The Jersey Shore Girl Team Cape May, New Jersey, is known as one of the oldest seaside resort towns in the US. With its tree-lined historic downtown, beach access, and charming Victorian architecture, there is plenty to enjoy. Since the 1990s, numerous Victorian residences in the region have undergone restoration and transformation into guest accommodations. Each of these properties possesses its own distinct character, including The Southern Mansion, and the area has plenty of things to do. Read on to learn more about The Southern Mansion and surrounding activities to do when in Cape May.
A Historical Property
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The property was first built in 1863 by the Philadelphia industrialist George Allen as a vacation home, and it remained in the family’s ownership until the 1940s. At that time, Cape May was primarily a regional vacation destination thanks to a direct railway route that ran daily between Philadelphia and Cape May. In 1994, another family from Philadelphia, the Bray-Wildes, took notice of the then-abandoned property while vacationing in the area and realized its potential. They took it over, and after a series of renovations and rebuilding, opened the bed and breakfast in 1997.
“We were able to recover 85 percent of the original furniture,” Denise Najera, General Manager of The Southern Mansion, told The Jersey Shore Girl. This proved to be extremely helpful in understanding Victorian-era aesthetics and restoring the architectural elements. The chandeliers, poster beds, and artworks all speak to the property’s 150+ years of history.
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The Guest Experience
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The B&B has 24 rooms, each with its own Victorian-style decor. The sizes and amenities differ, with rates ranging from around $400 to $500 a night for a weekend stay in May. The most basic rooms (“Standard”) feature antique furniture, a double shower, and a TV, while larger, more “luxurious” ones (the “Superior” rooms and the Master Suite) come with amenities such as museum-grade furniture, soaking tubs, large sitting areas, balconies, and/or porches.
Guests rave about the complimentary breakfast. There is a made-to-order menu, with hearty entrees such as omelets and French toast. Guests can help themselves to coffee, tea, juices, pastries, and fruit. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated.
“It is more than just a bed and breakfast,” Denise said, referring to the personalized touches. “We try to provide a family-like experience. There are a lot of one-on-ones with guests.”
The B&B has plenty of on-site parking and all of the beach towels and chairs guests could need. The beach itself is a five-minute walk away. Guests can walk a few minutes to the Washington Street Mall for restaurants, shopping, and people-watching. The Mansion has a sister property nearby, the Willow Creek Winery. The Winery is open for lunch, dinner, and tastings and has frequent live music performances.
Things to Do in the Area
The entire Cape May area has experienced a tourism boom. With many international hot spots less accessible, travelers are rediscovering domestic destinations not only for weekend getaways but also for long-distance trips. “Before the pandemic, we got many returning guests. Now we see guests from as far as California and New Mexico,” Denise said. Although the town is the busiest in summer, the tourism season runs all the way to December. Below are some ideas for things to do in the area:
Chase Whales + Dolphins
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Whales and dolphins are often spotted in the waters near Cape May. Several local companies offer guided cruises that take guests out to the sea to watch these beautiful animals at close distances. Frequently recommended operators include Cape May Whale Watch, which offers tours of various lengths (2.5 hours to 8 hours), routes, and activity levels (fishing tours available) from May to September. Another popular operator is Spirit of Cape May, which in addition to whale and dolphin watching, also offers dinner cruises and hosts private parties.
Visit a Vineyard
Although not at California levels yet, the New Jersey wine industry is quickly gaining recognition both at home and abroad. The Cape May Peninsula is one of the state’s four American Viticultural Areas (in order to qualify, a place has to meet Federal standards in terms of climate, soil type, elevation, etc.), and is home to many vineyards that experiment with over 40 grape varieties on New Jersey soil. Many offer wine-tasting tours. Check out Willow Creek Winery + Farm, a sister property of The Southern Mansion, which offers tastings, tours, and a farm-to-table restaurant. Another popular property is Cape May Winery + Vineyard. Visitors can join wine-tasting tours, try different wines on tap by the glass, and sample tapas in the restaurant.
Enjoy the Natural Beauty
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The Cape May area has some of the best beaches on the East Coast. Even those visiting outside during the sunbathing season can enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing and hiking. Cape May is a popular destination for birding, as there are several migratory birds that pass through the area. There are several locations for birdwatching, often with guided events, such as the Nature Center of Cape May and the Cape May Bird Observatory. Check out the Cape May Point State Park, where visitors can climb the Cape May Lighthouse and observe wildlife along the park’s many trails. If the weather is nice, finish your exploration at Sunset Beach for a glorious sundown.
Restaurants
Blue Pig Tavern | 200 Congress Place
This American-style restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner inside the Congress Hall Hotel. But don’t let its location fool you — the Blue Pig is a destination on its own. The menu focuses on seasonal, locally grown ingredients. The atmosphere is laid-back, but the service and food are both top-notch. There are cozy fireplaces indoors and big windows to let in natural light. There are even some bistro tables outdoors on Congress Hall’s porch — a memorable spot for a cocktail and some shrimp cocktail.
Madison’s Bakery | Multiple Locations
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This charming bakery is run by a local family and everything tastes homemade because it is. Madison’s Bakery claims to have ‘the best buns on the beach,’ so you’ll have to order one and find out for yourself. The bakery serves donuts, cakes, and other assorted pastries. The cinnamon buns taste just like Christmas morning. All locations serve La Colombe coffee.
Walk Around the Historic Downtown
The historic downtown of Cape May is a registered National Historic Landmark with over 600 Victorian-era houses. For a casual, self-guided walking tour, start from Emlen Physick Estate, a Victorian-house-turned-ethnography museum. Walk south and appreciate the mansions and cottages with their elegant terraces and porches along the way. Don’t miss the Washington Street Mall, a three-block area full of small shops and eateries.
Beach Plum Farm | 140 Stevens Street
Beach Plum Farm is a 62-acre working farm. Over 100 types of produce are grown here, and the farm supplies many of Cape May’s restaurants. The farm started in 2008 and the market and kitchen were added in 2016. Guests can visit the property to explore and enjoy the scenery, shop in the market, or enjoy breakfast or lunch from the kitchen. There are special events nearly every weekend, designed to showcase each season’s bounty. Dinners at the farm are ticketed, BYOB events where guests are treated to a five-course menu of dishes prepared with (literally) farm-fresh ingredients.
Cape May Stage | 405 Lafayette Street
The 130-seat Cape May Stage offers an intimate theater experience in a former Presbyterian Church building dating back to the 1850s. It produces three to five plays every season, which run from May to December, featuring mostly contemporary works by both established and rising artists. The 2022 season has four productions, including a highly acclaimed The Lifespan of a Fact, about a real-life editing room saga. The theater also hosts stage readings, musical events, and special sessions for children.
Revolution Rail Co. | 609 Lafayette Street
The premise is a little wild: ride a recumbent bicycle on an abandoned railway track through a nature preserve. It all makes sense once guests arrive and get going. The railbikes come in twos and fours, making this a fun activity for families, too. Knowledgeable guides take guests on a four-mile out-and-back ride through the Garrett Family Nature Preserve. Riders will learn about the natural surroundings and the history of the area. Reservations are required, and seats are limited.
Keep up with the latest from The Southern Mansion by following its Instagram.
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