Concierge Magazine 2021-2022 by Cape Resorts Group

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What’s Inside 3

Welcome Letter

Our Stories

Read Us Online

Lawn Star

The Science of Sunsets

Happy Trails

Please visit CapeResorts.com/Concierge where you can read this magazine on your tablet, cellphone or computer.

Leading the Way

Good Earth

The Three Bakers

Dream Makers

A Perfect Day in Cape May

About Cape Resorts

Cover Design Jim Lennon The stripes on this year’s cover take their color from the paint used around Congress Hall. Photography Jessica Orlowicz Laura Thistle Aleksey Moryakov Charles Riter Michael Walsh

Our Family

Our Hotels

Beach and Pool

Cape Resorts Food Guide

The Shops at Tommy’s Folly

West End Garage

Sea Spa

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Campus Activities

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Published annually by Cape Resorts Produced jointly by Cape Resorts & Exit Zero Publishing

A LETTER FROM CURTIS BASHAW cape resorts founder & managing partner

Traditions are more important than ever. With all the change and upheaval of the last year, here at Cape Resorts we are doubling down on the simple pleasures that make us feel at home. We feel hope and renewal, but more than that, there is excitement. Last summer felt like a parenthesis. This season feels like a rebirth. Last summer we lived, firsthand, the old adage, ‘necessity is the mother of invention’. We got ourselves opened and we moved outside. This season, we take those initiatives, and we make them new traditions—building upon what we have. As we open their doors again, the Veranda and Grand Lawn at Congress Hall, the garden and porches at the Ebbitt Room, Beach Plum’s spacious farm dinners, and the Rusty Nail’s special vibe—are all here to welcome you back. We are excited, filled with gratitude for these places and what they mean to us all. We are ready to come out and play. Please join us.

Lawn Star Old Glory has remained front and center at America’s oldest seaside hotel for more than 200 years. When it came time to replace the largest freestanding wooden flagpole on the east coast, there was only one man for the job. article diane stopyra

he tallest wooden flagpole on the eastern seaboard casts its distinguished shadow on the Grand Lawn of Congress Hall. Like the Cape May hotel, it is a landmark. Historic. A symbol of patriotism, resilience and tradition. At 58 freestanding feet, towering above myriad visitors sipping happy hour cocktails in Adirondack chairs and surfers riding glassy waves at sundown just across the street, Congress Hall’s flagpole—an exact replica of the wooden shaft that stood on this same lawn over a century ago—radiates a gravitas found in few places in America. (Technically, the pole at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry, which hoists the flag that inspired America’s national anthem during the War of 1812, has Congress Hall’s beat by about two feet. But, depending on your standard, that one doesn’t count—like the average radio tower, it requires cables for support.) “We wanted to replace what was there. I remember the original one broke and fell to the ground when I was a kid in the ‘70s,” said Curtis Bashaw, founder of Cape Resorts. “The base was simply taken away, and the lawn was being used then as a parking lot. There was no base to replace it. It was left to old photographs to remind us of how the flagpole looked.” Years later, Bashaw contacted Danny Kaifetz, owner of the Adirondack Flagpole Company located 60 miles south of Montreal. A former Marine and a veteran of the Vietnam War, Kaifetz is the only traditional wooden flagpole maker in North America—he has built more than 400 in a 17-year career. These artisanal creations can be found in 42 states across the country, at the private estates of mechanics and billionaires, from farms in Iowa to rocky shorelines in Maine and in front of historic institutions and museums. The flag of one especially memorable 6

pole was raised in Brooklyn by a Navy Seal in a moving, 10-year anniversary ceremony honoring first responders who died in 9/11. But the northern red oak iteration Kaifetz built for Congress Hall? That may just be his magnum opus. “It was one of the most significant—if not the most significant—I’ve ever done,” he said. “I never wanted to exceed this one after it was done. We could probably go as high as 60 feet by rearranging some things in my shop, but I never offered that to anybody. I wanted this to be the site of my tallest.” For Kaifetz, the pride he feels for this particular commission stems from the values he sees espoused by Congress Hall. Among these standards is a deep-rooted respect for country. Every year on Independence Day, the hotel, which has hosted four sitting presidents and which once served as the Summer White House of Benjamin Harrison, holds an elaborate Fourth of July celebration honoring America. The grand columns of the 200-yearold resort are illuminated in red, white and blue as rosycheeked kids and their parents watch fireworks explode over the ocean. So, in 2012, when Congress Hall approached him about recreating a flagpole from the hotel’s past, Kaifetz, the son of a World War II veteran, instantly knew this project would be a rewarding one. He also knew it would be a great challenge. Given its height, this creation would need to be the company’s first shot at a double-masted pole, just like the original—essentially, two poles bound vertically together. The first step was to examine century-old photographs. Employing a series of trigonometry equations and a mathematical device called a micrometer, Kaifetz was able to determine the size of the original. After con-

sultation with representatives from the forestry department at Syracuse University, northern red oak was selected as the wood of choice, both because it is native to the northeast and because it offers strength and flexibility as well as beauty. To assemble the pieces of each mast into a four-sided obelisk—the shape of the Washington Monument—Kaifetz employed finger joinery, achieved by cutting a set of profiles in the wood that interlock like the fingers of two hands sliding between one another. These pieces were then glued together using several hundred German steel clamps and a marine-grade epoxy. “Nobody can tell you how to do this,” Kaifetz said. “If you wanted a steel or aluminum pole, you could simply consult the manufacturer. But that’s not the case with the recreation of a traditional pole—if you want to achieve that classic beauty, there is no manual.”

A History of Patriotism Flags and patriotism have always been a staple at Congress Hall. From 1816, when the hotel opened, flags have graced the building’s roof, lawn and verandas. Owner Curtis Bashaw, in speaking at the flag ceremony in 2012, mused about how the number of stars on the flags that have flown at Congress Hall has changed through the years. For example, when Thomas Hughes opened the hotel in 1816, there were just 15 stars on Old Glory. The hotel’s History Hall pays tribute to this, with a flag representing the era of each owner. 7

This illustration, believed to be the earliest existing image of Congress Hall, dates from 1838—the flag can be seen on the top-left of the photograph and would have featured 25 stars, after the addition of Arkansas in 1836.

The inside of the pole was left hollow to allow for a chromoly core—in other words, the center is aircraft-grade steel that is especially resistant to corrosive salt air. Into this steel core, Kaifetz shot a piece of string, using a hunting crossbow, which was then used to pull a lightning-resistant cable from one end to the other. Next up? Fourteen coats of varnish and several days of applying white, marine-grade yacht paint, followed by painstakingly detailed sanding. The whole process took two men one month. In order to transport the pole to Cape May, 17 men carried the 1,200-pound, $25,000 finished product on their shoulders out of Kaifetz’s workshop and onto a trailer custom built specifically for this purpose. During a June 2012 ceremony celebrating the 10th anniversary of Congress Hall’s famed restoration—attended by politicos, dignitaries and misty-eyed guests—the flagpole was erected onto a 10-foot base on the Grand Lawn using a 125-foot crane and specialized hydraulic jacks. Kaifetz said it took 37 seconds from start to finish—“I held my breath the entire time, although it went up beautifully.” Members of the Marine Corps League raised the first flag, 8

a process akin to watching “a horse being pulled up a cliffside on a rope,” said Kaifetz. “When I left, I didn’t have the feeling I’d just put up a pole at Disneyland. I had a feeling I’d just recreated a piece of history in a place where it’s very much appreciated.” In the years since, the pole has become a cherished part of Congress Hall’s landscape, and it has faced its share of challenges. Take Hurricane Sandy, originally forecasted to make landfall in Cape May, just five months after the flagpole’s installation. In Congress Hall’s Brown Room bar, boarded up but open for business, reporters from ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox 29 and the Associated Press drank dark and stormy cocktails between filming updates in 75mph winds just outside. By all accounts, this was set to be another in a long list of crises faced by the hotel in its 200-year history, from devastating storms to the Great Fire of 1878, which burned the entire structure down. From his home in the Adirondacks, Kaifetz watched the nerve-wracking coverage. “The storm aimed straight for my flagpole, which is

One of the bleakest points in Congress Hall’s long history came in the early 1900s when owner Annie Knight closed the hotel after a standoff with the city council that lasted for a decade. On the left, the deserted hotel is shown in 1912, its flag still proudly flying. Below: Owner Knight is pictured (front row, center with staff on the lawn of the renovated hotel in 1928. Bottom: The flag flies during the early 1950s and mid-1960s.

In June of 2012, the 58-foot pole was installed prior to a special ceremony, during which the flag was raised by members of the Marine Corps League. only about 75 yards from the water,” he said. “All night, I watched as roofs were torn off, and I’m thinking they’re not showing my flagpole because it must be broken. It must be lying down. Finally, about 2am, the camera pans and there is my flagpole. I’ve never been so relieved in my life.” The hotel, its flagpole and indeed the entire town of Cape May escaped the brunt of the damage from Sandy, as an 11th-hour wind shift left the island just south of the hurricane’s eye and protected from devastating tidal surges. The hotel and its flagpole have continued weathering the elements ever since, the latter a constant reminder to visitors from all over the country of what unites them. “When families let our traditions slip away as unimportant, it is a very insidious type of damage that’s done,” Kaifetz said. “If you don’t honor the flag, you forget what it stands for: freedom and sacrifice. And without this re10

minder in our busy life, we are apt to forget what a great nation this is, and how lucky we all are to live here.” Set to retire soon, Kaifetz is planning on a quiet life in the Adirondacks spent fishing, making his own moonshine, and reflecting on his years traveling the country. He would also like to plan a road trip across the U.S. to see as many of his flagpoles as possible, including the one he installed nearly a decade ago at Congress Hall. “Who knows?” he said. “One of these days, I might just hop on my motorcycle and not even tell anyone I’m going. I’ll sit in one of those chairs on the Grand Lawn, have one drink from the Brown Room bar—a chardonnay or maybe a bloody mary if it’s morning—and then I’ll turn around and go right home again. It will be worth it just to see that old friend one more time.”

