All of us here in Cape May are just overwhelmed (in a good way) with the number of visitors who are coming here this summer.  We’re sure this is one of the best seasons that anyone has seen in years. Why, you ask?  Well, Cape May seems to have reached new levels of exposure to what we think is the whole world! Look through our past blogs to see the “Best Of” lists that Cape May has been honored to receive mention! Luckily, we’ve been ready for our close-up for a long time! In fact, just the other day, right around dusk, Facebook exploded with tons of gorgeous photos of a gorgeous double rainbow. Spectacular!

While you’re here, enjoy our expansive beaches and restaurants, shops and entertainment. Of course, we think the BEST way to experience Cape May is on foot or under pedal-power. Just remember that at this time of year, there are a lot of visitors who are new to town and not yet comfy with traffic patterns, so be sure to give bikers and walkers a little wider berth!

It’s August…the busiest weeks of the summer, and there is A LOT happening! Enjoy lots of live music at local venues like The Rusty Nail, Boiler Room, The Brown Room, Mad Batter, Elaine’s, Harry’s, Willow Creek Winery, Hawk Haven Winery, Cabanas, Fins, Merion Inn, The Ugly Mug, Delaney’s…just about everywhere!

There is also excellent live Equity theater both at Cape May Stage and East Lynne Theaters; Be sure to catch Herman’s Hermits with honey-toned heartthrob, Peter Noone at Convention Hall on August 3rd followed by Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder on August 10th. Cape May is proud to host many headlining performers throughout the summer, so keep your eyes peeled for local sightings!

Enjoy Cape May’s FREE Movies on the Beach near Convention Hall, Thursdays at 8:30pm – ELF showing on 8/6 and SPACE BALLS on 8/13. Bring your beach chairs and blankets!

Visit the Victor Grasso Art Exhibit “The Naturalist” at SOMA Art Gallery on Carpenter’s Square Mall thru August.

Don’t forget to pick up some fresh produce and lots of other goodies at West Cape May Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays behind borough hall on Broadway from 3-8pm on Tuesdays; Feeling like you have happy feet?

Try out your do-si-do and promenade lefts and rights at Square Dance Nights on Wednesdays at Congress Hall!

One of our favorite things to do in Cape May is to go for an afternoon, evening or specially themed sail on New Jersey’s Tall Ship, the beautifully restored A.J. Meerwald.  This magnificent vessel will be docked in Cape May from August 15-30. You can even sign your children up for the Meerwald’s “Sailor For a Day” program or their wonderful Pirate Sails! You’ll need reservations, so visit their website for details.

There’s really too much to list here, but you can get the 411, the lowdown, the skinny and the scoop by visiting the event listings pages at capemay.com or find events through our mobile app. You can also scour the event and activity listings in the local papers and event guides. We hope your stay in Cape May is a memorable one.  Re-book your rental property before you depart or find a new one by calling us at 888-309-7454 or by visiting our easy-to-use website!

Well, it’s mid July. With Fourth of July two weeks behind us and Labor Day still over a month out, it’s safe to say that we are in the heart of the summer season! And what a beautiful summer it has been. Sunny beach days and warm, muggy nights have dominated our weather pattern this year…and with a heat wave on the horizon this weekend, there’s never been a better time to be at the beach. Remember though that Cape May is not home to your average beach, it is home to one of the best family beaches in the country! 

One of the greatest aspects of our lovely town is that there is much on the agenda besides the beach. Enjoy lunch at one of our many fabulous restaurants, stroll the Washington Street Mall, or take a walk through Cape May Point state park and climb the lighthouse for one of the best views you will ever encounter! And trust us; if you climb to the top you will need no other exercise for the day! In fact, you’ll deserve to reward yourself with an ice cream cone or some water ice!

When staying in Cape May for a week or longer, our humid summer climate can occasionally bring about a showery day or two. If you’re not in the mood for such a cloudy beach day, there are plenty of other activities to partake in, like miniature golf, a movie, or maybe some shopping! However, sometimes a so-so beach day is the perfect opportunity to take a scenic drive up the Garden State Parkway to the Cape May County Park and Zoo! A truly enjoyable experience for the whole family, our zoo has recently been named the 13th best zoo in the WORLD. With such an accolade, there’s no reason not to check it out!

