| Where else but Cape May can you find a festival devoted to the lima bean, a week devoted to Victorian life and a month-long plethora of ghostly gatherings? When you know the history of the island it all makes perfect sense. West Cape May, aka the Lima Bean Capital of the World, was a rural area and the kingpin of lima bean production for Pennsylvania’s Hanover Foods, Inc. But in the early 90s, Hanover severed its contract with the West Cape May farmers and they had to go looking for other things to grow or, in many cases, subdivide the land for posh housing developments. Still the Lima Bean Festival, started in 1985, continued on and with it the crowning of the Lima Bean Queen and in recent years the Lima Bean King. From age three to upwards of 70, men and women in various shapes and sizes compete for the right to sport the crown of beans, well not literally beans. What’s that? Oh when is it? October 6 and if you’re in a walking mood before you amble over to Wilbraham Park in West Cape May check out the Kiwanis Pet Parade at Cape May Elementary School on Lafayette Street. The parade begins at 11 a.m. but if you’re inclined to enter your pooch in the parade, registration is 10 a.m. It should be a woofing great time.
What were we talking about? Oh, the island’s history. So, now you have the scoop on the Lima Bean Festival. That weekend also marks the  beginning of the 35th Victorian Week (October 5 through 14.) Hailed as "A Top 100 event in North America," Victorian Week is Cape May's 10-day extravaganza of tours and events that celebrate the Victorian lifestyle. Highlights include Historic House Tours, which showcase the unparalleled collection of famous restored Victorian bed and breakfast inns, guesthouses, hotels and churches that are the signature of this National Historic Landmark City. Featured activities also include: authentic Victorian feasts, murder mystery dinners, antiques and crafts shows, Victorian fashion shows, glass blowing demonstrations on the lawn of the 1879 Physick Estate, brass band concerts, workshops, tours and lectures. Please visit www.capemaymac.org for a complete schedule of all events during Victorian Week.
As to those ghostly gatherings – where to begin? One place to begin is with a tour. The Ghosts of the Lighthouse is well worth the effort,  so much so that we’ve written a feature about it in this month on CapeMay.com. The trolley leaves at 8 p.m. from the corner of Ocean and Washington Streets every Saturday in October. You can travel the ghostly path that leads to the Cape May Lighthouse, and listen to the ghost tales along the way that have been unearthed by psychic medium Craig McManus. Feel the presence of the spirits at the Light. Climb to the top or stay below, but make sure you book your reservation early, this ghostly event sells out very quickly.
In that same vein, the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) also offers a Rest in Peace, Victorian Style Combination Tour. Join members of the Physick family in this living history tour at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., as they mourn the passing of a member of the household, and learn about funeral customs of the Victorian era. This particular tour also includes a trolley ride of the Historic District.
If it’s a little dinner you desire with your hauntings, psychic Craig McManus is offering dinner and a lecture Oct. 5. “So You Think You Have a Ghost” will be held at Aleathea’s Restaurant in the historic Inn of Cape May on Ocean Street. A “spirited” three-course dinner and discussion about ghost-busting will be on the bill of fare. Seating is limited. For reservations or more information contact MAC.
Or how about dinner and a little murderous mayhem? Murder Mystery Dinners, October 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. at the Inn of Cape May or the Victorian Week Murder Mystery Dinners October 7-10 at the Chalfonte Hotel on Howard Street should whet your whistle. Solve the mystery as you enjoy dinner. Limited event; reservations necessary. For more information  or to make reservations, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org. There are any number of other mystery, ghostly luncheons and teas. For a complete schedule contact MAC.
Capping off the Halloween activities is the Halloween parade on Oct. 21. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. at the Gazebo on Lyle Lane. The parade begins there at 3 p.m. and winds all around town ending up the Physick Estate at 4 p.m. The following Sunday, Oct. 28, the Washington Street Mall Association will be sponsor Trick-or-Treat-on-the-Mall from 2-5 p.m. and trick-or-treaters will be welcome at the Physick Estate, October 31 from 6-7 p.m.