Maintaining the Legacy In April 2021, the team at Congress Hall disassembled the flagpole for some repairs and maintenance. After dozens of coats of paint and polish, the beloved flagstaff was ready to be raised for many more seasons to come.

Congress Hall Icons In addition to our iconic flagpole, Congress Hall is home to numerous other storied heirlooms—some more well-known than others! Want to find a few Congress Hall curiosities for yourself? Take a trip to the Concierge Desk and ask for one of our Scavenger Hunts!

THE BOILER ROOM STAIRCASE The 1996 demolition of the Christian Admiral was a sad day for Cape May, but many artifacts and fittings from the grand old hotel were salvaged and re-used in the renovation of Congress Hall. The railing that runs from the Blue Pig Tavern to the Boiler Room is a notable example.

ILLUMINATING SUBJECTS Left: The chanedliers in the Lobby are also relics of the Christian Admiral. Right: The chandeliers in the Grand Ballroom were installed by thenGeneral Manager Gil Ramagosa in a 1960s renovation of the hotel. 14

DISHES & HOLLOWARE When Congress Hall was being renovated in 2001, an excavation produced a box containing a stash of original Congress Hall china, creamers and sugar bowls. The dishes were made by the Buffalo Pottery Company in New York, while the sugar bowls came from D. W. Haber and Sons in the Bronx. Both companies were still in business and the china and bowls were reproduced in time for the hotel’s 2002 opening.

ANCHORS AWAY Located in the flowerbeds beside the Grand Lawn, Juno’s Anchor was on the Spanish ship Juno Vera in 1802, when the ship disappeared in a nor’easter. It was hooked in 1968 by Captain John Davies and bought by the Reverend Carl McIntire, who owned Congress Hall from 1968-1995. The Admiral’s Anchor is located by the staircase leading to the beach. It sat at the entrance to the Christian Admiral until the building's demolition in 1996. Fun Fact: Beach Plum Farm and the Rusty Nail also have anchors adorning their grounds. 15

The

science of sunsets Why are Cape May’s winter sunsets so dramatic, and what’s that green flash you might just catch during the last dip of orange? These questions answered, and more.

article lynn martenstein photography laura thistle

Cape May’s sunsets often bring people to a standstill. Drivers brake, bikers back-pedal, power walkers power down. On more nights than not, nature puts on an unmissable light show over our town—and winter brings the best spectacle of all. Luckily, being on an island, we get an unobstructed view. To help you enjoy the show even more, we’ve put together some fun facts from science, pop culture and Cape May traditions that may cast sunset in a whole new light for you. 18

First, the Science Think you’re seeing red at sunset? Sunlight is made up of all of the colors of the rainbow. At sunset, the atmosphere scatters the bluish light we see during the day (aka the blue sky) but lets the reddish hues pass straight through. We’re also able to look directly at the sun at sunset—a no-no during the day. You probably think of sunset as when the last sliver of sunlight sinks below the horizon, maybe when you’re sitting in one of the Adirondack chairs on Congress Hall’s Grand Lawn, for instance. But the sun’s light is refracted by the earth’s atmosphere, so while you’re tracking the sun’s downward path, it’s already gone below the horizon. What you see is happening eight minutes after the fact. Sunset, dusk and twilight are not created equal. The time after the sun sets is called twilight, which ends at dusk when the sky goes completely dark. Places north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle have at least one day a year without a

sunset or sunrise. Not to be confused with a Marvel Comics hero, the elusive green flash that occasionally appears in that split second as the last of the sun’s rays dips below the horizon is the normally obscured green light in the middle of the sun’s color spectrum. The optimal conditions for a sighting of a green flash are a clear evening and an unobstructed view of the horizon. The sun sets due west (and rises due east) only two days a year: the vernal and autumnal equinoxes. Slowly changing every day, the sun sets south of due west in fall and winter, and north of due west in spring and summer. Cape May’s promenade runs east to west near the Cove. When we view sunsets from there in winter, the sun is setting directly over an unobstructed horizon, casting a bright orange glow over the beach and promenade. From the same vantage point in summer, the sun is setting over land, diminishing that effect.

Former astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit the earth, witnessed four “beautiful sunsets” on his historic journey in 1962. Astronauts on the International Space Station see 15 or 16 daily today. The saying, “Red Sky at Night, Sailors’ Delight, Red Sky in Morning, Sailors’ Warning,” is based on fact. A red sky at night may indicate that the sun’s light is passing through dust particles, meaning a high pressure system or fair weather is coming from the west. A red sky in the morning may signal a low pressure system, aka not-sogreat weather heading our way. Cape May Magic Because we’re located at the tip of a peninsula, Cape May is one of the few places in the world where the sun both rises and sets over salt water. Our sunsets are so beautiful partly because the air is so clean here. Pollu-

tion in the atmosphere can mute vibrant colors—not a problem on the Cape. The flag-lowering ceremony at Sunset Beach has elevated sunsets to required watching. In July and August, hundreds of people gather to pay tribute to a departed US veteran as the flag that draped his or her coffin is reverently lowered to taps and Kate Smith’s classic rendition of “God Bless America.” Reservations to fly a family member's flag usually open at the beginning of May each year, and often are filled within an hour. In the fall, our sunsets are even more spectacular. That’s because the air tends to be drier, meaning there are fewer moisture particles to scatter those red and pink wavelengths before they reach the eye. Another reason to make a return trip to Cape Island when the temperatures cool.

The Perfect Perch Due to the sun’s pivot throughout the year, it’s possible to see both sunrise and sunset while standing at Congress Hall’s beloved flagpole between early November and early March of every year. Don’t believe us? Stay overnight at Congress Hall this holiday season and see for yourself. It’s quite the phenomenon. 23

Happy Trails Six hikes that will show you the natural beauty of this island—and rev up your appetite for a fine dinner later! ARTICLE BILL BARLOW

Photograph by Michael Walsh 25

iven that Cape Island covers less than four square miles, you’d think it would be difficult to get lost around here. You’d be surprised. Deep forests, rolling dunes and expansive wetlands are easily within reach and can add a whole new dimension to your vacation in America’s Original Seaside Resort. Miles of hiking trails await in Cape May Point State Park, in the adjoining South Cape May Meadows nature area and in the wild expanse of Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area. Surrounding Beach Plum Farm in West Cape May and the beaches of the Delaware Bay, these reserves comprise more than 1,000 acres of virtual wilderness. “Higbee’s is a gem. It really is,” says Matt Pelligrine, a naturalist with Cape May Point State Park, home of the famous lighthouse. The area offers an extraordinary variety of habitats—and a chance to glimpse an equally extraordinary variety of wildlife. Pelligrine suggests setting aside at least three hours to explore the paths of Higbee Beach on foot and added a note of caution—it’s easier to get lost in the tangled briars and shifting dune paths than many expect. (But don’t worry—your phone’s GPS will work in this area.) There are walks on Cape Island for any level of stamina or enthusiasm. There are short walks in the state park and the quarter-mile stroll near Cape May Bird Observatory’s Northwood Center in Cape May Point. There are also day-long adventures. Leading nature walks is part of Pelligrine’s job, but 26

he’s also out there on his days off. One of his favorite summer routes starts at the Cove in Cape May at the western end of Beach Avenue. He walks the beach past the meadows and the World War II bunker, enjoys a cooling dip in the lifeguard-protected waters off Cape May Point, then exits the beach and winds his way back toward Cape May through the shaded paths of the state park and meadow trails. The paths won’t take you all the way back to the Cove, so at some point, the walk must either return to the beach or move over to Sunset Boulevard. Some sections of the beach are closed in summer for the protection of endangered species, but you can always walk along the water line. Here are the island hikes you shouldn’t miss. And remember to wear a good pair of walking shoes—flip-flops won’t cut it.

Cape May Point State Park Entrance at Lighthouse Avenue Point to day-long adventures. Trails range from a half-mile to 1.5 miles, Leading nature walks is part of Pelligrine’s job, but each in a loop he’s also out there on his days off. One of his favorite Hiking Level: easyattothe moderate summer routes starts Cove in Cape May at the western endNo of dogs Beachallowed Avenue. He walks the beach past the meadows and the World War II bunker, enjoys cooling dip white in the lighthouse, lifeguard-protected waters Beyonda the historic which greets youoff Point then the beach at theCape park’sMay entrance, thereexits is a parking lot.and On winds one his way back CapeisMay through the shaded side, next to thetoward lighthouse, a visitor’s center and paths of On thethe state parkside andofmeadows. museum. other the parking lot is a hawkThe paths won’t take you alltothe watch platform with trailheads theway left.back to the Cove, so at some point, the walk must either return to the beach or move over to Sunset Boulevard. Some sections of the beach are closed in summer for the protection of endangered species, but you can always walk along the water line. Here are the island hikes you shouldn’t miss. And remember to wear a good pair of walking shoes—flip-flops won’t cut it.

