Spring Festival Celebrates the Season With 10 Days of Exciting Tours and Events

CAPE MAY – Celebrate the beauty of spring during Cape May’s 17th annual Spring Festival, co-sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) and the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May. Experience this National Historic Landmark City’s charm and discover its fresh flavors, fascinating history and lively culture during the 10-day springtime celebration from April 27 to May 6. Taste innkeepers’ signature desserts during the Chocolate Championship Tour & Tasting, choose your favorite snack in the new Sweet & Savory Smackdown, sample beers that go well with chocolate during the new Beer & Chocolate Tasting, learn about the city’s 20th century renaissance, sit down to lunch at the newly reopened Carriage House Café & Tearoom, step across the thresholds of Cape May’s private residences, hear some spooky stories on a ghost tour, explore local gardens, kick up your heels at a Vintage Ball, attend a murder mystery dinner, and much more.
Come celebrate the reopening of Cape May’s Carriage House Café & Tearoom on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. A new a la carte menu for 2012 features signature salads, wraps, paninis and tea sandwiches, as well as homemade soups and quiche, plus the popular Classic Tea Luncheon and a new kids’ menu. If you have a busy schedule, everything is available for takeout, too. The Carriage House Café & Tearoom re-opens for the season on Friday, April 27. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, and parking is free. For reservations call 609-884-5111.
Cape May’s 17th Annual Spring Festival features a tempting selection of new food and wine events along with some returning favorites:
What’s your favorite thing to nibble on – a tempting sweet concoction or a delicious savory snack? You’ll find out when you take on the Sweet & Savory Smackdown on Saturday, April 28 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This new event will have you touring a selection of historic properties and sampling a signature sweet or a savory snack at each. Then, vote for your favorites and get the recipes via email. Adult tickets are $25; children (ages 3-12) are $15. Who said that chocolate and beer don’t go together? Not America’s beer authority, Gary Monterosso. Try this combination at a Beer & Chocolate Tasting at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St. Join Monterosso as he hosts this new event, and sample beers and chocolates that go perfectly together on Saturday, April 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30. Making its festival return is the Chocolate Championship Tour & Tasting on Saturday, May 5 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. You are the judge as you taste some of the area’s most irresistible chocolate concoctions. Visit participating historic inns and B&Bs, sample their signature desserts and vote for your favorites. You decide who will take home Cape May’s Chocolate Champion title. Those who turn in completed evaluation cards will get recipes by email. Adult tickets are $25; children (ages 3-12) are $15. If you delight over a good whodunit, you’ll enjoy Murder Mystery Dinners at Aleathea’s Restaurant at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St. Join the Impromptu Players as they set the scene for the original mystery, “A Very Noir Pinot” and enjoy a three-course dinner as you contemplate the clues, interact with the cast and help solve the mystery as it unfolds on Saturdays, April 28 and May 5, and Sundays, April 29 and May 6, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $45 per person. If you prefer to mull over your mystery during lunch, Murder Mystery Luncheons include a three-course meal andthe thrill of searching for clues to the mystery as it unfolds around you. Lunch is $30 per person on Sundays, April 29 and May 6, at 1 p.m.
For a delightful afternoon, take the Cherry House Tour & Tea. Tour the Cherry House, a private home built in 1849 in the Federal style situated on one of Cape May’s oldest residential streets, and then enjoy afternoon tea in the Carriage House Café & Tearoom at the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Cherry House is open from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and can be visited any time during the hour. Tea may be taken anytime from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $18 and tours are offered on Sundays, April 29 and May 6.
To drink or not to drink? That is the question on Thursday, April 26, at 12:30 p.m. during the Luncheon and Temperance Debate at the historic Merion Inn, 106 Decatur St., when a dispute erupts between saloonkeeper Patrick Collins, and Jennie Wales, a staunch advocate of the temperance movement. Join Dr. Emlen Physick over lunch as he attempts to maintain decorum during this spirited debate. $25 admission includes lunch.
