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The time has come. Here in beautiful Cape May we are a mere three days away from Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial commencement of another summer season. With an encouraging weather forecast after almost a full month of rain, the upcoming weekend is expected to be very busy. Holiday weekends are often a time in which newcomers visit Cape May to see what they’ve been missing out on, and many decide to return for longer stays. A common misconception is that if a summer vacation has not been booked by now, then it’s too late to reserve it for this year. This is simply not true. Yes, the prime booking season is behind us, but there are a number of properties remaining available with prime season rental weeks. There are also multiple off season weeks available at reduced rates, and as many a local will tell you, late summer and early autumn is one of the most beautiful times to be here in town.

 

 

As to the height of the summer, the last two weeks of July and first two weeks of
August are the busiest of the season. If you’d like to rent any of those four weeks you will find inventory to be the thinnest. If your thoughts are geared toward a last minute vacation week, a multitude of rental possibilities exist for the first three weeks of June. With weddings, graduations, and most schools still in session until late June, this time period is an ideal getaway for those of you who prefer the weather a bit cooler and the crowds a bit lighter.

 

 

 

There is a pattern to Cape May vacation rentals and bookings that may seem a bit confusing, but actually is quite logical when keeping the dynamic of our town in mind. For example, Late June through late August will find Cape May proper and West Cape May solidly booked with large families, many of whose tradition has been to vacation at the same property for years, even generations! Once the new school year begins in September, such spacious family homes are often quickly vacated. So if you’re searching for an ideal location for retreat accommodations, couples getaways, and the like, there are plenty of homes with 5 plus bedrooms awaiting you in the fall. To the contrary, if you enjoy the natural wonder and tranquility found in Cape May Point be sure to book your off season rental soon. At the Point, it’s not exactly accurate to refer to autumn as the “off season”. Well known as one of the prime birding destinations on the east coast, the Point books quickly with those eager to enjoy the autumn birding season to its fullest.

 

 

 

Let us be clear that if you DO wish to rent a prime July or August week, there is inventory available! But you need to act quickly. And if your time period of choice is booked solidly, it’s not a reason to be discouraged. In this case we encourage you to explore rental weeks outside of the prime season. Thanks to New Jersey’s temperate climate and Cape May’s bevy of non-beach related activities…we are so much more than a Memorial Day through Labor Day beach resort.
To conclude, we’d like to direct your attention to a handful of properties with availability remaining for this 2016 season! Please keep in mind; sparsely booked properties should not be deemed as undesirable or questionable. They are often new to the rental market, which explains the lack of bookings. All properties in the Homestead inventory are held to the highest standards of the rental industry. So relax, browse, and book with confidence. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking for a June, July, or August Rental?

Explore the following sampling of rental properties still available:

 

735 Washington Street, Unit 1

(Condo comfort in the heart of historic Washington Street)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

123 Broadway, West Cape May

(Modern living with a flare of Old Cape May)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

704 West Lake Drive, Cape May Point

(The absolute finest in Lake front tranquility)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

295 Windsor Ave., Cape May

(Perfect location with the Charm of a Cape May Bed and Breakfast)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

779 Tabernacle Road, Cold Spring

(A fantastic off shore value and a paradise for the pet lover)

 

 

 

We’re one week into the month of May and quickly throttling toward the commencement of a new summer season! In just 3 short weeks Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of summer will be upon us once again. In the mean time though, this is the time to enjoy the month of May for all it has to offer. With that in mind, we can’t overlook the imminent Mother’s Day holiday this Sunday, May 8th. Yes, you heard right; Mother’s Day is THIS Sunday…the earliest that it can possibly be. But there’s no need to panic if the holiday may have crept up on you (aka you forgot!) or if you’re still trying to locate that perfect gift for Mom. Cape May is the place to be, and we’re here to help you make Mom’s day.

