The first week Matthew and Maggie started dating they were in Cape May for Thanksgiving. Pretty early to meet the family, am I right? Either way, Maggie took Matthew up the 99 steps of the Cape May Lighthouse that she had climbed countless times over the course of her childhood. At the top they could see all of Cape May Point and Delaware across the bay and even Europe across the Pacific Ocean (squinting and using their imagination). A must-see even if you don't care about Maggie and Matthew's early relationship adventures. While you're at the lighthouse, be sure to check out the "Cape May Wetlands Natural Area" walking trail, especially if you are interested in bird watching.
Located just a few blocks from our venue, Washington Street Mall is an outdoor walking mall spanning three blocks, with brick pathways, decorative fountains, and wooden benches surrounding garden planters. Traditionally, the Brecker cousins do their Black Friday shopping at Washington Street. Some must-see's include: 1. Christmas Plus (306 Washington Street): a year-long shop for Christmas and beach lovers 2. A Place on Earth (526 Washington Street Mall): an artisanal soap shop (their signature scent is Monkey Farts) 3. Della's 5 & 10 (503 Washington Street Mall): Retro and cute, though we're pretty sure they don't sell anything for 5 or 10 cents. 4. Any of the dozens of shops where you can get Victorian Cape May embroidered hoodies and T's. 5. THE FUDGE KITCHEN (513 Washington Street Mall): A must-see for guests who have never been to the Jersey shore and love fudge or salt water taffy or both
A Brecker family favorite, ideal if you want to catch a sunset on the bay over dinner.
Delicious breakfast and brunch! Matt and I went here after picking our venue.
This is just one example of the many excellent opportunities for bird watching in Cape May. According to Grandmom Brecker, Cape May was rated the second best county for bird watching in the country. Although I cannot find proof of this, Grandmom Brecker is always right. Apparently, Cape May has been a destination for birds and the humans that observe them for over two centuries!
Cape May beaches are lovely, so even though it may be chilly, we do recommend heading over to meet some New Jersey sea gulls in their natural habitat.
"The Cape May County Park and Zoo is free and open every day of the year except for Christmas (weather permitting). They’re located just a few miles up the Garden State Parkway at exit 11. The zoo features over 550 critters representing more than 250 different species. In May 2010, the birth of two Snow Leopard cubs put the zoo on the map. In April 2012, the zoo saw its third consecutive year of Snow Leopard births." -The Zoo Website The Cape May Zoo was previously Maggie's favorite zoo, but now it is her second favorite to the Omaha Zoo. It is small but charming, but most-importantly, it's free.
Cape May has many great wineries, including The Cape May Winery and our venue's partner: Willow Creek Winery. However, the Cape May Winery (website attached) has live music on Friday April 3rd from 5-8PM.