Share Your 'Secrets' of Cape May

Now that the 2009 season has officially begun with Memorial Day, I thought it might be nice to kick things off on the boards by sharing some of our favorite %26#39;secrets%26#39; about the city. Cape May is one of those unique places where there are hidden gems waiting around every corner, just itching to be discovered.

Be it a great restaurant that is rarely discussed, a beach that is usually quieter than the rest or a super deal to be had, let%26#39;s put our collective heads together and share the wealth!

Ben Miller

P.S. We%26#39;d love to hear from Cape May merchants and innkeepers who review the forums. You all have a wealth of information to share and your unique perspective would add a lot to the conversation. All we ask is that you identify yourself and your business.

Share Your 'Secrets' of Cape May

Let me start the discussion with a tip about bike riding through Cape May. Each year, people spend a LOT of money to buy roof racks and other accessories to bring their bikes to the resort. Cape May is a perfect place for a leisurely ride around town with some gorgeous scenery.

What a lot of people don%26#39;t realize, is that there%26#39;s a cheaper and much easier way to do it. Cape May has bike rental services that rent bikes by the week at a very reasonable price. For instance, Shields Bike Rental%26#39;s 2009 price is $35 for the week. That price also includes the chain and bike lock to keep it secure.

Unless you have a special bike that you%26#39;d really like to use, it may be a lot cheaper and easier to just rent a bike in Cape May. If you%26#39;re staying at a B%26amp;B, make sure to check with the owner, because you might even get a better deal... some B%26amp;B%26#39;s offer their guests free bicycles to use!

Ben Miller

Share Your 'Secrets' of Cape May

The State Park --- it has parking, an awesome visitors Center - a bird watching platform - great hiking trails through the wetlands - a BIG beach and you will never forget a climb to the top of the Lighthouse!

This is John from the Victorian Motel.....

I love to burn a secret or two now and then...there are so many in Cape May....

One of my favorites is to call ahead and order take out from the Lobster House. Then when we arrive we have two choices take it outside to the wharf area and enjoy it thus eliminating the wait of ordering it there.

The second choice is leaving and going around the corner to the right and entering Utches marina and sitting under one of thier many Verandas. No one has ever asked me if I owned a boat and the far Veranda has wonderful views of the entire Harbor. I have always been the only person there.

John

Please note that swimming is not permitted on the beach at the Lighthouse State Park. I just biked by today and checked the sign. I don%26#39;t know how they would feel about wading. But it%26#39;s a great place to do all the things you would like to do on a beach, without getting wet, and without paying for a beach tag.

Enjoy your stay in beautiful Cape May!

P.S. Park is open during daylight hours only.

The adjacent Cape May Point guarded beach requires a paid tag, and has beach tag checkers.

Best little zoo. Cape May Zoo has been our family favorite for years. A great place to take little ones and strollers. The animals are close and the park is neat and clean. Not too overwhelming. There is also a free playground. as a matter of fact It hink the zoo is free just a donation at the entrance.(which is well worth it). I have been to the San Diego Zoo, a fabulous facility but my heart always yearns for the cute little Cape May Zoo.

I agree with all the recommendations posted. My personal favorite is Sunset Beach. Beautiful to go anytime there, but obviously, sunset is the best time.