It is unfortunate that the Garden State often takes a bad rap and is regularly the butt of jokes such as Woody Allen’s quip: “I saw the light at the end of the tunnel and it was New Jersey,” or the inevitable “You are from New Jersey? What exit?” or the alleged state motto: “You have the right to remain silent…”

In fact, there is a whole different region of New Jersey that is perhaps one of the East Coast’s best kept secret: Cape May. Proudly located on the southern tip of Cape May Peninsula, the town of Cape May is a quaint seaport containing great Victorian architecture and small inns, and various places of interest. Cape May is rich in historical sites and museums and home of one of the country’s top ten beaches, with several beach vacation rentals from which to choose.

Of course, with a lengthy seafaring history that contains a thriving fishing industry as well as residence to both the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, it goes without saying that boating and sailing is excellent.  Competitive sailors often use regional waters as a practice ground for the famous Nantucket Race.

Cape May was named for the area’s initial European guest, Captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mej of Hoorn, Netherlands, in 1620. The city’s reputation as a principal seaside destination resort predates the founding of the United States.  It was in style with wealthy Philadelphians from about 1750 on, and was a chief holiday spot by the mid 1800s. All of that early colonial structure vanished in the great fire of 1876, which really leveled the town. This is why the Victorian style of architecture is prevalent today.  In fact, Cape May has the largest collection of Victorian architecture of any city in the nation other than San Francisco with Port Townsend Washington being a close third.  A great deal of this great Victorian architecture can be seen in the numerous lovely bed and breakfasts proudly located through out Cape May. 

While it might be great to stay right on the beach, you will find that a rental can be a lot less expensive if you are prepared to walk even a few blocks. That said, the owners of these rentals are exceptionally thorough about repairs and maintenance, so even if you have to reserve it long distance over the internet, you can be confident of outstanding lodgings for your Cape May holiday.

If you plan on doing any fishing, your opening stop ought to be the South Jersey Marina in order to purchase the supplies you need to reel in the big ones. If going to sea on a boat is not your wish, you may be surprised to find out that the Hidden Valley Ranch is right in the vicinity. This is where you can go horseback riding and birdwatching and it is one of the best birding locations in the country and see the scenic, rural portion of New Jersey that is a long way from any freeway exit.

Theater lovers have a number of choices while staying in Cape May; Elaine’s Dinner Theater, the East Lynne Theater Company and Cape May Stage, all put forward fine theatrical productions throughout the year. And, to get a true sense of Cape May history, do not miss the Cape May Gingerbread Tour by Trolley.