serving her
customers. The new office is located in the History Hall of
Congress Hall and is accessible from inside the hotel as
well as from the north veranda.
It’s a homecoming of sorts since Charity summered
in Cape May as a little girl as her mother managed the
Congress Hall dining room and her family ran several Cape
May hotels. Charity grew up to manage the Congress Hall
dining room while in college, working with her cousin and
Cape Resorts founder, Curtis Bashaw.
Charity wanted to brand her company with Cape
Resorts because she understands that real estate services
are a form of hospitality and that many visitors discover
Cape May through their hotel experience and often desire
to make it a place for a second or permanent home.
Sellers understand that Cape Resorts has access to
quality buyers. Charity’s vision for the new company is to
offer concierge-style service with a client-first approach.
Cape Resorts Realty will nimbly and robustly market,
execute and advocate for buyers and sellers in the most
powerful ways. Charity has built a team of experienced
agents who were selected because they are all exceptional
at their profession and trained market analyzers. Each
agent understands the nuances of Cape May and all the
shore towns that are connected by sunset skies and white
sand beaches. They understand that buying a home is not
just a financial transaction, but an embodiment of dreams
for the future and the desire to create lasting memories of
endless summer nights with their loved ones, enjoying good
times together. Cape Resorts is leading the market and
wants to be your guide to coastal living.
200 CONGRESS PLACE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-9070 l caperesortsrealty.com

[310] real estate
Chris Clemans Sotheby’s International Realty
Setting the standard of excellence for the real estate profession in Cape May
ABOUT THE COMPANY Chris Clemans Sotheby’s
International Realty is proud to be celebrating
more than 30 years of setting the standard of
excellence for the real estate profession in historic
Victorian Cape May. Christina P. Clemans and the
individuals on her team are well trained, educated
and knowledgeable about all aspects of the exciting
real estate market in America’s Original Seaside
Resort, integrating modern technology and marketing
with professionalism to provide listing, sale and
rental clients with exceptional personal service. In
addition to providing Sotheby’s global outreach,
Chris’s involvement in leadership on the local,
state and National Association of Realtors brings
invaluable knowledge and expertise to her clients.
Every professional on the Chris Clemans
Sotheby’s team is actively engaged in community
organizations and local activities throughout the
county, keeping abreast of information important to
buyers and sellers of real estate as well as visitors to
Cape May, volunteering their time and energy to the
town they love.
The Chris Clemans agents live here, work here,
socialize here, raise their families here and take
the business of helping others do the same very
seriously indeed. Their dedication to our area is clear
to the community they support with pride as well
as the real estate profession they represent with
integrity.
Whether you are looking for a summer home,
new residence, investment property, bed and
breakfast inn or the perfect vacation rental, you
need look no further than the professionals at Chris
Clemans Sotheby’s International Realty.
1159 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-3332 l chrisclemansSIR.com

Here’s to a year none of us will forget in a hurry...

[312] real estate
Coastline Realty
Family-owned and operated full-service real estate office with local knowledge and award-winning realtors — families serving families!
ABOUT THE COMPANY Coastline Realty
specializes in waterfront, luxury and historic
properties along the Greater Cape May Area
and Lower Township coastline.
Carol Menz, GRI, SRES, CRS, SFR, ABR, SRS,
RSPS, is broker/owner of this family-owned
and operated office that’s been in business
since 1974. Appropriate for a leading realtor,
they operate from a beautiful, custom-built
location by Cape May’s iconic water tower.
Coastline agents can show you any home
in Cape May County Multiple Listing
Service. Looking to relocate or sell your
home and would like one of their agents to
assist with the process? They’ll prepare you a
package of homes listed and sold in your
desired area and set you up for an interactive
Collaborative search.
Looking for vacation rentals for summer
or off-season? Need a home large enough
for a wedding group or reunion? They have
plenty to choose from, over 400. Availability
goes fast so call today or visit online!
So, why should you call Coastline?
• Being the top-producing office
consistently representing the most buyers
and sellers in the Cape may area shows that
they will work hard for you.
• Selling or buying is a complex process
and Coastline are your full-service experts.
Honesty, integrity and trustworthiness are the
building blocks of their reputation.
• They know the best restaurants, nightlife,
boating and attractions to visit, year-round.
• They are knowledgeable in Cape May,
Cape May Point and West Cape May, Lower
Township and beyond — in zoning, historic
preservation, construction, investment
properties, hotels, B&Bs and interior design.
They know the plumbers, electricians and
handymen!
• They are savvy negotiators with your
best interests at heart and have unsurpassed
real estate skills.
• Their experienced team of realtors know
the inventory of available properties and will
help find your dream home. Coastline will
manage your transaction from marketing to
SOLD!
• They have wide experience in marketing,
selling and renting properties in every price
range in the county.
• Friends and family have no concerns
when they give out Coastline’s name and
number. They want to be your friends for life,
not just during your real estate experience.
Ask about designations held by agents at
Coastline: Accredited Buyer’s Representative
(ABR); Certified Residential Specialist (CRS);
Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI); Short Sale
and Foreclosure Resourc (SFR); Seniors Real
Estate Specialist (SRES); Resort and Second
Home Property Specialist (RSPS); Seller
Representative, to name a few.
Check out their reviews: Coastline’s
success is evidenced by their many satisfied
client testimonials on Zillow, Google and
Realtor.com.
941 COLUMBIA AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-5005 l coastlinerealty.com

