Historic Cape May
Known as the oldest seaside resort in America, Cape May envelopes
you in an historic charm that’s classy, rich and well worth the visit. There’s
no ugly development at this elegant resort destination. No siree Bob.
Classified as a National Historic Landmark District, the entire city of Cape
May figures within the Cape May Historic District. What exactly does that mean?
Well, expect to see one of the biggest proliferations of Victorian homes in the
country. It’s second only to San Francisco and we all know that that’s a big
city. Here, it’s much more concentrated–no wonder every building seems to
outrank the next. Such stunners!
Sadly this all came about due to the unfortunate happening of a
massive fire in 1878. It was a five-day-long event that destroyed thirty blocks
of the town center. Once Cape May regrouped, a massive reconstruction effort
rebuilt the structures in the fashion of the day, one known as the Victorian
Style. This architecture marks the period in history that corresponds with the
reign of Queen Victoria in England (1837 to 1901).
As you stroll, pedal or drive through the streets of Cape May,
you’ll notice many variations of this grandeur, including Queen Anne, Shingle,
Stick, Richardsonian Romanesque and Second Empire styles. Even if you’re not an
architecture aficionado, you’ll find them all to be quite interesting and
striking. Characteristics include irregularly-shaped, steep pitched roofs,
often with a front-facing gable, huge sweeping porches, asymmetrical facades
and textured shingles. Very gingerbread-like indeed. Just imagine the work
required in painting these intricate old homes–no wonder they are often
referred to as the “painted ladies.”
Almost one hundred of these architectural gems have been
converted into B & Bs, guest houses, inns and restaurants. So anyone
visiting Cape May can have the opportunity of experiencing these distinguished
properties firsthand. Know that their interiors will wow you whether you have a
propensity for lace doilies or not.
You can also do an historic walking tour in a variety of manners.
Check with the tourism office to find one that sounds good to you. Many maps
and audio tours are available, so maybe a self guided version from your bike
will best suit you. You can rent a bike or even a surrey (with the fringe on
top!) from Cape Island Bike Rentals, Shields Bike Rentals and Cape Island
Bicycles. A visit to the Emlen Physick Estate, a bastion of Victorian history,
decorative arts, customs and the story of a revered Cape May family, is a good
place to start. If you’re tired, take a MAC Trolley tour or a get-about with
the Cape May Carriage Company. Either way, there will be lots of photo opps all
around.
If you like old airplanes, the Aviation Museum at the United
States Naval Air Station in nearby Wildwood, New Jersey is a must. Open
year-round, it’s terrific for young and old.
Although not Victorian in style, Congress Hall remains perhaps
the most historic building in all of Cape May. This beloved resort began as a
boarding house for summer visitors in 1816, just as Cape May was making its
mark as one of “the” places to vacation (along with Newport, Rhode Island and
Saratoga Springs, New York). Despite the fact that it fell into disrepair a few
different times over the more-than-two centuries of its existence, it has
always been a Cape May institution, attracting distinguished politicians from
the DC area and Philadelphia, so much so, in fact, that it was at one time
called “the summer White House.” Go ahead and sip a libation at the Veranda Bar
at this lovely resort, take in the views and savor Cape May life the way so
many have done over the years.