Views of Cape May’s famous sentinel from the delightful trails at Cape May Point State Park.

Cape May Meadows 692 Sunset Boulevard One-mile loop trail, with connections to other trails and to the state park Hiking Level: easy No dogs allowed The main trail runs from the gravel parking lot off Sunset Boulevard, offering an excellent chance to see wading birds, ducks, geese, hawks and eagles. One mile loop trail, with connections to other trails and to the state park.

Higbee Beach More than 1,000 acres Accessible from the western end of New England Road and Sunset Beach Hiking Level: moderate difficulty, with soft sand and winding paths Beach access • Dogs must be leashed In the northwest corner of Cape Island, at the end of New England Road, sits the rutted parking lot of Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area. A path leads through wooded dunes to a Delaware Bay beach, an option popular enough that the parking area is usually packed in the summer. Another option from the New England Road parking lot is a blue-marked trail leading through the dunes to Davey’s Lake, a rare freshwater lake set close to the bay.

Northwood Center 701 E. Lake Drive Cape May Point Hiking Level: easy Quarter mile For those just starting out, or those who don’t want to commit to a long walk, take the short trail at Cape May Bird Observatory’s Northwood Center, across from Lake Lily.

Garrett Family Preserve 801 Wilson Street Hiking Level: easy Most of the six trails are a fraction of a mile long, geared more for meandering through what was once a family farm, while the orangemarked perimeter trail runs two miles along the outside of the preserve.

Cape May Promenade Along Beach Avenue from 2nd Avenue to Madison Avenue Hiking Level: easy The Cape May promenade stretches for nearly two miles, taking you on a scenic walk or run past Cape May’s beaches.

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CAPE RESORTS

LOCATIONS Congress Place 1 Congress Hall 200 Congress Place treet 2 The Star 29 Perry Street tages 25 Jackson Street Hotel & Cottages 25 Jackson Street 3 Virginia h Avenue 4 Sandpiper 11 Beach Avenue each Avenue 5 Beach Shack 205 Beach Avenue es 302 Washington Street Place Suites 302 Washington Street 6 Congress 40 Stevens Street 7 Beach Plum Farm 140 Stevens Street 84 West Perry8 Street West End Garage 484 West Perry Street

GREAT HIKING TRAILS

EASY TO MODERATE EASY TO MODERATE 9 The Garrett Family Preserve 801 Wilson Street 9 The Garrett Family Preserve 801 10 Cape May Promenade Beach Avenue Avenue to Madison Avenue 10- 2nd Cape May Promenade Beach Av 11 Northwood Center 701 East Lake Drive 11 Northwood Center 701 East La 12 Cape May Point State Park 215 Lighthouse Avenue 12 Cape May Point State Park 215 13 Cape May Meadows 692 Sunset Boulevard 13 Cape May Meadows 692 Sunset 14 Higbee Beach 1 Higbee Beach Road14 Higbee Beach 1 Higbee Beach R

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3 10 17

AROUND CAPE MAY

WALKING DESTINATIONS 7 Beach Plum Farm 140 Stevens Street 1 Wilson Street West Garage 484 West Perry Street venue - 2nd 8Avenue to End Madison Avenue ake Drive 12 Cape May Lighthouse 215 Lighthouse Avenue Sunset Beach 502 Sunset Boulevard Lighthouse15 Avenue t Boulevard16 Emlen Physick Estate 1048 Washington Street 17 Cape May Convention Hall 714 Beach Avenue Road

ViewCAPE hiking AROUND MAYmaps online!

WALKING DESTINATIONS 7 Visit BeachCapeResorts.com/Hiking Plum Farm 140 Stevens Street (or follow the QR 8 below) West End 484 West Perry Street forGarage maps of our favorite Cape May hikes. 12 Cape May Lighthouse 215 Lighthouse Avenue 15 Sunset Beach 502 Sunset Boulevard 16 Emlen Physick Estate 1048 Washington Street 17 Cape May Convention Hall 714 Beach Avenue

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It’s been a part of the landscape, and local lore, for more than 200 years. Here is everything you need to know about everyone’s favorite Cape May landmark.

Leading 36

Photograph by Laura Thistle

the Way 37

Illuminating the night up to 24 miles out to sea, the Cape May Lighthouse has guided sailors for nearly 200 years. The present structure that can be seen towering over Cape May Point State Park has been in place since 1859. 38

Below, 20 facts you likely didn’t know about the lighthouse, based on the book Sentinel of the Jersey Cape (third edition), by John Bailey. The book is available from selected Cape May stores. 1. On May 7, 1822, Congress appropriated $5,000 to build a lighthouse in Cape May. The following July 15, they paid Mr. and Mrs. John Stites $300 for an acre of unstable sand upon which to build a lighthouse. 2. The first known lighthouse to mark Cape May began flashing its signal out to sea in October 1823. However, there may have been unknown sentinels guarding the Cape before 1823. 3. In 1785, the Pennsylvania Board of Port Wardens purchased land on Cape May from “one Thomas Hand 2nd, for the purpose of erecting a navigational beacon.” The tract is believed to have been on a high bluff in front of Congress Hall.

4. The July 1801 edition of the Philadelphia Aurora contains an advertisement entitled, “Seashore Entertainment at Cape May.” Cape May’s first real tavern owner, Ellis Hughes, placed that ad for his Atlantic Hall. It contains this remarkable passage, “The situation is beautiful, just on the confluence of the Delaware Bay with the ocean, in sight of the lighthouse, and affords a view of the shipping which enters and leaves the Bay...” 5. According to the Hand family genealogy, “Foster Japheth Winfield Hand (d: 1896) was born in a lighthouse at Cape May, New Jersey” in 1817. 6. By 1847, the first lighthouse had become a victim of erosion. Using bricks from the original sentinel, two local contractors, Samuel and Nathan Middleton built the second lighthouse 400 yards inland from the ocean. It stood 78 feet tall. 7. In 1851, the Lighthouse Board inspected the 1847 lighthouse and found it totally inadequate. It was poorly built, leaking and rusty. The light revolved irregularly and lacked ventilation. Its reflector beacon couldn’t hold a candle to the new First-Order Fresnel lens. Their report

The electric trolley travels between Cape May and the Point in this early 1900s picture, which shows the lighthouse in the background. 39

George Gordon Meade, left, who would go on to lead the Army of the Potomac at Gettysburg, designed the current lighthouse, built in 1859. Above: Harry and Florence Palmer in 1940. Harry’s wife became the only female lighthouse keeper after he suffered a heart attack. Below: The couple’s daughter Ada, at the top of the lighthouse.

called for replacing that lighthouse with a taller tower and an up-to-date First-Order Fresnel lens. (Most seacoast lighthouses are First-Order.) 8. The tower contains inner and outer walls of curved bricks. The inner wall is a straight cylinder from top to bottom. The outer wall is cone shaped—wider at the bottom—and joins the inner wall just below the watch deck. Arched brick ceilings, known as barrel vaulting, reinforce and join the two walls at each window. Ventilator holes at the windows allow air to freely circulate between the walls. 9. The original First-Order Fresnel lens was made in Paris and shipped to Cape May. It stands seven-feet-10inches tall with a 6-foot diameter. The lens resembled a giant beehive of prisms girdled about the middle with a series of 16 bull’s-eye magnifying lenses. As the lens rotated, the bull’s-eyes caused it to flash every 30 seconds, hurling a beam of light 24 miles across the ocean. The original lens resides at the Cape May County Historical Museum in Cape May Court House. A clockwork 40

weight system, similar to those in grandfather clocks, turned the Fresnel lens. The keepers simply wound up a weight and let it slowly descend, driving the lens. 10. The lens rotated around a hydraulic float lamp of five wicks saturated with sperm whale oil, also designed by Lieutenant Meade. The keepers stored the sperm whale oil in the two little rooms on each side of the entry hallway. 11. The first keeper, William C. Gregory, climbed the stairs and lighted the lamp for the first time at sunset on Halloween, October 31, 1859. That date makes the lighthouse a Scorpio, a fixed water sign, energetic, independent, passionate, determined. Its color is deep red. Scorpio’s harmonious signs are Cancer (the crab) and Pisces (the fish). Seems like the Cape May Lighthouse is a solid Scorpio. 12. A kerosene lamp, designed by Joseph Funck, an engineer at the Lighthouse Service’s supply depot, replaced the sperm whale oil lamp some time after 1878. The Service converted all lighthouses to kerosene at that time, as whale oil had become prohibitively expensive. They built the Oil House, now the museum shop, for oil storage as the volatile kerosene was too dangerous to

store inside the tower. Keeper Harry Palmer (1924-1933), an avid gardener, complained that he could never grow flowers around the oil house because of the oil leakage. 13. In 1902, a new incandescent oil (kerosene) vapor lamp replaced the Funck lamp. The oil vapor lamp had a bright white mantle similar to those in Cape May’s gas lights. 14. In 1933, the Service electrified the lighthouse with an experimental lamp that simply replaced the oil lamp. The keeper’s daughter, Ada Palmer, told us that the electric light wasn’t as bright as it was with the oil lamp. 15. Following keeper Harry Palmer’s heart attack in July 1933, the Superintendent of Lighthouses appointed Harry’s wife, Florence Arabelle Palmer, as Custodian of the Cape May Lighthouse. She served until 1935 when she retired to care for her ailing husband. They moved into Cape May at 656 Washington Street where Harry died. Florence was the only woman and the last keeper of the Cape May Lighthouse. 16. On July 7, 1939, President Roosevelt consolidated the US Coast Guard and the Bureau of Lighthouses. 17. In 1946, the Coast Guard removed the Fresnel lens and installed a rotating beacon with two Fresnel lenses