Rounding out July are a number of fantastic events happening in town…far more than we could ever fit in this post! A few highlights include the 11th annual Celtic Festival at Historic Cold Spring Village July 18-19th, and Sangria Sunday at Hawk Haven Winery! We also recommend checking out The Cape May Chamber of Commerce for a full list of the goings on around town!

 

So you see, whether you’re here for the beach, the world class restaurants, the bustling historic district or the natural tranquility of Cape May Point…summer in Cape May truly has something for everyone. And we hope you’re enjoying every minute of it!

School is out, the sun is hot, the water is cool … it’s the official start of summer!

Whether your in Cape May for the day, weekend or your week long vacation there’s plenty to do in town.  We have live music nightly throughout town, bird walks, dance the night away, dinner theaters and so much more.

28th Annual Cape May Quilt & Fiber Arts Show
June 27, 2015 9:00am – 5:00pm
Historic Cold Spring Village – 720 Route 9 – Cold Spring NJ – 609-898-2300
The Village’s 28th annual Quilt Show has expanded into a full-scale event celebrating all forms of fiber arts.  In addition to voting for your favorite quilt, guests can take in workshops and demonstration on knitting, crocheting, wool dyeing, sheep shearing and more.

SOMA NewArt Gallery – Sean Taylor
June 27, 2014 10:00am – 10:00pm
Sean Taylor’s eight solo show at SOMA Gallery; Taylor reveals the game of life through a balance of concepts, allegory and observed representation.  This new collection of oil and acrylic paintings delivers a powerful array of work traversing the genres of subconscious narratives to objective realism.

Ocean Club Hotel
June 27, 2015 2:00pm – 7:00pm
Gregg Carpenter
Enjoy live entertainment overlooking the ocean with folk-classic rock sounds.

Rusty Nail
June 27, 2015:  4:30-8:30pm
Chris Gillen-Schwartz is one of the popular musicians in the local music community in Cape May.  His repertoire ranges from folk to rock, from covers to originals.  A must seeJ!

Nature Center of Cape May 
June 30, 2015:  10:30am – 12:00pm
Encounter an incredible diversity of marine life as you help pull a twenty-foot seine net through the shallows of Cape May Harbor.  You will learn about the lives of the animals that inhabit our coastal waters, including the fascinating and ancietn Horseshoe Crap.  Walk-ins welcome.  Costs:  $10 (Adults) $5 (children 3-12)

JULY 4, 2015

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at Cape May Congress Hall
714 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ
609-884-9565

Independence Day Celebration at Historic Cold Spring Village
720 Route 9 – Cold Spring, NJ
A variety of patriotic family activities, programs and music will be taking place at the Village’s restored historic buildings will be open, featuring demonstrations of Early American trades and crafts.

The Kate Delany Duo at Rusty Nail
205 Beach Avenue – Cape May NJ
Accompanied by drum and guitar, local favorite Kate Delany mesmerizes her audiences as her sultry voice recreates songs from the repertoire of Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, Regina Spektor, Joni Mitchell, Janice Joplin, The Beatles and Jewel.

Independence Day Fireworks!

Congress Hall – 251 Beach Avenue – Cape May
Bring a blank and chair and enjoy the Cape May City fireworks display at 9:00pm along the beachfront.  Fireworks launch from an offshore barge.

Independence Day Parade (July 5, 2015)
Cape May Convention Hall
714 Beach Avenue – Cape May New Jersey
1:00pm – 2:00pm

 

Morning Yoga At Willow Creek Winery (Fridays)
World renowned Yoga instructor Cailin Callahan will be hosting the most relaxing yoga classes in the vineyard (or inside the winery depending on weather)  every Friday.  Cailin is the owner of Golden Buddha Yoga and hosts classes literally all over the world.  Her classes sell out every week so please be sure to call ahead for reservations.  Include a glass a sangria at the end of the session.

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t miss this impeccably maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bath home which has been expanded and improved since the current owners purchased it in 2000.  Improvements include a new central heating and cooling system, updated kitchen, updated bathrooms, bamboo flooring and more.  Outside, the yard is nicely landscaped and includes a deck, koi pond, pool and hot tub.

So, it’s not officially summer, but based on the crowds and number of umbrellas on the beaches, it’s really here!

