Race at the Cape: Renewing the Cape May Motor Car Challenge (1905 – 2012)
In 1905 automotive giants, Henry Ford and Louis Chevrolet, along with several lesser know racing enthusiast, met in Cape May for the first and last Cape May Auto Race.
On Saturday May 19th, the original race will be recreated with some slight differences. The original race was held on the beach but Henry Ford’s car was hit by a wave which knocked him out of contention causing him to come in last. On the 19th the race will commence at 1pm on Beach Avenue in front of Convention Hall. There will be two races. Beginning with vintage cars of the era and followed by another, this one with the most up to date and fuel efficient models Ford and Chevrolet have to offer. Members of the East Lynne Theatre Group will be present to add an authentic flavor to the event. Festivities actually will begin at 10 a.m.when the cars will be on display at Rotary Park. There will also be an after race exhibition at Beach and Gurney Street.
Does anyone like root beer? Stewarts Root Beer is opening an authentic old fashion ice cream parlor and restaurant at the corner of Decatur Street and the Washington Street Mall.
The car races sound like fun and who doesn’t like an root beer float. And the best thing is that all is just a short walk from 931 Beach. In fact, Convention Hall is so close that although the race could be viewed from our porch, why not take the short walk to get a better view.
LiZa is awaiting your calls and don’t forget to make your reservations on line for our discount.
Cape May Music Festival
LiZa our innkeeper appreciates all the phone calls she has received this spring. Some have been from previous guests but most have been from newbie’s. If you are looking to stay with us for the first time you will find the many positive reviews of previous guests on www.tripadvisor.com If you have any questions call LiZa (609-884-0275), but remember, to receive the 5% booking discount, your reservation has to made through our web site – www.931beach.com.
The 2 ½ weeks long Cape May Music Festival is scheduled between May 28th and June 14th. The offerings are very diverse. Whether it is chamber, traditional, orchestral or new age, there is something available for every musical taste and experience. Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities www.capemaymac.org is the best way of finding all the information you will need. Dates, times, locations, tickets and biographies of each musician are presented.
In the center of a quiet park, situated between Lyle Lane and Lafayette Street is the Rotary Bandstand. Our bandstand looks as if it has been plucked out of the “Music Man” and fits in beautifully with our historical architecture. It is popular with brides and groom for wedding photos. But 3 or 4 times a week it fulfills its purpose and hosts free band concerts as it has been doing for the past 38 years. There is a wide range of offerings: from barbershop quartets, string ensembles, to our own U.S. Coast Guard Band. Each provides a great experience. To see all that is available check www.capemayrecreation.org. This is a relaxed atmosphere so bring a lawn chair or spread a blanket on the grass, just enjoy!
That is all for music at this time. I am tracking down some interesting things that I heard scheduled for the near future. Cape May is hosting a Restaurant Week – and we have the best restaurants. And down on the docks Harbor Fest - a Celebration of Seafood and Song is due for mid June.
Till next time.
Rooms are filling up for Cape May’s Spring Festival
It is fortunate that 931 Beach Avenue enjoys such a marvelous location; blocks of all the activities and attractions that Cape May has to offer and directly across the street from the Atlantic Ocean.
The weeklong May Spring Festival is in full swing with the best and most interesting “stuff” scheduled for this weekend. The activities are so diverse, from the Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tours to walking tours of local gardens and private homes some of which are only accessible during this week.
If you enjoy chocolate, the Chocolate Championship Tour and Tasting will be of great interest to you. It is scheduled for May 5th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The best of the inns, restaurants and bakeries will present all things chocolate and the public will do the judging and receive the recipes. It is best to call 800-275-4278 for further information.
Luncheon and Dinner Murder Mysteries at the Inn of Cape May
How about mixing a good murder mystery with a delicious luncheon or a memorable dinner? The Inn of Cape May is hosting such events and from the rave reviews given by previous diners this is something not to be missed: May 6th Lunch at 1pm & May 5th and 6th Dinner at 7 pm. Reservations are necessary for both lunch and dinner and can be made by calling 800-275-4278.
There is always so much to do in Cape May and so much of it is just steps away from 931 Beach Avenue. LiZa is always happy to answer any of your questions on the phone (609-884-0275), but to receive a discount on your reservation you must make it through our web site www.931beach.com
Until next week.
How about a “Girlfriends Getaway Weekend” in Cape May?
How about getting your very best friends together and having a “Girlfriends Getaway Weekend” at 931 Beach?
