World Series of Birding in Cape May

Come to Cape May and Enjoy the Word Series of Birding this Year May 10th.

What is the World Series of Birding?

It’s a game, it’s a marathon, it’s a challenge, it’s a heck of a lot of fun! This year on May 10, 2014 and normally on the 2nd, or occasionally 3rd, Saturday of May – rain or shine. Mark your calendars and start planning your strategy.

World Series of Birding in Cape MayMany great birders have raised glasses in this event. The first official World Series of Birding began at midnight on May 19, 1984, when just thirteen teams set out on a 24-hour treasure hunt. Their mission was to tally as many species of birds by sight or sound. Their objective was to raise money for their favorite environmental cause, and to focus worldwide attention upon the habitat needs of migrating birds.

They succeeded beyond anyone’s dreams. Today there are thousands of participants in the event and the event has grown into several categories and ways to play.

Level I – Competing Teams who vie for awards in several categories
Level II – Non-competing
Level III – Youth Challenge for ages 6-18 within their respective youth groups
Level IV – Senior Challenge for ages 60 and over
When is it?

This year on May 10, 2014 and normally on the 2nd, or occasionally 3rd, Saturday of May – rain or shine. Mark your calendars and start planning your strategy.

Gather your team mates near and far and share in the excitement and camaraderie that is part of North America’s most celebrated conservation event – the World Series of Birding!

Cape May Dog Park to be Closed for Clean Up

Environmental cleanup will close Cape May dog park for at least 2 years

Written by Alex DavisSaturday, April 05, 2014 11:00 am

CAPE MAY — Nearly 30 years later, cleanup continues at the site of a former manufactured gas plant in Cape May. Later this year, Jersey Central Power and Light will remove contaminated soil at a nearby property at the corner of St. John and Lafayette streets.

When major mediation begins, Cape May’s dog park on Lafayette Street will be closed for at least two years, said city manager Bruce MacLeod. The city is not looking into hosting a temporary location, he said. MacLeod said that heavy equipment would be on site and digging would occur between Labor Day and the end of May and would not interrupt summer. The dog park has been in operation for four or five years, according to MacLeod. “We do have several patrons that take advantage of the dog park,” he said. Jersey Central Power and Light needs Cape May City Council’s approval before work can begin, according to Ron Morano, spokesman for Jersey Central Power and Light. So far, about 10,000 tons of contaminated soil have been taken from the site and nearby properties, he said. The former plant was owned and operated from 1853-1937 and generated coal gas to power street lights and heat and cooking needs at homes in Cape May.

The cleanup work dates back to 1985 when Jersey Central Power and Light began conducting environmental investigations at the site. Jersey Central Power and Light has been working with the state Department of Environmental Protection and a licensed site remediation professional to conduct investigative and remedial activities at the former gas plant and other properties affected by soil and groundwater contamination. Left behind from the plant were coal tar residues and oils, which includes benzene, according to information from Jersey Central Power and Light.

In 2009, Jersey Central Power and Light found no contamination to the deep aquifer, and that meant the company could proceed with a remedial action work plan for the property — groundwater pumping/treatment. The dog park is open from dawn to dusk daily. The Cape May Dog Friendly Association manages the dog park in conjunction with Cape May government.

Those under 18-year-old must be accompanied with an adult at the dog park, and children under 10 prohibited from entering the fence.

Seasonal dog park license fees are $20 and $10 for a week. Applications and park tags can be picked up from the Cape May City Clerk’s Office at 643 Washington St. in Cape May.

 

Top Ten Spring Strolls in Cape May NJ

Our favorite lists of places to take take a Spring Walk in Cape May NJ

sPRING GLSpring has sprung in Cape May at the Jersey Shore and it’s time to put away those winter jackets and get outside for a brisk spring walk at the Jersey Shore in Cape May. We’ve listed a few of our local favorites in Cape May. This beach side resort offers a number of areas to enjoy a brisk walk from the quiet sanctuary of Cape May Point park, to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse or sitting beachside at the Beach Shack Restaurant after a day on the sand.

