Tag: Cape May

Upon returning from a somewhat underwhelming bird photography excursion at Cape May State Park, I returned to the Airbnb to find Bhavna sitting outside on the small patio, taking in the stunning scenery of the Willow Creek Winery and soaking up the warm sunshine. We shared a lovely morning and chatted about how much we enjoyed our stay thus far. The beer we had at Gusto Brewery and the wine at Willow Creek Winery were delightful. I also confided in her about my disappointment with the birding trip, explaining how the heavy fog made it quite challenging to spot birds except for a few swans and that, sadly, I couldn’t take photographs of the types of birds, such as Warblers and shore birds, that I had hoped to see. We discussed scheduling another trip to Cape May in the near future. After breakfast, we went to downtown Cape May to spend the day exploring the charming town.

Our first stop was Washington Commons, where we conveniently found parking. I pointed out to Bhavna that the nearby clean public restroom I discovered during the morning trip to the _Out There Coffee _ shop was one of the reasons I chose to park there. With the temperature rising, I felt uncomfortable in the long-sleeved shirt I had worn on my early morning birding walk. I decided to pop into Cape May Surf for a more suitable cotton short sleeve shirt. I bought one with a lovely palm tree motif that Bhavna thinks fits my casual style perfectly. Bhavna also purchased a pair of pants on sale at Bella, but unfortunately, she later regretted the purchase.

Crossing Ocean Street, we entered the Washington Street shopping mall, which was bustling with various shops. Our first stop was Cotton Company, where I hoped to find more summer casual attire. The friend store attendant noticed my Patagonia spring coat which I had wrapped around my waist. He steered me toward the shelves where the store had its Patagonia clothing. I found nothing in the size and colour that suited me, so we left. We continued to explore the eclectic mix of stores on Washington Street shopping mall between Ocean Street and Perry Street, finding unique items and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

We left the Washington Street shopping mall and leisurely walked along Ocean Street towards Beach Avenue. We enjoyed the architecture of the colourful Victorian homes that adorned the street. This added to the charm of the town.

As we continued our stroll, we eventually made our way to Beach Avenue, where we enjoyed a leisurely walk along the boardwalk. The picturesque views of the beach and the tranquil sounds of the ocean were truly magnificent, but I noticed that the air had become cooler, and there was a light haze. On our return, we decided to stop by the Cape May Popcorn Factory on Gurney Street. As a popcorn lover, I couldn’t resist indulging in one of my favourite treats and purchased a large bag of popcorn. I opted for the classic, regular popcorn you can typically find at the movie theatre. It is a simple yet satisfying treat.

We stopped at the far end of Gurney Street to admire "The Abbey," a historic home built in late 1869 with a rich history as a bed and breakfast inn in Cape May. It’s interesting how homes like this one accurately represent the grandeur of the Victorian era. The intricate woodwork, gingerbread trim, and vibrant colour schemes typical of Victorian architecture are all fully displayed in this mansion. The pointed arch windows and steeply pitched roof of The Abbey’s grand facade make it stand out and command attention on the street. I later learned that the property underwent an extensive renovation to transform it into a vacation rental, offering guests a unique and memorable experience.

We also made a quick stop at the Soldiers Monument. Also known as All Wars Monument and located in Rotary Park, this monument is dedicated to the memory of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces, particularly those who have given their lives in service and is a tribute to the brave residents of Cape May who served in World War I. The obelisk stands tall on a small traffic island, surrounded by lovely landscaping. Its square cube base, mounted on a larger stone slab, features bronze plaques on each side with dedications to the local veterans and an Honour Roll. Atop the orb sits a magnificent bronze eagle with its wings outstretched and looking to the side.

Remembering our desire to try the local beer, we returned to Jackson Avenue and headed to the Mad Batter Restaurant and Bar. I had checked their menu on the Untappd iPhone app and was excited to see they offered beer from a brewery in Atlantic City called "The Seed". Unfortunately, they no longer served it. However, the bartender kindly informed us that The Cricket Club, their more upscale restaurant just around the corner, had it on tap. We were thrilled and made a reservation for dinner at The Cricket Club. While there, I enjoyed the "Wading Out" lager by Tonewood Brewing and the "Just 2 More Miles" lager by Ludlam Island Brewery. The atmosphere was lively and diverse, with a group of young men and women dressed in punk rock outfits who had been friends since high school and chose a new theme for dressing up each year. It was a great afternoon, and I’m grateful for the helpful advice we received.

Returning to our Airbnb, we took a refreshing nap to recharge.

We were immediately met with a welcoming and cosy atmosphere at The Cricket Club. We enjoyed sampling the craft beers brewed by The Seed in Atlantic City. I enjoyed trying the Mooey On Purple, a very session-able bitter ale brewed in collaboration with Bonn Place Brewing Co. in Easton, Pennsylvania. I also indulged in the Stay Awhile, an English-inspired Dark Mild, and the Here, Now, an Old World-inspired English Best Bitter. We had the For Warmth, a small oatmeal stout conditioned on Indonesian vanilla to cap off our session. While we savoured the food and drinks, we excitedly planned for the next day, deciding to take a detour to Atlantic City to visit The Seed’s taproom.

After a day filled with shopping, sightseeing, and fantastic food, we returned to our cosy Airbnb, ready to retire for the night. Reflecting on the memories we had made, we were grateful for the opportunity to explore Cape May's charming streets, immerse ourselves in its rich history, and enjoy a delicious meal. We are stoked to come back to this cute little beach town!