 

Like any holiday, we’re sure that each family celebrates Mother’s Day in their own special way. Whether it be a traditional dining location, a specific theme of gift, or a yearly family activity; no two celebrations are the same. That’s why Cape May is the perfect place for your Mother’s Day plans. Maybe bringing Mom to Cape May on such short notice isn’t possible…that’s okay. The next best thing is to bring bit of Cape May to Mom!

 

For a most traditional approach, treat Mom to a beautiful flower arrangement from Cape Winds Florist. Accepting orders for Mother’s Day pick-up, Cape Winds offers gorgeous arrangements customizable by price range, color, and even style (traditional vs. modern). And if you’re unsure of Mom’s favorite flower, trust Cape Winds to design an expert arrangement of numerous varieties. Now that you’ve got the flowers covered, stay within the traditional theme and be sure to visit The Original Fudge Kitchen. Here in town there are two convenient locations, one on the Washington St. Mall (near Ocean St.) and the other on the Promenade (near Convention Hall). The Fudge kitchen offers world famous hand whipped fudge in the largest variety of flavors you can imagine, as well as numerous varieties of Salt Water Taffy; a true Cape May favorite. Of course they also offer exquisite selections of all Moms’ favorite treats including caramels, peppermint bark, and chocolate covered pretzels just to name a few. Sugar free options as well as complimentary gift wrap are among the other reasons why The Fudge Kitchen is THE destination for traditional Mother’s Day gift giving.

 

 

 

 

If you believe Mom may prefer a nice cocktail in lieu of candy, we’ve got you covered there too! We suggest a visit to the Cape May Winery. Their signature wine is a fabulous Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, aged in French oak for over 16 months. But there are a fantastic variety of red and white wines to please even the most discerning of pallets. In addition to local wineries, we encourage a visit to the Cape May Brewing Company. Craft beer is becoming increasingly popular across the country, and Cape May has joined the movement with its very own brewery. The Cape May Brewing Company offers over 100 varieties which are served and available for purchase throughout South Jersey and the Philadelphia area….some of which Mom may already be familiar with. So treat her to her favorite, and take a tour of the brewery while you’re at it. It’s surely a fun and unique day for everyone.

 
Cape May is home to a multitude of unique gift shops and boutiques that are
ideal for locating a gift suited to Mom’s taste and personality. We recommend checking out West End Garage, across from the Wibraham Park in West Cape May. This is an exciting shopping experience in which individual vendors feature their handmade goods, vintage items, jewelry, home accents, and much more. If Mom prefers to look at Victorian style goods but doesn’t necessarily want to decorate with them, don’t fret! West End features multiple styles of items from modern to Victorian, traditional to transitional. It’s literally impossible not to find a gift there! The same can of course be said of Cape May’s pinnacle of shopping; The Washington Street Mall. Located in the center of town and the heart of the historic district, this beautiful pedestrian mall features one of a kind artwork, clothing jewelry and much more. Cape May’s landmark jeweler, Henry’s, even features a wide selection of Pandora charms…an ultimate addition to your Mother’s Day gift plans.

 

 

 

We truly hope everyone is excited for the upcoming summer and for the Mother’s Day weekend that is now upon us. It is our wish that you will be able to take advantage of some of these last minute gifting suggestions for Mom. Remember too that often the greatest gift for Mom is that of your time, and a day trip to Cape May is an idealistic way to give of that.  Here at Homestead we are full service rental and sales specialists ready to assist with all your real estate needs. So if a day spent in town makes you long for more…we’re here for you to help make that happen.

 

From our Homestead family to yours, Happy Mother’s day to all.

At Homestead Real Estate, we’ve always encouraged our guests to “live like local’s” when they visit Cape May. The reason for this is simple. Just as the local residents of any large city, Cape May locals each have their own favorite places to shop, dine, relax, and enjoy the company of friends. It’s the reason why Cape May was recently named one of the “25 small towns in New Jersey where everyone knows your name.” Yes, Cape May’s summer population hovers around a not so small 40,000 people (relatively speaking); but year round residents comprise just about 4000 of them. It’s only natural that this small slice of the population pie may have some insights that you, our rental guests, will enjoy!