Ready for an afternoon of good spirits? Try these events that introduce you to the flavors of the Cape May area’s outstanding vineyards and new brewery:
Relax over a glass of wine at the Cape May Winery, 711 Townbank Road as you take a Winery Cellar Tour & Tasting. See how the grapes are grown and learn about the winemaker’s art as you enjoy a barrel-tasting accompanied by cheese and fruit on Saturdays, April 28 and May 5, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20; the event is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth at Ocean Street. If you prefer, explore at your own pace during the Self-guided Wine Trail. Visit Natali Vineyards and Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery and taste the unique flavors at each. Offered daily from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $8 and includes a map with the wineries listed and a tasting glass. What’s brewing in Cape May? Some great spirits, as you’ll find out on the new Self-guided Wine & Brewery Tour of two area wineries, Natali Vineyards and Hawk Haven Vineyard and Winery, plus the new Cape May Brewing Company. Take a tour at each stop and sample some of their products. Admission is $13 and includes a map with directions. Tours are offered on Saturdays, April 28 and May 5 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Discover Cape May’s “spirited” side during tours that focus on the paranormal; hear haunting tales about the nation’s first seaside resort and maybe even hear or experience an actual ghost or two:
Board a MAC trolley for the Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour, a 45-minute evening ride through the haunted streets of Cape May. The paranormal findings of Cape May’s popular psychic medium and ghost writer Craig McManus come alive as your guide translates McManus’ spooky stories. Ride past the flickering gas street lamps and the haunted properties of Cape May and experience the spine-tingling tales exposed by McManus. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for children (ages 3-12). Tours are offered on Fridays, April 27 and May 4 at 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. and Saturdays, April 28 and May 5, at 8:15 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Dare to take an evening ride down the ghostly path that leads to the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse on a Ghosts of the Lighthouse Trolley Tour. Listen to the ghost tales along the way that have been unearthed by psychic medium and ghost writer Craig McManus. Once you reach your destination, you’ll feel the presence of the spirits at the Light. Do you dare to climb 199 spirited stairs to the top? Whether you choose to climb or stay below, you’ll enjoy a ghostly experience. Admission is $20 for adults and $15 for children (ages 3-12). Tours are offered on Saturdays, April 28 and May 5 at 8 p.m.
Take the Historic Haunts Combo Tour and combine the Ghosts of Cape May trolley tour with a visit to the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May’s “original” haunted house. There you will visit a home séance room of the 1890s and learn of the Victorians’ fascination with spiritualism along with today’s methods of “ghost hunting.” Saturdays, April 28 and May 5 at 7:15 p.m.
Search for spirits at Cape May’s original haunted house, the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., during a Full Moon Ghost Hunt with Ghost-One. Ghost-One, a paranormal research team based in Pennsylvania, has done extensive investigations and is hosting a full moon ghost hunt on Saturday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. Enter the haunted Physick Estate with a member of Ghost-One and try your hand at some of their investigating tools. Conduct EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) readings as you explore different rooms inside the mansion. Afterwards, visit the Carriage House for dessert and discuss your findings.
A National Historic Landmark City and one of “America’s 20 Prettiest Towns,” Cape May is the perfect place to stroll, step back into a gentle era of formal parlors and calling cards, and explore the city’s magnificent Victorian architecture and seaside beauty:
Hunt for unique hand-made crafts and one-of-a-kind antiques at the Spring Festival Crafts & Antiques Shows on Saturdays, April 28 and May 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., becomes an outdoor marketplace as vendors from throughout the Northeast display their wares. Admission is free and free parking is available.
Take advantage of the rare opportunity to see inside some of Cape May’s finest private residences on the Spring Festival Private Homes Tours, Saturdays, April 28 and May 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy touring these beautiful and stately homes from the Victorian era to the 21st century that are not normally open to the public. Tickets are limited, so purchase early. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children (ages 3-12).
A beautiful private home situated on one of Cape May’s oldest residential streets, the 1849 Cherry House built in the Federal style, is open for “in Total” tours on Saturdays, April 28 and May 5 at 2 p.m. Owners Frank and Beth Acker welcome visitors to their historic home filled with cherished family mementos, antiques and country décor. Hand-painted murals in several rooms reflect the home’s seashore heritage. Tickets cost $10 per person ($8 for children ages 3-12) and are available at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth, Washington and Ocean streets.
Learn about “What Those Victorians Wore,” the new theme for guided tours of Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., beginning April 27. Get an in-depth glimpse of the Victorian lifestyle as your tour guide leads you through each room in the Estate. You’ll learn about Victorian fashion, clothing, undergarments, formal and informal attire and much more. The new theme will run through April 2013 (except during the holiday season). Tours are offered year-round and admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 3-12). Tours can also be combined with trolley tours of Cape May’s Historic District. Meet with the good doctor, Dr. Physick himself, when “The Dr. is In” on Saturdays April 28 and May 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Estate.
Kick up your heels as they did in Victorian-era Cape May at the Vintage Dance Weekend, Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29. Vintage dance instructors will teach you the traditional dances of the 19th century at a Vintage Dance Workshop, Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Saturday, April 28 at 8 p.m., show off your newfound expertise at a costumed Vintage Ball with live music of the period. A Tea Dance, also with live music, is Sunday, April 29 at 1 p.m. Victorian dress is encouraged but not required. All events take place at the historic Chalfonte Hotel, 301 Howard St. An all-inclusive package is $95, the workshops are $45, the Vintage Ball is $35, and the Tea Dance is $25.