The lighthouse stands between remnants of the hastily constructed 1847 building it replaced. Cape May Point State Park 41

that rotated once every 30 seconds, causing a flash every 15 seconds, changing its signature from its traditional 30 seconds. This particular beacon was an advanced oneof-a-kind experimental system that worked perfectly from 1946 until the Coast Guard removed it in 2002 and installed the present beacon. Sadly, this historically significant World War II rotating beacon was misplaced and has never been seen since. 18. An unknown vandal burned the duplex keeper’s cottage on September 5, 1967, after which the State Park kept a ranger and his family on site in the remaining cottage. 19. Due to steep budget cuts, the Coast Guard now maintains only the lighthouse beacons and not their towers. Consequently, the Cape May Lighthouse fell into disrepair. Its paint peeled, its lantern rusted and sandy mortar seeped from between the bricks like its life blood. With Tom Carroll as its champion, the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MAC), took up the challenge of restoring this valued landmark. Rumors flew about increased tourist traffic at the lighthouse. One rumor said MAC was going to paint the tower blue. A blue lighthouse would not stand out against a blue sky. The rumor may have started when the restoration architect found that the tower was not actually white, but an off-white with a tint of ochre. Its official day mark colors are off-white tower with red lantern and cannot be changed. 20. The official name as listed on maritime charts, early lighthouse establishment and Coast Guard reports is Cape May Lighthouse (not Cape May Point Lighthouse). Lighthouses are all named after their geographic land masses, shoals, or waterways. This lighthouse marks the peninsula of Cape May.

Keepers of the Light Visitors and residents who enjoy seeing the Cape May lighthouse in all its present glory owe a debt of gratitude to the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (now known as Cape May MAC). The non-profit began leasing the structure from the Coast Guard in 1986 and petitioned the government for financial grants to help with the restoration. More than two million dollars in grant money was received for the overhaul, with MAC largely to thank. They opened the lighthouse to visitors with a grand opening ceremony on May 28, 1988. The attendees at that ceremony were the first to climb the tower in years. Cape May MAC has continued to maintain the structure, spending $130,000 to repair exterior masonry and repaint the lighthouse in 2017. The lighthouse’s daymark, or color scheme, remains the same as it was originally built. While it may appear to be simply red and white, the lower half is a vintage hue known as mortar wash. Now that the lighthouse is once again in great shape and looking beautiful in the original colors, Cape May MAC offers daily tours to the general public. Visitors are able to climb 199 steps of the old spiral staircase to the top and catch the same inspiring views of the coastline that greeted lighthouse keepers 160 years ago. Cape May MAC offers Lighthouse tours daily from 11am-3pm. Tours are $12 for adults and $8 for children. Visit CapeMayMac.org for more information.

Photograph by Laura Thistle 43

Good EARTH By rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring its biodiversity, Beach Plum Farm is growing vegetables, pasturing livestock and drawing down carbon.

hen Beach Plum Farm started in 2007, it began bringing the farm to Cape Resorts’ tables long before farm–to–table was a household phrase. The vision was to revive local agriculture and give Congress Hall a farm for its tables as it had under Watters Miller, the owner of Congress Hall in the 1850s. Not legally “organic”, but truly “sustainable”, Beach Plum is moving past these hijacked buzzwords. The farm has always rejected the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides, and it supplies food to restaurants just 1.5 miles away, meaning greenhouse gas emissions are minimal. Today, Beach Plum Farm is taking another big step forward with regenerative farming. An exciting agricultural method still in its infancy, regenerative farming is green growing—or growing green, the farming of the future. “This is about understanding the natural ecological system,” explained agricultural director Christina Albert. “It’s about working with nature, instead of trying to control it.” Regenerative agriculture allows for the conservation of soil by rotating its use. Beach Plum Farm’s fields all follow a 3-year cycle. To start the process, a field is given a

season of rest by planting a cover crop. Livestock grazing and allowing free-range poultry to roam is the focus of the second season, while the third season is a return to growing produce. According to the United Nations, the world needs topsoil to grow 95% of its food. But conventional farming practices are degrading this soil so rapidly, we could run out within 60 years. Part of the problem is large-scale tilling, the practice of loosening soil to suppress weeds and allow plants to spread their roots. This process releases planet-killing carbon dioxide into the air, increases erosion and depletes soil nutrient levels. This, in turn, leads to an increased need for synthetic fertilizer. “You know it’s better for humans to eat their vitamins rather than take a supplement,” Albert said. “Fertilizer is like that supplement. It may get the job done, but crops would rather have their nutrients come from a natural source.” To sidestep these problems, Beach Plum Farm is opting to forego tilling on certain fields throughout the year. Instead, the operation is planting cover crops—such as millet, clover, sun hemp and cowpeas. While these grains and legumes are not profitable, they are beautiful, and

they allow for the benefits of tilling (aerated soil, weed suppression) while counteracting the drawbacks. Instead of releasing carbon dioxide into the air, cover crops sequester it. They also prevent soil erosion and help maintain nutrient levels. As an added bonus, cover crops boost biodiversity, increasing the presence of birds and helpful insects, like honeybees. Following each cover-crop cycle, farm livestock—either free-range chickens or grazing pigs—are set free on the rested land in an effort to, as the farmers say, “keep the poop in the loop.” Rather than synthetic fertilizer, animal waste is used to cycle nutrients back into the earth, just as nature intended. This way, when the land is ready for, say, zucchini or eggplant or Jersey tomatoes, the soil is as healthy as can be. “We’re allowing for an environment the crops understand,” Albert said, “rather than making them conform to an environment that’s been thrust upon them.” If this sounds less than appetizing, no worries—the poop composts for a year before the crops you eat are

This season, Christina planted rye and crimson clover as cover crops on the Main Field.

The farm's chickens play an important part in the soil fertilization process.

anywhere near harvest, whereas synthetic fertilizers and pesticides used by conventional farmers are far more likely to end up all over your plate. Because the end result of regenerative farming includes healthier land, healthier farmers and better tasting food, Albert’s hope is that it catches on like wildfire—or at least like the organic craze did. In the meantime, she is content making a small-but-powerful impact in Cape May. “Having the opportunity to supply our restaurants while doing right by the land is fantastic,” she said. “We hope to be a beacon for those interested in promoting good ecological practices, and we want people who visit this place to know: Our food was grown in a way that mirrors the values of Cape Resorts. We’re not just talking the talk… we’re walking the walk, too.”

“We want people who visit this place to know: Our food was grown in a way that mirrors the values of Cape Resorts. We’re not just talking the talk… we’re walking the walk, too.”

A Timeline of Be

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Discovery & identification of the land, using aerial wartime reconnaissance photos

Bushwhacking our way through to clear the fields & main path

The main path is constructed

The first harvest. Meager, but significant!

Our Farm Stand opens

Beach Plum Farm gets its first livestock: Berkshire pigs!

each Plum Farm

2011

2015

2016

2018

Beach Plum Farm gets its first egg-laying chickens

The main Amish Barn is raised

The Farm Market opens

The Farm Kitchen opens

Beach Plum Farm hosts its first Farm-toTable Dinner

The Beach Plum Farm Cottages are introduced

THE THREE BAKERS Meet the talented people responsible for those irresistible aromas (and tastes) you’re experiencing during your travels across the Cape Resorts campus Sunscreen. Sizzling barbecue. The sea. These are the smells of summer you’ve come to love and expect. But at Cape Resorts, olfactory joys don’t end there. The aroma of fresh baked goods gently wafts through the storied rooms of Congress Hall. Savory and sweet treats invigorate the senses at Tommy’s Folly Café. And the desserts of The Ebbitt Room—well, let’s just say they give that ocean breeze a run for its money as best summer scent. Of course, the scones, muffins, cupcakes, doughnuts and cakes awaiting you on the Cape taste even better than they smell. That’s because these delectable treats are crafted in-house daily by seasoned bakers and pastry chefs—all with fresh ingredients from Beach Plum Farm. We sat down with three of our flour-covered masterminds to get the skinny on all this sweet work. What they had to say is best enjoyed over something warm and decadent. 54

Gina Martino The Blue Pig Tavern & Tommy’s Folly Café

During the summer season, Gina has other pastry cooks to help her. She visits career fairs at CIA to recruit students as externs, just as she once was. “It feels good to have them here,” she said. “I can see that they’re nervous and scared but I can relate to them. I know exactly how they feel.” Her best advice? “Never let a messed-up recipe discourage you.”

ina Martino starts her baking at 7am sharp, donning her white chef ’s coat. Then, it’s off to the races—delectable scones and muffins for Tommy’s Folly Café; the Blue Pig’s signature apple pies; reviewing what’s on order for special events. Gina has a lot on her plate, but she hits the ground running each morning. Growing up in Wildwood Crest, Gina first fell in love with baking when she and her grandmother cooked Sunday dinners together. In her big Italian family, gnocchi, macaroni and “gravy” were a must, along with ricotta cookies and Jiffy Muffin Mix when baking for friends and family. She always knew this is what she wanted to do. The baking and pastry program at Cape May County Technical High School taught Gina the basics, allowing her to travel to expos and compete in SkillsUSA—a competition for America’s trade and technical workforce. Gina then attended the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), where she attained her Associate’s degree. In 2015, CIA introduced her to an externship with Congress Hall under previous Chef Jeremy Einhorn. Following graduation, she returned as Lead Pastry Chef. In 2017, at only 24, she was promoted to Pastry Chef. “People do look at me as young, and I meet people outside of work and don’t like to tell them,” she says. “Age shouldn’t matter. It’s about your work ethic.” Gina continues to learn and explore baking trends, new items and flavors. The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg is a book she turns to often for inspiration. A favorite for Gina is layered entremets—a complex layered cake made up of different dessert techniques. She enjoys a challenge and will often read a new recipe 20 times to learn the science behind it. “Everything has to be exact,” she said. “You can’t substitute baking powder with baking soda, because the end result will not taste the same. It’s very different from adding a little bit of spice here and there when you’re cooking.”

