 Listen. What’s
that I hear? It’s the sounds and signs of spring in the air.
You know how we locals know that it’s spring? Birds twittering? No. Tulips and
daffodils? Yeah, they’re nice but no. Earlier sunrises and later sunsets? No.
The lovely scents of spring reflected in the reawakening earth and warmer sea
breezes? Nice try but no. It's the carpenters, the painters, and landscapers.
That’s how we know that spring is here at last. Longer days mean
more time make the gardens look nice. Warmer weather means painters can at last
start freshening up those winter-worn Victorian houses and buildings. And better
weather means carpenters can finally tackle those blown off shutters and
unvarnished porches.
 But what, you might ask, does that mean for visitors? A
prettier town for you to visit. April is plum full of events from an Easter
stroll to Secret Garden tours, from the Jazz Festival to a
Chocolate Fantasy Buffet. And your next request
would be, show me what you got! Well, okay. Easter is a very popular weekend in
Cape May, particularly so when it falls, as it does this year, right square in
the middle of the month. Easter
weekend or even Easter Sunday are perfect getaway times. April is warm enough
that a walk on the Promenade isn’t a wind-driven trauma, yet not so crowded that
you have to walk sideways. Plus, we have all the events that make life in a
small town special. The Easter Egg hunt, for example, is Saturday April 15 at 10
a.m. at the Cape May Elementary School on Lafayette Street. Don’t be late,
‘cause eager hunters scarf up those eggs mighty quickly. Just as an aside – a
photographer, who shall remain nameless, arrived ten minutes late last year and
the event was
 just
about over. On Easter Sunday, be sure to don “your Easter bonnet with all the
frill upon it” and join us for the Easter Fashion Stroll
scheduled to be held on
the Washington Street Mall at 1 p.m. The event will move into the recreation
hall of Our Lady Star of the Sea School if inclement weather prevails. The
school is on Lafayette Road. The recreation center is located at the back of the
playground.
After you’re done strolling, you’ll probably be thinking
about food. Whether it’s brunch or dinner, most of Cape May’s restaurants should
be open but please call to be sure. Another word to the wise: you might
seriously want to think about dinner reservations. Other than
 Valentines
Day and Mother’s Day, Easter Sunday is one of the biggest restaurant holidays.
The Cape May Jazz Festival celebrates its 25th
event April 21-23. Headlining the festival is South African music legend Hugh
Masekela. The jazz trumpeter will appear Saturday night in the theater at Lower
Cape May Regional High School on Route 9 (shuttle service is available). Friday
night, jazz singer Little Jimmy Scott will be honored at Convention Hall. A
headliner for the Lionel Hampton big band in the ‘40s, his recording of
“Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” became a Top Ten hit. Reserved seating is
available for both these venues. For ticket information call 877-7CM-JAZZ or go
to
www.capemayjazz.com.
One of Cape May’s star spring attractions is, appropriately
enough, the Spring Festival April 28-May 7. There are any number of activities
going on including a Home and Garden Show at Convention Hall April 29 and 30,
and the very popular and often sold out Secret Garden Tour. Tickets for the
Secret Garden Tour, which feature an insider’s look at some of Cape May’s
loveliest gardens, can be obtained by calling 609-884-5558.
Be sure to check our Events Calendar for other events such as the
 Chocolate Fantasy Buffet April 29 and Vintage
Dance Weekend April 28-30. For information on both of these events contact the
Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts at 609-884-5404, or 800-275-4278 or go to
www.capemaymac.org.
But be advised, all you really have to do is “come on
down.” Just walking around town, you can get a pretty good glimpse of spring’s
handiwork, not to mention, the carpenters’, landscapers’ and painters’ good
work. Happy April! |