The next two weeks?  Aside from eating, biking, relaxing and hitting the beach, here are some highlights…

THEATER
June-July:  at Cape May Stage’s Robert Shackleton Theater is “Red-Hot Patriot: The Kick-ass Wit of Molly Ivins” The late Molly Ivins was Austin’s newspaper columnist, best-selling author and Texas icon. She stirred up a heap of trouble in the Lone Star State’s old boy’s club and earned a place in history as one of America’s most articulate satirists.

LIVE MUSIC ON THE CAPE
There is live music all over Cape May these days with a lot of local and regional talent entertaining the masses. There’s Rock, Jazz, Singer-Songwriter, Folk, Blues…a little something for everyone.  Check out these venues for their nightly music schedules: The Mad Batter – Cabanas – Harry’s – Boiler Room – Elaine’s Porch – Hawk Haven Winery – Rusty Nail/Beach Shack – Willow Creek Winery – Carney’s – Merion Inn

ART EXHIBITS
June 11-21: Jim Inzero and Beatrice Coron on Exhibit at  SOMA GALLERY  – Encaustic paintings by regional artist Inzero and world-renowned papercut artist Coron. Open daily 10-6.

 

There are still rental properties available for your vacation, with new properties being added almost weekly! Call Homestead’s Rental Department at 609-884-1888 or email us at info@homesteadrealesate.net Homestead for more information. If you’re in the neighborhood, please stop by!

 

 

 

 

 

Okay, so according to the calendar it’s still late spring….but here in Cape May, everyone knows that the summer season has officially kicked off with the recent Memorial Day weekend. And what a weekend it was! Buoyed by gorgeous weather, Memorial Day weekend found Cape May bustling with locals and visitors alike. Refreshed by the tranquility of the winter, we definitely think there’s a magical feeling in witnessing the summer season come alive!

 

Late May and early June is a wonderful time to visit Cape May. Many rentals are still available at shoulder season rates. With school still in session for just a few more weeks, the weekday crowds are a bit lighter. But our local merchants and restaurant owners are ready for business! Most are open five to seven days per week at this point, so a midweek getaway is the perfect opportunity to experience Cape May at a bit of a slower pace.

 

 

 

While the ocean water is still on the chilly side, the beach in early summer will envelop you with refreshing sea breezes and warm sun. And speaking of the sun, do be sure to visit Sunset Beach. Located at the very end of Sunset Boulevard towards Cape May Point, it is definitely home to the most beautiful sunsets on the island. The typical low humidity of the early summer also sets the stage for ideal sunset views and evening beach strolls.

 

As always, there is a plethora of activities in Cape May appealing to all ages and sensibilities, and the next few weeks are home to a few of the most exciting events of the season! Friday, May 29th kicks off The 2015 Exit Zero International Jazz Festival.

A fourth annual event, the festival attracts established musicians, artists new to the scene, and local Cape May favorites! It’s an event not to be missed.

 

Speaking of experiences that must not be missed, we think it bears repeating that Cape May is home to an outstanding restaurant scene. There are options for all tastes, BYOB selections, and long standing Cape May landmark restaurants. Whether you are looking to host a family event, a quiet evening with friends, or a romantic dinner for two, everyone can be accommodated by Cape May’s dining establishments! If you find yourself in town for the week of May 31st, you and your guests are in for a very special treat. This is because it is Cape May Restaurant Week!. A truly special event, participating Cape May restaurants will feature exciting Prix Fixed menus. If you’ve always wanted to experience a dining establishment that you felt might be just a little out of reach (and haven’t we all), now is the time! Restaurant week will run Sunday, May 31st through Thursday, June 4th. Once you have selected your dining options, be sure t make reservations! Available tables fill in quickly for this popular event.

 

Not to be overlooked are tried and true Cape May favorites, like Fire Pit Friday’s at the Willow Creek Winery , and live musical entertainment at the Ebbitt Room or Merion Inn, just to name a few.

 

Whether you’re strolling the the Washington Street Mall, basking in the sun of the beaches, or enjoying a night of dining and fantastic music, the season has certainly begun in Cape May. Enjoy every moment of it!

