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At this time of year so many people are traveling to be with family for the holidays. Many of those people are pet owners that are hoping to be able to bring their dog or cat with them. The biggest stumbling block in the way always seems to be whether or not their accommodations will accept pets — with or without a deposit.

It’s difficult for everyone when the family pet has be dropped off at a boarding facility before the family leaves for some R&R. It’s especially difficult for children to understand why the furry, four-legged member of their family cannot accompany them. We get that. That’s why we provide a large assortment of Cape May pet friendly vacation rentals where you and your family can all stay together, including those members with four legs and a tail. Pet friendly homes usually require an extra security deposit to cover the additional cleanup that would be required after a pet has been there.

Our Cape May pet friendly vacation rentals come with 3-5+ bedrooms, are fully furnished and nicely decorated. You’ll find kitchens equipped with all the necessary appliances to make whatever type of dinner you want to prepare. If you’re going to tackle that big holiday meal, we know you’ll be comfortable doing it in these kitchens. Many of these vacation rentals come with fenced in yards as well.

All of us at Homestead Cape May Rentals would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

When you’re making plans to come to Cape May for the holidays you’ll need a place to stay large enough to hold your entire family. Now if your family is small nearly any place will do but if you have a larger size family you’ll need one of the larger Cape May house rentals – a place like Barefoot Beach with it’s 6 bedrooms and 4 baths, comfortably sleeping 14 people.

Cape May house rentals like this one are exceptional. You’ll be just one block from the beach in this exquisite home that offers modern amenities without losing its Cape May charm. Perfect for entertaining, the home boasts 6 bedrooms, 4 baths and a spacious first floor. You will enjoy the close proximity to the beach and the grand old wrap around porch.

When you first walk in the front door of this beautiful home, you’ll see the wide foyer with hardwood flooring and staircase separate the living and dining rooms. The living room to the right includes a small desk area, a front bank of windows and two sets of double glass doors for optimum light looking out over the side porch. Across the hall is the formal dining room seating 8 with additional side chairs, and a service window for convenient set up and clean up tasks.

The dining room leads to a thoroughly modern country kitchen with table seating for 6 and counter height seating for another 2. A few steps down will lead you to the full bath on the 1st floor with a stall shower. Upstairs you’ll find the bath on the 2nd floor with an old fashioned claw foot tub and attached shower. The master bedroom with king size bed is surrounded by windows on rich old hardwood flooring. Another full bath is offered on the 3rd floor.

Lovely inside and out, this property is one you will want to return to again and again. Make your next vacation with the extended family at Barefoot Beach, where there is something for everyone! Due to unique circumstances of this property online bookings cannot be honored. Please contact our office to reserve your week at 888-309-7454 or Reservations@HomeSteadRealEstate.net.

The holiday season is upon us and there are many events taking place in the area. If you’re into shopping, it’s the biggest shopping weekend of the year for many businesses. Even if you’re not such a big shopper there are still some amazing deals to be had out there. Take a stroll into town and check out the shops. You might be surprised at what you find and the money you can save.

Whether you’re staying in our Cape May NJ rental homes for a short vacation or you’re settled in to spend your winter in one of our Cape May NJ rental homes, you’re going to just love it here. The rental homes come fully furnished with everything you need for long winter’s stay. Kitchens come equipped and ready for you to prepare a holiday meal of any size.

Don’t miss it when Cape May lights its official 2012 Christmas Tree in Rotary Park on Friday, November 30 at 7 p.m.

Start your holiday season with the best West Cape May Christmas Parade in Cape May County on Saturday, December 1 at 5 p.m. There will be over three hours of family fun and entertainment. The parade starts at the West Cape May Fire Hall, proceeds south on Broadway to West Perry and to the Washington St. Mall, Cape May.

Just in time for the holidays, Cape May Stage presents “A Tuna Christmas.”  Two actors play 24 different characters during 24 hours in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas. The plot centers around the town’s  annual Christmas Yard Display. The holiday comedy stars New York-based actors Turner Crumbley and Jody Cook. The play’s directed by off-Broadway’s Marlena Lustik. Performances will be from Friday, November 23 through Sunday, December 30, 2012 at 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. 3 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday. The Robert Shackleton Playhouse, 405 Lafayette St., Cape May NJ. Tickets are $35 adults, $30 seniors (62+), and $15 students. Call Cape May Stage (609) 884-1341 for reservations and information.

