Cape May has a great tradition the comes twice a year, the Cape May Jazz Festival. We are quickly approaching the spring event on April 16,17, and 18, 2010. There is always a great group of musical options at the Cape May Jazz Festival which feature jazz, blues, and latin. Many of the performer are from the region, NYC, Philadelphia, DC, but some come from far off as well.

The venues at the Cape May Jazz Festival are interesting as well. Some offer a very intimate setting where one can be close to the musicians. There are others venues that are much larger so as to accommodate several patrons. All of Cape May gets involved so a simply stroll among the restaurants and bars along the beach or the Washington Street Mall offers several musical options.

The Cape May Jazz festival is a great opportunity to meet up with old friends and listen to great music in the Historic beach front community of Cape May NJ. There is something special about listening to great music on a lazy afternoon watching the waves crash on the sea. Everyone can listen to great jazz but everyone should experience it down the shore in historic Cape May at least once.

For tickets and more information visit the Cape May Jazz website:
www.capemayjazz.org

If you forget the one event then your name is mud;)

Valentine Day Special

Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to let your love know just how special they are in your life. Sometimes our lives are so busy that it is tough to schedule quality time. Make it easy on yourself and come to the Bacchus Inn for Valentine Day, February 14, 2010. This year Valentine Day weekend coincides with the president’s day holiday, monday February 15,2010. It makes for a 3 day weekend for most. The Bacchus Inn is offering a special Valentine Day special. Stay for two days and get a third day for half price. We still have availability so call now @ 609.884.2129.

Dead of Winter Weekend- featuring Craig McManus

The second event for February is the Dead of Winter weekend. Craig McManus is coming to Cape May the weekend of February 19th and 20th. The weekend package includes a meet and greet, a tour of 3 houses with Craig, and a dinner on Saturday evening. There are also some gifts with the package. Checkout Craig’s page @ www.Channelcraig.com There is still availability. Call today to book @ 609.884.2129.

Cape May MAC is celebrating the 150th birthday of the Cape May LightHouse beacon. Historic characters will reenact the lighting of the Cape May lighthouse candle. After the reenactment there will be cake and refreshments available. The Cape May Point lighthouse park is free but event tickets will be a special price of $1.50.

Many guest of the Bacchus Inn ask if there is anything to do in the fall in Cape May. Halloween is one of the many charming fall activities in Cape May.

The Bacchus Inn as well as many other bed and breakfast get into the spirit of Halloween. We decorate our inns with mums, cornstalks, hail bails, and other flowers. The fall has its own unique beauty in Cape May. The earth tones of fall match perfectly with our painted ladies.

Craig Mc Manus is a guest and a friend. Craig has been coming to Cape May for a long time and is well aware of our unique long term guest. He has written several books on the ghosts of Cape May and the Bacchus Inn is one of the featured Bed and Breakfast. He has enlighten us to our long standing guest whom we have always had feelings but didn’t know the details. Craig has a new book this year ,” 400 years of the Ghosts of Cape May”. It is available at many inns as well as the stores of Cape May. Craig also shares his incite on the Cape May trolly ghost tour, ticket are available through Cape May MAC.

The Halloween parade is a charming event that features children and adults dressed up for the holiday. The parade begins at the Washington St Mall and precedes up Washington St to the Physick Estate. Prizes are presented in several categories including infants, toddlers, kids, groups and floats. The prizes are presented on the lawn behind the Physick Estate. Refreshments are available and the local dance team does a show.

The adults have some great activities as well. Congress Hall has their Halloween Ball. It takes place in the ballroom just off the Brown room in Congress Hall. It is great fun. One of the great benefits of Cape May is the ability of guest to walk to events like these. No car is necessary since Congress Hall is in the center of town just blocks from most Bed and Breakfast.

The Gables will be holding their annual Halloween party at the Chalfonte.