[314] real estate
Coldwell Banker Sol Needles Real Estate
Cape May’s first realtor. Five generations, 120 years later, it’s still run by the same family.
ABOUT THE COMPANY When Sol Needles
opened Cape May’s first real estate company in
1901, he could never have predicted that 120 years
later it would still be operating as one of the most
trusted real estate companies in town... run by the
same family, five generations later.
Their affiliation with the Coldwell Banker brand
has enabled both their clients and their agents to
benefit from national marketing and advertising
exposure as well as a vast referral network and
cutting-edge training and technology. At the same
time, they continue to offer their clients the “small
town” personal relationships that are so important
in a community like Cape May.
Today’s market is more fast-paced and dynamic
than ever before and you need a Realtor who
knows how to navigate it. They understand that
real estate is still a “people business” and members
of the Coldwell Banker team are involved in all
aspects of the community, including local boards,
organizations, events and charitable organizations.
Their central office location on the Washington
Street Mall allows them to offer more exposure to
their sale and rental clients — and this year they are
proud to offer their clients a completely remodeled
office.
They have a rental inventory of nearly 400
properties, offering everything from a cozy onebedroom
cottage or condo to 10-plus-bedroom
properties able to accommodate extended families.
They can offer you both residential and commercial
sales and rentals.
When you work with an agent from Coldwell
Banker Sol Needles you are getting the best in local
knowledge, technology and friendly, professional
service. Come see what experience can do for you!
512 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-8428 l cbcapemay.com

[316] real estate
Homestead Real Estate
Friendly, award-winning agents who will find the home of your dreams or place your family in the perfect rental
ABOUT THE COMPANY Founded in 1997 to
deliver a higher level of service in the Greater
Cape May area, Homestead is constantly
striving for the newest and best in the
industry — whether it be to marry a buyer with
the perfect home, attain the best terms and
price for a seller, or land a family in their ideal
vacation rental with a customer experience
that is unmatched.
Homestead’s Broker/Owner Dagmer
Chew will enter her 25th year of real estate in
2021. Dagmer and her agents are proud to call
Cape May home and share their knowledge
of this beautiful town with all their clients.
What makes Homestead such a
successful company to partner with? A
commitment to fulfilling their client’s goals
through collaboration, personalized service,
and creativity. Dagmer has always fostered
a culture of “working together” and seeking
new ideas to ensure that those trusting
Homestead with their most prized assets
or their cherished family time are receiving
the very best that the industry has to offer.
Through tireless research and a commitment
to training, Homestead can ensure that all
clients receive an experience like no other.
The sales team adheres to the high
standards required in an ever-changing
industry. They continually expand their
knowledge of the complex, vibrant Cape
May market. As members of this community,
they know how to best serve as guides and
informed resources for their clients.
On the rental side, Homestead offers
a full-time, year-round rental department.
Homestead is the ONLY local member
of VRMA (Vacation Rental Management
Association) and prides itself in being at the
forefront of the vacation rental industry.
Homestead is the ONLY agency to offer
credit card payment options at NO additional
cost. Digital lease transactions, Drive-Thru
check-in and check-out, a 24-hour emergency
line, 24-hour online booking service plus their
exclusive Linen Rental Service add to the
concierge-like guest experience. Their expert
staff will help guests become locals in a jiffy
— offering information on establishments and
attractions, plus the added resources of the
company’s new vacation website, boasting a
year-round calendar of area events.
Whether it’s the blooming spring, beachy
summer, vibrant fall or tranquil winter,
Homestead is ready to serve you in Cape
May, the Resort for All Seasons!
502 BANK STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-1888 l homesteadcapemay.com

[318] real estate
Jersey Cape Realty
You want integrity, superb customer service, and a friendly, knowledgeable staff? You want to call the professionals at Jersey Cape.
ABOUT THE COMPANY When you think of Jersey
Cape Realty, think Hometown Team. The dedicated
group of agents at Jersey Cape Realty love Cape
May and are very involved in the local community.
They live, work, eat and play here, making friends out
of clients and customers as they share their passion
and enthusiasm for this remarkable little city by the
sea.
The multi-talented professionals at Jersey Cape
Realty are led by Dee Lanzalotti, a dynamic woman
who founded the company in 1988.
Dee’s son, Henry Lanzalotti, joined the team in
2008 after successfully practicing law in Philadelphia
for a number of years. Adding more expertise
to this very qualified group is Jim Cheney, Dee’s
brother, who joined the firm in 1997 and is a certified
appraiser.
Collectively, Jersey Cape Realty agents garner a
reputation synonymous with integrity, trust and hard
work.
The professionals at Jersey Cape Realty offer
the following services:
• Residential Sales
• Vacation and Investment Properties
• Commercial Sales
• Land Development and Sales
• Historic Property and B&B Sales
• Vacation Rentals and Services
Why not let a Jersey Cape Realty agent show
you around Cool Cape May… you’ll make new friends
and find some great real estate opportunities (and
maybe receive some sound advice on where to eat,
drink and have fun while you’re here!).
739 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-5800 l jerseycaperealty.com

[320] real estate
RE/MAX SURFSIDE
When you combine the country’s top real estate franchise with local expertise and great service, you get a world-class experience!
315 OCEAN STREET, SUITE 24 l CAPE MAY l 609-884-4242 l SurfsideCapeMay.com
ABOUT THE COMPANY You likely already know
RE/MAX — which started as a single office in
Denver, Colorado — is a safe bet when buying or
selling your home. It’s no wonder that Entrepreneur
magazine named it the best real estate franchise in
the country.
A major reason why? The professionalism, local
knowledge and experience of their agents. The
RE/MAX Surfside office is staffed with only full-time
career professionals providing sales, vacation rental
and investing services for their clients throughout
southern Cape May County.
The RE/MAX Surfside agents are passionate
about helping you fall in love with this place,
whether you’re looking for a luxurious beachfront
home or a family-friendly condo.
RE/MAX Surfside is also dedicated to
professional development and industry advocacy,
with both Brian Groetsch and Christine Rothwell
having each served two terms as President of the
Cape May County Association of Realtors and MLS.
While their credentials are impressive, it’s good oldfashioned
customer service that lands the group so
many referrals.
This is key, considering all the factors involved
with real estate. RE/MAX Surfside will be with you
every step of the way.
So, instead of feeling stressed or overwhelmed,
which so often happens when buying, selling or
even renting a home, focus instead on the joy and
pride that should be part of this process.
Come see the group at their beautiful new
headquarters in the Washington Commons mall,
right in the heart of of historic Cape May.
Happy house-hunting!