The homemade cinnamon buns Gina makes over at the Blue Pig Tavern are a must-try.

Susan Marleton Beach Plum Bakery & Café

nside West End Garage on Perry Street, you’ll find the Beach Plum Café. The counter in the vintage warehouse space is lined with trays of enticing cookies, doughnuts, scones, muffins and various loaves— all courtesy of Susan Marleton, head baker at the cafe since 2018. Initially, Susan lacked confidence in baking. As a little girl in Broomall, Pennsylvania, she started out baking cookies with her mother to share with their church and neighbors. Before too long, she found herself fielding requests. Eventually, she had a small business on her hands. Susan shifted gears several times on her path to professional baking. She attended a small cooking school in Media, Pennsylvania, served as a caterer in Northern New Jersey, and worked for a telephone company in Broomall before moving to Cape May to run the Heather Inn bed and breakfast with her husband. She developed a fanatical following in Cape May when she and her husband owned the local Coffee Tyme coffee shop. For 15 years, patrons lined up for her baked goods. After selling the business and taking a stab at retirement, she has come back to her passion, baking for both the Farm Market at Beach Plum Farm and the Beach Plum Bakery & Café at West End Garage. Through the years, Susan’s passion for baking grew thanks largely to support from family and, most importantly, customers. Countless loyalists she’s converted throughout the years line up bright and early for goodies 58

from the cafe. Because the kitchen doors are always open, they are able to see the scratch-made magic as it happens. Often, these customers inspire new recipes. “I like to ask them what they would like, just to make somebody’s day,” Susan said. “Life is tough, so kindness, fun and sweetness are important.” And, Susan added, so are dietary restrictions. “I once asked a customer who couldn’t have sugar or whole grain ingredients what they would like,” she said. “It took a year, but I finally got it for them. I enjoy doing it.” So what’s the must-have item on her menu? Let’s just say those salted brown butter cookies have been made with a lot of heart. “If you don’t truly love what you’re doing, you can taste it in certain things,” Susan said. For this baker, at least, keeping the love alive is easy. It comes down to the joy of watching someone enjoy what she’s made. Her grandson’s expression when his face is covered in chocolate? That always does the trick. “I never take it for granted,” Susan said. “I want to make our customers happy and for them to come back.”

Heading over to West End Garage? Be on the lookout for Sue’s fresh-made scones. They’re worth the trip alone.

Anna Rodionova The Virginia Hotel & The Ebbitt Room

omemade ice cream and sorbet, doughnuts, apple turnovers, cakes and pies—so many tantilizing choices. This all comes to you courtesy of Pastry Chef Anna Rodionova. Anna, a native of Russia, ventured to Cape May for the first time in 2007. Here on a J-1 visa for young students looking to earn money and experience in the United States, she worked in the kitchen at Jackson Mountain Café (now Delaney’s Irish Bar and Grill), and then at Winterwood Christmas shop on the Washington Street Mall. After returning home to Russia, Anna met her husband and had their first child. In her spare time as a new mother, she took pastry classes five days a week and baked for friends and family. “I wanted to learn something new,” she said. “I love to study.” In 2015, Anna and her family decided to move to Cape May, and she set her heart on a baking job. She met with then-Ebbitt Room chef Matthew Crist, and showed him photos of what she could do—he gave her a shot. Anna continued to perfect her baking with Cape Resorts until a brief hiatus in 2017 when she returned to Russia. Although she had no expectations of keeping her job upon returning to Cape May, The Ebbitt Room’s new chef, Jason Hanin, decided she was still the best fit. “It is a lot of work, but I have fun learning new recipes,” she said. “We make a lot of things here—croissants, eclairs, mouse cakes, truffles. Chef Jason gives me a lot of freedom and, when we have a more open schedule, I like to put more of my personality into my baking.”

One of Anna’s go-tos? Honey Cake, a popular dessert in her Russian family that consists of thin crusts layered with pastry cream. She also enjoys mousse cakes and macaroons, which are also common in European cuisine. Of course, as with any baker, there are still challenges. Fondant, a sweet paste made with sugar and water used for decorating cakes, often proves to be a temperamental ingredient. But Anna is constantly improving her skills, taking classes every chance she gets. She said she’s grateful for everything she’s learned so far. And—next time you find yourself enjoying a sweet treat on the Ebbitt Room porch—you likely will be, too.

One of Anna’s go-tos? Honey Cake, a popular dessert in her Russian family that consists of thin crusts layered with pastry cream.

Dream Makers

The road from regular Cape May visitor to second homeowner is a well-traveled one, such is the lure of America’s Oldest Seaside Resort. Meet the real estate group who can guide you.

Charity Clark (center) has assembled a team of expert local realtors, based out of the Cape Resorts Realty office in Congress Hall, in the heart of historic Cape May.

ape Resorts and Charity Clark have come together to present Cape Resorts Realty, a residential real estate brokerage committed to making the buying and selling process seamless for its clients. Charity Clark has been an integral part of the Cape May real estate community for 27 years, mastering the market and selling hundreds of homes, successfully serving her customers. The new office is located in the History Hall of Congress Hall, and is a homecoming of sorts for Charity, who summered in Cape May as a little girl. Her mother managed Congress Hall’s dining room and her family ran several Cape May hotels. Charity eventually replaced her mom and also managed the Congress Hall dining room while in college, working alongside her cousin and Cape Resorts founder, Curtis Bashaw. Charity loves the Cape Resorts family of properties and resorts, understanding that real estate services are a form of hospitality. So many visitors discover Cape May through their hotel experience and often desire to make

it a place for a second or permanent home. Having spent her childhood summers in Cape May with her cousins, Charity knows firsthand that summer traditions are among the most lasting. Second homes in places like Cape May are an investment in family heritage and become the gathering places for families as they expand. With this vision as foundation, Cape Resorts Realty offers concierge-style service, focusing on the customer. Charity’s team of experienced agents share this vision and are passionate about their profession. Each agent understands the nuances of the town, bringing local perspective and deep market knowledge. They understand that buying a home is not just a financial transaction, but an embodiment of dreams for the future. Cape Resorts Realty is leading the market and wants to be your guide to making Cape May home. Charity is very excited to rejoin her family at Congress Hall and welcomes you to stop in the office and say hello.

A PERFECT DAY IN CAPE MAY There’s always something new to discover in our beautiful city by the sea. The boutiques, the restaurants, the beaches—everyone has their favorites, those places they return to time and time again. In this story, we’ll talk to some familiar Cape Resorts faces to learn about their favorite island haunts & hideaways.

Jackson Von Savage GENERAL MANAGER—THE VIRGINIA HOTEL

Favorite time in Cape May? Someone wisely told me to appreciate each season because it all goes by so quickly. Each year, I believe that more and more. There’s a lot to be said about the seasons in Cape May when you can drive down Beach Drive and see nothing but yellow blinking traffic lights ahead. It’s calming. Perfect place to start the day? Without a doubt, the front porch of The Virginia Hotel. One of Cape May’s many claims to fame is the fact that it is one of the few places left where people can experience the simple pleasure of sitting on a quiet porch, taking in the fresh sea air. You’d spend the morning doing what? If I was on my own time, I’d be relaxing with a cup of our cold brew, some overnight oats, a slice of avocado toast and just enjoying the Jackson Street neighborhood waking up to the day. No doubt, I’d also be catching up on news and checking out the markets. A favorite afternoon treat? Work day: Iced oat latte from Magic Brain Café. Off day: Orange Crush somewhere on the water. Favorite exercise place? Running the boardwalk early morning… love the quiet energy. You’re going off the island for the day—where would it be? I do like to get out of Dodge. With a few days off, I would head out to Sag Harbor in the Hamptons and visit friends at Baron’s Cove.

Favorite retail therapy in town? Checking out Cape May Surf and Bella, both in the Washington Street Commons. Preferred dinner spot? Ebbitt Room garden on a cool summer night. With Chef Jason’s menu, the great wine list, and the twinkling lights, it’s the best seat in town. If I go “off campus”, there is a good chance you would find me at Peter Shields Inn, enjoying a great meal and a nice bottle of Kistler. But, before that, where are you having an aperitif? On the Congress Hall Grand Lawn. I would be relaxing on one of the Adirondack chairs, looking at the ocean and drinking a Hendrick’s and tonic. Best-kept secret in Cape May? Can’t really say—we locals have to have some secret spots! However, if you stop by for a cocktail at the Ebbitt Room, bartender Leo has been known to share some insider tips. If you could change one thing about Cape May to make it even MORE perfect, what would it be? Everyone in town has stepped up their game—between all the improvements in the mall area, especially what the Fund for Cape May was able to accomplish with Rotary Park and all the business owners and homeowners rehabbing everywhere, Cape May is more attractive than ever. I would love to see this same attention devoted to the promenade to really make that area as charming and authentic as the rest of town. How would you end this perfect day? Sunset cruise on Cape May Harbor with a glass of rosé or two.