 

If you’ve visited Cape May in the past then there’s a good chance you may have become acquainted with our various local occupants. Many of them work here in season and even year round. Some have quietly resided in town their entire lives, others are families that have witnessed their children grow up in our community, and then there are those long time vacationers whose dreams of retiring to our tranquil shores have now become a reality. Such a versatile demographic lends itself to the true beauty of our town. Lifelong residents and local families are often aware of our fascinating history and are apt to entertain with stories of a bygone era. They’re knowledgeable as to the unique origins of local businesses and the changes in landscape that occur with the seasons. Typically, they’re also more than happy to discuss their favorite venues and attractions here in town. To the contrary, those residents that have more recently retired to town often bring a distinct perspective to the community. What they may lack in knowledge of local history is often compensated for in many years worth of Cape May vacation memories that they love to share with present day visitors and vacationers.

 

Whether you’ve visited Cape May for a week, a weekend, or even just a day, we want to encourage you to enjoy like a local the next time you’re here. And with repeat visits….everyone may begin to know YOUR name as well! The benefits to such a tight knit community are many. First, there is an unparalleled trust and camaraderie not typically experienced in our modern age. Of course nearly every business on the island is a small outfit. But did you know that some even operate via the honor system? Enfin Farms on Sunset Blvd. is well known for their long lines every weekend (in season). And trust us; there are lines for a reason! But in addition to the fantastic home baked bread, the small farm also sells fresh tomatoes, arugula, and various seasonal veggies 24/7 via their roadside stand.

 

 

On the subject of farm stands, we must also make mention of Beach Plum Farm. Set on Steven’s Street in West Cape May, the farm services a number of Cape May’s finest restaurants with over 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables. Fresh flowers and herbs are grown as well, and the onsite farm stand is currently open Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 9 am until 4 pm. So if you’re in the mood to give your rental property kitchen a little workout, this is the place to start your food shopping. You may be curious as to how an island beach community can support such a lush farming environment. Well, it’s because Cape May has not always been an island! That’s right; a little known local tidbit is that the Cape May canal was built at the time of World War II. Prior to that, we were part of the mainland. Just something to remember the next time you are walking around enjoying the abundant natural vegetation of our “Island”.

 

 

As the unofficial start of the summer season is only 6 weeks in the future, we are moving swiftly into the heart of our “pre season”. While typically not quite warm enough for lazy beach days, the pre-season is an ideal time to experience many of Cape May’s additional activities. We always like to make mention of some of our favorites like the fantastic shopping and dining, the sunsets, and gorgeous walks along the beach or promenade. But if you’re in town within the next week or so, there are a bevy of fantastic special events. This Friday, April 22nd is the Lighthouse Full Moon Climb sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts. Go ahead and splurge on dessert at dinner. Afterward, work off those calories by climbing the 199 steps of the Cape May Lighthouse by the light of the full moon. The view from the top is guaranteed to take your breath away!

 

 

 

April 22nd through 24th marks the Exit Zero Jazz Festival. You’re definitely going to want to make a weekend out of this! Notable headliners include Pat Metheny, Ron Carter, and Lisa Fisher Grand Baton, just to name a few. A favorite among the locals, the Jazz Fest is an ideal event to make acquaintance with many a Cape May native. Just another way you can truly feel like a local, even for a weekend.