[322] real estate
Apex Realty, Theresa Senico
Offering quality, expert, friendly local service with that personal touch
ABOUT THE COMPANY Theresa is
a licensed broker-salesperson with
Apex Realty, who have been a part of
the Cape May community for more
than 40 years, and who specialize in
sales along the increasingly desirable
Delaware Bay side of the Jersey
Shore.
She is knowledgeable in every
aspect of the real estate market
and committed to providing quality
service to buyers, sellers and
investors.
Theresa is proud to have
received, for the last 18 consecutive
years, a New Jersey Association of
Realtors Circle of Excellence Award.
Along with the technological
knowledge and marketing expertise
that today’s market requires, she
provides old-fashioned service and
dedication to her clients.
If you are looking to buy or sell a
home, or if you simply have property
management needs, Theresa will
provide you with the top-notch
service you deserve.
Call her today. The office is
located just outside of Cape May on
Bayshore Road in Villas.
2505 BAYSHORE ROAD l LOWER TOWNSHIP l 609-408-4655 & 800-894-2739 l jerseyshorehomesbytheresasenico.com

[323] real estate
DeSatnick Real Estate
Highly competitive and energetic, using every technological resource available, this team is ready to do business!
ABOUT THE COMPANY Offering everything
from luxury waterside residences to cozy
vacation rentals, the deSatnick team is ready
to make your new home or dream vacation
a reality. The team comprises over 50 South
Jersey area locals who are embedded in
the community and knowledgeable about
all things real estate. They have committed
themselves to researching and understanding
different areas, prices, values, property types,
building and zoning requirements.
They also love this community and want
to share with you the many ways to enjoy
it, all year long. Todd deSatnick, Broker of
Record and owner, is a lifetime resident of
Cape May. He established the company in
2007 and attributes its growth to always
putting the client first and staying informed
about real estate developments.
Today, deSatnick’s services range
from commercial and residential sales and
acquisitions to assisting owners and guests
with rentals. The acquisitions of their office
buildings in 2017 and 2019 have ensured the
company’s success into the future.
The team is professionally and personally
well rounded. Everyone, including the
five administrative managers, are licensed
Realtors. The company leads the industry
in their social media and digital marketing
skills. The team’s commitment to excellence
fuels their growth in the community. Beyond
the passion for real estate, the deSatnick
team shares a commitment to giving back to
the community they call home. Every cause
they support is rooted in the experiences of
one or many of the team members. Favorite
causes include The deSatnick Foundation,
The Lunch with Lynch Foundation, Life Rolls
On, NextGen 30 and The Dean Randazzo
Foundation. Ask about any one of these
causes and they’ll happily share the story of
their connection.
INSIDER TIP There are office locations in
Cape May and the Wildwoods, both open
seven days a week, year-round. Someone
from the team is always available and they
welcome impromptu visits!
1001 LAFAYETTE STREET, CAPE MAY, 609-884-1300 l 901 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, NORTH WILDWOOD, 609-551-4066 l deSatnickRealEstate.com

[324] real estate
Long & Foster Real Estate
Thinking of buying or selling? Stop by for a chat with a full-time Long & Foster agent. They’re ready to help.
ABOUT THE COMPANY The Long &
Foster name has been synonymous with
integrity and dedication within the real
estate industry for decades. This level
of commitment is why Long & Foster
signs now grace the front lawns of so
many properties in the area.
“We see your signs everywhere, so
we decided to stop in,” is a frequent
remark made by buyers, sellers and
visitors looking for the perfect vacation
rental. Long and Foster Real Estate’s
prime location, with on-site parking, is
wonderfully convenient.
Their fully renovated office, winner
of an Historic Preservation Commission
award, is a comfortable business setting
with private conference rooms available
to accommodate clients.
Long & Foster Real Estate fully
embraces the technology that has
revolutionized the real estate industry.
They offer an excellent, user-friendly
website that assures sellers and
landlords high exposure for their
properties.
Technology is a wonderful tool,
but getting buyers and sellers to the
closing table, or getting a lease signed,
still requires having the best people,
and Long & Foster Real Estate has
exceptional realtors. They offer an
experienced sales team, alongside the
best support staff, all working together
to exceed their clients’ expectations.
501 LAFAYETTE STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-1007 l longandfoster.com

[325] real estate
WKR Property Management
With a concierge service, too... one call really does it all!
ABOUT THE COMPANY WKR Property
Management and Concierge Service
operates with a simple philosophy: get the
job done, whatever it may be.
Property management services range
from weekly inspections to hurricane
and storm preparations, house cleaning,
painting, landscaping and everything else in
between.
When it comes to concierge service,
their offerings include child and pet care,
watering flowers, planning personal parties,
food shopping, or whatever else you may
need done. WKR Property Management is
fully staffed with all the trades necessary
to handle your smallest concern or your
largest problem. You name it and they
will take care of it. Their resources are
practically unlimited and they are available
every day, year-round!
1400 TEXAS AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-8444 l wkrservices.com

Accommodations
Welcome to the city that put bed and breakfast inns on
the map. Choose from charming Victorian cottages... or
go modern at a beautifully equipped resort hotel.

