America’s Original Seaside Resort - Cape May, New Jersey

Cute Downtowns

Oct 25

Cape May, NJ

The charm of Cape May, considered the oldest seaside resort town in the United States, can be seen by strolling along streets like Perry, Jackson, Ocean and Decatur. Historical character including stained glass windows, gingerbread trim, front porches, two-story sleeping porches, gables, and turrets are all around on lovingly restored and maintained Victorian-style homes, elaborate mansions, and guest houses. The area became popular in the 1850’s but suffered a huge fire, in 1878, and the area was rebuilt giving Cape May its signature look.

Here is what caught my eye. I hope you enjoy!

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Front porch with green awnings

Blue and white awnings

The 1870 Baronet, on Beach Avenue, is an example of an old home converted to condominiums.

The Inn of Cape May began its life as a boarding house in 1894, when builder, William H. Church, started construction on the 60-room building in the heart of the Historic District. Over the decades, the historic inn, with wraparound porch, was expanded several times.

Slow no wake warning sign in the Cape May - Lewes ferry inlet

Sunset behind a pavilion at David Douglas Sr. Memorial Park

The 138-bedroom building built in 1889, was originally the Shoreham Hotel. The property was then used as the Home for Aged and Infirm Colored People, which failed, and then the Saint Mary by-the-sea retreat house, which closed in 2021.

The Cape May Lighthouse, located at the tip of Cape May, was built in 1859 and was automated in 1946.

Looking inland from Sunset Beach

Storybook homes with blooming gardens

Manicured hedges and gazebo complete the picture.

The beautiful sunset over the sand dunes of Cape Cod Point

Completed in a few weeks, because of the fear of German attacks in 1942, this World War II Lookout Tower was built as part of the harbor defense system.

Blue is for boys, pink is for girls

Renovated to perfection

Picture-perfect home

Painted Lady with turret and veranda

Immaculately landscaped properties

Handsome home with blue and white awnings

The 1907 Georgian Revival Peter Shields Inn and Restaurant

Angel of the Sea was a cottage built for William Weightman, built in 1850, on the site where the Post Office stands today. In 1881, Mr. Weightman decided he wanted an ocean view and paid local farmers to move the house. It was discovered that the house was too big to move in one piece, so it was cut in half. The mules and logs used, were enough to roll the house to the new location but they were ineffective in moving the two halves together. With summer rapidly approaching, the farmers enclosed the two open ends, creating two buildings that stand today.

Symmetrical, with dual staircase and porch

Decked out in red, white and blue

Beautifully crafted home in the process of being lifted

Morning Star Villa is another one of the historic homes that was converted to condominiums.

The wreckage of the S.S. Atlantus can be seen in the waters off of Sunset Beach. This was one of 12 concrete ships built in 1918, when there was a steel shortage and other low cost alternatives were being explored. The concrete fleet was decommissioned, and the Atlantus was going to be given a new life as a landing for ferry service between Cape May and Lewes in Delaware. Before it could be positioned, it broke loose during a coastal storm and ran aground where it can be seen partially protruding out of the water today.

I am a sucker for a sunset, so when I asked, I was told Sunset Beach was the place to go. When I arrived, I was not disappointed, but I also experienced an emotionally moving surprise when I witnessed the Evening Flag Ceremony. For the last 40 years, they fly a flag of a veteran brought by the family and at sunset the flag is lowered as the veteran is honored.

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