 

 

One aspect of Cape May that is oft overlooked (as in any resort community) is the amount of work the locals complete in order to ensure that our enclave is continually safe, pristine, and unique. Many business and homeowner’s have labored very hard to make Cape May the picturesque town that you currently visit. While help is not required, it’s always appreciated and can even be fun! One such way to give back to the Cape May community is to participate in the Clean Ocean Action 31st Annual Beach Sweeps. This event takes place rain or shine. All are encouraged to take part, but we remind you that volunteers must be 18 years of age OR accompanied by an adult. Coinciding with the Beach Sweep is the Nature Center of Cape May’s Earth Day and Marine Debris Cleanup on Saturday, April 30th from 9:00 am to noon. If gardening is more to your liking, this is the event for you. You’ll be able to assist the nature center staff and volunteers in prepping the Center’s gardens for spring. It’s a great community service project and a fun time as well!

 

 

 

 

Whether you’re a true Cape May local, a part time resident, or a first time visitor, we hope you’ll allow yourself to experience all that our town has to offer. Come see for yourself why the Cape May community is something truly special, and let everyone know YOUR name. You’ll be glad you did.

 

 

For more information about Homestead staff and some of OUR favorite local places, check out our bios via the following links:

Homestead Rental Staff

Homestead Sales Staff 

Happy April from Homestead Real Estate. Over the past few weeks we’ve been speaking of spring, with its gorgeous flowers, budding trees, and flurry of activity here in Cape May. Of course there are the sunny warm days as well. Oh wait…we only WISH there were sunny warm days. March has exited like a lion this year and April temperatures are unseasonably chilly, often accompanied by a bit of cold rain. But on the figurative bright side, the grasses continue to turn a lush green, local businesses are moving forward with extending their hours for the upcoming season, and vacation rentals continue to book at a brisk pace…pun not intended.

 

Traditionally, prime vacation rental booking season begins immediately after the New Year and peaks by around mid March. While this year has followed suit, we continue to accept new bookings and many prime season weeks remain available, although they’re certainly being scooped up quickly!

 

 

If you’re a Homestead regular first let us express how much we appreciate your loyalty. It is a true testament to the proven success of our methods. You’re also likely familiar with terms like “prime booking season”. You’ve been doing this a long time, and you know the drill. But if you’re a novice to renting, we realize it can be a bit intimidating, or that you might think it’s too late to book when in fact it certainly is not. We’re here to help! So if you have not yet booked your vacation, let’s get you started shall we? And if you’ve already booked, great! We encourage you to follow along as there’s always the opportunity to learn something new.

 

 

To select your ideal vacation rental, we recommend you begin by exploring Cape Island. A weekend getaway to the Cape is a great way to go about this. But searching online is certainly helpful as well. If you’d like to be in the center of the action and also want to walk to the beach and all attractions, narrow your search to properties located in Cape May. These will be best suited to your needs. Are you looking for single family homes that are a bit off the beaten path? If so, steer your search towards West Cape May. Considered one of the islands best kept secrets, West Cape May is a unique oasis of tranquility that closely neighbors the hum of the island’s hub. Walking to the beach and center of town is still possible…if not a bit lengthier. The trade off though is that most West Cape May properties offer an exceptional value, and many are pet friendly as well.

 

For those looking for the ultimate in tranquility, Cape May Point is your place to be. Nationally recognized for its exceptional birding opportunities, Cape May Point is a nature lover’s paradise. It’s also home to The Cape May lighthouse and Cape May Point State Park…both attractions that we highly recommend. For most, the center of town is a bit too far of a walk from the point, but the car ride into town is less than 5 minutes. And if you enjoy a nice bike ride…that’s even better! Ride into town via picturesque Sunset Boulevard and be in the heart of the action within minutes. Last but not least, we must mention Cape May’s Offshore and Bayside community. Although off island, this enclave is within a 10 minute drive to the center of Cape May. Some attributes of the Bayside are value, tranquility, quiet natural beaches, and of course…the sunsets!

