Driving Itinerary: To Cape May from NYC or Washington, D.C.

Driving Itinerary:
New York City—Cape May—Washington, D.C.

yellow cabs in NYC

You can fly into NYC on an open-jaw ticket, stay a few days, then rent a car and drive among a band of yellow taxis on your way out of Manhattan toward the greenery-lined New Jersey Parkway leading to Cape May.  After a refreshing stopover in this seaside village, continue on, taking the 70-minute car-ferry across the Delaware Bay (and maybe seeing a pod of frolicking dolphins, not to mention exotic East Coast seagulls with black heads) to Delaware, landing in picturesque Lewes—the oldest town in the oldest state—and on through this scenic state into slightly less scenic Maryland, and then into D.C.  Or you can visit Cape May as a side trip from either big city.  

Cape May-Lewes Ferry, passengers on deck

●Cape May-Lewes Ferry  

(800) 64-FERRY.  Reserve at least 1 day in advance. 

●Lewes, Delaware  

The original town name was Zwaanendael, meaning “valley of the swans” in Dutch.  The first town in the first state, it was settled by the Dutch in 1631.  A round-trip ferry package from Cape May includes shuttle service and a walking tour. 



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images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

North Wildwood, New Jersey: Wildwood Boardwalk; things to do

Wildwood Boardwalk 

The long, long Wildwood Boardwalk stretches for two miles and hold three amusement parks and two water parks.  For an overview, take a ride on the “tram car" trackless train that runs along the boardwalk.

tram car ride at Wildwood Boardwalk in North Wildwood, New Jersey

Restaurants, arcades, and other amusements will fill your day with fun, and at dusk the bright lights and neon signs come out.  It is a surprising fact that the Wildwood Amusement Piers have more rides than Disneyland.  Kiddie rides include airplanes, trucks, dune buggies, boats, and trains, plus carousels and bumper cars.

Wildwood Amusement Piers at Wildwood Boardwalk in North Wildwood, New Jersey

Thrill rides include an inverted looping roller coaster, The Beast of the East (the largest family raft ride on the East Coast), and a 140-foot-high Ferris wheel.  Perhaps its most famous attraction is the Great White--the East Coast's tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster.  The ride is built right over the beach, reaches a speed of more than 50 miles per hour, and begins with a 25-foot drop into a dark tunnel (it later adds a 105-foot drop).

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North Wildwood, New Jersey: Hereford Inlet Lighthouse; things to do

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse  

111 Central Ave., (609) 522-4520.  Tour:  $5, under 12 $2; gardens free. 

This 1874 Victorian Carpenter Gothic Stick-style structure is still a working lighthouse.  The light was hand-cranked by a resident keeper until automation closed it down in 1964.  Guided tours are of the former living quarters, and you can stroll through the award-winning gardens on your own. 
Note that it is same style as the East Brother light in Richmond, California, which is now a B&B. 

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image and video ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

North Wildwood, New Jersey: annual events--Roar to the Shore + Mummers Parade; things to do

Annual Events in North Wildwood, New Jersey

Roar to the Shore  

September.  This is the largest motorcycle meet-up on the East Coast.

Mummers Parade  

September.  It costs you zero to join the crowd lining the street here to view the famous Mummer string bands march and dance.  A string band is heavy on the banjos and has no guitars or amplification.  (Did you know that the banjo is the only instrument native to America?)  The bands are composed of mostly husky guys in glittering costumes.  One local described them thusly:  “They march into town looking like they could flatten a village.”  Enthusiastic viewers are invited to dance along with them down the street.  Note that the original Mummers Parade occurs on New Year’s Day in Philadelphia.

More Mummers.
Even more Mummers. 

