CAPE MAY

Historic Cold Spring Village - Tucked into a 22 acre plot of land near the seashore resorts of Cape May and Wildwood, Historic Cold Spring Village takes visitors on a trip back in time to a simpler, quieter era.  More than two dozen historic homes from Cape May and Cumberland Counties are clustered together much the way the houses in the original Cold Spring Village were grouped together back in the 1800's. What to See: The village not only preserves historic homes, it also recreates life in the 19th Century. In the Finley Blacksmith Shop, a blacksmith is hard at work forging iron hardware. A school teacher lectures visitors about how things used to be in the old school house.  A weaver spins yarn from village sheep in the Phillip Hand House. You'll also find many other Village "residents" demonstrating what life used to be like in early America.  Wander from house to house along the peaceful, tree shaded walkways. No cars are allowed inside the village - you'll hear only the clip clop of the horse drawn carriages.  Special events throughout the season focus on various aspects of 19th Century life, whether it's the corn festival celebrating the corn harvest, the quilt weekend or the Revolutionary and Civil War weekends - when dozens of "soldiers" recreate battle camps. Facilities: The Visitor's Center, near the Route 9 entrance, showcases the history of Cold Spring and the Cape May area with a nice exhibit, complete with old photos and maps. There are bathrooms in that building.  At lunchtime, you can buy a hamburger and soft drink from the food stand or stop for a longer meal at the restaurant on site. There's also an old fashioned Ice Cream Parlor and a Bakery.  You can shop at the Country Store and the Museum Shop. Access, Parking, and Hours: Historic Cold Spring Village is a 5 minute drive from Cape May. There's ample free parking. There are two entrances - one on Seashore Road, near the old Cold Spring church and one on Route 9. The nice thing about Historic Cold Spring Village is that you don't have to drive there. Take the train from Cape May - the Cold Spring Train Station is at the Village's Route 9 entrance. The park is open from 10AM to 4:30PM, Tuesday through Sunday during the summer, weekends in June and September. The Village closes for the season in late September.  Entrance fee is $7 for adults , $6 for seniors.

Emlyn Physick Estate - Take a guided tour of Cape May's only Victorian house museum.  A visit to the Physick Estate today offers a look back at our Victorian past as evidenced by its architecture, decorative arts, customs, and the lives of one particular Cape May family, the Physicks. The mansion was built in 1879 under the direction of renowned Victorian architect Frank Furness.  Tours of this 18 room house are 45 minutes, and are offered daily at various times throughout the day (call 609-884-5404 for detailed schedule.)

Historic District Trolley Tours - Get acquainted with Cape May on a Trolley Tour as knowledgeable guides present entertaining and educational stories about the nation's oldest seashore resort.  Trolley tours are offered daily at various times (call 609-884-5404 for detailed schedule.) Begin at the Washington St. Mall Information Booth at Ocean Street.

Leaming's Run Gardens - Enjoy an 18th Century colonial farm and garden on twenty acres, with twenty-five historically designed gardens along sandy winding paths.  At the end is the Cooperage, a charming gift shop in an antique barn.  Open daily May 15th - October 20th, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm.   For additional information, please call (609) 465-5871.

Whale Watching - The Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center (CMWW & RC) presents an unparalleled seafaring safari to the oceanic wonders of the Atlantic. Thrill to breathtaking sights of the world's largest mammals surfacing and breaching. Enjoy the antics of man's best friends - the dolphins, as they cavort and frolic right alongside the boat. See pelagic birds soaring overhead. And stay alert for the sudden photo opportunity, by a seldom seen, rare and endangered species, for you to capture its essence on film. When we set sail, you actually become a part of the research team. Careful instructions are given in the "spotting techniques" for particular species by our naturalist, Kelley. As a result of this collaboration, you will be able to share your knowledge to help save the habitat of these intelligent, friendly, and family oriented creatures. You will never forget the "smile" from Tippy, a "wink" from Nubby which are two of our favorite bottlenose dolphins. You will marvel at the enormous size and awesome power of the behemoth, Slammer, the humpback whale. Call 1-888-531-0055.

Cape May's Welcome Inn Tour - Cape May's Welcome Inn Tours provide a special opportunity to see Cape May's famous bed & breakfast inns and guesthouses.  On each tour, visitors are invited to view the public rooms of four inns.  Advance tickets are available by calling (609) 884-5404 or (800)-275-4278.

