Cape May, located on the southernmost point of the Jersey Shore is proof that the more you travel, the sweeter your reward will be. But the local secret is that you’ll get an even sweeter reward if your journey is longer. wait until the fallWhen those iconic Victorian homes with gingerbread trim get bathed by autumnal light. Contrary most shore townsCape May, where it can get crowded during the summer and deserted after Labor Day, is still lively, but calmer, at this time of year. There is so much to do in Cape May, whether you love ghost hunting or are just a curious person. all things Paranormal or a birder Keep an eye out for your lifer. You can climb the spiral staircase of the Cape May Lighthouse (1859) to enjoy the fall foliage along the coast. Willow Creek Winery Enjoy a glass wine with a crisp breeze and a fire pit. You’re ready to start planning a trip to Jersey’s favorite beach town in the shoulder seasons? Find out where to eat and stay this fall in Cape May.
Cape May: Things to do
There’s no better time of year to take a stroll—or trolley ride—around the 19th-century Victorian homes that lend Cape May its historic charm. During the annual Victorian Weekend (falling October 10–13, this year), you can get a rare peek inside the triple-decker beauties and take part in other activities, like craft fairs and baseball games as they were played in 1864 (think vintage uniforms). If the supernatural is what you are interested in, make sure to check out take a ghost tour The 1879 Emlen Physick Estate. The Victorian house museum designed by renowned architect Frank Furness is said to have a lot of spirit residents, as well as “rogue taxidermy.”
Cape May is one of the top birding destinations in North America. The Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean act as natural funnels. The fall is a particularly exciting time, as raptors migrate through the South Cape May Meadows 200-acre wetland. Cape May Point State Park is a great place to start if you are interested in birding, but don’t have a clue where to go. The Cape May Bird Observatory offers regular programming by experienced naturalists. Higbee Beach is the best place to see birds, including raptors and shorebirds.
Enjoy the bounty of fall at Beach Plum FarmTake a hayride to the coast, enjoy mulled wine, and select your perfect pumpkin. This charming farm is home to a small market, a couple of cozy cottages and also a charming coastal farm. Autumn Harvest Dinners—seasonal feasts served family-style around long, communal tables. Shoppers can visit West End Garage, a 1940s garage-turned-antique market (it’s also home to the Beach Plum Bakery and Café). Sunset Beach is the place to be for sunsets and to hunt for Cape May diamonds (small pieces of quartz crystal washed up on shore).
Cape May Restaurants and Bars
Start your day at an unlikely place—The Lobster House. Since 1964, the family-owned dockside restaurant serves seafood next to a 130 foot-long Grand Banks sailing ship. Takeout is available for your daily coffee, weekend breakfast or a raw bar oyster. West Cape May is a great place to visit. Ostara’s Coffee House, Good Earth Organic Eatery. Chez Michel French Bakery All of these are great choices for early-morning bites. Choose between these classic white-tablecloth American dishes for dinner. Peter Shield Inn You can also find out more about Washington InnCape May’s two most popular restaurants will not disappoint. If you want something a little more modern, try Fish HouseYou can have fresh fish at Sunset Beach. PortThe restaurant is famous for its lobster caviar french fries.
