CapeMay.com - Cape May New Jersey Visitor Information Vacation Planning

Nothing says summer like the month of July. School is out and the fall return is a long way off. You might be asking yourself, what does Cape May have to offer families, other than the beach and miniature golf? Well, we’re here to tell you just that. First off, what would July be without fireworks? There are two Independence Day venues. Lower Township’s July 2 (Thursday) Fireworks Festival can be best seen along Beach Drive in North Cape May – by the Ferry landing. There will be amusements, vendors and activities along the drive beginning late Thursday afternoon, but the pyrotechnics – which take place out on the Delaware Bay, don’t usually begin until after 9 p.m. A word to the wise, get there early and park further away. Beach Drive will be closed to traffic from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

On the island, the City of Cape May, in conjunction with Congress Hall, will host a “Fireworks Extravaganza,” also launching out at sea, July 4^th around 9 p.m. You know how small towns just love a parade? Well, Cape May does not disappoint. The city’s Independence Day Parade begins at 1 p.m. along Beach Drive. It’s a definite don’t miss because it’s so darn cute.

Kids’ Day is Wednesday July 8 at the Emlen Physick Estate on Washington Street. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) the day is filled with fun activities like dress-ups, hat-making, face painting, Victorian games, magic show, pony rides, Teddy Bear tea parties and more. Please visit www.capemaymac.org for more information.

A day in Wildwood is always family fun. Check out the Beach Ball Dance Expo at Morey’s Piers Saturday, July 11 through Sunday, July 12. The event takes place on all three piers and both waterparks. Young dancers show off their happy feet and enjoy the rides as well. For more information visit www.moreyspiers.com.

If you are looking to introduce the kids to theater, why not attend East Lynne Theater’s premiere production of Hans Brinker July 7? The play was adapted by East Lynne Artistic Director Gayle Stahlhuth from the 1865 novel by American Mary Mapes Dodge. It’s all about an ice-skating race in the Netherlands, and the pair of silver skates that is the prize. This production was chosen to celebrate the founding of Cape Ma y 400 years ago by English Henry Hudson on the Dutch ship, the Half-Moon. It is a Summer Theater Workshop Student Production and admission free. Curtain is at 8 p.m. and theater is located at the First Presbyterian Church at Decatur and Hughes streets. For more information about this and other East Lynne Productions visit
www.eastlynnetheater.org.

Another fun thing, which families have been attending for years, are the Band Concerts in Rotary Park on Lyle Lane. Since the closing of Convention Hall another night has been added. Bring a lawn chair, spray on the mosquito repellent, enjoy some light fare on the Washington Street Mall and sit down for a spell. The concerts are held on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 8 p.m. Except on July 4 – the Congress Street Brass Band will be playing at 6 p.m. in honor of the city’s 400^th celebration of Henry Hudson getting stuck in a sandbar and “discovering” what would eventually be called Cape Island and Delaware Bay. Download a complete schedule of who’s playing and when.

An excellent resource for kids and nature lovers is the Nature Center on Delaware Avenue by the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center. They offer such programs as Nature Wizards for grades 3 through 5. This four-day session runs Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon. Here’s what they have to say about the program – “Come one, come all and join us for a summer of fun and discovery! Each week we’ll investigate our environment and examine science through experiments, games, and hands-on activities. We’ll learn ‘Green Living’ concepts throughout the summer. Topics like solar power, wind energy, aqua culture, and harbor clean up and care will be explored. Also, each week we’ll introduce a different scientist, inventor, or artist who has taken his or her inspiration from the natural world.” Class sizes are small and fill quickly. Pre-registration is strongly recommended. Cost: members $60 per week, nonmembers, $80 per week.

Another Monday to Thursday program for children entering grades one and two is Nature Rangers. Each week participants investigate our environment through experiments, games, arts & crafts and hands-on activities. The group is also introduced to a different scientist, inventor, or artist who has taken his or her inspiration from the natural world. There are countless other programs which take place in the evenings on weekends and for different age groups. Visit the website for more information and to register, www.njaudubon.org/Centers/NCCM or call 609-898-8848.

Don’t forget the waterways when looking for family activities. For example, you can rent kayaks at the Nature Center. Aqua Trails Kayaking casts off from the Delaware Avenue location, across from the Nature Center. This is a very calm, scenic tour and is offered twice daily, weather permitting. Plus, full moon and sunset tours are also available. For more information and reservations call 609-884-5400 or visit www.aquatrails.com.

Down at the docks, the Spirit of Cape May and the Whale Watcher are excellent for a more extensive sight seeing on the water. These 110-foot boats are owned and operated by the Stewart family. The Stewart Family started the Cape May Whale Watcher in 1993, and has been involved in Eco-Tourism at the Jersey Shore since 1973. Captain Jeff Stewart Sr. started out as a mate aboard the Big Flamingo in Wildwood Crest, NJ. Capt. Jeff or his son, Capt. Jeff, Jr. are usually at the helm. The Spirit of Cape May also offers a family style buffet-dinner cruise which casts off at 6:30 p.m. in the summer months and 5:30 in the off-season. For more information and to make reservations call 609-884-5445 or visit www.capemaywhalewatcher.com.