 

 

Now that you’ve pinpointed your desired location and property, it’s time to make a list. That’s right; this is the time to make a good old fashioned list of what to bring with you on your journey to Cape May. To begin, peruse the selection of amenities for the property that you’ve selected (conveniently located just under the property description on our website). This provides you with an idea of what to expect and assists in preventing you from packing too much! Rentals are fully stocked with cooking and dining supplies, bedspreads, and pillows. So what about sheets and towels? Well, these are not included in rental homes, but they can easily be rented via Homestead’s professional on-site linen service. Many of those who are longtime guests have been renting linens with us for years. It’s easy, affordable, and preserves a multitude of precious vehicle space. Next, remember to bring your beach equipment or explore the idea of renting it
while you are here in town. And speaking of the beach, Cape May and Cape May Point beaches DO require beach passes. These passes can be purchased at any entrance to the beach, so we recommend waiting until your arrival in town to take care of this. Weekly, daily, and 3 day passes are offered to help best accommodate everyone in your party.

 

So you’ve selected where you want to stay and you know what to bring. We’d say it’s time to book! The process is as easy as shopping your favorite online retailers. Simply select the dates you would like to reserve, and follow the simple steps to complete your reservation online. A Visa, MasterCard, or Discover will be needed to secure your reservation, and your payment option can then be selected on the electronic lease that you will receive. There’s no printing, mailing, faxing or scanning-and certainly no additional cost for the convenience of booking online or utilizing your credit card. If you have questions before you reserve, that’s what we are here for. No question is too simple or too complex. Of course you’re welcome to reserve over the phone as well with any of our rental reservationists.

 

 

Once you’ve made your reservation…it’s time to relax and ponder the smaller details such as where you’d like to dine, shop, and explore. Cape May’s unique shopping establishments are ideal for gifts and souvenirs of all sorts. Many goods are crafted by local artisans and can even be shipped to your home address so that you need not worry about transporting such fragile items in the midst of your luggage and beach equipment.

 

 

In considering your dining options, remember to make reservations for those as well. Smaller parties can often be accommodated on shorter notice. But if you’re planning to dine with a larger group or would like to coordinate a special event, now is the time to reserve. Cape May’s dining scene features a venerable charm and uniqueness that we know you will enjoy as much as we do. So don’t miss out!

We truly hope that you are prepped for your Cape May vacation and ready to experience it to the fullest! We also do hope you now realize that the booking season is never over and you are never alone in the process. We’d like to wish everyone a wonderful Spring season and leave you with our rental mission statement, which exists to signify everything that Homestead stands for:

 

 

 

 

“At Homestead Real Estate it is our mission to ensure that planning and reserving your Cape May vacation is effortless and enjoyable. We are a team of highly trained, dedicated rental specialists. Our collaborative expertise and industry leading technologies assist us in providing customer service that is consistent and unparalleled. Experience the Homestead difference.”

 

Hello from Cape May! Earlier this month, we presented the question – “Are you ready for your Cape May Vacation?”. The answer has been an overwhelming YES! Our booking season here at Homestead continues to accelerate. Now that spring is nearly upon us, we expect that pace to continue as summer vacation plans fall into place. That’s right…spring is only a few weeks away. And we don’t know about you, but we are excited.

 

Here in Cape May, every season has its idiosyncrasies; those quaint details that separate us from the mold and cement us as one of the BEST small towns in New Jersey. Warmed by the strengthening midday sun, our gorgeous beaches will soon begin to experience a spring awakening. And as the days lengthen, evening walks on the beach or promenade are guaranteed to be the best part of the day. But it’s not just the beaches that are coming alive.

 

Local property owners are returning to spruce up their homes for the season, restaurants and shops are re-opening (or beginning to extend hours), and all through town there will soon be daffodils and forsythia in bloom; favorites of ours because they are among the first flowers to sprinkle the monochromatic late winter landscape with sunny, cheerful yellow….a visual reminder of spring’s imminence.

