November in Cape May is kind of like being back stage during a scene change. We are still in Harvest mode but by mid-month, the transition to a Holiday set has been completed, just in time for the Holiday Preview Weekend, November 17-19, sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC). It is month which ranges the gamut from Jazz Festival to Film Festival to Santa Trolley Rides.

 But it’s still pumpkins, scarecrows and ‘mums on the Washington Street Mall and around town for the first annual Horsin’ Around Cape May (November 4) being held at Sea Horse Farm, Seashore Rd. & Taylor Lane. 8 AM - 5PM. On Sunday (November 5) be sure to catch the Antique Carriage Parade through Cape May at noon (Gather at the Gazebo on Lafayette Street). See Bill Godfrey’s Horsin’ Around piece for more details on this event.

 The theater scene in Cape May is still groovin.’ East Lynne Theater Co.’s Dick Spindler's Family Christmas  runs Fri. and Sat. November 24-25, December 8-9; and Sun. December 3 at 8:30. Townsfolk were surprised that Dick Spindler was going to host a big "family" Christmas party because they didn't think he had a family. Find out who is invited in Bret Harte's humorous Western Christmas tale. The First Presbyterian Church 500 Hughes Street. Info & reservations 609-884-5898. www.eastlynnetheater.org. Additionally, Cape May Stage’s production This Wonderful Life opens November 24 and continues right through the Christmas season, closing December 23^rd. This one-man show takes us back to war time, New England and Bedford Falls. For tickets and reservations call 884-1341 for further information and reservations or go to www.capemaystage.com for tickets.

 “It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." So sayeth that master detective Sherlock Holmes who will be visiting Cape May during Sherlock Holmes Weekend (November3-5). Part of the festivities includes Dinner on the Orient Express. This four-course dinner at the Mad Batter restaurant, 19 Jackson Street, November 5, is inspired by the menu served to passengers in the famous Agatha Christie tale. Play along to solve a mock murder mystery. Period costume encouraged. This is just one of a number of activities which also includes the East Lynne Theater Production of Sherlock Holmes’ Adventures of the Copper Beeches adapted from the writings of Sir Arthur Conon Doyle by East Lynne Theater director Gayle Stahlhuth showing Friday and Saturday (November3-4) at 8 PM This VERY popular event sells out quickly so call MAC at 609-884-5404 or visit the website at www.capemaymac.org for further details.

 Get into the spirit of things on a Historic Haunts Combo Tour. The trolley tours Cape May’s regal Victorian residences, reputed to host more than the living. Then it’s a guided tour of the historic (some say haunted) Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, with a discussion of Victorian spiritualism. Tour begins and ends at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth. Saturday, November 4 at 7 PM And while we’re talking of ghostly gatherings, be sure to check out the new Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Ride at 7 PM on Friday, November 17, and at 8:45 PM on Saturday, November 18. Be forewarned that any tour having to do with ghosts sells out in advance.

 New Orleans is the theme for the 26^th Cape May’s Jazz Festival running November 10-12. Some 30 musicians will come to town to entertain, including trumpeter Chuck Mangione and vocalist Kevin Mahogany who will perform a tribute to the legendary Johnny Hartmann. For tickets and more information call 609-884-7277 or visit their website at www.capemayjazz.com.

 There are several new events coming up in November. One is the Sweet Treats House Tour (Saturday, November11 from 1-3:30 PM). This is a self-guided tour of five of Cape May’s Victorian inns, with a different specialty sweet served at each location, followed by more treats at the Carriage House of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street A trolley shuttle will be available. Participants will also receive a complimentary recipe book. Contact MAC for details 609-884-5404 www.capemaymac.org.

 
 In Cape May, our love for jazz is second only to our passion for movies so it is with great anticipation that we look forward to the New Jersey State Film Festival (November16-19) each year. This year’s theme is Super Heroes to Unite. From Underdog Woman to 9/11's Father Judge, all types of heroes are converging at the annual film festival. "At a time when there are so many world concerns, we feel fortunate that a number of films submitted to this year's festival coincidentally have a hero's theme," said Stefan Prosky, curator of The NJ State Film Festival at Cape May.

 The festival will also offer a look at one woman's creative endeavor to honor the underdog hero in us all.  Suzanne Muldowney has shared her portrayal of Underdog Woman in many parades in New Jersey, spreading her philosophy of good overcoming evil.  New Jersey filmmaker, Boris Gavrilovic, is the director who was inspired by Susan's commitment and how misunderstood she has been in her queStreet  The film is called “My Life as an Underdog” and it will be a feature presentation at the festival this year.  “The festival is also donating partial proceeds of these screenings to local Autism Organizations”, said Henry. "This brilliant costume maker who shares her story through dance, was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, a form of autism," said Boris in the film. "We hope that showing this film will encourage people to have a new level of respect for Suzanne and will help promote her continued participation in our local parades," said Henry. For an itinerary of the film workshops and show times visit www.njstatefilmfestival.com  or call 609 884 6700.

 When the white lights, Christmas wreaths and greenery replace bales of hay, pumpkins and chrysanthemums, the holiday season officially begins. This year, as an added bonus, the friendly folks at MAC are sponsoring a special tree lighting event at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street on Saturday, November 18. The evening promises to be filled with old-fashioned Christmas fun. Santa has promised to arrive at 7 PM to join Dr. Physick in throwing the switch to light the thousands of twinkling lights adorning the estate. Carolers, refreshments, and candy canes for the youngsters will add to the festive spirit of the evening. Santa will talk to the children and accept their Christmas letters, so be sure to bring along a camera.

 The whole family will also enjoy visiting the new holiday exhibit at the Carriage House Gallery, “An Old-Fashioned Christmas: Holiday Traditions through the Years,” sure to transport you back to childhood days. The exhibit will feature model trains, a collection of vintage Santas, decorated Christmas trees, holiday music and much more in a wonderland of holiday traditions past and present.

 The Physick Estate will be open from 6 to 9 PM on Saturday, November 18, for free self-guided tours. This is a wonderful chance to see the restored estate with its traditional Victorian holiday decorations.

 Kids and parents alike will enjoy Santa’s Trolley Rides, with Christmas stories, songs and treats, on Saturday, November 18 at 11:45 AM, 12:45 PM, 1:30 PM, 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM and on Sunday, November 19 at 11:45 AM and 12:45 PM Advance reservations are strongly recommended. Many other activities are available during Holiday Preview Weekend. For more information on holiday tours and events, visit our web site at www.capemaymac.org or call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278.

 Check CapeMay.com’s Events Calendar for more activities including the November 18th Chocolate Fantasy Buffet at the Washington Inn. Can we just say? Yum! This is definitely a sell-out event so call 609-884-5404 www.capemaymac.org. NOW!

 And before you load up on Thanksgiving Day carbs, be sure to run-off all those calories in advance at the 4^th Annual Cape Fitness Turkey Trot, November 23. Cape Fitness sponsors the 5k Walk/Run. Their motto? Get Fit Before You Feast! Registration begins at 8:30 AM The run starts at 9:00. All proceeds benefit the Emmanuel Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Please call 609-898-1515, stop by 600 Park Blvd West Cape May or visit for details.

 And don’t forget, there’s always the beach, the sunsets and beauty of Cape May to pass the time away. Gobble, gobble!!