Cape May: Beyond the Beach

Cape May pulses year-round with things to do. Many of the cultural and historic events are under the auspices of MAC, the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (capemaymac.org). Here are some of Cape May’s most popular attractions:

Cape May Zoo: Snow Leopards.
AP Photo/Press of Atlantic City.

Bay Springs Alpaca Farm
542 New England Road
609-884-0563
bayspringsalpacas.com
Alpacas in Cape May? Why not? Barbara and Warren Nuessle started raising the fuzzy little animals in 1999. The herd now numbers 28. The farmhouse store offers yarn from the herd along with related products. Open weekends.

Cape May Brewery
1288 Hornet Road
capemaybrewery.com
This craft brewery, opened in 2011, is doing so well that it expanded early this year. It is open for tours and tastings on Saturdays from noon to 4 pm.

Cape May Lighthouse
215 Lighthouse Avenue
Cape May Point
800-275-4278; capemaymac.org
It’s 218 steps to the top—but the view is worth the effort.

Cape May Whale Watcher
1218 Wilson Drive
800-786-5445
capemaywhalewatcher.com
Sightings are guaranteed—although in the summer it’s more likely to be dolphins than whales.

Cape May Winery & Vineyard
711 Townbank Road
609-884-1169; capemaywinery.com
Check out a tour or tasting at one of Jersey’s most-honored vineyards.

Cape May County Zoo
707 Route 9 North
Cape May Courthouse
609-465-5771; capemaycountyzoo.org
With more than 550 critters, the zoo has plenty to see—and it’s free.  Zoo camp begins June 25 with weekly am and pm sessions running through August 20.  For information, e-mail [email protected].

Emlen Physick Estate
1048 Washington Street
609-884-5404; capemaymac.com
See what life was like in Cape May in Victorian times by touring this estate, which was home to Dr. Emlen Physick and his family in the late 1800s. In the 1960s, the house was in disrepair, and saving it began the movement to preserve other Victorian homes in Cape May. You can also have afternoon tea in the converted carriage house; silly hats provided.

Nature Center of Cape May
1600 Delaware Avenue
609-898-8848
njaudubon.org/centers/nccm
Hands-on activities for the kids, plus bike tours and harbor safaris.

Sunset Beach Flag
Ceremony
Cape May Point
sunsetbeachnj.com
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, dozens come out to watch the sunset as a veteran’s coffin flag is lowered and taps is played. This is not exactly a somber event; in fact, a party atmosphere prevails.


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