Our favorite top ten places to stroll in Cape May during the Spring Season.

  1. Beach Ave, Cape May – It’s Spring and the parking meters are still free, park the car and walk the promenade running across from Beach Ave. You can stop into George’s for lunch or visit the new Convention Hall, and the Surf Shop to check out the new accessories for this years beach stays.
  2. Cape May Lighthouse Pointe – Take a brisk walk on the nature trail, and join the bird watching crowd in search of local hawks and the occasional eagles spotted. The Lighthouse park has very good public access rest rooms and your steps away from the Cape May Lighthouse. Cape May Point State Park is a 235 acre state park located in Cape May Point, New Jersey. It has walking, hiking and nature trails as well as beaches, an exhibit gallery, and ranger office. For more information on the park please visit the NJ site here.
  3. Cape May Point – Cape May Point offers a quiet and tranquil park direct across the street from the Red General Store Restaurant. This quaint restaurant is a hidden gem located at 500 Cape Ave in Cape May Point NJ 08212. You can bring your small dog with you and site outside or have a lunch or dinner in this reconditioned general store. After lunch enjoy a slow walk aroend the meticulously kept park in Cape May Point.
  4. Cape May Ferry – Yes the Cape May Ferry Terminal is one of our most favorite places to walk and visit during the Spring. The Ferry has an outdoor mini putt range, and you also have one of the best views of boat traffic entering and departing the Cape May Canal. For more information on the Cape May Ferry, please visit the direct link here.
  5. The Docks at South Jersey Marina – We always enjoy walking the docks at the South Jersey Marina in Cape May. You can view all of the available fishing boats as the return with the day’s catch or take a cruise withe the Cape May Tiny Ferry service offers informational local harbor tours and pick and drop off service to the Lobster House and local marinas.
  6. Sunset Beach at Cape May Point - Sunset Beach is located at the very end of Sunset Drive as you head south past the West End Garage Ship in West Cape May. During the Summer Time you will find may bikers, joggers and birders all heading to the point. The best part about this walk is you get to visit the Sunset Beach Gift shop, you can play mini gold and it’s very close to the to the SS Atlantus and the Cape May Light.
  7. Walk over to the Congress Hall and the Virginia Hotel – The Cape May Resorts group offers several premier properties in Cape May. Our favorite walking property is the Congress Hall Hotel located beachside. You can walk the property, enjoy the great back lawn, and take a rest on the row of rocking chairs as you sit back and take in the warm summer light an beach breeze.
  8. The Beach Shack  Bar and Rusty Nail Surfer Bar – A few short blocks down from the Congress Hall you can join the hip crowd of local beach goers and families with dog’s in tow at the bar. The Beach Shack has a dog friendly menu and you will often see local’s and tourist enjoying a cool Corona in the sand crowded around the only beachside outdoor fire pit in Cape May.
  9. Cape May Shopping at the Washington Street Outdoor Shopping Mall - If you don’t mind lot’s of crowds in summer time try the Washington Street Mall and you will be rewarded with a plethora of unique beach shops and local eateries. Don’t miss the famous Hot Dog Tommy’s on Jackson Street in Cape May. You can visit Tom with the famous Hot Dog Weiner hat on his head, for some of the best local dogs in Cape May.
  10. Dog Friendly Places to walk with your Dog in Cape May – Cape May Places to Walkwe are dog lovers, and are always searching for a good place to take our pup for a walk in town. Please keep in mind that Cape May has a strictly enforced no Dog Policy on the beach and your pooch will require to be leashed.  Please note that the Cape May Dog Park is closed for the next two years. For more information on places to take your talk please visit our dog friendly pages here. Cape May is very Dog Friendly, including many outdoor restaurants, or you can event take you dog for a whale and dolphin watching trip aboard the Cape May Whale Watcher. For additional info Dog Friendly places to walk and go please visit our dog friendly page here.

Looking for a  beach guest house to stay in Cape May.

