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A Perfect Day In Cape May
It is unfortunate that the Garden State often gets a bad rap and is frequently the butt of jokes such as Woody Allen's quip: "I saw the light at the end of the tunnel and it was New Jersey," or the inevitable "You are from New Jersey? What exit?" or the reputed state motto: "You have the right to remain silent..."
Article Source: TravelFreeGuides.com
In fact, there is a entirely different side of New Jersey that is possibly one of the East Coast's best kept secret: Cape May. Proudly located on the southern point of Cape May Peninsula, the town of Cape May is a charming seaport that includes abundant Victorian architecture and quaint inns, and various points of interest. Cape May is drenched in historical sites and museums and home of one of the country's top ten seashores, with many beach vacation rentals from which to choose.
Of course, with a long seafaring history that includes a thriving fishing industry as well as home to both the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, it goes without saying that boating and sailing is excellent. Competitive sailors often use local waters as a practice ground for the famous Nantucket Race.
Cape May was named for the area's first European visitor, Captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mej of Hoorn, Netherlands, in 1620. The city's status as a top seaside destination resort predates the founding of the United States. It was popular with wealthy Philadelphians from about 1750 onward, and was a top holiday spot by the mid 1800s. All of that early colonial architecture disappeared in the great fire of 1876, which effectively leveled the town. This is why the Victorian style of architecture is predominant today; in fact, Cape May has the largest collection of Victorian architecture of any city in the nation except for San Francisco with Port Townsend Washington being a close third. Much of this great Victorian architecture can be seen in the numerous lovely bed and breakfasts located through out Cape May.
While it might be great to stay right on the beach, you will find that a rental can be a lot less expensive if you are willing to walk even a few blocks. That said, the owners of these rentals are exceptionally meticulous about repairs and maintenance, so even if you have to reserve it long distance over the internet, you can be confident of excellent lodgings for your Cape May holiday.
If you plan on doing any fishing, your opening stop ought to be the South Jersey Marina in order to get the supplies you need to reel in the big ones. If going to sea on a boat is not your thing, you may be surprised to learn that the Hidden Valley Ranch is right nearby. This is where you can go horseback riding and birdwatching and it is one of the best birding locations in the country and see the scenic, rural part of New Jersey that is a long way from any freeway exit.
Theater lovers have a number of alternatives while staying in Cape May; Elaine's Dinner Theater, the East Lynne Theater Company and Cape May Stage, all present fine theatrical productions through the year. And, to get a real sense of Cape May history, do not miss the Cape May Gingerbread Tour by Trolley.
About the Author
James Harden is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on New Jersey beach rentals and things to do.
by: James Harden
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Date: Sat, 10 Jul 2010 Time: 12:16 PM -
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