[328] accommodations
Carroll Villa
In a city full of special buildings, on its most beautiful street, sits a very special place... with a very friendly vibe
WHERE IS IT? Half a block from the beach and
the beautifully renovated mall on gorgeous Jackson
Street, in the heart of the Historic District.
WHY SHOULD I GO? This is a special place in a city
that’s rightly famous for its architecture. The Carroll
Villa offers a wonderful combination of a grand,
historic building with an unpretentious, creative
and very welcoming atmosphere. Built in 1882 as a
seaside escape for families, it was modeled after
the Italian villa style. It has an imposing, sweeping
porch, tall front windows, a symmetrical facade and
a cupola.
For a romantic weekend, a family vacation, or
a unique conference site, the Caroll Villa offers
19 contemporary Victorian guest rooms. Each
unique room blends period antiques with freshly
restored pieces that evokes a traditional feel with a
modern twist. Enjoy private baths, AC, refrigerators,
flat-screen TVs, free wireless internet, and more.
The Garden Terrace offers an intimate setting for
weddings and rehearsal dinners, family reunions, and
corporate workshops.
This family-run hotel is also home of the
nationally acclaimed, locally famous Mad Batter
restaurant, a Cape May tradition since 1976. This
means that staying here will get you a delicious full
breakfast every morning. There’s no better way to
start another special day in Cape May.
19 JACKSON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-9619 l carrollvilla.com

[330] accommodations
La Mer Beachfront resort
A contemporary, beachfront resort directly across the street from the ocean with a swimming pool. Enjoy luxurious comfort!
WHERE IS IT? Nestled on the quieter end
of Cape May, La Mer Beachfront Resort is
perched at the water’s edge at the corner of
Beach and Pittsburgh Avenues.
WHY SHOULD I STAY THERE? Because La
Mer Beachfront Resort features the ultimate
contemporary facilities, with 162 spectacular
rooms that beautifully combine comfort
and convenience. The resort now boasts an
entire new wing with luxe rooms and a novel
restaurant. You can relax by the heated pool
and order a cocktail from the vast spirits
menu. Or enjoy fine cuisine at the onsite Pier
House restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and
dinner. The rooms at La Mer are accessible
by three elevators and indoor halls, and each
room offers modern conveniences like granite
wet bars with microwaves and refrigerators,
safes, high-speed wireless internet and
incredible views.
La Mer also offers a very modern fitness
center, meeting rooms for guests’ special
occasions — and a fully equipped business
center if you absolutely insist on doing some
work while you’re here. And here’s a major
bonus — they provide more than 50 percent
covered, off-street parking... a real rarity in
America’s Original Seaside Resort. The hotel
is constantly updating itself to continue
satisfying its guests’ modern-day needs. Most
recently they have become ecofriendly by
offering guests charging stations for electric
cars. And that’s something to celebrate!
PITTSBURGH & BEACH AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-9000 l capemaylamer.com

[332] accommodations
LOKAL HOTEL
No other place looks, or feels, like it. Staying Lokal puts a different spin on your Cape May vacation.
WHERE IS IT? In Cape May’s Historic District, a
stone’s throw from the beautiful beachfront.
WHY SHOULD I STAY THERE? There’s nothing else
like it! This micro beach resort, open year-round, will
catch your eye with its memorable exterior (wood
siding charred using an ancient Japanese technique)
and beautiful modern-rustic interiors.
The Lokal offers eight rooms, split between
studios and two-bedroom suites. All suites are
apartment style with full kitchens, dining, living areas
and decks. All rooms are very kid-friendly.
Although the beach is just a hop, skip and a
jump away, you’ll want to relax in the lounge chairs
by Lokal’s heated saltwater pool. Owners Chad and
Courtney say it’s their goal to be the first pool open
and the last one closed in Cape May each year!
Other amenities include an outdoor cooking
station, where you can grill by the pool and mix your
craft cocktails. And when you’re ready to hit the
beach, you’re all hooked up! Lokal supply mobile
beach kits (from Yeti coolers to towels and buckets/
shovels) AND they’ll set up your lounge chairs and
umbrellas. All you have to do is lie back and chill.
Adding to the vibe of a perfect beach house
is the Invisible Service at Lokal — no front desk, no
onsite staff. The best service is at your fingertips,
from automated check-in to inroom iPads with
service-driven apps. BUT if you have any specific
requirements, they’re only a text away.
INSIDER TIP Lokal also operates hotels in Philly’s
Old City and Fishtown, along with the adorable
A-Frame Cabin on New Jersey’s Maurice River.
5 STOCKTON PLACE l CAPE MAY l 609-536-9157 l staylokal.com

[334] accommodations
Montreal Beach Resort
With an oceanfront setting and everything you desire (swimming pool, patio bar, restaurant), this is the ultimate Cape May destination!
WHERE IS IT? Across from the beach
at Madison Avenue.
WHY SHOULD I GO? The property
has been lovingly owned and
maintained by three generations of the
Hirsch family, who’ve made countless
improvements over five decades.
In 2016, they completed a deluxe
renovation of Harry’s Ocean Bar &
Grille and the patio bar with expansive
ocean views. The fresh design matches
the celebrated cuisine and spirits.
The Montreal Beach Resort
is emblematic of the Cape May
experience, upholding a core value
of treating customers like family,
while keeping amenities modern and
appealing. It’s one of a few hotels along
the Jersey Shore to remain under the
continuous management of one family.
The property features 70 rooms,
a large oceanfront pool and two
panoramic sundecks. It also overlooks
the beach, making it the ideal choice
for families and couples, as well as for
business or social gatherings. For those
who live nearby, it’s the perfect spot
for a staycation!
The Montreal also features a
Beach Club to take the experience to
a whole new level. Located directly on
the beach in front of the Resort, this
exclusive club rents luxurious private
cabanas, umbrellas, beach chairs and
attendants to look after your every
need. It’s available seasonally, with both
guests and public beachgoers welcome.
INSIDER TIP Want to enjoy Harry’s
menu items with your feet in the sand?
Hungry beachgoers can enjoy handdelivered
beach service from Harry’s
Ocean Bar & Grille.
BEACH @ MADISON AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-7011 & 800-525-7011 l montrealbeachresort.com