Is there a boat trip in this perfect day? If I’m looking for some action, I would find the craziest sailor in the area— that would be my father David on his Hobie catamaran— and sail out the harbor with him, go along the Cape May beaches and then around the Point and back. If you can manage to hang on, the views of the Cape May shoreline are incredible. 69

Jeanni Seetoo VICE PRESIDENT OF REVENUE—CAPE RESORTS

Favorite time in Cape May? The fall—some shops and restaurants are still open, it’s not too cold and the evening sunsets are spectacular. In September, flocks of skimmers swoop down on the water which is so cool to see—it marks the beginning of fall. Perfect place to start the day? I get up early, meet up with friends and head out on a 30-mile bike ride starting at Wildwood Crest all the way up through Stone Harbor. We’ll stop at a shop to grab some tea and sometimes a sandwich before we start heading back south. You’d spend the morning doing what? My daughter is a server at Beach Plum Farm, and when I’m not biking, I love to get a breakfast sandwich there and see her for a little while. A favorite afternoon treat? Pretty Tasty Cupcakes on Carpenter’s Square Mall is the best. I’ll pick up a chocolate salted caramel or lemon cupcake—always delicious and beautifully wrapped. I’m not even a big cake person, but they are fantastic. Favorite exercise spot? I typically exercise at home or when I’m biking, so outside is my place to work out. You’re going off the island for the day—where would it be? A few friends and I would bike to the ferry and ride over to Delaware. Once we dock, we’ll ride to Henlopen State Park, then down through Rehoboth all the way to Bethany Beach. We’ll always try to stop by Big Oyster Brewery before catching the ferry back to Cape May. Favorite retail therapy in town? Givens on the Washington Street Mall is one of my favorite little shops. 70

They have a great variety of really cute items like cards and gifts along with their clothes. It’s a great place to check out. Preferred dinner spot? Louisa’s—everything on their menu is fresh and fantastic. You can’t go wrong. I love their sea scallops! But, before that, where are you having an aperitif? I don’t drink, but I’ll enjoy a mocktail with my friends with some apps out on the porch. I’ll usually be sipping on a cranberry juice and a splash of Sprite with a slice of lime. Best-kept secret in Cape May? Ghost crabbing at the Cove. Head down to the beach when it’s dark with a flashlight or headlamp and you’ll be able to see the little white crabs—about the size of your thumb—everywhere on the beach. When it’s nice and quiet with not too many people around, it’s a great family activity to take a walk down and explore. If you could change one thing about Cape May to make it even MORE perfect, what would it be? Off-island parking would be wonderful. People already walk around the island as if there aren’t any cars! So if something could be figured out to have less of them on the island, it would open up a lot of pathways. I’d also love to see the power lines run underground instead of hanging in front of all the beautiful homes. How would you end this perfect day? Always at Steger Beach with an evening picnic and watching the sunset. It’s my favorite time to be there—it’s so beautiful and peaceful.

Charity Clark CAPE RESORTS REALTY OWNER

Favorite time in Cape May? Spring. The anticipated exciting summer is around the corner. New memories will be made!

Favorite retail therapy in town? Tommy’s Folly, just across from Congress Hall—great outfits for day and night, plus cool baby stuff, too.

Perfect place to start the day? Walking on one of the many trails or the promenade. Except for Sunday— that’s when it’s breakfast out with a stack of corn pancakes.

Preferred dinner spot? Secondo’s, Ebbitt Room and Elaine’s Porch.

A favorite afternoon treat? Boat ride and fishing. Favorite exercise spot? Bakery. I jest. Living room floor with weights and yoga mat. You’re going off the island for the day—where would it be? Naples, Florida. So, the boat trip in this perfect day, where would it be? Lobster House to Harbor View to Champagne Island then back to the Delaware Bay coastline during sunset. Ugh, is this day over already?!

But, before that, where are you having an aperitif? Brown Room, or the Washington Inn—and you can’t beat the margaritas at the Rusty Nail. Best-kept secret in Cape May? The back trails around Higbee Beach. I love going there with my children, finding shells and exploring. How would you end this perfect day? Sitting in the lifeguard stand watching the moon reflect off the water. If this is illegal, I have never done it! If you could change one thing about Cape May to make it even MORE perfect, what would it be? More Sundays off to do that boat ride mentioned above!

Courtney Bryant CONCIERGE MANAGER—CAPE RESORTS

Favorite time in Cape May? Late summer. The weather is the best and all of my favorite restaurants are still open for outdoor dining!

Favorite retail therapy in town? A few good hours spent walking through the dozens of vendors at the West End Garage.

Perfect place to start the day? A bike ride down to breakfast at the Mad Batter for corned beef hash.

Preferred dinner spot? Blue Pig Tavern, on the patio. The oysters are to die for!

You’d spend the morning doing what? Biking around town, stopping to get a coffee at Out There Coffee, then off to Beach Plum Farm to walk around and stock up on some fresh fruit and veggies (and the best bacon!).

But, before that, where are you having an aperitif? Brown Room for a French 75 and some live music!

A favorite afternoon treat? For an afternoon snackHot Dog Tommy’s fries + secret sauce! For a sweet treat, a blueberry lemon Peace Pie.

Best-kept secret in Cape May? The Flower Lady on Madison Avenue across from the Kiwanis park. She grows the most beautiful summer blooms and I have to stop every time I ride by.

Favorite exercise spot? A stroll on the sand from the Cove to Poverty Beach and back.

If you could change one thing about Cape May to make it even MORE perfect, what would it be? I’d take the weather in September and keep it going yearround!

You’re going off the island for the day—where would it be? To the beer garden at Cape May Brewing Company for a cranberry bog slushie or tasting flight and game of giant jenga.

How would you end this perfect day? By bringing a bottle of our favorite wine to Sunset Beach for the best sunset views around. Getting there early is a must for a good spot.

Is there a boat trip in this perfect day? Absolutely! Kayaking with Aqua Trails by the Lobster House and through Cape Island Creek.

OUR FAMILY The hotels, restaurants, shops & experiences that make up Cape Resorts Wherever you’re staying with us in Cape May, we hope you’ll recognize the distinctive touch that makes your visit memorable and meaningful. Each Cape Resorts hotel has its own personality, but all share the same warm, welcoming spirit and reflect our commitment to giving our guests an authentic, all-American resort vacation. That means beautiful settings—from The Virginia’s quaint spot on Jackson Street to the majestic beachfront location enjoyed by Congress Hall— accompanied by an approachable (and fun) design ethos, an array of wonderful dining options, plus can’t-miss activities for everyone in the family from morning ’til evening. On the following pages, you can become more acquainted with the diverse properties that make up the Cape Resorts family.

Congress Hall est. 1816

what The oldest seaside hotel in America. where The majestic L-shaped building sits on the beachfront and also on Congress Place, next to the Washington Street shopping district. history Built in 1816 by Thomas Hughes, the hotel was so big—reportedly the largest seaside hotel in the country at the time—locals thought it could never work, and they called it Tommy’s Folly. Hughes called it The Big House by the Sea. Twelve years later, it was renamed Congress Hall because of Hughes’s election to Congress. Four sitting presidents stayed here—Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Ulysses Grant and Benjamin Harrison, who in 1891 turned the ground floor of the hotel into his Summer White House. vibe This Cape May landmark is a haven of relaxed elegance and historic charm. best for Families looking to create memories and couples in need of a getaway. awards Since 2012, Congress Hall has been honored by Condé Nast Traveler magazine as one of the top US hotels in the Northeast. Most recently, it was awarded the #13 spot in the magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards Top 20 Hotels in the Mid-Atlantic and New York regions. It was also named Best Hotel in New Jersey by Travel and Leisure magazine in its annually released World’s Best Awards. WHAT’S NEW Congress Hall did a lot of sprucing up this past winter. We polished the floors from the Lobby to the Blue Pig to the Boiler Room, used 116 gallons of paint on the interior, installed new awnings on the Veranda and re-shingled the pool house roof. We even re-painted and polished the flagpole! 78

Congress Place Suites est. 1890

what Beautifully renovated apartments located across from Congress Hall. where In the heart of historic Cape May, one block from the beach on Perry Street. history These newly renovated, fully equipped apartment-style rooms joined the Cape Resorts family in 2017. Sitting above the quaint shops of Washington Street, one of the earliest examples of a pedestrian-only zone on an American main street, these second-story suites were built to mirror the same fresh, cool blue tones and whimsical seaside decor characteristic of sister property Congress Hall. vibe Bright and sunny, thanks to picture windows that allow for natural light and provide the ideal frame for people watching. A couple of the suites also provide the ideal vantage point for dolphin spotting, taking in the fireworks on the Fourth of July or watching the annual West Cape May Christmas Parade. best for Families or couples looking for a comfortable home away from home.