Board the Cape May Whale Watcher for a sightseeing cruise around the island of Cape May during the Around Cape Island Boat Cruise. View the majestic Victorian architecture and enjoy tales of local heroes, legends and history. Offered at 10 a.m. on Saturdays, April 28 and May 5 and Sundays, April 29 and May 6. Tickets are $25 for adults and $18 for children (ages 7-12). Purchase tickets in advance at the Washington Street Mall information Booth or at the Hill House office at the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St.
Board the 110-foot Cape May Whale Watcher for the Cape May Whale & Dolphin Cruise, a three-hour cruise and the chance to see humpback whales, dozens of bottlenose dolphins, unusual sea birds or rare sea turtles, with guaranteed marine mammal sightings. Purchase tickets in advance at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth. Offered at 1 p.m. Saturdays, April 28 and May 5 and Sundays, April 29 and May 6. $35 for adults, $23 for children (ages 6-12).
The city’s unique history comes alive with a spring exhibit and lecture series during Cape May’s 17th annual Spring Festival:
Cape May’s 20th century renaissance is a story of the successful efforts of preservationists to save Cape May’s extraordinary Victorian buildings, which today attract thousands of visitors yearly. Thestory of Cape May’s 20th century renaissance is chronicled in the book “The First Resort” by author Ben Miller, and is the basis for the upcoming spring exhibit sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) at the Carriage House Gallery at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. “Cape May’s 20th Century Renaissance: From the Pages of The First Resort” brings to life the key turning point in Cape May’s 20th century history. Visitors will be treated to rare photographs, video and artifacts showcasing the years immediately before and after the city’s Urban Renewal movement. A free exhibit opening is Friday, April 27 at 7 p.m. at the Carriage House Gallery. The exhibit will be open daily through Nov. 4 and admission is free. Gallery hours vary.
Learn about Cape May’s fascinating history as local experts and educators bring the seaside town to life during “A Victorian Primer in Cape May,” a series of informative lectures, programs and seminars at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St. From Monday, April 30 through Friday, May 4, learn about Victorian social history, customs and traditions during lectures and seminars that include topics on music, architecture, ghosts, spiritualism and more. Admission to each is $10. Schedules are as follows: Monday, April 30: Introduction to the Victorian Era and Cape May at 11 a.m.; Cape May’s Victorian Architecture at 1:45 p.m.; and Victorian Social History at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 1: Understanding the Victorians at 9:45 a.m.; Victorian Spiritualism at 1:45 p.m.; Ghosts of Cape May at 3 p.m.; and An Evening of Victorian Music at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 2: Seminar on Victorian Women at 10:30 a.m.; and The Cape May Lighthouse at 1:45 p.m. Thursday, May 3: Victorian Etiquette and Manners at 9:30 a.m.; An Afternoon with the Physick Family at 2:30 p.m.; and John Philip Sousa at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4 concludes the series with a presentation of Tales of Olde Cape May at 9:45 a.m.
An evening moonlight tour is a memorable way to enjoy the nation’s first seaside resort during Cape May’s 17th Annual Spring Festival. Take a Moonlight Trolley Ride along Cape May’s gas-lit streets with a guide and hear about Victorian social history along with romantic traditions relating to courtship on Saturdays, April 28 and May 5 at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for children (ages 3-12). On Saturday, May 5, the Friends of the Cape May Lighthouse invite you to a Lighthouse Full Moon Climb from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Take advantage of the light of the full moon and let it guide you up the 199 stairs to the starry top of the Cape May Lighthouse. Admission to the Visitors’ Orientation Center and the ground floor of the Lighthouse is free. Tower admission is free for Friends members. Non-members price is $7 for adults, $3 for children (ages 3-12). Non-members who join the group will get free admission to this event as well as future Friends events.
For the 33rd year, the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May will transform Cape May’s Rotary Park into an open-air marketplace for the Spring Flower Festival on Saturday, April 28 (rain date April 29).This free outdoor event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 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. Rotary Park is located at the intersection of Lafayette Street and Lyle Lane between Jackson and Decatur streets.
Explore Cape May’s seaside gardens during Cape May Garden Tours on Saturday, April 28 (rain date April 29) at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May. 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 cost $10 per person and tickets will be available at Rotary Park on the day of the tours, or you can reserve ahead by calling the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May at (609) 884-5508 ext. 102 or e-mail doreen@capemaychamber.com.