Compared to so many other shore towns and barrier islands throughout the state, Cape May was largely spared the major wreckage which came from super storm Sandy.  Lost power, minors flooding, loss of dunes (or more correctly the dislocation of dunes moved into the streets) and some wind damage is the most Cape May sustained in this week’s storm.  Cleanup of leaves and scattered branches is already underway as evident everywhere you drive around town.  Rental homes are fine and intact in all of Cape May,West Cape May and Cape May Point.  Our thoughts and prayers to go out to all those still struggling to rebuild after Sandy.  Want to help?  Operation Neighbor is a local collaboration of businesses and residents donating and transporting goods needed to our northern neighbors.  The Island Grill and Whale’s Tale in Cape May have offered to be local drop off points for donated goods.

There are plenty of spooky events taking place around Cape May at this time of year. Events that you don’t even have to dress up in a scary costume to be a part of. But come and stay in one of the Cape May cottage rentals that we have available this time of year and we can assure you that you’ll have a comfortable place to retreat to at the end of the day.

Many of the Halloween-specific events in the area are in close proximity to the Cape May cottage rentals we have ready and waiting for you.

The Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour is a spine-tingling, 45-minute evening trolley ride through the streets of Cape May with a guide who relates the paranormal findings of Ghost Writer Craig McManus. Offered daily in the evening; tour times vary. $10 for adults, $7 for children (ages 3-12). Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call 609-884-5404.

Plan on visiting Scarecrow Alley at Emlen Physick Estate. The Emlem Physick Estate will be ghoulishly transformed for Halloween with a display of frightening and fun scarecrows created by members of the community. For more info call 800-275-4278.

“Poe, Times Two” by Greg Oliver Bodine will be held at the Robert Shackleton Theatre at Bank & Lafayette from October 31- November 16, 2012. This ticketed event are twin tales of mystery, murder… and mortar! A double-bill of short, one-man plays adapted from two classic stories of mystery and horror, “The Cask of Amontillado” and “The Black Cat”, by Edgar Allan Poe. One actor. Two classic horror stories! An evening of thrills and chills — a must-see for Poe enthusiasts and fans of mystery and horror. A perfect treat for the Halloween season! Call 609-884-1341 for more info.

For those among us that enjoy theatre, music, wine tasting, tours and festivals, this will be a Cape May vacation to remember! But not just because you’re going to just love our Cape May NJ vacation rentals. There’s plenty of things going on over the next few weeks that you won’t want to miss and if you’re vacationing in the area now you’re one of the lucky ones! The following events are all close to the Cape May NJ vacation rentals that we have available at this time.

Direct from Scotland, Ian Bruce & Ian Walker an evening of music of the British Isles on Thursday, October 4 at 8 p.m. This ticketed event is held at Marquis de Lafayete. Tickets at the door are $15 or come for dinner and show for $35. Call 609-884-3500 to reserve, or for info call 610-825-7268.

Cape May’s 40th Annual Victorian Weekend will take place from Friday, Oct. 5 through Tuesday, Oct. 9. Enjoy a weekend of of exciting and entertaining activities featuring the Chocolate Championship Tour & Tasting, Historic House Tours, Murder Mystery Dinners, Vintage Dance Weekend, Living history programs, lectures, workshops, performance, and more. For more info call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278.

For the 6th consecutive year, the historic Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal will be the setting for the Annual Cape May Wine Festival sponsored by the Garden State Wine Growers Association on Oct. 6 and 7 from noon-5 p.m. Admission is $25 for either day or $40 for a two-day pass. The fee includes a wine tasting glass. Tickets can be purchased at the admission tent 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each day. Advance tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at newjerseywines.com. All ticket purchases on-site are cash only. Large groups and bus groups can call 609-588-0085 for more information. Admission includes a souvenir wine glass.

The Victorian Weekend Crafts and Antiques is on Sunday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities. Call 609-884-5404 for more information.

This is such a beautiful time of year to visit Cape May and the NJ coast. Autumn provides us with beautiful colors of foliage, temperatures that are cooler, and less crowds and traffic in the area. If you haven’t managed to get your vacation in yet this year, consider coming now when you can enjoy yourself at a more leisurely pace. There’s a large assortment of Cape May NJ rentals available right now, too.

At this time of year there are plenty of local events taking place all over the area that you shouldn’t miss out on. All are within a short drive to our Cape May NJ rentals where you’ll be staying.

