Victorian Week in Cape May

Hailed as “A Top 100 Event in North America,” the 36th annual Victorian Week, Oct. 10-19, is Cape May’s extravaganza of tours and events that celebrate the Victorian lifestyle. For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278
Vintage Dance Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11-12
Kick up your heels as they did in Cape May more than a century ago. Learn the steps at dance workshops with instruction on the popular ballroom dances of the mid- and late-19th Century by Martha Griffin.
Enjoy the Vintage Ball with live music by Spare Parts. The band will return on Sunday for an elegant Tea Dance. Refreshments are included at the Ball and Tea Dance, and Victorian costume is highly encouraged.
Every effort will be made to balance the sexes. An all-inclusive package is available or you can purchase events individually. Dance Weekend Package $75; Ball $30; Tea Dance $20; 3 Workshops $45.
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New in 2008!
While you’re resting your feet from dancing, be sure to check out the Temperance Tantrums Dinner and Show!
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Victorian Week Private Homes Tours
Saturdays, Oct. 11-18: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
These tours take you beyond the doors of a selection of charming private cottages in the Cape May area. Limited to 300 tickets each tour. Admission $15; children (3-12) $10.
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Victorian Tour & Tales
Saturday, Oct. 11: 1-3:30 p.m.
New in 2008!
Encounter costumed Victorians as you stroll the streets of Cape May’s Historic District. Learn about its history and architecture and visit the interiors of eight inns, where owners or guides will share their stories. Includes admission to the Emlen Physick Estate and trolley shuttle. Limited tour. Admission $20; children (3-12) $15.
Victorian Week Sampler Tour
Sunday, Oct. 12: 1 and 2:30 p.m.
New in 2008!
Join a small group of tourgoers on an escorted tour of two of Cape May’s charming inns. A Historic District Trolley Tour is included in your experience. Limited tour. Admission $20; children (3-12) $15.
Phantoms Of The Physick Estate Tour
Saturday, Oct. 18: noon-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.
Visit Cape May’s original haunted house and stroll Scarecrow Alley. Come to Dr. Physick’s estate for this special self-guided tour featuring a variety of Victorian Halloween happenings including spooky sounds, special effects and scary stuff. Admission $10, children (ages 3-12) $5.
Phantoms Of Cape May Tour
Saturday, Oct. 18: noon-3 p.m.
New in 2008!
Enjoy a self-guided tour of Cape May’s Victorian treasures with a twist. See them decked out in ghoulish fashion for the Halloween season. Includes admission to the Phantoms of the Physick Estate Tour and a trolley shuttle. Admission $20, children (ages 3-12) $15.
Cape May Innteriors Tour & Tea
Tuesday and Thursday, Oct 14 and 16: 2-4 p.m.
These tours display the interiors of four historic bed and breakfast inns and guesthouses. A refreshing tea, complete with freshly baked delights, is provided at the historic Chalfonte Hotel. Admission $20; children (3-12) $15.
Cape May’s Designer Show House
Daily: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday-Friday: 7-9 p.m.
Cape May’s most spectacular Craftsman-style home is this year’s designer showplace with rooms to inspire every homeowner’s dreams! Admission $20; children (3-12) $15. Dinner packages also available.
Cape May’s Designer Show House Tour & Tea
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Oct. 13, 15 and 17: 2 p.m.
Enjoy a trolley ride from the Washington Street Mall Information Booth to the Designer Show House and learn about Cape May history on the way. Enjoy the innovative work of the many designers involved in the project and then finish your experience with light refreshments at the Carriage House Tearoom and Café before you return to the Mall. Admission $35.
Victorian Week Murder Mystery Dinners & Luncheon
Sunday-Tuesday, Oct. 12-14: 7 p.m., Chalfonte Hotel
Friday-Saturday, Oct. 17-18: 7 p.m., Inn of Cape May
Sunday, Oct. 19: 1 p.m., Inn of Cape May
Interact with the characters and solve the mystery as you enjoy a four-course dinner or luncheon. Dinner admission $45; luncheon admission $30. Limited event; reservations necessary.
Victorian Week Chefs’ Dine-Around
Thursday, Oct. 16: 6 p.m.
Enjoy a five-course gourmet feast, with wine to accompany each course and each course served in one of Cape May’s premier restaurants. A trolley shuttle between restaurants is provided. Reserve early; limited to 34 people! $125 per person (gratuity included).
Crafts And Antiques For Victorian Week
Saturday, Oct. 18: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
These top quality shows bring vendors from throughout the northeast to the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate for a proper Victorian shopping fair! New in 2008, find out if your antique is trash or treasure from an appraiser who will be on hand at the Antiques Show from noon to 3 p.m.
Winery Cellar Tour & Tasting
Saturdays, Oct. 11 and 18: noon and 3 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 15: 3 p.m.
Spend the afternoon at the award-winning Cape May Winery, tour the vineyard to see how grapes are grown, and then visit the winery for an introduction to the wine-maker’s art and a barrel tasting with cheese and fruit. Limited to 40. Admission $20.
Fall Harvest Beer Tasting Dinner
Friday, Oct. 17: 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate Oktoberfest at the Mad Batter with a four-course dinner featuring beers from South Jersey’s own Flying Fish Brewery with each course. Limited to 60. Admission $60.
Chocolate Fantasy Buffet
Sunday, Oct. 12: 2 p.m.
If you love chocolate (and who doesn’t?), you won’t want to miss the “Chocolate Fantasy Buffet.” Milk or dark, whatever your preference, you can fulfill your chocolate fantasy in the decadence of a completely chocolate buffet. Washington Inn Pastry Chef Cressman-Pastiu will be on hand to share the secrets of her trade. Admission $35.
East Lynne Theater Company presents “To the Ladies”
Wednesday-Saturday, Oct. 10-18: 8 p.m.
Written by Pulitzer Prize winners George S. Kaufman and Marc Connelly, this charming comedy about a young businessman and his new bride appeared on Broadway in 1922. General admission: $25; seniors $20; students $10.
Cape May Stage presents Rounding Third
Wednesday-Sunday, Oct. 10-19: 8 p.m.
“Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing.” Two Little League coaches debate Vince Lombardi’s famous words as they lead their kids through a season of competition. General admission $35, seniors $25, students $12.50.
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Special events in The Carriage House Tearoom & Café
Each event is limited to 50 guests; advance reservations are highly recommended.
Mediums, Well Done: The World Of Victorian Spiritualism
Tuesday, Oct. 14: 2:30 p.m.
This lecture explores the world of séances, ouija boards, fairies and ectoplasm and shows why the Victorian world was so fascinated by mediums and psychics. Includes Elegant Afternoon Tea. Admission $25.
Fashion Nostalgia
Thursday, Oct 16: 2:30 p.m.
Enjoy a presentation about vintage fashions, accessories, traditions and pop culture. Audience participation encouraged. Includes Elegant Afternoon Tea. Admission $25.
Madame Parmentier’s Psychic Tea
This event is SOLD OUT – please try again next year!
A Halloween-themed tea at the Carriage House Tearoom and Café and learn what the future holds for you (all in good fun, of course). During the tea, you may encounter wandering fortune-tellers or the odd phrenologist. Includes Tea Luncheon. Admission $25.
Feast of the Phantoms
Saturday, Oct. 18: 6 p.m.
New in 2008!
Dine if you dare. Join fellow ghouls and goblins for a Halloween-themed feast. Costumes encouraged and prizes will be awarded. Includes complimentary admission to Phantoms of the Physick Estate Tour. Admission $45.