[336] accommodations
Ocean Club Hotel
The comforts of home, with a sophisticated twist, and the luxury of beachfront recreation at its best... it’s the way to stay in Cape May!
WHERE IS IT? The eastern end of
Cape May’s beautiful beachfront.
WHY SHOULD I GO? Although
the Ocean Club’s greatest amenity
is the beachfront location and
accessibility to all the city has to
offer, it’s a chic destination in its own
right, redefining the luxury Cape
May hotel experience with a blend
of sophisticated style and breezy
comfort.
Let’s start with the rooms — 90
total, with several options for your
stay, including Cape May’s first
cabana rooms, poolside, with two
luxury chaise lounge chairs, table and
privacy curtains. There are soaking
tub rooms, one and two-bedroom
suites and efficiency wet-bar rooms.
When you’re hungry, you won’t
have to go far — oceanside restaurant,
SeaSalt, (see Food & Drink) is at
your service for breakfast, lunch
and dinner, with an al fresco seating
option. If you don’t want to leave your
luxury chaise lounge to get into the
restaurant, there is poolside AND sun
deck food and beverage service.
There is also beachside service,
with loungers, complimentary beach
tags, umbrellas and towels.
Back in your room, you’ll find
such luxuries as custom-designed
furnishings, private balcony with
panoramic ocean views, pillow-top
mattresses with luxury linens, hi-def
TVs with premium channels, wireless
internet service, in-room phones
with voicemail and free local calls,
complimentary morning newspaper,
in-room safe, bellhop and concierge
services, and a 24-hour front desk. In
short... enjoy all the comforts of home
with the added bonus of an ocean in
the front yard.
1035 BEACH AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-7000 l oceanclubhotel.com

[338] accommodations
THE Ashley Rose
Boutique House & Cottages: Get ready for an unforgettable family vacation with class and style!
WHERE IS IT? On historic Columbia Avenue, just
two blocks to the beautiful beaches of Cape May,
and a short stroll to the mall.
WHY SHOULD I STAY THERE? In 2019, owners
Andrew and Kelly opened this newest addition to
their overwhelmingly successful property portfolio
in Cape May. As the the first Boutique House
and Cottage property in Cape May, The Ashley
Rose offers a high-end rental experience at the
shore. With a seven-bedroom Boutique House
and four unique one-bedroom Cottages available,
you have the flexibility to mix and match the
accommodations to fit your family or group size!
The house and cottages are child and petfriendly,
come fully stocked, are beautifully
furnished and come complete with their own
bed and bath products, including the same
ultra-luxurious bed linens featured at their sister
properties, The Harrison, Pharos at The Harrison
and Casablanca. The Boutique House offers an
oversized living room, huge dining room, fully
equipped kitchen, two off-street parking spaces,
access to a shared laundry, shared access to a side
garden with grill, two shared outdoor showers and
one of the largest residential wraparound porches
in Cape May!
The Ashley Rose is the perfect place to bring
your entire family. Within walking distance to the
beach, town, many fabulous restaurants and music
venues, memories are just waiting to be made!
INSIDER TIP With their optional Housekeeping
Service upgrade, you can turn your stay at The
Ashley Rose into an experience reminiscent of the
couple’s other bed and breakfast properties.
715 COLUMBIA AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-4948 l ashleyrosecapemay.com

[339] accommodations
BOARDING HOUSE
At this newly renovated hotel, you’ll find an irresistible surf-chic vibe, plus ALL the amenities required for a perfect Cape May stay!
WHERE IS IT? On Lafayette, a five-minute walk from
downtown Cape May.
WHY SHOULD I STAY THERE? The modern surf-chic
vibe is just the right mixture of casual yet sophisticated.
The 11 rooms are light and airy and feature white bedding,
minimalist touches and pops of color on a neutral backdrop.
On the walls you’ll find pieces by local artists David
Macomber and Kathy Fallon, plus custom surfboards by
Kona Surf Co. Handmade soap and candles from Shore
Soaps and a custom coffee blend from Cape May Roasters
complete a highly local, supremely satisfying experience.
While this ethos attracts surfers and active-lifestyle
enthusiasts, it’s also a popular spot for those who prefer to
enjoy eating, drinking, shopping and lounging on the roof
deck while enjoying a complimentary happy hour featuring
local wine and beer. The Boarding House is a short walk from
many acclaimed restaurants and a short bike to the beach.
The hotel is brought to you by the family behind
Montreal Beach Resort. While the vibe here is very different,
expect the same (very high) level of service. You can also
expect eco-friendly products and practices. lather bath
products are vegan and cruelty-free; in-room coffee stations
include refillable glass jars and pour-over coffee makers to
reduce waste; and there’s LED lighting throughout.
The Boarding House recently finished as a finalist in two
awards: Boutique Design’s 40th Annual Gold Key Awards
for Excellence in Hospitality Design, Best Emerging Concept
category; and NJBIZ 2020 Business of the Year Awards, New
Business of the Year category.
INSIDER TIP: The Boarding House is dog-friendly (and
located across the street from the island’s dog park). Upon
arrival, pups will receive a delicious, all-natural dog cookie.
The dog-friendly King Suite is the most popular room, so
interested guests should book early!
810 LAFAYETTE STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-4884 l boardinghousecapemay.com

[340] accommodations
Capri
A classic American motel by the beach, with all the amenities you need, plus ping-pong, shuffleboard... and more!
WHERE IS IT? On Beach and Madison, close to all the
amenities in historic Cape May with a beautiful view of the
Atlantic Ocean.
WHY SHOULD I STAY THERE? Because the Capri is the
classic American motel with the 21st-century amenities
you expect. A vacation here is a truly fun experience,
even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. There is
ping-pong and shuffleboard if you want a little break from
the beach (as if!) or some fun and games before dinner.
There is a lovely swimming pool, with a kiddies’ pool, too,
an ice machine and sun deck, plus gas barbecue grills for
those nights when you want to cook up a treat for friends
and family. Other welcome amenities include daily maid
service, an elevator, beach chairs and umbrella, cable TV,
AC, shower room and restroom at the pool to save you a
trip upstairs, plus laundry and parking (one car per unit).
Once you check in, just about everything you could
need to have a nice, relaxing vacation is right there.
Doesn’t seem like the folks at Capri are missing
anything. All they need is you and your loved ones! Give
them a call and see how they could make your vacation
dreams come true.
BEACH & MADISON AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-4727 l capriincapemay.com