 

 

If you plan to visit Cape May in the next few months we encourage you to make a weekend of it. Day trips are fun too, of course. But spending a full weekend in town is the perfect way to experience a sampling of all that we have to offer. While many Jersey Shore resort communities focus on the prime summer season, Cape May instead offers an unprecedented year-round versatility. Here, there are numerous rental properties that are available with 2 and 3 night minimums throughout the year. Many of these properties offer competitive off-season rates, and they are located in and around all areas of the island. Not only is a weekend visit an exercise in relaxation, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to “sample” Cape May. This is especially helpful if you are returning in the summer for a longer stay. Think of it like going for a little test drive….just be forewarned that you will not want to return the keys!

 

While all-day sunbathing weather may not yet accompany the coming spring season, there are still a plethora of activities for the entire family to enjoy. Our favorites include shopping the Washington street mall, exploring Cape May Point state park (and maybe even climbing the lighthouse), walking the promenade, and bicycling through town…just to name a few.

 

Spring is ideal for such activities because the smaller crowds make navigating your favorite activities a breeze. Also, the climate is simply perfect for exploring the outdoors. With the heat and humidity still a few months in the future, many of the coming days will be sunny with moderate temperatures ideal for enjoying the outdoors via walking or biking.

 

 

If you’re able to manage a spring jaunt to Cape May we highly encourage you to pay us a visit here at Homestead. Our office is open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m thru 5:00 p.m. Our full time rental department is always on staff to assist in pairing you with a rental property that is perfectly suited to your needs. We are the Cape May experts and are happy to provide guidance as to which area of Cape Island would best suit your vacation or get-away! If you have not done so, please take some time to relax and explore our 2016 Cape May Vacation Rental Guide. Think of this guide as a “quick view” of everything we have to offer. Once you find a property you like, explore it further on our website or give us a call and inquire! We truly can’t wait to hear from you. We wish everyone a wonderful weekend full of warm thoughts of tranquility and vacation. Remember, when you think spring…think Homestead!

 

Greetings from Cape May! Here in the mid-Atlantic we are bracing for our coldest weather of the season, with temperatures expected to dip into the single digits for the upcoming Holiday weekend. For those not so pleased with this approaching cold snap, the silver lining is that Memorial Day is just shy of 3 months away. It will be here before you know it and we encourage you not to wait until it’s too late to book your ideal vacation rental. Many of our loyal guests have already reserved their properties and have reported that after waiting a bit too long in past years, they wanted to be sure and book early this year to lock in their property of choice.

 

 

At Homestead, we recognize that there are many vacation rental destinations and companies competing for your business. The New Jersey coast is sprinkled with enticing resorts, but there’s no place quite like Cape May. Our gorgeous beaches are regularly featured among the finest in the nation. Everything from the texture of the sand, to the perfect distance between the ocean and the promenade mesh together to ensure that our beaches are a one of a kind experience. Cape May also features world class restaurants. There are fine dining establishments that lend themselves to an ideal date night or special occasion. But there are also fantastic family options, specialty fare featuring various styles of fusion cuisine, and tried and true seafood classics.  One of a kind retail options are scattered about town, many of which feature local artisan crafted clothing, jewelry, and home decor. Venues for purchasing fresh produce and all your vacation favorites like house made candy and salt water taffy are of course abundant as well.  This is all buoyed by the fact that we are the nation’s oldest seashore resort. When you visit Cape May you are not just visiting the beach; rather, you are treating yourself and your guests to a piece of history that will remain with you for a lifetime.

 

In assisting with your search for a rental property, we strive to be the best of the best…not just on the island, but in the entire vacation rental industry. Vacation begins with the searching and booking process…a process that should be as easy as possible for you. Our state of the art website makes it just that. So relax and start shopping. But first, let us help you find the best home possible by shedding some light on what’s what around town!