The weather here has been beautiful, although not exactly swimming weather but it is great for catching some rays on the beach. MAC, Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities www.capemaymac.org has planned a very special weekend for ladies of all ages.
Friday April 20th a tea and fashion show will be presented by Uniquely Yours of Cape May in the gardens of the Physick Estate.
On Saturday April 21st a full afternoon is planned. Lunch will be served at Aleathea’s at the Inn of Cape May. After this a trolley will take you antiquing at some local shops in Cape May
Sunday the 22nd a fashion show will be presented by the Cotton Company at Aleathea’s during breakfast.
Besides these activities there are so many other attractions to be enjoyed in Cape May; tours of victorian homes, trolley tours, crafts, and antiques shows. Rotary Park is the scene of free concerts twice a week.
Well ladies, round up your friends for this fun weekend. Remember, to make your reservations through our web site for a great discount www.931beach.com. Besides, this is “low season”, and rates are reduced, which makes this a good time to visit us.
Have a great time.
CAPE MAY IS ALL DRESSED UP FOR SPRING
We are pleased to announce that our beautiful house will open this weekend April 13th. A 5% discount is available on booking made through our web site, www.931beach.com.
April 28th to May 6th will be the Spring Flower Festival. This is the kickoff event for the summer season and is co-planned by the city, www.capemaychamber.com and MAC – Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities – www.capemaymac.org. Every part of the city and Cape May Point are involved in the tours, shows, tastings, dancing, murder mysteries and much more. This is all presented within a city blooming with the most beautiful of spring flowers all with a Victorian slant.
For those who are planning to join us at 931 Beach for a week this summer, the Aviation Museum at the Cape May County Airport www.usnasw.org is planning 2 week long aviation camps. For ages 12-17 it will be July 9-13 and for the 9-11 year olds it is July 16-20. Please check their web site as space is limited.
Have you checked in with our web site www.931beach.com to make that reservation yet? Doesn’t the view of the beach and ocean on our web site look delicious? Well, that is the way it looks right now. Our mild winter is making this a special spring.
Talk to you soon
SPRING HAS ALREADY SPRUNG IN CAPE MAY
Believe it or not my daffodils are already blooming, my roses have leaves and the tulips are beginning to come up! All due no doubt to a wonderful warm winter.
In a previous blog I mentioned that Stockton State College is teaming up with the city to present several concerts geared, but not limited to, us “younger” folk. A list of these have been released, and the performers include The Americans, The Letterman, Gerry and The Pacemakers and The Association. More information is available at www.stockton.edu/pac. Remember these will be at the new Convention Hall a short walk from 931 Beach.
Easter is just around the corner and plans are being made for the Annual Easter Fashion Stroll. Registration will begin at noon with the event commencing at 1 p.m. There is a host of prizes being awarded as judging will be in 14 categories’. Host of the event will be the Easter Bunny.
Cape May loves theatre. Our 2 present ones, East Lynne Theatre and the Cape May Stage have been wildly successful. Now there will be a new one. Cape Island Theatre Company will be stationed at The Old Grange, a restaurant located at the entrance of the Cold Spring Village. The Cold Spring Village, located 5 miles north of 931 Beach is an open air museum. But this is theatre with a twist. Besides the plays being original the venue will as a dinner theatre. Dinner patrons will be able to participate as during dessert the actors will be available for a meet and great. Further information can be obtained at www.capeislandtheatre.com.
That is all the news for now. Have you checked into our web site yet, www.931beach.com? How about your reservation? Have you make it yet? With this beautiful weather I am sure people will be thinking of their summer vacations much earlier this year. You don’t want to have someone else taking your date.
Until next time………….take care.
Marilyn
CONVENTION HALL IS ARISING!
Convention Hall has been, for the last century, located on the Promenade and has served as the focal point for all activities in this area. Just as the Washington Street Mall is the happening place in center city Convention Hall serves the same purpose for the beach front.
Unfortunately it has been closed for the past several years due to its unsound structure. But a new and better one is coming to life. Construction started at the end of summer ’11 and has proceeded at a frantic pace all winter. The target date for opening is Memorial Day with a concert by the Philadelphia Pop Orchestra.
In the past years things were going on both day and evening for the entire summer. And there is no reason to believe that pace will be slowing up. Richard Stockton College – Stockton State of Atlantic County – will be providing a series of concerts besides presenting a children’s theatre program. When a more complete list of activities is available I’ll be sure to update the list.