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videos ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

North Wildwood, New Jersey: Dolce Italia; restaurant review

Dolce Italia  

210 New Jersey Ave., (609) 522-6228.  L-D daily; $-$$.  The family-style Italian restaurant Dolce Italia serves pizza as well as some delicious old-fashioned pastas.  And you know it’s going to be good because the mayor eats here.  My fave is the full-flavored, very satisfying rigatoni with ricotta and meat sauce followed by a lip-smacking tasty lemoncello cheesecake.  Burgers, hoagies, and wraps are also on the extensive menu.

rigatoni at Dolce Italia in North Wildwood, New Jersey

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image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Cape May, New Jersey: Congress Hall Hotel + The Blue Pig Tavern; hotel review + restaurant review

Congress Hall Hotel

200 Congress Pl.  Pool; fitness room; full-service spa. 

exterior of Congress Hall Hotel in Cape May, New Jersey

America’s oldest seaside resort, the Tuscan-yellow luxe Congress Hall Hotel has been providing hospitality since 1816.  It features plenty of potted palms and white colonnades, and it isn’t a complete surprise to discover that it was once the Summer White House for President Benjamin Harrison and was also the venue for performances by John Philip Sousa.  In addition to exposing yourself to this bit of history, you’ll enjoy relaxing in glossy black wicker chairs and maybe even find time for the pool, spa, or, if you are a kid and it is summer, Camp Congress Hall. 

The Blue Pig Tavern  

(609) 884-8422. 

Located inside the hall, this casual restaurant offers an eclectic menu and a spare, colonial-style decor.  Drinks include Yuengling traditional lager from America’s oldest brewery, and a well-priced steamed lobster special is available some evenings. 



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Cape May, New Jersey: Trolley Tours; things to do

Trolley Tours  

Washington Street Mall Information Booth, on Ocean St., (609) 884-5404. 

Inn of Cape May in Cape May, New Jersey

Even if you have a car with you, a ride on one of this town’s cheery red-and-green trolleys gives you a rest and a cooling breeze while a knowledgeable guide tells you about the town’s Victorian heritage and maritime history.  You’ll see many of the town’s best magnificent Victorians.  Several specialty tours are available, including one that includes a tour of the Emlen Physick Estate.

 

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Cape May, New Jersey: several shops; things to do

Several shops in Cape May, New Jersey

●Sunset Beach Gifts  

502 Sunset Blvd., Cape May Point, (609) 884-7079.  

The beach-front Sunset Beach Gifts shop has a vast selection of items--everything from a tiny 29-cent dried starfish to sparkling Cape May diamond earrings made from the frosted white-quartz pebbles found on the beach here.  The earrings start at $28, and I wear my dangle studs often.  This end-of-the-road concession conglomerate includes a restaurant and a miniature golf course. 

Cape May diamond earrings at Sunset Beach Gifts in New Jersey

The sunken concrete ship “Atlantus” is just off shore here from lovely Sunset Beach.  On summer evenings, a flag ceremony occurs just before sunset.

antique cat pitcher at TreeHouse Antiques in Cape May, New Jersey

●TreeHouse Antiques Center  

742 Seashore Rd./Route 626, (609) 884-4600.  

Prices are good and the selection is varied in this multi-dealer shop spread throughout a repurposed house.  A small garden is filled with all things outdoors. 



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Cape May, New Jersey: Washington Street Mall; things to do

Washington Street Mall 

Along Washington Street.  

Though this downtown became an outdoor mall in 1972, it retains many buildings dating back to the 1800s.  Shops are small and most are one-of-a-kind—no Starbucks here!--and also no cars.

Margie D’s Soda Fountain in Dellas 5 & 10 in Cape May, New Jersey

●Dellas 5 & 10  

#501-503, (609) 884-4568.  M-F 8am-10pm, Sat-Sun to 11pm; $.  This old-time five-and-dime has been going strong since 1947. 

In back, Margie D’s Soda Fountain serves up old-time milkshakes, sodas, egg creams, grilled cheese, hot dogs, and more.

●Stewart’s Restaurant  

#500, (609) 849-9255.  Now part of a chain, this sweet spot has been here since 1924.  Hot dogs, burgers, and cheese steaks are the perfect sidekicks for the huge and famous $4.99 root beer float or orange-and-cream float (a bigger one is $5.99). 

●Comparison shop the mall for some fresh saltwater taffy. 