[341] accommodations
CASABLANCA
Are you ready to be immersed in boutique luxury and impeccable hospitality? Welcome to your new slice of paradise in Cape May.
WHERE IS IT? On historic Columbia
Avenue, two blocks to the beach and
a short walk to the mall.
WHY SHOULD I STAY THERE?
This boutique bed and breakfast
is unlike any other on the island.
An enchanting beach resort, it was
designed over the course of six
months by owners Kelly Lavorgna
and Andrew Bares, who also happen
to own the acclaimed interior design
and build firm, Evan James Interiors.
You don’t need us to tell you this
timeless, inviting, architecturally
sophisticated space is the work of
professionals — that much is obvious.
The 10-bedroom B&B, located
just two blocks from the beach,
offers a calming energy thanks
largely to a bright, light backdrop
embellished by rich exotic woods,
matte gold accents and decadent,
one-of-a-kind furnishings.
Victorian pieces work seamlessly
with modern, tropical elements for
a vibe that’s elegant yet relaxing.
Glowing fireplaces and luxurious,
free-standing air bathtubs are the
clincher — this is your future happy
place.
But it’s not just the aesthetics
that are so appealing — it’s the
hospitality and attentiveness to
every guest that sets this boutique
B&B apart from the rest.
Here, you can expect the same
high level of service that’s standard
at Casablanca’s sister properties —
The Harrison, Pharos at the Harrison
and The Ashley Rose House and
Cottages.
You won’t want to skip breakfast
— a culinary experience in itself,
with tasty and exotic flavors inspired
by the tropics. And with so many
unique common areas to enjoy
breakfast or the decadent afternoon
teas, your favorite spot may well be
Casablanca’s stunning front porch,
where clip-clopping horse-drawn
carriages provide the soundtrack.
INSIDER TIP Why, yes, the two-story
Paradise Cottage IS for real!
709 COLUMBIA AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-4948 l casablancacapemay.com

[342] accommodations
The Harrison
An intoxicating combination of Victorian charm, elegant design and modern amenities. You’ll never want to leave.
WHERE IS IT? On historic Columbia, a block
to the beach and a short walk to the mall.
WHY SHOULD I STAY THERE? The
Harrison and Pharos at The Harrison are
gorgeous Victorian sister homes built in the
Italianate style in 1867. Awarded as the top
Cape May B&B on TripAdvisor in 2020, these
romantic inns were recently impeccably
renovated by owners Andrew and Kelly. The
interior design is elegant and sophisticated,
while ensuring the upmost level of comfort.
The Harrison boasts many luxurious
modern amenities, while keeping with its
distinctive Victorian charm. With seven king
rooms and nine queen rooms, all uniquely
and meticulously decorated, selecting your
room will set the stage for your romantic stay.
With breakfasts made to order and a
lovely buffet, afternoon tea, luxurious linens
and bedding, complementary beverages, a
gift shop, bicycles, beach bags and chairs, a
peaceful English garden, and more upscale
amenities, you may never want to leave.
“Being here is heaven. We felt as though
we were living in a sparkling mansion,” wrote
one guest. Another added, “The entire inn is
beautifully decorated, staff are attentive and
helpful and our experience was fantastic. The
location is perfect, breakfast was delicious!”
INSIDER TIP In 2019, owners Andrew and
Kelly opened their latest property The Ashley
Rose Boutique House & Cottages available
for rent year-round. Best of all, their latest
accommodations are child and dog-friendly,
so now you can bring the whole family!
613 & 617 COLUMBIA AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-4948 l theharrisoninn.com

[343] accommodations
Henry Sawyer Inn
A magnificent old jewel with all the modern amenities you are looking for... it’s an irresistible combination
WHERE IS IT? On gorgeous Columbia Avenue.
WHY SHOULD I STAY THERE? This cozy gabled house
sits in the center of the Historic District, where it’s easy to
forget what century you’re in. The Henry Sawyer will gently
remind you of the present day with amenities like airconditioning,
TVs, whirlpool baths, a private fridge and wi-fi...
before lulling you back into the past with cozy fireplaces,
meticulously decorated rooms and the breezy front porch.
Mother-daughter team, Barbara and Mary Morris,
celebrating their 30th year at the helm, have ensured that
no detail is overlooked in this gorgeous home. Beach-goers
will find attention has been paid to every comfort: chairs,
towels, hot and cold après-beach showers you can use even
after check-out; no detail is overlooked.
Antique lovers will be impressed by the inn’s collection
and history buffs will appreciate how much care has been
put into researching the property’s history. You can enjoy
delicious homemade breakfast under the watchful eyes of
the Hummel collection in the custom dining room cabinetry.
Book a room with a private veranda, or make friends
during afternoon tea while rocking on the porch... the Henry
Sawyer is perfect for every season.
722 COLUMBIA AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-5667 l henrysawyerinn.com

[344] accommodations
Heritage Inn
Across the street from the beach... this is the perfect location!
WHERE IS IT? Right in the center of Cape
May’s beachfront on Beach Avenue.
WHY SHOULD I STAY THERE? They say
location is everything — and booking a room
at the Heritage Inn will help you make the
most out of your Cape May vacation. It’s
across the street from the promenade and
walking distance from some of the city’s best
restaurants. Family-owned and operated for
half a century, the Heritage has a tranquil
atmosphere that caters to both familyoriented
vacations as well as the perfect
getaway for couples.
Not feeling the beach today? Sunbathe
at the pool or on the rooftop deck. Walk
along the promenade or browse the
Washington Street Mall. And you won’t have
to worry about parking — there’s an onsite
lot. Yes, you’re covered all the way!
The Heritage features extra-large motel
rooms, some with a kitchenette. They’ve got
the location, the amenities and the service...
all you have to do is bring your family, and
relax.
721 BEACH AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-7300 l heritageinncapemmay.com