FUN FACT These second-story suites provide unmatched views of Perry Street, Congress Hall, Carpenter’s Lane and Washington Street. Bright, sunny picture windows let the light in and provide a unique perspective on downtown Cape May. 79

The Virginia est. 1879

what The Virginia is an impeccably restored 1879 landmark hotel. where In the middle of beautiful Jackson Street, a half-block from the beach. history Like many Cape May hotels, The Virginia was built following the catastrophic fire of 1878, which wiped out 35 downtown acres. When Cape May slumped in the 1900s, The Virginia went from a high-class hotel to a rooming house. It was condemned in the 1980s and then bought in 1986 by Curtis Bashaw and his family. It was renovated and reopened in 1989, the first Cape Resorts property. vibe Polished and elegant, cozy and intimate, The Virginia is a jewel box of quality—think of bathroom amenities made with ingredients fresh from Beach Plum Farm, infused with lavender, lemon verbena and mint. And then there’s its highly acclaimed restaurant, The Ebbitt Room, plus a classic cocktail lounge with piano entertainment. best for Couples looking for a boutique hotel experience. awards Since 2012, the hotel has been honored by Condé Nast Traveler magazine as one of the top US hotels in the Northeast. It was awarded the #4 spot in the magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards Top 20 Hotels in the Mid-Atlantic and New York regions.

WHAT’S NEW Complimentary continental breakfast has been a cornerstone of every Virginia Hotel stay since we opened in 1989, and this year, Chef Jason Hanin has taken the silver tray experience up a notch. Menu highlights include house-made cold brew, oat milk lattés, avocado toast, fresh pastries, seasonal quiches and fresh-pressed juices. 80

The Virginia Cottages est. 1891

what A collection of five charming cottages—Red, White, Gray, Brown and Pink. where On historic, breezy Jackson Street, a half-block from the beach and the mall. history In 1891, Edward Knight, owner of Congress Hall, hired architect Stephen Decatur Button (who also designed Congress Hall and once lived next door to Walt Whitman) to draw up plans for seven identical cottages. The buildings changed use several times—three are now owned and operated by Cape Resorts. vibe Equal parts classic and comfort. best for Available as separate apartments or full-house rentals, these are ideal for families or groups of friends, girls’ getaway trips or wedding groups. WHAT’S NEW The Red Cottage received a garden-to-turret renovation, upgrading the bathrooms and installing new carpeting and furnishings. 81

The Beach Shack est. 1966

what A stylish, laidback oceanfront hotel. where Just west of Grant Street, directly across from the beach… everyone stands on their tippy toes to peer over the dunes when the dolphins start leaping. history Established by Philadelphia builder Jules Hober, this laidback hotel began as The Coachman’s Motor Inn in 1966. Ten years later, construction began on the Rusty Nail bar and restaurant, in a style inspired by the chalets Hober found at the ski resorts he frequented. He saw a table fashioned from a tree in Vermont, and loved the look of it so much he tracked down the carpenter, who made Jules a bar from the same wood. The Coachman’s and Rusty Nail remained in the Hober family until 2005 when they sold to Cape Resorts, who relaunched the hotel property as the Beach Shack in 2009. vibe Fresh, fun and flip-flop friendly all year-round, thanks to the addition of heating in the rooms (and a rustic-chic fireplace indoors at the Nail, too). The shades of blue and orange and the pineapple motif carpeting evoke a 1970s Hawaii vibe. Kids in particular will love the bunk rooms, a popular new coastal design trend. best for Anyone who likes to feel the sand between their toes. awards The attached Rusty Nail is one of Travel and Leisure magazine’s top 10 picks for best beach bars in America.

WHAT’S NEW The Rusty Nail rearranged its outdoor stage and seating space, and added another fire pit! 82

The Star est. circa 1926

what The Star, Congress Hall’s remarkably versatile little sister, consists of an inn, a motel and carriage house. where On Perry Street, close to the shops, beaches and restaurants. history This property used to be the site of the Ocean House Hotel, a grand old dame that took up the whole block. It is also where the Great Fire of 1878 began. Embers from this blaze blew off the roof onto Congress Hall, burning that down and eventually raging through 35 acres of town. vibe Imaginative and inspiring (with a coffee shop on site). best for Family vacations or group getaways. The Star offers a range of accommodations to suit the needs of every type of traveler. Couples love our cozy Inn Guest Rooms, while the kitchenettes, living rooms and outdoor sitting areas of our motel-style Star Suites make them a great option for families and groups. For even more space, choose to stay in one of our beautiful Carriage House Suites—two luxurious two-bedroom suites set atop a renovated carriage house, each with full kitchens, washer/dryers and full-length decks overlooking the ocean.

FUN FACT When the Star Inn property was renovated by Cape Resorts in 2003, they found ash under the foundation from the 1878 fire. 83

The Sandpiper Beach Club est. 1977

what A condominium resort with 51 one- and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens, living rooms and balconies… most with spectacular ocean views. where Overlooking the dunes of Cape May’s beautiful main strand. history The original building, which shows up on maps from 1878, was built around 1870 by Richard D. Wood, a wealthy Philadelphia businessman who helped establish the Cape May Ocean Wave newspaper and West Jersey Railroad. In 1940, the property was demolished and replaced by the Cape May Motel before being bought in 1977 by Robert and Ruth Escher, who enlarged the building to the 65-room Sandpiper in the early 80s. In 2004, Cape Resorts acquired the property and renovated it into condos. The company now manages the property on behalf of the owners. vibe It feels like a luxe hotel (think pool, daily housekeeping, beach service, sauna, concierge service and expansive fitness center) but with a sense of home-sweet-home. best for Families who want to plant some roots in America’s first seaside resort (with signing privileges at all Cape Resorts properties). awards The Sandpiper has been named one of Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards Top 20 Best Hotels in Mid-Atlantic and New York.

WHAT’S NEW The Sandpiper underwent many property enhancements this past winter, including a complete pool renovation, new flooring and kitchen appliances in the guest rooms and upgraded furniture on the balconies. 84

Cottages At Beach Plum Farm est. 2018

what A collection of cottages located on a 62-acre working farm. where An idyllic spot on Stevens Street in West Cape May. history Beach Plum Farm launched in 2007 as a way to provide local produce for the Cape Resorts restaurants. What started as a modest operation has grown to include more than 100 crops. And the concept of the farm has expanded, too. Since the space opened to the public in 2009, it’s become a serene place for connecting with nature and one another, usually over a meal of farm-fresh food and drink. The space offers a produce market and store in an Amish-built barn, a kitchen that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and overnight stays in five farm cottages. vibe With a beautiful landscape and a soundtrack of bird song and free-to-roam contented farm animals, yes, it’s as chill as you would imagine. best for Families, groups of friends or wedding parties... and everyone who appreciates sunshine, pretty scenery and real, clean food. awards Beach Plum Farm was awarded a “Hero” designation from Edible Jersey magazine in 2019 for working to protect the “culinary soul” of the Garden State.

WHAT’S NEW The team at Beach Plum Farm has developed new, full-immersive ways to stay. From hand-harvesting your own crops, to cooking alongside our Executive Chef, to mixing drinks at our artisanal cocktail classes, these new packages are the ultimate Beach Plum experience. Visit BeachPlumFarmCapeMay.com to learn more. 85

Baron’s Cove est. circa 1962

what An All-American resort destination situated on a harborfront. where In Sag Harbor, a charming little village in the Hamptons of New York. history After a two-year renovation, Baron’s Cove reopened to guests in the summer of 2015. It embraces the history of the original 1960s hotel, which boasted prominent guests including John and Elaine Steinbeck, Paul Newman, Art Garfunkel and Richard Kind. Local leaders, out-of-town guests and regional artists regularly gathered in the restaurant and hotel. vibe The resort offers the same spirit of creativity and community while also offering up-to-date amenities expected from a modern resort. It’s a quiet, intimate and accessible place to stay any time of year. The nautically inspired lounge is the place to relax with a cocktail or glass of wine, whether it’s a summer afternoon or a chilly fall evening. best for Anyone looking to explore the wineries, farmer’s markets, antique stores, shopping and culture on offer in Eastern Long Island. This is the perfect home base. awards Baron’s Cove was honored as one of the Top 20 Hotels in the New York and Mid-Atlantic region by Conde Nast Traveler magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2018.

WHAT’S NEW Baron’s Cove Executive Chef Nick Vogel and his team have recently joined Dock to Dish, a “CSA for fish” cooperative based out of Montauk. As part of the program, Long Island fishermen bring product straight to the restaurant from the boat, allowing Nick access to the freshest and most sustainable product available. 86

Beach & Pool The summer season is all about our beaches and pools. Cape May’s wide, breezy, white-sand beaches are regularly named among America’s best in numerous annual surveys, so we know you’re going to want to spend a lot of time on them—especially since you’re being pampered by our beach staff. There are reasons why your mind and body crave beach time— studies have shown you get a vitamin D boost from the sunshine, the iodine in the ocean is an excellent immune system booster, the sand does a fine job of exfoliating your body, and salt water helps remove toxins from the skin. If you’re not a beach person, relax on a poolside lounger, dozing and reading, snacking and cocktailing (the prohibition of alcohol on Cape May’s beaches does not apply at our pools), being waited on by attentive staff and splashing around with family and friends.

Guests of Congress Hall, The Star and The Virginia can enjoy Congress Hall’s pool bar, surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking the hotel’s famous Grand Lawn. Serving lunch, snacks and drinks, the pool bar facilitates long, lazy, self-indulgent (in a good way!) days. Not only is our delicious menu offered poolside at Congress Hall, but the pool bar is open daily in season. The menu features treats such as a chicken BLT, housemade guacamole and our irresistible caprese sandwich. Pair with a cold craft beer or a poolside cocktail for the perfect combination. Guests of the Beach Shack and the Sandpiper can enjoy poolside food and beverage service from the Rusty Nail.

