Cape Mayby J. J. Scott In the 1800s, during the hot summer days before the advent of air conditioning people from the city resorted to cooler places like Cape May – and people still do. Cape May is America’s first seaside resort and reached its pinnacle of elegance during the Victorian era. Today many of the lovely “Painted Ladies” – ornate and colorful Victorian homes – have been restored creating a beautiful historical but functional village. Beautiful hotels, charming B&Bs, gourmet restaurants, and shops line shaded streets, some enhanced by gas-lit lamps, and where the clip-clop of the horse-drawn carriages is a familiar sound.
 The history: Start with an overview of the history of the city on one of several narrated trolley tours. The tour is designed for the first-time visitor to Cape May who wants a quick introduction to the many cultural, historical, and natural attractions on the island. From Cape May Harbor to Sunset Beach, visitors will learn all they need to know to make the most of their Cape May visit.
 The Victorian era: The Physick Estate offers a peek into the area’s Victorian past. Emlen Physick Jr. came into his inheritance about the same time he graduated from medical school and promptly retired. As a gentleman farmer, along with his twice-widowed mother and maiden aunt, he moved into his home when it was completed in 1879. The Physicks' distinctive home illustrates the changing tastes as well as the particulars of the Victorian lifestyle in Cape May. It is just one of the many Victorian houses that give Cape May its unique character. Daily guided tours.
Shopping: People who recall the days when towns had active Main Streets will love wandering Washington Street Mall. It a wonderful place to stroll from shop to shop with plenty of places to rest. Most of the Mall's shops are privately or family owned. Several have been in the same families for generations. Awnings are still cranked down to shelter merchandise from the sun. Looking for antiques? Antique shops are scattered throughout Cape May and the rest of the Jersey Cape. Unique shops offer a wide variety of period merchandise from glassware to collectibles.  The lighthouse: The newly restored 1859-vintage lighthouse is one of the oldest continually operating lighthouses in the United States. Climb the 199 steps to the watch gallery for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Jersey Cape where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. For those who choose not to climb, the Oil House contains a fully-accessible visitors' orientation center with a video and a museum shop stocked with maritime accessories and memorabilia.
The beaches: The beach is the reason for the season and there is a lot of beach to enjoy. But it is more than tanning in the sand. Cape May has some unique beach activities. Head to Sunset Beach to look for Cape May diamonds and beach glass. Each day at Sunset Beach they fly the flag from the casket of a veteran. At sunset the flag is retired in a special ceremony that concludes with Kate Smith’s stirring rendition of “God Bless America.”  The water: The sunset boat trip aboard the Cape May Whale Watcher is a two-hour narrated sightseeing cruise around the island of Cape May out into Cape May Harbor, along the Victorian oceanfront, into Delaware Bay, and returning via the Cape May Canal. Along the way view and learn about dolphins, see osprey and bald eagle nests, pass over a village that was claimed by the sea, and view the remains of a WW II bunker that was 900 feet from shore and is now on the shore. Sightings of dolphins, porpoises, and/or whales are guaranteed.
It’s natural: Birders spirits will soar. Cape May is on one of the great migratory flyways, From the Wildlife Viewing Platform, know as Hawk Watch, at Cape May Point State Park to osprey nests in the salt marshes to the eagles nest along the canal, Cape May is definitely for the birds. Bird watching walks are offered along with other nature related tours including Beachcombing at the Cove, a Harbor Safari, and a Queen Victoria Gardens Tour.  The pre-Victorian era: In Cold Spring Village, an early American open-air living history museum, walk the clamshell lanes. Experience life before the Victorian era and learn about the day-to-day activities of villagers living in South Jersey during the “age of homespun.” (1790-1840). Watch the blacksmith at work, try bread baked in a beehive oven, and watch the potter at work. A full day of fun and learning for the whole family.
The theater: When the sun goes down the curtains go up on several stages. Cape May Stage is a professional equity theater offering a variety of presentations from “Private Lives” to “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Elaine’s Dinner Theater is offering “The Lost Book of Nostradamus,” a comedic adventure that takes theater-goers around the world. The festivals: From strawberries to Celtic Festivals, from music to the Revolutionary War, there is always some special festival or fair to attend. Any season is a reason to visit Cape May. Special themed activities are offered year round from Sherlock Holmes Weekends to Vintage Dance Weekends to the annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours.  Recommended accommodations: The Mission Inn is a unique departure from the Victorian architecture. Ask to see all the accommodations. The owner visited the missions of California and recreated the Mission facades for the headboards and commissioned murals in each room to reflect the scenery of the various missions. Afternoon cocktail hour and gourmet breakfasts make the Mission Inn the perfect place to relax. It is only a block from the beach and bikes are available for guests to use.
 Recommended dining experience: Traditional afternoon tea in the Victorian style at the Carriage House Tearoom and Café featuring a selection of Harney & Sons teas along with traditional scones and cucumber sandwiches. They also offer an excellent luncheon menu.
For more information on more things to do www.capemaymac.org, 800-275-4278, and/or www.thejerseycape.net. www.thejerseycape.com, 800-227-2297 | 