[345] accommodations
The Hugh
A playful, alluring fusion of modern art and vintage Victorian, just steps away from the center of town. The Hugh has it all.
WHERE IS IT? Next door to City Hall on
Washington Street in the heart of Cape May.
WHY SHOULD I STAY THERE? The Hugh
is the newest accommodation in America’s
Original Seaside Resort — and what a classy
addition it is to the city’s wonderful collection.
Owners John and Sandy Vizzone’s
experience is rooted in the fashion world and
their desire to open a B&B in a Victorian home
came together to create a new kind of luxury in
Cape May.
Choose from one of the eight, boldly
designed rooms, make yourself at home and
begin to unwind. In each room, John and Sandy
have married a hip, playful vibe with vintage
Victorian — and that combination is a winner.
Original tables, mirrors and door knockers that
have been refurbished are integrated with
modern artwork and bright colors throughout
this delightful property. You’ll enjoy a visual
treat at every turn!
Experience a cozy stay with endless
amenities to fulfill your needs while staying
in Cape May. Beach tags, beach chairs,
umbrellas and bicycles are available for your
convenience.
Start your morning with breakfast served
every day in their garden room and outside
patio. Sandy creates all of her dishes to order,
with influences from all over the globe — enjoy
flavors of Spain one morning and Italy the next.
Any dietary restrictions can be accommodated
with advance notice.
The Hugh is an ideal destination for
newlyweds or friends traveling for a beach
getaway. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon out on
the porch overlooking serene Washington
Street. Return from a night out with leftovers
to enjoy with a nightcap in one of the Hugh’s
chic parlors. Sandy and John live onsite to
ensure you have everything you need for a
comfortable stay.
Your vacation will be irrefutably cool and
irresistibly fun at the same time.
INSIDER TIP The Hugh is named for the family
who originally resided there in 1883. Rumor has
it that the family’s friendly spirits still roam the
property.
653 WASHINGTON STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-435-5458 l thehughinn.com

[346] accommodations
ICONA Cape May
A recent addition to ICONA Resorts, this beachfront boutique hotel brings elegance and charm to Victorian Cape May
WHERE IS IT? Beautifully located on
the beachfront in Cape May.
WHY SHOULD I STAY THERE?
Nestled amongst some of America’s
oldest seaside motels and charming
Victorian B&Bs, ICONA Cape May
offers a luxe new hotel option for
travelers to famous Beach Avenue.
ICONA evokes a chic boutique vibe
— bringing a fresh choice to those
looking for a peaceful getaway to the
south Jersey Shore. Guests say the
bright white and blue interiors create a
sense of calm that reminds them of the
Mediterranean.
Overlooking the acclaimed
beaches of Cape May, ICONA offers
six room types to meet guests’ needs.
The Suites, Studios and Classic Hotel
rooms can accommodate from two to
four and the hotel offers conjoining
rooms to accommodate larger parties.
Every guest room features a balcony,
custom furniture, luxurious finishes,
Carrara marble-style bathrooms,
compact refrigerator, microwave
and Keurig coffee maker. ICONA is
perfect for family vacations, romantic
getaways, long beach weekends,
wedding accommodations, special
events accommodations, corporate
meetings and retreats, year-round.
Escape into your own oasis with
their amazing attention to detail. Plus
they’re centrally located so that you
can walk to restaurants, attractions
and nightlife — but far enough from the
hustle and bustle that you can hear
the waves crashing. You can be out of
your room and have your toes in the
water in about three minutes. Want a
break from the beach? Relax around
the outdoor heated dipping pool, open
May – October.
INSIDER TIP A sister property,
ICONA Diamond Beach, in the
Wildwoods features excellent dining
options at Coastal Blue Oceanside
Bar & Grill or The Star Beach Bar,
plus a private beach club. Guests
can enjoy the best of both worlds
thanks to seasonal ICONA Shuttle
transportation to Diamond Beach and
also throughout Cape May.
1101 BEACH AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-898-8100 l iconacapemay.com

[347] accommodations
The Mission inn
An unforgettable combination of modern amenities and historic charm
WHERE IS IT? One block from the beach between
Reading and Philadelphia Avenues.
WHY SHOULD I STAY THERE? To experience
a beautiful and relaxing space to call home while
visiting Cape May. The Mission Inn is a bed and
breakfast where owners Wendy Collins and Laura
Shaddock are committed to providing everything
you need during your stay.
Following successful careers in digital media
and educational technology, respectively, Wendy
and Laura decided to leave the corporate world
and start a new chapter, taking over this magical
B&B in 2016. They’re ready to guide you through all
that Cape May has to offer. The boutique property
provides everything you will need to make the most
of your vacation, including bikes, beach chairs,
towels and umbrellas — your hosts will take care of
it all.
The Mission Inn has eight guest rooms — each
with its own personality, based on a Spanish Mission
in California like San Buenaventura and San Juan
Bautista. Handpainted murals surround luxurious
king beds, and all rooms are equipped with a cozy
fireplace. Enjoy a private bath complete with a spa
shower or jetted tub to wash away the sand before
heading out to shop or dine in town — an easy
walk or bike ride away. Don’t forget to indulge in a
gourmet breakfast from Chef Leslie. Her creative
and carefully plated dishes are available every
morning to enjoy.
If the extravagant rooms aren’t enough, the
entire property is surrounded by beautifully
colored gardens with a total of 90 different plants
on site. The Mission Inn is a certified wildlife habitat
where you can appreciate flowers and native plants
that attract butterflies and bees.
For a comfortable and elegant stay, check in
to The Mission Inn. Wendy and Laura are ready to
welcome you into your new home away from home.
INSIDER TIP The Mission Inn’s signature oatmeal,
cranberry and coconut cookies are baked fresh every
day and available upon arrival.
1117 NEW JERSEY AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-8380 l missioninn.net