 

Homestead rental agents are available Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. Call today to reserve a property! For your convenience, you may also reserve full week rentals via our online booking system 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Cape May has always received attention for its many charms.  We’ve been recognized as one of the Prettiest Painted Places in America and designated as a National Landmark City among other accolades.  Recently, there’s been a groundswell of kudos visited upon our little hamlet. We’ve been proud to be in these “top” lists:

• named one of the Top Ten Beaches in America by CNN;
• voted one of New Jersey’s Top 12 Best Small Towns by NJ.com;
• named as one of Top Ten Family Destinations by Family Fun Magazine/Parents Network in their Annual Travel Awards;
• Conde Nast Traveler’s Top 20 List of America’s Best Food Cities

We hate to brag, but we ARE proud of what Cape May has achieved, and it’s thanks to the hard work and vision of creative and talented residents, arts and cultural organizations, merchants, hoteliers and restaurateurs.

The month of May sees the nation’s “First Resort” ramping up its activities, and there’s a little something for everyone to experience our many personalities, be it the beach, the bay, the harbor or the town.  Hold onto your hat…here’s what’s in store!

 

FRIDAY-SUNDAY – MAY 8-10
Cape May County Coast Guard Festival is a celebration of the community of the Coast Guard.  There are events scheduled for the entire weekend, including parades, tours of the base and its boats,

 

SATURDAY, MAY 9 — The Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May will transform the Cape May beachfront into certified 5k & 10k racecourse. Come for the race and stay for the day! Runners will enjoy the fast flat course that loops throughout Cape May. Starts at 8am along Beach Avenue loops through Cape May. Online registration www.Active.com Runners receive T-shirt and Goodie Bag.

 

SATURDAY, MAY 9 — World Series of Birding is perhaps the world’s most famous birding competition. Participants try to identify the greatest number of bird species throughout the state of New Jersey, USA over a 24-hour period on a Saturday in mid-May. The event is also run as a fundraiser for bird conservation, with participants soliciting pledges for each species they identify. There are a number of ways for birders to compete in the World Series of Birding, and there are different awards for the most successful youth teams as well as the most successful all-senior team.

 

 

 

THURSDAY-SUNDAY, MAY 14-17:  Spring Sidewalk Sale on Washington Street Mall.  This is a great opportunity to stock up on those sweatshirts, t-shirts and other good stuff. 9am-7pm

 

MAY 14-18: CapeMAYgration — Experience Cape May bird migration and other of our natural wonders, including the confluence of the arrival of the red knots and horseshoe crabs. Keynote speakers, boat trips, photography sessions and indoor programs as well.  A selection of trips will have guides and transportation provided. For more information, visit the New Jersey Audubon website.

 

SATURDAY, MAY 16 – It’s not exactly the famous 800-mile-long yard sale in Indiana, but it’s pretty darned close! It’s the Annual West Cape May Borough Wide Yard Sale, and we think it’s recycling in its highest form! The yard sales will take place throughout the West Cape May Borough from 9am-2pm, and a map of all the yard sale locations will be available on the West Cape May Borough!

 

 

With all there is to do in the pre-season, why not spent the quiet midweek and the bustling weekend in Cape May.  We have many partial-week rental properties available in the off-season, and some prime weekly rentals for the summer.  Visit our Homestead Rental Website or call us at 888-309-7454 to ask about our fine inventory of vacation rentals! We have dedicated full-time rental agents waiting to help you fine your perfect home.

 

Greetings from Cape May!

We are now just shy of one month into the spring, and slowly but surely the weather is warming and the trees and flowers are blooming. The evenings are longer and the sunsets more vibrant. Beachfront breezes are saturated with the scents of the season! If you’ve not experienced Cape May in the spring, now is the time!

A drive or stroll around town will reveal businesses and homeowners abuzz in preparations for the upcoming summer. Paint is being freshened and gardens are being tended. These are welcoming sights indeed after an unseasonably cold winter!

In case you haven’t heard, Cape May is well known for its diverse restaurant scene, featuring options for all tastes. The 2015 season promises to bring some new additions and changes to the table! A long standing Southwestern favorite, Gecko’s, has moved from their former location near the Washington Street Mall to a new location on Perry St. in West Cape May. The café style vibe will feature an exciting new menu that you won’t want to miss!  Enjoy their tasty dishes in the cozy dining room, out in the garden or to take out!

Occupying Gecko’s previous location will be Yozu Sushi. Yozu has operated a successful restaurant offshore for a few years and is excited to be entering the Cape May restaurant scene.

The offshore North Cape May location will remain in operation as well and is a perfect place to stop if you find yourself famished after a ride on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.

In keeping with the theme of change, former Washington Street Mall staple Cucina Rosa will be reopening as “That’s Amore” – featuring traditional Italian fare and a create your own pasta menu.  Surely there will be something for everyone for lunch, dinner and brunch.  If you go, do try their Arancini Riso (pictured)…a specialty of the house! These are seasoned rice balls stuffed with mozzarella, lightly fried and topped with red gravy and grated cheese.

Finally, don’t forget about dessert options! Proudly opening adjacent the Washington Street Mall is “Peace Pie” …a unique venue featuring lots of combinations of ice cream, shortbreads, and various pie fillings. Check out their website for a list of the sinful cookie, ice cream and pie filling combos — like the Molten Chocolate Peace Pie, which is chocolate mousse pie filling & chocolate ice cream between two chocolate cookies.  Need we say more?!

Cape May is also abuzz with the imminent opening of Fins Bar and Grille, taking the place of the venerable Pilot House on Decatur Street. They’re looking for a late spring opening, and renovations are in full swing. We’re not sure what’s happening inside, but rumor has it that it will be spectacular!

There are simply too many dining options to mention in this blog post! So please keep in mind that this is just a sampling of Cape May’s fantastic restaurant scene. A majority of restaurants are now operating on a Thursday through Sunday schedule, perfect for a long weekend stay!

A visit to Willow Creek Winery for their tours and tastings is always fun, and their FirePit Friday events have become “the thing to do” on a Friday night.  Residents and visitors come to enjoy the wines, tapas and live music and a great atmosphere. If you go, reservations are suggested! Call 609-770-8782 to secure a spot.

In addition to dining, there are always fun events for the whole family taking place around the area. If you’re up for a little jaunt off the island, check out the Cape May County Earth Day celebration at the County Park and Zoo on Saturday, April 18th (Call at 609-465-5271 for more information).

Interested in a bit of local culture? Visit the SOMA NewArt Gallery  on Perry Street In the heart of town for their new exhibit opening on April 18th with a reception from 6-9pm.  This free event will feature the works of a handful of Cape May’s talented local artists Terri Amig, Carol King Hood (at left) and Harriett Sosson.

Whether you’re here for dining, shopping, or just relaxing, Homestead has a number of pre-season short term rentals available. Contact us today! We also have prime season summer weeks still available, but they are booking up fast!

Weekly rentals may be reserved by phone, or at anytime using our online booking system 24/7. To book a weekend rental, contact Homestead toll free at 888-309-7454 Monday through Saturday from 9 until 5. We look forward to hearing from you soon and hope that you are enjoying the spring season!

 

 

The days are getting longer and the weather is going warmer!  If you haven’t already planned your Cape May Summer Vacation – it’s time to start!  Call a Homestead Reservationist ASAP:  609-884-1888.

 

 

If you’re in the area this weekend with your little ones (Saturday April 4, 2015)  be sure to stop at Congress Hall for a Scavenger Hunt.  The scavenger hunt is from 12:00pm – 2:00pm and the cost is $5.00 per child.

 

Did you play the candyland game as a child?  Do you play candyland with your children? Imagine being able to play a life-sized version of candyland!  That’s exactly what will take place at Congress Hall on April 6, 2015 from 11:00am – 4:00pm.  All participants must be 4 years old and up.  The cost is: $10.00 per person.

If you are here for a “Girlfriends Getaway weekend” be sure to stop at the Physick Estate for “Hats off to the Ladies”.  You’ll find light afternoon tea while enjoying a hat making demonstration courtsey of Cape Winds Florist.  Be sure to wear your hat because it is required.

 

Take a Vineyard and Winery Tour on April 11, 2015 from 1:00pm – 5:00pm.  This is a guided tour where you will taste serveral wines.  You’ll learn why each wine has a unique taste and how the maker creates each flavor. A $25.00 fee per person includes the tour, tasting, cheese and souvenir glass.

 If you’re in town – be sure to stop by the office at 502 Bank Street to look at our inventory for your Cape May Summer Vacation Rental! Or call us at: 609-884-1888
We look forward to seeing you soon!