Please Respect Our Beach Rules The beaches in front of our properties are public and are shared with our neighbors and visitors. As a result, please take note of the following rules so that everyone may enjoy a wonderful day by the ocean... A PLACE IN THE SUN Our attendants will set up your chairs, umbrellas and towels once most members of your party arrive on the beach and are ready to occupy their chairs. Please note that we cannot set up chairs in advance. City laws forbid us from doing so—please do not ask our attendants to bend the rules (however nicely you do it!). Beach attendants will arrange the set-ups on a first-come, first-served basis, once guests are present. This applies to families, multiple families and groups. We hope that you trust us to try to accommodate your needs while respecting the public aspect of our beautiful beach. EMPTY NESTING Please notify our attendants if you intend to be away from your chairs for more than 30 minutes. They will happily collect your chairs and umbrellas and reset them upon your return. REFRESHMENTS Alcohol is not permitted on the beaches of Cape May. We do, however, have a selection of water, sodas, juices and smoothies. Alcohol is available at Congress Hall’s pool bar and the Rusty Nail. TIPPING We do not automatically add a service charge to pool and beach checks. Please tip according to the service you receive when you receive your check.

Cape Resorts Food Guide

THE BLUE PIG TAVERN The cozy tavern style is underlined by the wood-burning fireplace. On warmer evenings, reserve a table on the lush garden patio and enjoy classic American fare. Location: 200 Congress Place Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Reservations: Recommended Phone: 609-884-8422

THE EBBITT ROOM Using the freshest produce from Beach Plum Farm, Chef Jason Hanin’s menu wows guests—the buzzy-yet-intimate vibe helps, too. The bar is a favorite spot, along with the front porch. Location: 25 Jackson Street Meals Served: Dinner Reservations: Recommended Phone: 609-884-5700

THE RUSTY NAIL The hottest beachfront spot in town offers reasonably priced fare from Chef Jimmy Burton with an emphasis on local seafood. Don’t miss Chef Jimmy’s Monday Night Pig Roast. Location: Beach Avenue, near Patterson Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Reservations: Reccomended Phone: 609-884-0017

BEACH PLUM FARM KITCHEN Breakfast and lunch dishes loaded with produce straight from the farm. And look out for regular pop-up dinners throughout the year. Location: 140 Stevens Street, West Cape May Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch Reservations: No Phone: 609-602-0128

TOMMY’S FOLLY CAFÉ Tommy’s Folly has a full menu of La Colombe coffee drinks, plus freshly made breakfast sandwiches, pastries, soups and salads—grab and go to the veranda rockers for an extra treat. Location: 200 Congress Place Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Treats Reservations: No Phone: 609-884-6522

THE BOILER ROOM Thin-crust, brick-oven pizza and seasonal salads with fresh farm ingredients. Plus draft beer on tap. Don’t miss the live entertainment from acoustic acts to dance bands. Location: 200 Congress Place Meals Served: Dinner, Late-Night Snacks Reservations: Recomended Phone: 609-884-6507

THE BROWN ROOM The twin pillars of Cape May’s Living Room are the spectacular fireplace and the wood-and-marble bar. Enjoy a great cocktail menu, excellent appetizers and live music. Switch it up by enjoying drinks on the veranda rocking chairs. Location: 200 Congress Place Meals Served: Dinner, Cocktail Snacks Reservations: Reccomended Phone: 609-884-8421

BEACH PLUM BAKERY & CAFÉ West End Garage’s eatery serves sweet and savory pastries, sandwiches, soups, coldpressed coffee on tap, classic coffee and espresso beverages, teas and La Colombe Draft Lattes. Location: 484 West Perry Street Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Treats Reservations: No Phone: 609-770-8261

POOL & BEACH SERVICE From the comfort of your lounger, fill out an order card and have lunch delivered right to your pool or beach table. Available at Congress Hall, The Virginia and Beach Shack. Meals Served: Lunch, Snacks Reservations: No

EBBITT ROOM LOUNGE/PORCH There are four cozy nooks as an alternative to the dining room. Try to snag a seat on the front porch. There’s no better place to indulge. Location: 25 Jackson Street Meals Served: Small Plates, Snacks, Dinner Reservations: Recomended Phone: 609-884-5700

THE GRAND LAWN & VERANDA BAR Congress Hall’s breezy outdoor dining and cocktail venue, featuring service to the veranda rocking chairs and tables spaced out overlooking the ocean. Location: 200 Congress Place Meals Served: Dinner, Small Plates Reservations: Required

FARM-TO-TABLE DINNERS A seasonal series of elegant dinners at our farm, featuring an ever-changing menu that using ingredients sourced from our fields. Location: 140 Stevens Street, West Cape May Meals Served: Dinner Reservations: Required Phone: 609-602-0128

The Shops at Tommy’s Folly The stores at Tommy’s Folly now offer more than ever! You’ll still find the great branded items and stylish boutique clothing you’re used to... but the layout now offers more fun, useful and inspiring shopping. Tommy’s Folly Coffee Shop is now Tommy’s Folly Café with tables where you can enjoy coffee and snacks—and browse the comprehensive selection of newspapers, magazines and everyday essentials. Next door, you’ll find an exciting combination of the old General Store and Home Store. Browse a kaleidoscopic range of Congress Hall-branded merchandise, from caps to belts to yoga pants and tees, plus Blue Pig pajamas for women and kids made exclusively for Tommy’s Folly by Roberta Roller Rabbit, and Blue Pig boxers and lounge pants for men. If you love the china and linens found in our grand old hotel, you can buy them right here. And don’t miss the must-have collection of Congress Hall Christmas ornaments and collectible snow globes! Tommy’s Folly Boutique has expanded and moved across the street to 302 Washington—here you will find an exclusive selection of carefully curated resort wear and accessories. Next door is the new Tommy’s Folly Kids shop, where cute meets cool. You’ll find swimwear from Snapper Rock and Sunuva, swim goggles from Bling2O, and mermaid tails! Plus, we offer a huge selection of toys for all-day fun. 94

West End Garage, A Shopping Dream West End Garage, Cape May’s most interesting collection of boutiques, artisans and collectibles, is nestled into two historic warehouses—an old Model T dealership and gas station as well as a former bakery. There are now over 50 vendors offering a dizzying array of things beautiful, quirky and cool. Local photographers and artists display their many wares here, plus there are antiques, home furnishings, books, jewelry, vintage clothing, gourmet food including olive oils, vinegars, sauces, jams, candy... the list goes on. The best thing? The inventory changes regularly—which is why it’s so much fun to keep coming back.

Sea Spa Everything you need to know about the Sea Spa at Congress Hall—it’ll take your vacation to a whole new level of relaxation. What services are offered? An enticing selection of massages (from relaxing to therapeutic) as well as oceaninspired facials and body treatments. Plus an array of beauty services including manicures, pedicures and waxing. What kinds of products are used? SkinCeuticals products, which are made in the USA and feature clinical skincare used by dermatologists, plastic surgeons and medi-spas for daily home care and to complement aesthetic procedures. This product line works to correct signs of aging, protect healthy skin and prevent future damage. We also retail lotions, bath salts and shampoo using herbs from our Beach Plum Farm. Any specials and packages on offer? Throughout the year, Sea Spa is always coming up with innovative ways to help you unwind. Call ahead, visit seaspacapemay.com or stop by to see what specials are being offered during your visit.

Do you feature massages for couples? We offer an Outside Garden Couples Massage. This takes place in a cabana off the veranda, adjacent to the spa. Do you have any services for men? We have massages, body treatments, facials and nail services all tailored to a man’s needs. The Gentleman’s Facial is for that hard-working man who wants to erase some of those signs of tiredness and stress. Men can also enjoy hot towel treatments plus gentleman’s manicures and pedicures. What do you have to offer wedding parties? Customized facials, exfoliation and massage treatments and mani-pedi combinations will have your hands ready for the ring! Do you cater to groups or other special events? Definitely! It’s the perfect place to relax and indulge with family, friends, colleagues or corporate guests. For more information on Sea Spa, call 609-884-6543 or visit seaspacapemay.com.

Campus Activities There’s always something exciting happening at Cape Resorts. From summer carnivals to Winter Wonderland festivities, any time of year is a great time to experience something new on our island.

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Summer

Fall

Carnivals at Congress Hall Tie-Dye Tuesdays at the Rusty Nail Train Rides on the Congress Hall Express Outdoor activities at Beach Plum Farm

Hayrides & Pumpkin Picking at Beach Plum Farm Guided Nature Hikes & Excursions

The Holidays

Spring

Breakfast with Santa at Congress Hall Winter Wonderland festivities Congress Hall Tree Lighting Holiday events at Beach Plum Farm

Spring Break Wilderness Adventure activities like Birding, Watercolors, Nature Hikes, Archery & much more

Call the Concierge Our Concierge Team is always in the know about what’s happening around campus. We’ll happily assist you with reservations and handle any other arrangements to help make things as easy and hassle-free as possible.

Call: 609-884-6542

Concierge@CapeResorts.com 101

To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heavens.

CapeResorts.com

Concierge Magazine 2021-2022

Articles inside

Sea Spa

West End Garage

The Shops at Tommy’s Folly

Beach and Pool

Our Hotels

Cape Resorts Food Guide

Our Family

A Perfect Day in Cape May

Good Earth

Dream Makers

The Three Bakers

Happy Trails

Lawn Star

Welcome Letter

The Science of Sunsets

Leading the Way