[348] accommodations
Periwinkle Inn
An oceanfront inn surrounded by lush gardens, the beach right across the road... you might be tempted to stay put!
WHERE IS IT? On Beach Avenue, a stroll
from Cape May’s fine restaurants and
shops.
WHY SHOULD I STAY THERE? The
Periwinkle was named one of Eight Most
Romantic Places to Stay in New Jersey,
by Trips To Discover. “Come here for your
beachfront getaway to feel like you’re in
paradise,” was how the travel site described
their time here.
With direct access to the beautiful
beaches of Cape May, the Periwinkle is the
perfect spot for weddings — “We are just a
bouquet’s throw to the beach!” is the saying
around here.
The Periwinkle recently enjoyed a
stylish renovation — combine that with
the gorgeous, French-style building on
picturesque grounds, offering a charming
ambiance, affordable prices and great views
of the ocean, and you have one very fine
vacation base!
Enjoy the secluded privacy of the pool
and the lush gardens, which include a picnic
area with BBQ grills.
Children love the baby pool and
sandbox, filled with toys, including a lifesize
doll house with a play kitchen.
There are shuffleboard courts available
any time. Lounge chairs are dotted around
the lovely grounds and by the pool.
You might not even make it to the
beach — this is such a private little
playground for you and your family.
The Periwinkle offers rooms and suites
with kitchenettes around the landscaped
pool area, with private patios and balconies.
All rooms have queen beds. There are
modern amenities in every room, central
air (though you might not need it with the
cooling ocean breezes), daily maid service,
plus parking is provided for one car per
unit.
Whether you are in the mood for a
romantic getaway (Cape May is gorgeous
in spring and fall, too!) or need a family
retreat, the Periwinkle is what you’re
looking for.
1039 BEACH AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-9200 l periwinkleinn.com

[349] accommodations
The Queen Victoria
Welcome to one of the nation’s finest bed and breakfast inns
WHERE IS IT? On Ocean Street, a short stroll from Cape May’s
beautiful beaches, fine restaurants and varied shops.
WHY SHOULD I STAY THERE? It’s one of the country’s finest
B&Bs, with 31 inviting, romantic rooms and suites with private baths,
decorated with Victorian-era antiques. A hearty breakfast is served
daily and guests are treated to a delicious afternoon tea, British-style.
Enjoy the facilities of three impeccably restored 1880s
buildings with picturesque porches, cozy parlor with gas-log
fireplace and pantry areas with complimentary cold beverages,
ice, hot chocolate, plus an assortment of fine teas and gourmet
coffees. You’ll be particularly pampered during your stay at The
Queen Victoria with all the extra touches, including a surprising
array of amenities, unparalleled customer service and world-class
housekeeping service.
Situated in the heart of Cape May’s historic district, The Queen
Victoria is steps from Cape May’s beautiful beach, shopping and
amazing restaurants. Complimentary bicycles are available for
longer excursions to other great destinations like the Cape May
Lighthouse, World War II Lookout Tower and Sunset Beach.
The Queen Victoria was featured on the cover of Victorian
Homes magazine and has been voted Cape May’s best bed and
breakfast in the Best of Cape May contest for 12 straight years.
Whatever the season, it’s the ultimate in elegance and comfort.
102 OCEAN STREET l CAPE MAY l 609-884-8702 l queenvictoria.com

[350] accommodations
Rhythm Of The Sea
A bed and breakfast on the ocean’s edge... sweeping views abound
WHERE IS IT? On Beach Avenue,
between Philadelphia and Reading.
WHY SHOULD I STAY THERE? The
closest you can stay to the beach
in Cape May is at this intimate inn
with an unpretentious, European
air. Innkeeper Amy Kao and Chef
Lulzim Rexhepi, a husband-and-wife
team, make you feel at ease at this
landmark B&B. With their love of
food, travel and hospitality, they
enjoy surrounding themselves with
intriguing people and get a kick out of
sharing this historic Craftsman home.
Away from the noise and
congestion of downtown, this
handsome Swiss Chalet-style
bungalow features the Arts and Crafts
Movement aesthetic in its interior
architecture and furnishings. With the
ocean as its front yard, the inn offers
light-filled rooms and boundless sea
views. In other words, a perfect beach
house.
Indulge in a seasonally inspired,
chef-prepared breakfast. With Chef
Lulzim’s Culinary Institute of America
and residence training in France and
Thailand, his philosophy is that it all
begins with exceptional ingredients.
The inn features spacious
common areas, sunny verandas with
ocean views, a pool table and a
fireplace for guests to enjoy memoryfilled
moments in Cape May.
1123 BEACH AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-7788 & 800-498-6999 l rhythmofthesea.com

[351] accommodations
South Winds
A family-friendly, fresh and modern vibe
WHERE IS IT? It’s steps from the beach — on the block just before Broadway.
WHY SHOULD I STAY THERE? South Winds offers family-friendly, fresh and
comfortable accommodations which recently received a complete renovation.
Relax with a vibe that combines the perfect blend of seashore design with
modern comfort. Use it as your base to enjoy the simple pleasures that America’s
Original Seaside Resort has to offer — start your day with a stroll on the
promenade before breakfast, or with a walk to Cape May’s famous lighthouse
as you build up to a day in the sun and surf. Or spend the day exploring the
beautiful Historic District or the area’s many breweries and wineries. So many
options!
The one-bedroom suites are perfect for small families looking for privacy and
the ability to prepare meals. The two-bedroom apartments are ideal for the larger
family looking for space, privacy and a full kitchen. The studio is the perfect retreat
for couples or the single traveler. Either way, you’ll enjoy Cape May in comfort!
14 PATTERSON AVENUE l CAPE MAY l 609-884-7342 l thesouthwindscapemay.com

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHARLES RITER