How to Take a Historical Vacation to Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May, New Jersey is a quaint little beach town with a rich maritime history. This year (2009), marks the towns' 400th anniversary and it is rolling out the red carpet for visitors. Although, Cape May is a Beach town and many people flock to the pristine beaches for the summer of fun. Cape May is much more. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976, Cape May possesses one of the largest collections of 19th century framed buildings and homes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Layered clothing
• Beach clothing
• Cape May Map
• Love of history
• a Weekend to spend exploring.

1. Stay at one of the many Bed and Breakfasts in Cape May. You can enjoy the charms and eloquence of a Victorian or Edwardian style home, with modern comforts. Surround yourself in antiques, history, and queenly luxury by staying at the Queen Victoria Bed and Breakfast (609/ 884-8702) located in the heart of the historic area. Have a formal afternoon tea on the porch after a day of historical exploration of the town.

2. 
    
   The Bedford Inn

   Tour the history town in a horse drawn carriage. Take a walking Ghost tour through the Victorian streets of Cape May with Elaine's Ghost Tours (609/884-4358). Visit the Cape May Lighthouse, Colonial House Museum, and the living history museum of Historic Cold Springs Village (http://www.hcsv.org/).

3. Take in a festival or event such as the Seafarers Weekend festival at Historic Cold Springs Village; bring maritime history and pirates to life during august 29th and 30th. Enjoy a Revolution War Encampment on September 5th and 6th at Cold Springs Village. Take in the Cape May Food and Wine Festival during the week of September 19th and 24th.

4. Dine at the eloquent Washington Inn (609/884-5697), originally an 1840 Plantation home. Sit in the fireplace room of the Peter Shield Inn and Restaurant (609/884-9090) while savoring the delights the restaurant has to offer. Take in dinner and a show at Elaine's Dinner Theater (609/884-4358).

Resources

• Cape May Tourism
• More Historical Destinations of the Altantic Seaboard

[ceniamari]

on 8/24/2009 This sounds like a fantastic place to visit.

[HardworkinJudy]

on 8/17/2009 I used to visit NJ while living in NY, now I am so many miles away. I wish I had visited her. Sounds fantastic!

[elbrus]

on 7/31/2009 This place is just around the corner, but I've never been! Interesting article. 5*

[sneedc]

on 7/31/2009 Cape May rocks, I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee its quaint shoppes and cobblestone paths it's a great vacation! 5*

[cherylscott]

on 7/31/2009 My home state. 5s.