The attractions of Cape May, at the southernmost tip of New Jersey, on Delaware Bay, were discovered by the more prosperous citizens of Philadelphia in the 18th c., and in the 19th c. it enjoyed a heyday as a fashionable bathing resort. Six Presidents of the United States had houses here. Today the attractions of the town are its fine beaches, Cape May Point Lighthouse, built in 1859 and its handsome Victorian-style holiday homes. There are also boat trips to see whales and dolphins.
The house was built, before the Revolutionary War, by Memucan Hughes, a member of one of the whaler yeomen families. When Israel Hughes, Memucan's first son married Mary Eldridge in 1806, this simple six room structure became their home. The museum gives you a glimpse of Hughes' family life.
Hours:
June 15 to September 15: 1pm-4pm; Closed: Sun, Mon
The name Cold Spring was derived from the spring of cold water flowing up through the salt marsh. Historic Cold Spring Village is a 19th century living history museum offering a glimpse into the lifestyles, trades, crafts, and architecture of this rural community.
Address: Historic Cold Spring Village, 720 Route 9, Cape May, NJ 08204-4636, United States
Phone: 1 (609) 898-2300, Fax: 1 (609) 884-5926
Hours:
May 31 to September 5: 10am-4:30pm; Closed: Mon
September 6 to September 15: 10am-4:30pm; Closed: Mon, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Disability Access: Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Built in 1879, the Mid Atlantic Center for the Arts is located in the Emlen Physick Estate. The 18-room mansion was saved from demolitian in 1970 and provides a look at Victorian architecture, decorative arts, customs, and the lives of the Physicks.
Address: Mid Atlantic Center for the Arts, Box 340, Cape May, NJ 08204-1737, United States
Phone: 1 (609) 884-5404, Fax: 1 (609) 884-5064