Finally for the adults looking to have a little fun, Congress Hall’s annual Phantom Ball will be held Friday, Oct. 26 in the Ballroom. For more information please visit www.congresshall.com for more information.
Oct. 26-28 the birders come to town for the New Jersey Audubon Society’s 61st Cape May Autumn Weekend and Bird Show. Nowhere else will so much birding talent be assembled in one place at one time. Daily programs with live Owls, Hawks and Eagles will be presented at the Cape May Convention Hall, by Jonathan Wood of The Raptor Project. Other events include field trips, indoor workshops and programs, migratory watches at the Observation Deck at Cape May Point State ark and other key spots, and if, you still have the energy or need a break from standing on the deck try t he Poor Man’s Pelagic aboard the Cape May Lewes Ferry – A round trip on the Cape May Lewes Ferry looking for gannets, loons, scoters, jaegers, interesting gulls and always the possibility of a rarity! Cost is in addition to weekend package; registration required. For more information visit www.birdcapemay.org/autumn.
For the outdoorsy type, fall is a beautiful time to take advantage of all the eco-tours, birding events and boat tours. The Cape May Whale Watcher offers an Around Cape Island Boat Tour for a sightseeing cruise around Cape May. The boat leaves the Miss Chris Marina on Wilson Drive daily at 10 a.m. through Oct. 14 except Fridays, Oct. 5 and 12 when it leaves at 4 p.m. for you romantics which wish to see the sun setting. Tickets can be purchases at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth or Hill House Office at the Physick Estate on Washington Street by 9:30 a.m. for the 10 a.m. cruise.
Friday, Oct. 5 The Whale Watcher and MAC also offer a Cape May by Land and Sea tour. A 30-minute maritime themed trolley tour along the beachfront and eastern end of Cape May with drop-off at the Miss Chris Marina where participants board the Cape May Whale Watcher for the evening Around Cape Island Cruise (Sea portion is optional). Complimentary hot dogs and pizza are available on the boat. Trolley will pick up participants at the end of the cruise and return them to the trolley stop on Ocean Street. Tour goers opting not to take the trolley will experience a 45-minute maritime themed trolley tour along the beachfront and eastern end of Cape May. For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.
The Cape May Eco Tour runs throughout the month of October leaving from the Nature Center of Cape May on Delaware Avenue. Take a journey with a naturalist from the Nature Center of Cape May and learn about the wildlife preserves in and around Cape May. The tour passes wildlife habitats  throughout the mainland area south of the Cape May canal and includes a stop at the Nature Center of Cape May. For times and more information call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.
Ever want to try birding but were too intimidated? Well, do we have the tour for you. From Oct.4-Nov.15, 10 a.m. to noon the New Jersey Audubon Society offers The Birds of Cape May A Bird Walk for All People. Not watching birds when you’re in Cape May is like not visiting the Grand Canyon when you’re in Arizona. Whether you are a seasoned birder or have never really thought about watching birds on purpose before, meet Don Freiday (or occasionally another Cape May expert) on the wildlife viewing platform (also known as the Hawk Watch) at Cape May Point State Park for a relaxed morning of birding. No binoculars? No problem – Don will have a crate full of good ones (including some really good ones), and will show you how to use them if needed. You’ll see at least twenty species of birds or the walk is free! No pre-registration necessary. Please visit www.njaudubon.org/Calendar/CalNCCM.html for more information.
October 14 is Coast Day Cape May at the Nature Center of Cape May on Delaware Avenue down by the Harbor. Celebrate the sea with lots of family exploration of our ocean and shore. Don’t miss the Nature Center’s open house and free Harbor Safari tours, then enjoy eco-tours, nature walks, touch tanks, children’s activities, and much more at the docks of the Lobster House Restaurant. While you are there, look for the Nature Center of Cape May’s table for a free activity. Free admission and parking with shuttle bus service to and from the NCCM. Rain or shine, don’t miss it. Please visit www.njaudubon.org/Calendar/CalNCCM.html for more information.