Cape May Point State Park/Lighthouse -  Located in Cape May Point State Park, Lower Township 1859.  More than 100 thousand visitors a year now experience a visit to the top of the lighthouse, participating in a century old rite of a visit to the Jersey Shore.  For those who choose not to climb, the Oil House contains a fully-accessible visitors' orientation center and a Museum Shop stocked with maritime accessories and  memorabilia.  The present tower, which is the third documented lighthouse at the southern tip of New Jersey, has always been an attention-getting landmark as well as an aid-to-navigation for mariners.  Because it is adjacent to the community of Cape May Point and just two miles from the city of Cape May, it has drawn visitors throughout its history. In 1882, the Cape May Ocean Wave reported that "the gentleman superintendent in charge [of the lighthouse], Mr. Samuel Stillwell, takes pleasure in showing visitors who have the nerve and strength of limb to the top, the interior of the lantern, and explaining the interesting operations of the light.  A very picturesque view of the sea, bay, and country may also be obtained from the giddy heights of the edifice.  In 1897, the newspaper made it clear that a visit to the lighthouse was a requisite part of one's vacation: "One of the interesting features to Cape May summer visitors is a journey to the top of the light house."

"A Fare to Remember" - Take the Cape May/Lewes Ferry across the bay to Lewes, Delaware.  On the other side, pick up a shuttle to Rehobeth Beach's 150 outlet stores.  Includes round-trip foot passage on the ferry, shuttle service to the outlets and back, and a book of discount coupons.

Cape May Stage - Cape May Stage is a performance-oriented theatre company that places emphasis on acting, directing and playwriting excellence.  The company performs from May through Dec. in the Renaissance Revival (c. 1880) Theatre at Bank and Lafayette Streets, an intimate 75-seat setting in the heart of the National Historic District of Cape May, New Jersey. Call 609-884-1341 for tickets and information.

Sunset Beach - Enjoy a visit to one of the most unique coastal beaches on the entire East Coast of the United States. Sunset Beach is named for its location at the foot of Sunset Blvd. at the southern tip of the state of New Jersey. This view point allows visitors to view the sunset with a 100% unobscured horizon line. Due to the atmospheric conditions caused by the interaction of sea breezes across the bay, the sunsets seen here are among the most brilliant and colorful one could ever imagine.

Wheaton Village - Spend some time in the 1880s enjoying the rich crafts heritage of Southern New Jersey.  There are many craft specialty/shops.  This is a delightful sightseeing/shopping experience.  Lunch/snacks are available on your own, or as a group.  Additional costs will include a guided tour of the Wheaton Glass Museum.

Cape May Nature Center - The Nature Center of Cape May was founded in 1992, with the twin goals of creating a responsible stewardship program for open space surrounding Cape May Harbor and providing environmental education for people of all ages. The Center's focus on "hands-on" activities reflects a philosophy of personal responsibility for education. Adopted by the New Jersey Audubon Society in 1995, the Nature Center is one of nine staffed nature centers throughout the state. The facility, located on the Harbor in Cape May City, includes three classrooms, exhibit aquaria, a small gift shop, and display gardens. The harbor and adjacent area provide natural areas that are used in the Center's programs. In addition, the Center is close to a diversity of habitats, which are easily incorporated into its programs. A variety of educational programs is available, either at the Nature Center or at alternate sites such as a school or club. The Nature Center offers a full schedule of natural history programs for the general public throughout the year. Nature Center programs are modular. Teachers may choose among the offerings and tailor a program to their curriculum or interests.  (609) 898-8848

Cape May County Park and Zoo - Located off Exit 11 on the Garden State Parkway, our zoo is accredited by the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, placing it with the finest zoos in the world.  There are over 250 species and many brand new exhibits.  Admission is free.

Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) - Offers step-on guides for the Cape May Point area.  Call Group Tours at 609-884-5404 for details.  They also offer a myriad of tours of Cape May's historic collection of Victoriana.  There are walking tours, trolley tours and tours of individual Bed & Breakfast establishments, as well as numerous other activities.

"World Famous" Wildwood Boardwalk - This 2 mile long boardwalk has a total of five amusement piers plus a myriad of other carnival games, souvenir shops, food stands, waterparks and world class roller coasters.  The boardwalk stretches from 16th Ave. in North Wildwood to Cresse Avenue in Wildwood Crest.

Public Golf Courses: