CAPE MAY NJ

Cape May was the perfect place to stop for a few days to celebrate what we had accomplished so far. It marks the end of the 1st Atlantic passage south and our move inland towards the Chesapeake. As we approached the bay a dolphin dove off our prow. The dockmaster at Utsches Marina welcomed us with a “goody-bag” of wine, sweets and fragrant soaps and we splurged on a great seafood dinner at the famous “Lobster House”. Afterwards, as lights twinkled on at dusk, we took a long stroll into the old town to exercise our “sea-legs” and enjoy the warm evening air.

Cape May is a wonderful holiday destination because there is something here for everyone. Architecturally it’s just like Niagara on the Lake but on a much grander scale and, like its Canadian counterpart, is filled with quaint bed and breakfasts. There are so many old Victorian homes in pristine condition here that the entire town has been declared an historical national treasure and building is strictly regulated. The busy pedestrian shopping street is shaded by lovely old plane trees, and filled with park benches, art galleries and interesting boutiques. We enjoyed an informative tour of the town by trolley learning much of its history and seeing parts that we would’ve missed on foot.

A long ribbon of sand dotted with colourful sun umbrellas and beach chairs lines the shore where it’s possible to swim in the surf. Sportsmen in fast boats dart in and out of the channel and an impressive convoy of commercial fishing vessels ply the waters off-shore returning each day with their large catch of fish. The young at heart can enjoy the arcades and rides at Wildwood—an enormous entertainment complex a few miles north that can be seen stretching for several miles along the coast from far out at sea.

For me however, the very best part of this town was the fabulous seafood restaurants! We ate fresh lobsters, shrimps and scallops until we thought we’d burst—all at extremely reasonable prices and served dockside. There is a real nautical ambience to this place and it’s filled with people who are relaxed, happy and living life to the full.