Celebrate spring by furthering your knowledge with Elderhostel programs in the nation’s first seaside resort. Elderhostel is the nation’s largest non-profit educational travel organization serving adults age 55 and over.
The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) is offering 12 weeks of springtime Elderhostel programs. Area residents and visitors who want to take advantage of these enriching and educational programs can attend programs as commuters.
Commuter prices do not include overnight accommodations. Overnight prices are for double occupancy.
“A Victorian Primer in Cape May, the Nation’s First Seashore Resort” has earned Elderhostel’s “most popular” program designation due to its strong enrollment. Get to know Cape May as you immerse yourself in the history and ambiance of this quaint Victorian town. Enjoy visits with living history characters, guided walks of Victorian architecture including a visit to the Frank Furness designed Emlen Physick Estate, a visit to the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse and an elegant tea luncheon at the Carriage House Tearoom and Cafe.
The Victorian Primer Program is offered March 30-April 4, April 26- May 1, May 31- June 5 (includes Cape May Music Festival concerts) and June 14-19. There is a waiting list for the June 14-19 dates.
Study the development and human character of Cape May to see why it endures as a destination for visitors during the “Cape May Maritime Sampler (Snapshot)” program, April 5-8 and May 26-29.
Explore the third-largest commercial fishing port on the East Coast, home to the US Coast Guard recruit-training center. Musicians perform tunes of the 40s, 50s and 60s to highlight the music of a generation, and World War II Cape May comes alive at sites significant to the wartime defense of the East Coast. Veterans from Cape May discuss their roles in wartime, and a lighthouse fact-and-fiction lecture precedes a chance to climb the tower. See how wine is made at the Cape May Winery, and savor local vintages at a barrel tasting.
April 19-24, enjoy “From Dock to Dish and Grape to Glass.” This program features mouth-watering delicacies in the gourmand’s paradise of Cape May. Experience the tastes of southern New Jersey, and learn about food production and preparation with guided field trips to the docks to meet the charter fleet captain; a local winery, where the vintner takes you to the vineyard and cellar and conducts a wine tasting; and area restaurants to learn the secrets and techniques from the chefs.
Cultivate your culinary skills through demonstrations on food preparation, presentation, nutrition and even pairing wines with foods. As a special feature, enjoy meals with Victorian characters from Cape May’s Victorian past.
The historic city of Cape May becomes a studio without walls to help you develop your skills in “Transparent Watercolor by the Sea with Barbara Cox,” May 3-8. Each morning and afternoon, the instructor will demonstrate techniques for the group and then give one-on-one instruction as you paint.
Evening activities include critiques, videos and lectures. Weather permitting, classes will be conducted on location outdoors to capture the drama of sunlight and shadow. In the event of rain, class will be conducted in the hotel with still life vignettes.
Program includes field trips to the beach, the Cape May Lighthouse and Emlen Physick Estate, where you’ll paint on the restored grounds of Cape May’s only Victorian House Museum. Beginners and intermediate painters welcome.
Enjoy “Birding Cape May with Mark Garland,” May 10-15 and May 17-22. Local experts lead field trips to the most important birding locations at peak seasons for migratory birds.
The full “Maritime Cape May” program runs June 6-11 and includes Cape May Music Festival concerts. Cape May has a maritime history dating back hundreds of years. You’ll learn how and why seaside resorts develop, learn lighthouse history and lore, learn how seafood gets from dock to dish, enjoy the literature of the sea, visit a local winery and more.
“Exclusively Watercolors with Marge Chavooshian” features demonstrations on drawing, color mixing, and value study. Paint on location around Victorian Cape May including a field trip to the historic Cape May Lighthouse, located on the southern-most tip of New Jersey, Cape May Point and a field trip to the Victorian Emlen Physick Estate, different from any other house in Cape May.
The program is offered June 7-12 (includes Cape May Music Festival concerts).
June 21-24, dive into the waters and seaside history during “Cape May: Adventures on Water (Snapshot Program).” Learn the basics of kayaking, then join a local instructor on a kayak exploration of Cape Island Creek and Cape May Harbor, and see the principles of wetland ecology up close. Come closer to marine life on a whale-and dolphin-watching cruise, and try your luck on a fishing expedition.
A haunted trolley ride and evening of music brings Cape May’s past to life.
In most cases, the full program including meals and overnight accommodations begins at $618; commuter price is $458.
Space is limited and programs fill up quickly. For details or to register, visit www.elderhostel.org or call 1-877-426-2166 for a catalogue. Anyone interested in being a commuter should contact Mary Stewart at 609-884-5404, extension 131 or mstewart@capemaymac.org.
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