For the more, shall we say, gourmand visitor. You’ll just have to check out the Events Calendar on CapeMay.com because folks, there’s too much to squeeze into these few paragraphs, but we’ll try and give you a few  highlights. A definite don’t miss is the Chocolate Fantasy Buffet offered by Washington Inn on Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. Wouldn’t it be funny if they offered it a like 10 a.m.? You’d be a sugar-induced coma before lunch. This event sells out every time and it sell out early. It is a buffet of the Washington Inn’s delectable chocolate desserts hosted by Pastry Chef Kathleen Pastiu and Paul Dicken. For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.
Another extremely popular event is the Cape May Wine Festival to be held at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, Rte 9 South, Lower Township, NJ. There is free parking on the terminal grounds. The Garden State Wine Growers Association hosts this new festival, presenting as many as twenty of its member wineries. This is your opportunity to sample (and buy) the superb award-winning wines from New Jersey, listen to live music, stroll through crafters and buy wine related items to take home, attend educational seminars, purchase gourmet food, and visit The Kids Zone which has activities especially for the younger attendees, and much, much more. Admission is $20 and includes tastings of as many as 200 varieties of top–quality wines. Continuous shuttle service is provided to and from Victorian Cape May, where you can also enjoy the many tours and activities of Victorian Week. 12-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7 (Rain date, Monday, October 8). Sponsored by the Garden State Wine Growers Association and co-sponsored by the Delaware River & Bay Authority and the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC). For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.
The Chef’s Dine-Around, Oct.10-11, is another popular event and easy way to enjoy different foods from different restaurants. Partake in a five-course gourmet feast, with wine to accompany each course and each course served in one of Cape May’s premier restaurants. A trolley shuttle between restaurants is provided. Reserve early; limited to 34 people. 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 10 and Thursday, October 11. Admission is $125 per person (gratuity included). Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC).
Last but certainly not least start your day off with a Champagne Bruch Walk. Build up your appetite with a walking tour of Victorian Cape May’s  Historic District, and then enjoy a Southern-style breakfast buffet at the historic Chalfonte Hotel, 301 Howard St. Champagne mimosas are included. 10 a.m. Sunday, October 7. For more information or to make reservations, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit, you guessed it - www.capemaymac.org.
Don’t forget the Chester County Antique Auto Car show held on the Washington Street Mall Oct. 20, from morning to about 3 p.m.
And entertainment? We are very lucky to have two equity theater companies in Cape May, The Robert Shackleton Playhouse (formerly Cape May Stage) on Lafayette Street and East Lynne Theater Company located at the Presbyterian Church on Decatur and Hughes streets. You and I, presented by East Lynne Theater Company is playing through Oct. 13. It is a 1923 Broadway comedy about marriage vs. careers by Philip Barry, who later wrote Philadelphia Story. Maitland White gave up his passion for painting to become a successful businessman. When his son declares he’s going into business instead of  pursuing his passion for architecture, Nancy White suggests to her husband that he leave his business, and go back to painting. And he does! With ironic consequences. From Oct. 17-20 East Lynne Theater presents Lou: The Remarkable Miss Alcott. You want to reserve your tickets early for this. Remember, Miss Alcott’s summer home is here in Cape May at the, appropriately titled, Hotel Alcott on Grant Street.
Meanwhile Turning of the Screw is playing through Oct. 27 at The Robert Shackleton Playhouse. A tradition at Cape May Stage is its ever-popular series of thrilling gothic adventure adaptations. This season will mark the premiere performance of “Turn of the Screw” by Jeffrey Hatcher from the novel by Henry James. Based on the provocative classic tale, a young governess journeys to a lonely English manor house to care for two recently orphaned children. She is not, however, their first governess. Her predecessor, Miss Jessel, drowned herself when she became pregnant by the sadistic valet, Peter Quint, who was himself found dead soon after under mysterious circumstances.
Well that all folks…and don’t forget there’s always the beach, the sunset and beauty of Cape May. |
