capemaychamber.com 43 In the late 1700’s Cape May became the first seashore resort in America. Rail transportation came to Cape May in 1863. The steam boats also came down the Delaware River and across the Bay, new travelers and vacationers came to the Jersey Cape. Luxurious “cottages” were built during the post, Civil War boom and Cape May’s “gilded age” had arrived. Tragedy struck late in 1878 as a great fire swept through Cape Island. The great hotels and homes at the center of the town burned to the ground. Cape May did rebuild the Victorian era reconstruction explains the presence of so many homes reflecting the diverse architectural influences of the time. Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, Second Empire and Renaissance Revival. Hotels were also rebuilt, but were smaller out of concern for another disastrous fire. During the rebuilding wealthy individuals from Philadelphia and New York looked at the string of barrier islands along the Atlantic coast of Cape May and Atlantic counties, long viewed as worthless they became the object of real estate speculation and development. The attractiveness of the new resorts such as Atlantic City and Ocean City began to signal a change. Improved avenues of transportation opened many towns along the coast to a broad population who sought amusement, entertainment, and relaxation for their summer vacations. Cape May remained the same quaint traditional seaside resort for many years. But the great storm of 1962 proved to be the crossroads where Cape May would choose its future. As storm waters receded Cape May was faced once again with choices. The city officials could finish the job nature had started, or it could preserve what was left of the Victorian seaside resort. The decision was made to modernize and rebuild once more. The result of that decision gives us the Cape May of today. As America’s oldest seaside resort; it has welcomed visitors for generations with its hospitality and Victorian charm. Combine Cape May’s location, architecture with its year-round calendar of cultural, and family-friendly events, and its clear why Cape May is a premier vacation destination. The picturesque Victorian landscape has maintained its turn-of-the-century look and feel by implementing an active historic preservation contingent. As a result, the entire city of Cape May was designated a National Historic Landmark City in 1976 by the United States National Park Service. Unlike other popular East Coast seaside locales, Cape May stays open year-round and thrives during the shoulder season, with a variety of activities every weekend through Christmas. Cape May hosts world-renowned jazz and music festivals. Not one, but two top-notch theater companies. It boasts award-winning wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Top restaurants with menus ranging from finger food to fine dining. The town is full of unique individually owned specialty shops with plenty of local art and one-of-a-kind items. During spring and summer months the town is bustling with daily activities. Enjoy the spring with walking or biking one of the many open nature areas. Summer gives way to beaches during the day followed by spectacular sunsets over the ocean. In autumn and early winter, Cape May experiences much warmer temperatures than interior regions of New Jersey the ocean breeze help to keep the town’s temperatures cooler. Hence, its nickname: “Cool Cape May.” Looking for that holiday getaway? Look no further, Cape May becomes a Victorian Christmas Village, visitors can enjoy day and evening holiday house tours, wine-tastings, craft marketplaces, merchant hospitality nights, and, of course, seeing Santa come to town during the annual Christmas Parade always scheduled the first Saturday in December. So, while planning your vacation, a weekend away or a day trip consider Cape May. You will enjoy the time spent where yesterday meets today! WHERE YESTERDAY MEETS TODAY