 

Homes with 5 or more bedrooms which can accommodate multiple families are always among the first to book solid. A majority of these homes are very close to the beach and the center of town. If you’re looking to vacation in grand style….such a property may certainly be for you. Due to Cape May’s proximity to the ocean and the smaller lot sizes that are typical of the shore, pools are not a common amenity here in town. But they DO exist, and they never disappoint. We invite you to take a look at this fantastic property . Together, the main house and the back cottage of this home sleep a total of 24 people, which make it an ideal location for a family reunion by the sea. In addition to the gorgeous pool, the interior is newly decorated with plenty of living space and a tranquil but large front porch invoking summers of old Cape May. One of the wonderful attributes of this property is that it is easily walkable to Cape May’s hub, the Washington Street Mall.

 

If Cape May is new to you, then you may be a bit overwhelmed in selecting a property location. Or maybe your rental needs have shifted and you are in search of a property to adapt with your changing lifestyle. If so, we invite you to consider one of the islands best kept secrets: West Cape May. A lovely residential area, West Cape May is still within walking distance to the beach and town. Yes, the walk is a bit longer, but the surroundings are a bit quieter too. It’s a locale that is home to many of our pet friendly properties due to the larger lots and more open spaces. West Cape May is also a bit friendlier to the budget! Due to its location just a bit outside of the town center this area offers exceptional rental values, like this 4 bedroom, 3 bath beauty. Featuring a large back deck, screened in porch, and all the amenities of home, this newly listed rental home will book quickly. If you’re reluctant to give West Cape May a try, you’re not the first to have such feelings. But Homestead has a number of long time rental guests who would stay nowhere else on the island. There’s just something special about the area that must be experienced to be fully appreciated.

 

Last but certainly not least, we encourage you to explore Cape May Point. This area of the island is a quick drive or bike ride to town, but it’s also one of THE most peaceful places that you will ever have the pleasure of experiencing. If ultimate tranquility is the goal of your Cape May vacation, then Cape May Point is the place to be. The lush, natural landscape is also one of THE premier birding destinations on the east coast. This makes The Point absolute perfection if your vacation plans are slated for late summer or early autumn. Every home at The Point is a one of a kind! There are of course homes large enough to accommodate multiple families. But the gems are often quaint cottages, like this 2 bedroom bungalow with stunning views of Lake Lily.

 

 

We hope you’ve enjoyed this little sampling of what Cape Island has to offer you. No two vacations are the same. We know that you are looking to visit Cape May and create unique and lasting memories that will be special to YOU and YOUR family. So take the opportunity in this cold weather to relax and dream of summer! Explore, research, and book your property right from our website on your desktop OR mobile device. Of course, we’re here when you need assistance, and ALL questions are good questions. We’re ready for YOUR vacation. So our question is…are you?

It’s that time of year again! We’ve “fallen back”. The time change always seems to cement the fact that autumn is here. And yes, full darkness by 5:00 p.m. may seem a bit depressing, but it only makes us appreciate the long summer days that much more! And remember, the winter solstice is only 6 weeks away, and with it the days will slowly but surely begin to lengthen again. In the meantime, don’t let the autumn and winter get you down!

There is still much happening here in Cape May, the holiday season is nearly upon us, and most importantly, this is JUST the right time to “look and book”-your summer vacation that is! Many of our vacation homes are vacant at this time of year-creating the perfect opportunity to view them in person if you happen to be in town. The largest, 5+ bedroom homes typically book solidly first, with the 3-4 bedroom properties following suit, followed by the smaller properties. Now is the time of year when attentions shift to holiday parties, shopping, and pageantry-all wonderful things to be sure! But, get a jump on booking your vacation rental early! That way you will have your first choice of properties before prime booking season begins in January.When booking your rental, remember that Homestead offers a wide range of exclusive services, including our customizeable, competitively priced linen rental service! Linen packages are offered as an option on ALL of our vacation rental homes, but they can also be rented independently for your convenience.