One of the best reasons for the Hall is its easy accessibility to 931 Beach. It is just a short walk to all the shopping, arcades and concerts in this area. The house will be opening April 13th with special low season rates. It has been a mild winter here so we are anticipating an early and beautiful spring. So why not come and share our beautiful weather? Information about our low rates can be found on our web site – www.931beach.com.
Till next time, take care. Maybe it is just me but I can’t wait for spring.
Marilyn
Cape May Has Gone to the Dogs!
May we all, from 931 Beach, wish a Happy New Year to you and your families. May this be the best of years, filled with health and happiness.
Our beautiful little village, after a busy Christmas season, is hunkering down for a short siesta. But not everything is closing. Such popular eateries, as the Ugly Mug, Pilot House, Jackson Mountain, Lucky Bones and the Lobster House are available all year. And over on the Mall, several small shops such as the Whales Tail, Pearls, Fudge Kitchen and Dellas, just to mention a few, are always here for us.
MAC, Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities is now in the process of planning events for summer 2012. But they have projects planned throughout the winter. Every Sunday they sponsor Winery Cellar Tours and Tastings. January 16th marks the opening of the Carriage House Gallery Exhibits. This is a frequently changing set of exhibits that presents various aspects of Victorian life and brings history to life in exciting and interesting ways.
MAC hasn’t forgotten our little ones. On four Saturdays from February through April history will come to life for our 7 to 10 year olds. Each Saturday will high light a particular topic. The first, scheduled for February 11th, will teach various forms of Victorian communications. Our children will learn what life was like before cell phones and internet. To learn more about these events and other planned workshops it is best to check in with their web site www.capemaymac.org. Take the time to look into their site frequently as more will be added in the coming months.
Oh, about the dogs, almost forgot! During the winter and into early spring our favorite pooches are welcome on our beaches. Banned during summer months they are able to have long runs and even enjoy the surf. Being our people are responsible pet parents any “deposits” are quickly cleaned up.
Again a very Happy New Year! We are all busy planning another enjoyable summer for you, so check with us frequently.
Marilyn
BIDDING FAREWELL TO 2011
As the painted ladies of Cape May, those beautiful Victorian homes, are being adorned for the Christmas holidays, you can feel Cape May returning to its roots, that of a small town with old fashioned ideas and values.
Please come and enjoy these beautiful times with us. December 2nd is the date for the Christmas tree Lighting Ceremony in Rotary Park. The West Cape May Christmas Parade on December 3rd is just fun. This 3 hour parade which starts in West Cape May but winds through Cape May is funded entirely by private donations. Along the way there is tailgating, munchies and “punch” of all types. If you are a visitor not knowing anyone, I promise before the evening is done you will have made many new friends. December 3rd is also the date for the Holiday Craft Show at the Cape May Elementary School. December 8th and 9th are Hospitality Nights, a thank you from our merchants for the support given to them throughout the year. Shopping is by candle light with refreshments available in each shop.
We hope you return to us next summer. And for those who haven’t been with us before please do seriously consider us. I am sure you are impressed by this site but if you have any questions or concerns please give LiZa a call. Her warm and friendly manner will quickly win you over.
We, at 931 Beach, extend to you and your family our sincere best wishes for this beautiful season and for all of 2012.
See you next year!
Marilyn
Almost but not quite time to close for the winter yet
Unfortunately, on November 20th, LiZa will have to close the shutters, put away the rocking chairs and end our 2011 season.
As our beautiful autumn weather turns into early winter, there are many changes taking place here in Cape May. Beginning in November our little Victorian town sparkles like a jewel pretty enough to adorn any Christmas tree. Many of the Christmas attractions will be starting this week. So there is still time to enjoy our hospitality before the 20th.
If you have never visited Cape May this is a perfect time to do so. The city resembles something from the Dickens era. Candlelight tours through the Victorian homes, holiday cooking classes, candle lighted shops, tree lighting ceremonies and a huge Christmas parade are just a few of the attractions.
For those of you who will be returning next year may we suggest you book early, so as to be assured of reserving your favorite dates and suites? You may always call LiZa (609)-884-0275 to do, also ask her about our special Fall get away rates.
For our prospective new friends, if you are in the area before the 20th, why not stop by and ask LiZa for a quick tour? Seeing the beauty of the house in person will make you a believer.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of our friends.
Marilyn