Cape May, NJ - Recipe for Stress Relief

Cape May, NJ is known as the nation’s oldest seashore resort. This charming town transports the visitor to a simpler, more peaceful time and place.

For lovers of history, this quaint Victorian village at the extreme southern tip of NJ, also known as Exit Zero off the Garden State Parkway, exudes enchantment at every corner.

Be aware, however, this is not a rockin’ party town. If that is the venue you seek, you will want to look elsewhere. Cape May is for families--from doting grandmas and grandpas to the cuddly tiny babies and everyone in between.

My affinity for Cape May comes from over twenty years of vacationing for one week each summer with a great group of girlfriends at this therapeutic location. We have rented either a cottage or house on this same property for all of these years, and as soon as we walk through the door, we feel a warm, comforting sense of calm that says we are “home.”

What does one do for summer fun in Cape May? In a nutshell, folks relax on the pristine beaches (beach tags required, but are easily obtainable), take a boat tour, para-sail, pedal around town with the family in a surrey, rent bicycles and ride to the famous lighthouse to view the surrounding land and seascapes, commune with the animals at the Cape May County Zoo, partake of historical and ghost tours, wander through unique shops that offer items not typically found in your local mall, hop aboard the Cape May Ferry for a scenic ride across the Delaware Bay for outlet shopping in Lewes, Delaware, dinner theatre, mini-golf, golf, bird watching, taste wine at the local winery, or catch up on your reading as you kick back on a large veranda or porch.

One of the benefits of a stay in Cape May is that you can basically park your car and walk to many destinations. A few restaurant locations will require crawling back into your vehicle, but much can be accomplished on foot.

Atlantic City is just a short drive from town in case you hear the slots calling your name. And one would never know that there is an adorable shopping venue near that location. 

The Historic Smithville Shopping Village, with approximately 60 boutiques, 7 eateries, paddle boats, 26 weekend events and on site theme lodging, is a viable option for a day of retreating from overexposure to the Cape May sun. See http://www.historicsmithvillenj.com and http://www.colonialinnsmithville.com for more information.

A visit to Cape May would never be complete without a dinner at The Lobster House. Prepare for a period of hanging around if you are trying to eat there during the busy summer season, but you can be sure that the wait is well worth it!

In memory-This post is dedicated to Mary Ann Murray, one of our original Cape May vacation ladies, who went to heaven on June 21, 2013. There is not a day that you won’t be missed--forever.

Mary Ann Murray-Always in Our Hearts