The 29th Annual Cape May Beachfront Run takes place on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 7 a.m. The run features fast, certified two-mile and five-mile courses along the beautiful Cape May beachfront.  Registration is $20.00. For race registration forms or other information, call Cape May Civic Affairs at 609-884-9565 or pick up race applications at Convention Hall, City Hall, the Welcome Center, or online at www.capemayrecreation.org. Race-day registration and packet pickup begins on Sat., Sept. 24 at 7 a.m. at Cape May Convention Hall.

Night Walk at the Zoo! will be held Saturday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m. This ticketed event sells out fast so make your reservation now! Tickets: $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Held at the Cape May County Park & Zoo. Call 609-465-2388.

Oktoberfest is a free event that takes place on Saturday, Sept. 29 along historic Jackson Street, between Beach and Carpenters Lane. Vendors, food, and beer. Call 609-884-5508 for information.

If you’re planning to go “coastal” for the winter it’s time to make your reservations now. We have many long term winter rentals available at reduced off-season rates. Those include Cape May Point vacation rentals such as this one. Snowbirds love this area and many return year after year.

Staying here on Cape Avenue you’ll be surrounded by nature and can enjoy the ospreys soaring above Lake Lily. Tucked away on Cape Avenue you will find peace and quiet here on Pia’s Point. This is a private retreat that is walking distance to beaches. It’s a nice quiet place to spend your winter and save money, too. Enjoy the cozy living room with wood stove, hardwood and tile floors, modern kitchen and a lovely sunny dining room.

There’s a lovely backyard that is bordered by the state park forest. Enjoy grilling the evening meal on the gas grill then dine in the screened in porch. The location is great for bird watchers and the family dog will enjoy being with you as this home is pet-friendly. Amenities include high speed internet and cable so you can stay connected to your friends and family.

You will love the amazing off-season deals we have on Cape May Point vacation rentals as well as others in the Cape May area. You’ll have everything you need to keep those winter blues away when you come spend the winter with us plus you’ll be able to enjoy the restorative and rejuvenating effects of being this close to the ocean.

There’s a sweet little cottage that is nestled among the trees in West Cape May. We call it a little piece of Paradise on Pacific Avenue and it’s one of our West Cape May vacation rentals. This home is just a short stroll to the beach and within walking distance of shopping and restaurants. It’s pet-friendly, too! Rates are reduced on this property and you can save $200 the week of August 25 as well as get 25% off your linen rental when you book this summer bargain.

Paradise on Pacific is a 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath home that sleeps 6 guests. Amenities include a large flat screen TV, comfortable furnishings, A/C, fully-equipped kitchen with granite countertops, laundry, outdoor gas grill, high speed wireless Internet and off street parking for 3 vehicles.

While you’re in the area take in a Cape May Harbor Sunset Cruise taking place Fridays through August 31. The Osprey at Miss Chris Marina, Cape May. Admission: $26 adults, $15 children ages 7 to 12, ages 6 and under free. For more information call 609-898-3500.

Maybe a Sunset Kayak Tour is more your style? On Tuesdays and Saturdays through September enjoy a tour on a single or double kayak. Meet at the Nature Center of Cape May, 1600 Delaware Ave., Cape May. Price: $40 single kayak, 
$70 double kayak. Call 609-898-8848 for more information.

If you’re planning that end-of-summer vacation and need a place to stay, give us a call at Homestead Cape May Rentals and we’ll tell you about the special deals we have on our West Cape May vacation rentals.

If you’re thinking about bringing your pet along on vacation this year you’ll be pleased to know we have many Cape May pet friendly vacation rentals here in New Jersey. We know your pet is your companion and they enjoy traveling too.


Some things to remember when traveling with your pets include:

Pack enough food. If you’re not sure the food your pet regularly eats will be available at your destination then bring some from home. Vacation is not the time to change your pet’s diet.

Fresh water. Always carry fresh water, especially if you’re driving here from another place and times when you plan to be outdoors, like on the beach.

Essentials. Bring your pet’s bed, food and water dish, and favorite toys and treats.

Identification. Be sure your pet is wearing a collar with identification and local contact info on it so he can be returned to you if he gets lost.

Leashed. Keep your pet leashed at all times unless your rentals comes with a fenced in yard.

Pet Carriers. Pets are safer and more comfortable when traveling in a pet carrier. Let them out from time to time to stretch their legs, relieve themselves and have some fresh water.

Carry a photo. Bring a photo of your pet along with you in case they slip away and become lost. A photograph will make it easier for others to help you find him.

We have many Cape May pet friendly vacation rentals for you to check out. Our website provides a listing of these homes for you to browse through at your convenience.