931 Beach Guest House ResortSpring is the best time to revitalize your love with your spouse/partner and undoubtedly 931 Beach Guest House is the perfect location for a memorable romantic spring holiday! Save 5% and Book On Line for Your New Reservation this Season. We would like to thank you for staying at the 931 Beach Guest House, and have included a 5% discount for booking your reservation on line, please visit our link here.

 

by Ryan Reclaim

Cape May Whale & Dolphin Trip

The First Time I Experienced a Dolphin and Whale Sighting in Cape May NJ in A Natural Environment

Cape May LighthouseOne of my school friends went to a family picnic to Cape May NJ, last spring, and for months he couldn’t stop bragging about the Dolphin and Whale watching in Cape May NJ. How the adorable dolphins welcomed the visitors on the boat, the giant whales that peeked out from the sea and the beautiful beach with glittering sea water. The idea of seeing dolphins and whales up close excited me and so on my 15th birthday I asked my parents to take me to Cape May NJ.

My birthday came and went by, and I was disappointed that my parents didn’t take me there. Little did I know that they had planned the trip and were just waiting for summer vacations; and so we set off for this amazing vacation spot!

The first time I visited the beach, I was awestruck! The water was sparkling in the sunlight; you could just sit there all day, enjoy the natural scenery and never get bored. But I was really excited about the Cape May whale watcher show. We had tickets for the next day’s 10 am trip, so I couldn’t help but wait.

Since we had a lot of time to kill, we decided to visit some of the important landmarks of the place. Our first stop was the historic Cape May Lighthouse. I was informed that the lighthouse was built in 1859, it was in excellent condition and a lot of people were visiting in groups as well as in pairs. We climbed 199 steps of the lighthouse to reach the top and the view from there was absolutely breathtaking! I could see the Atlantic Ocean, all the way to the Delaware Bay. The thrill of standing at an extreme height and being able to view everything cannot be described in words; you have to be there to experience it!

Whale spotting in Cape MayAfter that we had a good night’s sleep and when the clock struck 10 in the morning, we were at the ship to witness the adorable dolphins and whales up close. The Cape May Whale watcher had guaranteed us that he would give us another free trip if we didn’t see any mammals in the first one. And so we set off for the trip! Initially we saw nothing, but as we moved ahead we saw diamond pods swimming near the boat. They appeared, disappeared and then re-appeared in the sea water and we fed them from the ship. They were the most adorable creatures I had ever witnessed in my life!

While we were on the trip, we also saw S.S. Atlantus, Cape May’s sunken ship located at the beach. This ship was meant to be a landing point for the connecting ferries in 1926.

If you are as excited about going on a dolphin and whale watching trip in Cape May NJ as me, then visit www.capemayresort.com to get Promo Code Cape May Resort and discounts for Cape May dolphin and whale watching shows.

by Ryan Reclaim

Cape May Gay Friendly LBGT Accommodations

Cape May LBGT Gay Community

Find Gay LBGT Information for your stay in Cape May this Summer

LBGT info in Cape May NJGables of Cape May – GABLES of Cape May County was organized in 1995 as part of an effort to establish an organization in every NJ County with a similar mission. At present, GABLES is a Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) group at the furthest point in South Jersey. We currently have over 200 dues paying members. GABLES is an I.R.S. registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. GABLES publishes a bi-monthly newsletter and maintains a popular website, we also publish a news update via email to interested recipients. GABLES will provide speakers for groups and organizations interested in learning more about GABLES or about the diverse LGBT community

GLBT Alliance Logo Gay Friendly Things to do in Cape May NJGreater Atlantic City GLBT Alliance – .The Greater Atlantic City GLBT Alliance is open to any business or person who is directly part of the GLBT or GLBT supportive community. The mission of the organization is to promote the economic, social and political advocacy of the GLBT and GLBT supportive community of the greater Atlantic City region.

Rainbow Directory - The New Jersey Southern Shores Rainbow Directory Your Guide to Businesses & Organizations Proudly Serving Our GLBT Community

Search for Gay LBGT accommodations in Cape May

Gay Friendly Accommodations in Cape May

Visit the the Purple Roofs site for more information on local hotels.