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images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Cape May, New Jersey: Historic Cold Spring Village + Cold Spring Grange Restaurant; things to do + restaurant review

Historic Cold Spring Village  

720 Route 9, 3 mi. N of town, (609) 898-2300, x18.  Tu-Sun 10-4:30, June-Aug, some weekends in spring and fall.  $10, 3-12 $8.  No picnicking. 

gift shop and general store at Historic Cold Spring Village
in Cape May, New Jersey

Early-American history for the period of 1789 to 1840 is brought to life in this open-air living history museum.  All 26 historic buildings at  Historic Cold Spring Village are authentic, though most have been brought in from other sites.  Among them is an operating bakery, an ice cream parlor in an old farm house, and a tavern.  While visiting this invitingly grassy and shady property, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and watch in action a blacksmith, potter, basket maker, and more, plus interact with some farm animals.  My favorite demonstration is a scroll saw velosiped dating from 1900 that pedals like a bicycle.  Themed events occur on weekends and might include a Revolutionary War Encampment or antique show. 

 

demonstration is a scroll saw velosiped dating from 1900

●Cold Spring Grange Restaurant  

735 Seashore Rd., (609) 884-0114.  People in the know start their visit here with breakfast or lunch at the spacious restaurant inside the Grange Hall.  Built in 1912 to serve as the meeting hall for the Cold Spring Grange #132, this is the only village building standing on its original site.  Breakfast includes French toast and oversize fresh-blueberry pancakes, while lunch brings on sandwiches and chicken pot pie.

Cold Spring Grange Restaurant at Historic Cold Spring Village
in Cape May, New Jersey

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images and video ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Cape May, New Jersey: Skimmer Salt Marsh Safari; things to do

Skimmer Salt Marsh Safari  

At Cape May Inlet Marina, departure area varies, (609) 884-3100.  Daily at 10am, 1:30pm, & 6pm.  $28, under 12 $15.  Reservations suggested. 

egret spotted on Skimmer Salt Marsh Safari in Cape May, New Jersey

Tour some wilderness back bays with Skimmer Salt Marsh Safari in the Cape May Wildlife Refuge on this low-key, two-hour guided excursion into the marshes via covered flat-bottom boat.  Binoculars are provided, and the bird watching is excellent.  At this major migration stopover, owner/guide Captain Ginny Powell says, “We never know who’s coming in and who’s coming out.”  Among the birds you might see are laughing gulls (the largest breeding colony in the world is here June through September). 

Forbes sea star on hand during Skimmer Salt Marsh Safari
at Cape May, New Jersey

 
Sea life is brought on board for inspection—perhaps you’ll see a Knob welk (the state shell) or a Forbes sea star or both!  Ginny’s husband is the other half of the team, and together they make a humorous and knowledgeable couple. 



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Cape May, New Jersey: Victorian Lace Inn; hotel review

Victorian Lace Inn  

901 Stockton Ave./Jefferson, (609) 884-1772.  Pets ok.  

exterior of Victorian Lace Inn in Cape May, New Jersey

This all-suite 1869 Colonial Revival mansion known as the Victorian Lace Inn drips with gingerbread trim and is well located to the beach, the beachfront promenade, and the gathering spot that is the popular Washington Street outdoor mall.  It’s a bit like grandma’s house remembered or imagined, with hand-crocheted bedspreads, natural wood floors, and plenty of that namesake lace covering its windows.  Louvered doors front solid doors allowing in a breeze, and on most days an expansive breakfast is served in sight of the ocean on an enormous wrap-around front porch. 

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Cape May, New Jersey: The Grand Hotel; hotel review

The Grand Hotel  

1045 Beach Ave., (800) 257-8550, (609) 884-5611.  Indoor & outdoor heated pool; indoor hot tub; outdoor heated kiddie pool; fitness center.  No pets. 

view from room 409 at The Grand Hotel in Cape May, New Jersey

Though The Grand Hotel is situated just across the street from the ocean, it is a goodly distance from the downtown mall area.  It is grand in the sense that it is the largest hotel south of Atlantic City, but it has more of an air of a small and cozy lodging.  And because it is in the process of getting a needed refurbishment, room quality varies.  The consensus is that a remodeled guest room in the main building is most desirable, and oceanfront is best. 

E.M. Hemingway's Prime Steaks & Seafood Restaurant 

serves tasty meals on the ground floor and features a busy bar.  Weekend breakfast and lunch, and daily dinner is served here.