The Salt Marsh Safari aboard the Skimmer is a great fun/educational tour to take especially if you are nature lover and are curious as to how the ecological wonder we call Cape Island works. The tours explore the coastal salt marsh aboard the 40-foot Skimmer. Itinerary includes natural history, fish, crustaceans, shellfish, marine mammals, plant life, tidal flows, and bird life. Tours remain on placid inland waters. Your fare promotes a non-consumptive use of our environment. Tour one of the state’s densest populations of nesting Ospreys. Nearly a dozen nests are visible at once! The Skimmer routinely visits these spectacular natural areas. The striking Black Skimmer is proof that the most exotic wildlife lives right here in New Jersey. See the world’s largest colony of Laughing Gulls. Visit a heron rookery. Cruises offer an up-close look at salt marsh ecology. For more information and to make a reservation call 609-884-3100 or visit www.skimmer.com.

Want some real excitement? Try parasailing. It is like no other experience you’ll ever have at the shore. And, it’s a two-fer. You get a boat ride and you get to float up in the air with the greatest of ease. East Coast Parasail is located at Utsch’s Marina just before Schellenger’s Landing (the Lobster House), under the Route 109 bridge. Boats depart every hour-and-a-half from 8 a.m. to sunset, Memorial Day to Labor Day. After Labor Day, boats run weekends only. Space is limited; however, observers are always welcome for a discounted rate. Reservations are highly recommended. Group rates are available for parties of six or more. For more information and to make a reservation call 609-898-UFLY (8359) or visit www.eastcoastparasail.com.

For the more sophisticated crowd there are art shows at SOMA NewArt Gallery on Perry Street in the Carpenters Square Mall, at the Mad Batter Restaurant on Jackson Street and in the Magnolia Room at the Chalfonte Hotel. View all ongoing Cape May art exhibits.

There are performances Wednesday through Saturday (8:30 p.m. curtain) at the East Lynne Theater Company whose home is located at the First Presbyterian Church on Decatur and Hughes streets. For tickets and dinner/theater reservations to the current production of Alice on the Edge and the July 29 premiere of the Ransom of Red Chief call 609-884-5898 or visit www.eastlynnetheater.org.

Cape May Stage on Lafayette Street offers performances at the Robert Shackelton Playhouse Wednesday through Sunday (8 p.m. curtain). Often there are special events at the theater on Monday nights. For tickets to the current production of Say Goodnight Gracie – running through July 18 – and to the production of Social Security opening July 22, call 609-884-1341 or visit www.capemaystage.com.

Access to Art is sponsoring the 12^th Annual Sam Maitin Chamber Music Festival July 11 at 7 p.m. at the Cape Methodist Church on Washington Street. For more information visit accesstoart.org.

Monday, July 6, at 7 p.m. at the West Cape May Borough Hall, the Cape May Film Society presents film La Femme Nikita (1990). Your hosts will be East Lynne Theater’s Gayle Stahlhuth and Lee O’Connor. For more information visit www.capemayfilm.org.

For the more adventuresome and the well-heeled, South Jersey Marina will host the 7^th Annual Mid-Atlantic Tuna Tournament (MA-500) Wednesday, July 15 through Saturday, July 18. Yes folks,  it’s Tuna Time and there’s no better opportunity for the tuna fisherman in our area to compete for substantial cash prizes than the 8th Annual Mid-Atlantic Tuna Tournament. Participants can troll or chunk their way to big cash (the average purse has been above $250,000) for yellowfin and/or bluefin and can do it with a captain’s choice, fish two out of three format. The best part of this event is the fact that its format allows boats of all sizes to compete competitively. Throw in our well known South Jersey hospitality and a great time is guaranteed! The tuna fishing has historically been exceptional around these dates and there’s no reason it won’t be the same this year. If you’re interested in testing your angling skills in a tried and true tuna fishing event, then don’t miss it. It’s coming up shortly, so make your reservations today and take advantage of the early entry fee discount.

Don’t forget to shop at the West Cape May Farmers Market on Tuesdays from  3 to sunset located on Broadway at the West Cape May Municipal Complex Park. The West Cape May Farmers Market focuses on Jersey fresh produce, delicious food and baked goods, local artists, and antiques & collectibles. Ansd there is always entertainment there as well. Profits from the market is divided between environment committees that help to beautify the West Cape May parks, public areas, and street scapes.

Now don’t say there’s nothing to do in Cape May except walk the beach, sit on the beach, play in the sand and watch the sunsets. Not that that’s a bad thing. Until next month, Happy Trails.