I finally had a chance to visit Cape May Resorts, located in Cape May, New Jersey and less than 4 hours from DC. It’s such a cute town with beautiful beaches, more Victorian homes than you can imagine, and yummy seafood. It even has its own lighthouse.
The Virginia Hotel
My adventure began with a stay at The Virginia Hotel, a lovely 24-room boutique hotel on Jackson Street, in the heart of historic Cape May. Look at that millwork and that beckoning red door!
Located just a block from the beach, you feel like you are walking into history when you enter. Possessing its own distinct charm, each room is beautifully decorated with comfortable furnishings and finishes. The wallpaper will make you stop and take a deeper look.
We enjoyed a delicious Continental Breakfast each morning and you have the option to have it in your room, or on the front porch, and is included in your stay as a guest. In addition, The Virginia Hotel has its own restaurant, The Ebbitt Room which offers a farm-to-table, farm-to-glass dining philosophy and features fresh ingredients from their very own Beach Plum Farm. In addition, warm chocolate chip cookies and fresh coffee are offered all afternoon in their lobby.
BEACH WALKS AND SHOPPING
While our trip was in late April, the sun was warm enough for long beach walks and mid afternoon shopping. Sandy dunes and grassy hills invite you into wide open space. Whalewatching is an option but if you’d rather stay on land, birdwatching is an easy passtime. There are scores of Purple Martin houses and shorebirds of all kinds.
Shopping on the Washington Street Mall is pedestrian friendly and no cars are allowed. Filled with bookstores, boutiques, art and candy, it’s a fun way to pass the time and the shopkeepers are warm and welcoming.
Beach Plum Farms
Need a break from the beach? Beach Plum Farms is a 62-acre farm that offers 100 differernt types of vegetables, herbs, fruits, and housewares! You can browse around or take a walk down the many paths to visit the pigs, honey beehives, and do more birdwatching.
Victorian Homes
Cape May is known for their grand Victorian houses. We walked down Perry St., Jackson St., Decatur, and Ocean St., all near the hotel. The detailed architecture has so much charm, some with 2-story porches, intricate trim, rounded-arched windows, and brightly painted exteriors.
Cape May Lighthouse
The Cape May Lighthouse, located at 215 Lighthouse Avenue in the heart of Cape May Point State Park is listed in the State and National Registers of Historic Places. You can climb the 199 steps up the original, cast iron spiral stairway to the top and look out over the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. This lighthouse is the 3rd beacon at this location actively aiding in navigation. If you take a walk on the beach, you’ll notice a massive concrete bunker built as a military structure during WW2 and is still sitting out on the beach.
