Colorful Victorian mansions in pleasing shades of pink and green beckon guests to relax on the many porches of this beautiful historic town, and fresh hospitality concepts keep it from feeling outdated. Beyond architectural appeal, the relaxed elegance of Cape May draws couples to return again and again. This story is part of our May Battle of the Beaches issue. Check back as we break down our favorite beaches in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey.
Where to Play
Browse the 75-plus independent businesses of the brick-lined picturesque outdoor promenade, Washington Street Mall. Shop for high-end boho and preppy attire at Tommy’s Folly, housemade nut butters in creative flavors at Cape May Peanut Butter Company, and smart beach reads at Cape Atlantic Book Co. Drive out to the Cape May County Park & Zoo to spot giraffes, lions, and penguins in an environment more spacious and peaceful than most city zoos. For engaging performances in a quaint 19th-century church, catch a show at Cape May Stage, a professional equity theater.
Where to Stay
Splurge on a room at America’s first seaside resort, Congress Hall. This beautifully maintained property has hosted numerous U.S. presidents, but there’s nothing stuffy about it. The grand yellow hotel with white columns is steps from both the ocean and the conveniences of downtown. Celebs like Tina Fey and Bradley Cooper have been spotted at Beach Plum Farm, a working farm nestled in West Cape May. Under the same hospitality group as Congress Hall, the farm features luxurious onsite suites and cottages on 62 lush acres, offering privacy and culinary-led packages where you can try your hand at skills like foraging and beekeeping. For a quality mid-range option, The Harrison is a contemporary take on a Victorian bed-and-breakfast — think sleek neutral shades and subtle flourishes instead of frilly bed skirts and kitschy knick-knacks.
Where to Fall in Love
Stroll hand-in-hand or rent bicycles to look at the pastel homes — it’s particularly romantic in the winter, when the town goes all out with festive decorations. Or take a carriage ride around town for a narrated tour. You can book private rides in advance through Cape May Carriage Company. Dine under the moonlight at one of Beach Plum Farm’s Full Moon Dinners, just one of the organic farm’s elegant, intimate options designed for each season. Get a couples massage at the Sea Spa at Congress Hall (opt for the beachfront cabanas in the summer months) and stay for Manhattans and live music at The Brown Room, a dimly lit, Prohibition-themed lounge. If you’re visiting in the winter, stroll the hotel’s charming holiday market. Grab a kiss and a photo at the top of the Cape May Lighthouse, where you can climb 199 steps for picturesque views of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Where to Eat
Slide into a booth at the Cape May Fish Market for a generous fish platter or a warm toasted lobster roll dusted with sea salt and bursting with fresh lobster chunks. Tisha’s Fine Dining, with its trusted takes on New American cuisine (get the seafood risotto), is a local favorite. For romantic vibes, order a signature cocktail and small plates on the porch at The Virginia Hotel & Cottages, or go inside for a full farm-to-table experience at its restaurant, The Ebbitt Room, with entrées like A5 Japanese wagyu and Cape May scallops and produce sourced from Beach Plum Farm. The Mad Batter, a cozy, welcoming bistro, has lots of options (including vegan and vegetarian) and a lively atmosphere with nightly live music. The Blue Pig Tavern at Congress Hall is great for breakfast — indulge in apple pie French toast or eggs blackstone.
Feature image courtesy Congress Hall
This story originally ran in our May Issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
