Coming to Cape May for the holidays? Cape May is open. Come on down and enjoy the quiet, festive atmosphere of a seashore small town that really knows how to celebrate. Let us give you a few suggestions on where to ring in the New Year.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Cape May
So, you’ve checked into your favorite hotel or B&B or guest house and you are looking for some place to celebrate the New Year. Never fear. The New Year’s Eve celebrations are plentiful. They range from the glitz Glitter Ball at Congress Hall’s Ballroom, which is already sold out, to the more sedate, but très élégante Peter Shield Inn. So, let’s take a closer look.
Even if you have missed your chance to ring in 2013 at Congress Hall’s Glitter Ball, you can hang out in the lovely Brown Room and enjoy cocktails there until your dinner reservations at the Blue Pig are ready and then travel downstairs to the Boiler Room, where you can keep the part going all night long. The Boiler Room opens its doors at 9:30 and stays open until 2 a.m. Enjoy the vintage guitar sounds of the Billy D. Trio. For details call 1-888-944-1816 or 884-8422 or visit congresshall.com.
Over on Jackson Street, both the Ebbitt Room, in the Virginia Hotel, and the Mad Batter Restaurant at the Carroll Villa will be hosting New Year’s Eve celebrations.
At the Ebbitt Room enjoy a delicious three-course dinner of your choice hand-crafted by Chef Anthony Micari and delight in the music of live entertainment by pianist Paul Sottile, Jr. Dinner is $75 per person at the early seating (5:30-7:30 p.m.) and $95 per person at the 8-10 p.m. seating. To reserve, call 609.884.5700.
The Mad Batter is serving an extensive menu which offers a four-course dinner, priced at $75 per person, then dance to your heart’s content to the music of Jim Doran. For reservations call 884-5970.
Step one street over to Decatur. The Pilot House, at the corner of Decatur and Carpenters Lane, will feature music by the Open Mic crew which can usually be heard at the P.H. on Friday nights. It’s a great diversity of talent.
At the Merion Inn, right down the street, former piano accompanist for Roberta Flack, Barry Miles, will play until the wee hours of the morning. The Merion offers several seatings for all the family to enjoy beginning at 4:30, otherwise known as the kid-friendly seating. Adults order a la carte from the specially prepared New Year’s Eve menu and kids enjoy a two-course menu for $25. Second seating is at 7 p.m., $85 per person and the final seating is at 9:30 p.m., $95 person. Party hats and noisemakers complimentary. For reservations call 884-8363 or visit merioninn.com.
On the east end of town, Peters Shields Inn (PSI) will offer dinner and live music. Two seatings: 5:30-7:15, $95 per person; and 7:30 at $130 per person. The prix fixe menu includes selections which range from caviar for starters to butter-poached lobster. For reservations call 884-9090 to peek at the menu visit petershieldsinn.com.
Along the beach front, Cabanas, at the corner of Decatur Street and Beach Avenue is touting a “No worries New Year’s Eve” party. You can pick your party. Chooses are: Party One: $25 open bar from 9 p.m. to midnight. Party Two is a $10 cover to get in with a cash bar. Live entertainment will be performed by Doc Hollywood. Tickets can be purchased at Cabanas or online at shopcabanasonthebeach.com.
Marq’s Pub, located in the Marquis de Lafayette Hotel on Beach Avenue, is offering a New Year’s Eve package for $55 per person which includes buffet dinner with preferred seating beginning at 7 p.m., live entertainment by Blondage, cash bar, toast and party favors. Show only is $25 per person beginning at 8:30 p.m. For reservations call 884-3500.
The Ugly Mug up on the Washington Street Mall always has a lively band and some tasty treats.
So that wraps it up. Plenty to do. Always plenty to see and then there’s that beach and those sunsets. Have a great time and Happy New Year!