Visit the Gayapolis blog here for local information

Things to Do in Cape May for the LBGT community

LBGT Discount for Cape May Whale Watching and Water Sports

Spend a day Whale and Dolphin watching or book an exciting adventure with East Coast Parasailing. These local Cape May Profesional local merchants offer a 10% discount with your on line ticket purchase.

More LBGT Friendly Places to Go and Things to Do in Cape May NJ

Wheaton Arts   1501 Glasstown Road  Millville, NJ  856.825.6800     www.wheatonarts.org

Cape May Bird Observatory  701 East Lake Drive  Cape May Point, NJ 609.884.2736    www.birdcapemay.org

Historic Cold Spring Village  720 Rt. 9 Cape May, NJ609.898.2300   www.hcsv.org

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Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts  1048 Washington Street Cape May, NJ 609.884.5404    www.capemaymac.org

Cape May Winery & Vineyard  711 Townbank Road Cape May, NJ 609.884.1169    www.capemaywinery.com

The Nature Center of Cape May  1600 Delaware Ave Cape May, NJ (609) 898-8848     www.njaudubon.org/centers/NCCM

 

- See more at: http://www.capemayresort.com/gay-lbgt-cape-may-nj/#sthash.Zst4HyjD.dpuf

Cape May Spring Festival 2014

It’s time to celebrate Spring in Cape May NJ, have breakfast with the Easter Bunny in Cape May

spring in cape may NJThings to do in Cape May this Spring at the shore. Our long winter is over and the snow is soon to be forgotten. Come to Cape May and enjoy the Cape May Spring Festival, or have breakfast at the Harbor View overlooking the Cape May Harbor. Don’t forget to come down and enjoy the Spring and Flower Home Show on April 26.

Cape May’s Spring Festival Visit Cape May for the Start of the Spring Season

Celebrate the arrival of Springtime in America’s first seaside resort with Chocolate Championship Tour & Tasting  Private Homes Tours, Ghost Tours, Murder Mystery Dinners, food and wine events, living history programs and much, much more. Friday, April 25 through Sunday, May 4. Co-sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) and the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May. For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org. April 25-May 4.

Breakfast with The Easter Bunny at the Harborview in Cape May overlooking the Cape May Harbor

Breakfast with The Easter Bunny 

Date: April 19, 2014

Time: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Breakfast with The Easter Bunny overlooking Cape May Harbor! Bring your camera. Lots of Breakfast specials for the kids including Green Eggs and Ham. The Harborview has the best views of the Cape May Harbor, and you can sit at the bar and enjoy lunch or dine upstairs early to see the Easter Bunny. To check for reservations and get more information please visit the Harboview here at:Website: http://www.harborviewcapemay.co

Join us in Cape May for the Spring Flower Festival

Spring Flower Festival & Home Show  

Date: April 26, 2014 

Saturday April 26th  10 am -5 pm at Rotary Park Lafayette & Lyle Lanes in Cape May features artisans and crafters displaying and selling accents and accessories for you, your home and your gardens as well as eco-friendly resources to help promote a Green Cape May.

Explore Cape May’s seaside gardens during Cape May Garden Tours. Enjoy the sights and smells of a variety of Cape May gardens as your guide leads you on a scenic hour-long stroll. Allow your senses to carry you back into times gone by as you tour Cape May’s hidden treasures. Tours 10 am, Noon, and 2pm cost $10 per person.

Stay at the 931 Beach Guest House for Your Spring Visit to Cape May

SpringSpring is the best time to revitalize your love with your spouse/partner and undoubtedly 931 Beach Guest House is the perfect location for a memorable romantic spring holiday! Save 5% and Book On Line for Your New Reservation this Season We would like to thank you for staying at the 931 Beach Guest House, and have included a 5% discount for booking your reservation on line, please visit our link here. To check availability or reserve a suite at 931 Beach Guest House, please call 609-884-0275, send an email, or visit our new online reservations.