Turning our attention back to the autumn, there are some wonderful happenings around town this time of year that are not to be missed. Weekend getaways in Cape May are ideal, especially if you’ve never visited us before. Why? Well, they allow you to give our town a sort of “test drive”. And once you do, we think you’ll want to come back and sign on the dotted line! Here are just a few highlights that we highly recommend:November 6th through the 8th is Cape May’s first annual Restaurant Weekend. Cape May is renowned for its fine restaurants and this event is the PERFECT way to experience the establishments. Participating venues will be featuring special prix-fixed menus suited to a variety of tastes and budgets! Most restaurants welcome walk-ins, but If you’re catching a show or planning to head to the Cape May Jazz Festival (presented by Exit Zero), then we strongly suggest reservations to keep your night of fun on track!

Next weekend, visit the Cape May Film Festival on Saturday, November 14th. Jon Stewart’s directing debut film, “Rosewater”, will be presented. Also, as we inch closer to the holiday season, this would be an ideal weekend to begin (or continue) shopping for everyone on your list. What better way to do so than with unique gifts from one of the many shops located on and surrounding Cape May’s Washington Street Mall!As you contemplate holiday shopping, don’t forget what a fabulous gift a Cape May vacation can be! Whether it’s just you and your significant other, or a long overdue family reunion…surprise those closest to you by planning a vacation they will remember for a lifetime! And that planning starts right here at Homestead. We are the Cape May experts, we are here to help, and we hope to talk to YOU soon! Enjoy Cape May!

While it may be hard to believe, the bustling summer season is already one month behind us here in beautiful Cape May. The days are shorter and the mornings downright brisk! Although, the sun warms the beach nicely by midday…creating a perfect atmosphere for long walks on the shore or promenade.

 

For those who have become accustomed to vacationing in Cape May during the summer season, hopefully you have had the opportunity to acquaint yourselves with some of our local residents and business owners. If so, you’re likely in on the secret that autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in town! The historic district is adorned with pumpkins, corn husks and seasonal mums, while the trees are beginning their transition from lush summer green to the golden hues of the fall.

The quaint scenery and cozy atmosphere of the town is reason in itself to visit during autumn! But the slower pace and crisp temperatures also usher in their own activities and happenings that are not to be missed. For those who are unaware, Cape May is one of the premier birding destinations on the east coast. Due to migration patterns, autumn is prime season for birding! On the weekend of October 24th, Cape May will host its 69th Annual Bird Show. This FREE family event will take place at Cape May Convention Hall on Beach Avenue, right in the heart of town.

The fun continues at the 4th Annual Beach Plum Fall Festival. Located on Steven’s Street in West Cape May, the picturesque 62 acre Beach Plum Farm is the place to be on Saturday’s in October (11 am thru 5 pm). Enjoy seasonal food and drink, hayrides, tours of the farm, and much more!

Cape May is a beautiful place to be for Halloween weekend. Nearly all of the local restaurants will be open for business and a festive vibe is sure to be in place! With the holiday season right on the heels of Halloween, it’s the perfect time to get some shopping underway! 

Speaking of shopping…attention yard sale-ers! Homestead will be hosting a HUGE YARD SALE on Saturday, October 31st from 8 am thru 2 pm. The sale will take place at the old Homestead Office, located at 846 Broadway, West Cape May (pictured below). This is a very special event. ALL PROCEEDS will benefit our dear friend and colleague, Jennifer Heller. An employee of Homestead’s rental team, Jenn has been unable to work since August and has just recently been diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis. This is a debilitating disease which Jenn has been courageously fighting, but recovery will be a long road. So come out, shop, and help us in our support of Jenn! All are welcome, whether you’re a serious yard sale-er or a newbie to the “sport”…and there will be a plethora of fantastic bargains to be had!

During your time in Cape May, don’t forget to pay a visit to us at Homestead! Now is THE time to book your 2016 summer rental, but there are also plenty of fantastic properties available for off season getaways, catering to a wide range of needs and budgets! We hope everyone is having a fantastic autumn season, and we look forward to hearing from you soon!