CAPE MAY – Although Cape May is “more populated” during the summer than it was 30 years ago, the Cunningham family counts on its charm as a beach resort, where one can play miniature golf, shop at all the stores, and share family time as the clan of 30 gets together for its annual vacation.
“The best part of coming to Cape May is that not much has changed really,” said Jim Cunningham, of Syracuse, New York. “You can rely on the beach being there, the shops, miniature golf. The improvements over the years are fantastic. And the best part is that within minutes of getting there, we park the car, and we are in vacation mode in our flip-flops and beachwear.”
It was Cunningham who suggested to his mother that their family get together in Cape May, after he visited the seaside town with his college roommate some 30 years ago.
“My mom had six kids, and she wanted us all to get together,” he said. “We tossed around ideas, and I suggested Cape May. Everyone asked me what there was to do, and I told them. We went, and everyone fell in love with it.”
Although his mother has since died, Cunningham and his siblings have continued getting together once a year in Cape May. Now, about 30 in number and coming from all over the U.S., they rent three homes close together. Today, the third generation enjoys the time, as well.
“We love playing beach volleyball, but we’re not very good at it,” Cunningham said. “After a day at the beach, we take turns and everyone cooks dinner one night. We try to keep it simple. We all get together at one house, and it’s fun watching all the cousins interact and riff on each other. It gets to be chaotic, but it’s the best memories.”
The Cunninghams, who have three children, make the trip from Syracuse, New York, spending the night in a different place along the six-hour drive to Cape May.
“Sometimes, it’s been Philadelphia, Spring Lake, a different place each time. We get up early on Saturday and then get to Cape May as quickly as we can,” said Cunningham.
“It’s nice to see the same places each year,” Cunningham’s wife, Melodie, said. “We can count on Cape May being cozy and simple. We used to be the only large family on the beach, but that’s changed over the 30 years. We have so much fun, though, and everyone blocks the date off for next year right away.”
Contact the author, Karen Knight, at kknight@cmcherald.com.