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Cape May, New Jersey: Inn at the Park; hotel review

Inn at the Park

1002 Washington St., (609) 884-8406.  6 rooms.  Some fireplaces.  Breakfast; afternoon wine & appetizers. 

exterior of Inn at the Park in Cape May, New Jersey

This small Victorian B&B abuts Madison Avenue Park (with a pond, barbecue facilities, and 14 tennis courts), is just a few doors down from the Emlen Physick Estate, and is a pleasant 4-block walk from the downtown mall.  The Inn at the Park is a homey kind of place, where you can sit on the front porch with a cup of coffee and chat with other guests.  Claims to fame include owner Jay’s breakfast estrata and the fact that author Azar Nafisi finished writing Reading Lolita in Tehran on the front porch.  It can get warm here, so the choice of using either AC or a ceiling fan is nice, and when the weather cools some rooms have fireplaces.  A sit-down breakfast takes place in the formal dining room, where guests mingle and indulge in owner-chef Jay’s delicious offerings.

breakfast china at Inn at the Park in Cape May, New Jersey

Co-owner Mary Ann takes pride in displaying her grandmother’s wedding picture over the fireplace and in using her antique English china for the breakfast settings.



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Cape May, New Jersey: Emlen Physick Estate + Carriage House Cafe & Tearoom; things to do + restaurant reviewe

Emlen Physick Estate

(800) 275-4278, (609) 884-5404.  House tours Apr-Dec.  

Though located outside the town historic area, this 1879 Victorian Stick-style mansion is well worth a visit.  One tour option includes trolley transportation to and fro plus a rolling tour of the Historic District.  The guided house tour visits 15 authentically restored period rooms. 

Time a visit to include lunch or tea in the Carriage House Cafe & Tearoom.  Situated inside the estate’s former garage for carriages, the cafe offers a menu of tasty tea sandwiches, scones, and pastries along with a selection of teas served in delightful individual teapots.  In good weather, dining takes place inside a protective tent on the garden patio.  

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images c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated Sept. 8, 2023

Cape May, New Jersey: Cape May Winery; things to do

Cape May Winery  

711 Townbank Rd., (609) 884-1169.  Daily 12-5.  Tasting fee $6/6 wines + keep the glass; tour $20, includes wine tasting + a barrel tasting + fruit and cheese + keep glass. 

Built on a former lima bean farm, this winery offers wines from dry to sweet and constantly rotates its varietals.  It’s a small operation, with bottling taking place in the garage.  Picnic facilities are available.


cheap easy way to store leftover wine to take on a picnic:

cheap easy way to store leftover wine:

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Introduction to visiting Cape May, New Jersey

Located at Exit Zero on the Garden State Parkway, at the southernmost point of New Jersey's Atlantic shore and below the Mason-Dixon line, Cape May is America’s oldest seaside resort.  Cape May was once home to the summer White House and also was once the capitol for lima beans.  Now more famous for its Victorian architecture and pristine beaches, the entire town is a National Historic Landmark. 

Inn of Cape May in Cape May, New Jersey

The historic area is spread along the streets heading inland.  Measuring two blocks deep by six blocks long, it is an impressive collection of more than 600 authentically restored and preserved structures from the Victorian period of 1840 through 1912—indeed, it has the largest concentration of Victorian structures outside of San Francisco.  Among their lavish ornamentation are latticework, scrolls, frets, brackets, bargeboards, and plenty of stained glass.  Features include original detached kitchens that are converted to garages, and wrap-around porches with rocking chairs and hammocks, but no widow walks--because the town has no harbor.  Natural cedar shakes are popular on outside walls because salty sea air otherwise makes it necessary to repaint every five years or so.  Some houses resemble San Francisco’s “painted ladies,” but most are in lower-key traditional East Coast colors of white or grey.  Gardens bloom with colorful flowers, and at night the area is lit to a glow by the town’s original gas lamps.

Cape May is third in the nation for weddings (behind Las Vegas and Disney World)--more than 400 are held here each year—and it is a fabulous place for families, indeed for everyone, to get away—think noisy lobster restaurants, fresh saltwater taffy, and an immaculately clean beach. 

Originally a peninsula, it is now an island.  A drive along Beach Avenue provides a good orientation and a view of the plethora of lodging options, both vintage and contemporary.  In spring and fall the area attracts migrations of birds and butterflies.




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images c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers