It seems like only yesterday we were speaking of snow on the ground and the tranquility of winter in Cape May…yet here we are, rounding the corner of late July into the beginning of August. It’s truly hard to believe just how quickly the time has passed once again. This is Cape May’s prime season. The next 3 weeks will be the busiest of the summer, and we encourage you to enjoy them to the fullest!
It goes without saying that the beach is a top priority at this point in the year. Temperatures this summer have soared into the 90’s with humidity levels hovering around the same number. For many, such conditions are ideal beach weather. Here at Homestead we regularly praise the Cape May beaches for their tranquility, diverse landscape, and unique ability to appeal to all tastes. As it would seem, we are not alone in that line of thinking. Not only are Cape May beaches some of the most popular in the State of New Jersey, they have once again been listed among the best in the country! Whether it be an early morning stroll, an entire day (or week!) of sunbathing and surfing, or just an evening view of the scorching summer sunset; be sure to incorporate the beach into your plans over the next few weeks.
Now, we know what you’re thinking. We know because it’s one of the most common questions that our guests ask of us. That is: What is there to do when it’s not an ideal beach day? This is a very good question indeed. While Cape May typically experiences beautiful weather throughout the summer, one must remember that we are still part of a subtropical climate prone to the occasional showery day. Some daytime shopping, dining out, and historic trolley tours are all tried and true, fantastic options. But one of our best recommendations is to visit a place that is not just one of Cape May County’s best kept secrets, but apparently one of the best kept on the entire globe! We’re talking about the Cape May County Zoo. According to a recent article from nj.com, our local zoo is named by Trip Advisor as the 13th best Zoo in the world, and the 5th best in the nation. The best part? It’s only a short drive up the Garden State Parkway (Exit 11). Admission and parking are free (although donations are appreciated!). Even if your current or upcoming vacation week contain perfect beach days every day, we highly recommend a jaunt to the zoo. It’s an enjoyable experience you won’t soon forget.
There are a bevy of additional activities taking place in Cape May over the next few weeks, and here are a few that we’d like to highlight…
Thursday, 7/21: Movies on the Beach presents “Tommorowland” beginning at 8:30 pm on the Stockton Avenue beach.
The always popular Fire Pit Friday’s at Willow Creek Winery in West Cape May (taking place every Friday through the summer!)
Saturday, 7/23: The West Cape May Elementary School PTA presents the “Art and Heritage Festival” featuring local artists and crafters. (10 am thru 6 pm at West Cape May Borough Hall).
Sunday, 7/24: There will be a free evening concert at the Rotary Park featuring the Congress Street Brass Band. (Park located between Decatur and Jackson streets, and the time will be 7pm until 8:30 pm). This is a very exciting event, as major renovations to the park will be unveiled! on Friday 7/22!
Monday, 7/25 will feature Christmas in July at the Cape May Lighthouse! Fun for the whole family will abound, and children will also have the chance to visit Santa!
Tuesday, July 25th (and every Tuesday in the summer) be sure to visit the West Cape May Farmers Market located at West Cape May Borough Hall on Broadway. The market spans from 3 pm until 7:30 pm and features not only fresh produce, but also antiques, art, and various local goods available for purchase. While you’re there, be sure to stop by and say “Hi” to Homestead, because we have our very own booth at the market! The entire experience invokes the fantastic sense of a tight knit local community that West Cape May is especially famous for.
While summer in Cape May is the busiest of seasons, it is in turn also the fastest of them. Don’t worry, we will be sure to touch on the wonders of autumn in Cape May when the time comes, and there are recent days in which we must admit that a nice crisp breeze would feel quite lovely; but for now, we’re still focused on the summer! Join us in that focus and enjoy the best days of summer 2016 before it’s past its prime! You’ll no doubt discover why Cape May has earned the right to be listed among the nation’s best seaside resort communities, and we’re confident that you will want to return!
NOTE: We are beginning to accept bookings for the 2017 season! Contact Homestead to speak with one of our reservationists! (It will be just a bit more time before Homestead begins accepting 2017 reservations online).