The Washington Mall area is beautifully appointed for the fall giving strollers a comforting atmosphere. The Washington street Mall merchants offer wonderful gifts and decorations for Halloween. The bars and restaurants are ready to give vacationers a different options than home. They offer indoor and outdoor seating along the mall so travelers can watch the people go by. Many Cape May restaurants offer seasonal menus. So fall provides new interesting options for the discerning palette.

Cape May is a city a new in fall. Whether you are a new vacationers or a returning traveler Cape May is a great choice for Halloween. Great Bed and Breakfast, like the Bacchus Inn, restaurants, shops, and special events make Cape May the perfect spot for Halloween.

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 02:41:19 The Bacchus inn has been in business for 7 years now. One thing the guest all agree on is the relaxing effect of sitting on the porch.

All day long Lisa and I stroll back and forth between the houses attending to innkeeper chores. We are consistently greeted…

The Bacchus inn has been in business for 7 years now. One thing the guest all agree on is the relaxing effect of sitting on the porch. All day long Lisa and I stroll back and forth between the houses attending to innkeeper chores. We are consistently greeted by guest watching the day go bye. Some read and enjoy the breeze other chat about last night’s dinner. All have an easy feel about them. Many guest comment on how difficult it is to do this at home. Some point out that most new homes have rear porches. Another said it was impossible to watch the strollers go bye from the backyard. Cape May offers a relaxing atmosphere. The streets are lined with charming bed and breakfast. The carriage rides meander by throughout the day. The beach goers walk back and forth with their skin bearing witness to the power of the sun. Children laugh, couples whisper. The porch offers a pleasant spot to watch a charming day go by.

By Joe Hart Rocky, the nine-year-old Amur Tiger at the Cape May County Zoo, moved into his newly renovated habitat on Monday, June 29. rocky was born at Great Adventure and hand raised by Dr. Hubert Paluch, Zoo Director and veterinarian. “Rocky, who is currently over 500 pounds, 9 feet long and 4 feet tall, is a very special tiger who came to our zoo about eight years ago when he was only a year and half old. From the beginning, Rocky has been a favorite of the zoo staff and the public,” Paluch said. Paluch called Rocky a people-person who enjoys the summer when there are more visitors at the zoo to show off for.

Rocky’s new digs, which cost approximately $45,000, were made possible through a cooperative effort between county government, the Cape May County Zoological Society and private donors. A new waterfall and pond was funded through a contribution by The Dana Kull Memorial Fund in the amount of $25,000. The Zoo Staff made significant improvements to the overall beautification of the exhibit including outside habitat enhancements and fence upgrades that totaled $16,000. The Cape May County Zoological Society has initiated a fundraising and friend-raising campaign to help rebuild the homes of the zoo’s big cats. “The goal of the ZooFriends is to get our visitors involved with the zoo on a personal level so they can see and appreciate their results. ZooFriends’ donations will go to projects that enrich the lives of our animals while providing visitors an entertaianing and educational experience,” said Bill MacQueen, executive director of the society. The next phase of the tiger exhibit to be sponsored by ZooFriends will include a “nose-to-nose” glass walled viewing enclosure and tiger conservation information site. Additionally, conributions will rebuild the habitat for Brutu, the resident male African lion, in 2010.

Over the years the Bacchus Inn has had thousands on guest. Many of those vacationers have enjoyed a night at the theater. Cape May offers the East Lynne Theater, Cape May Stage, and Elaine’s dinner theater. All of these places are within walking distance and some offer dinner packages.

Elaine’s dinner theater is located on Lafayette between Ocean and Bank Sts. This theater can be all inclusive because they offer a bar and dinner as well as the show. Patrons can opt to skip dinner and just see the show. Tickets are available in advance at 609.884.4358.

Cape May’s First Presbyterian Church is the home of the East Lynne Theater Company(ELTC). The church is situated just minutes from the Bacchus Inn straight down Columbia Ave at Decatur St. The East Lynne Theater is associated with The Mid-Atlantic Center for The Arts(MAC). This year there are several shows throughout the summer like: Hans Brinker, The Ransom of Red Chief, and Helpful Hints. Reservations can be made by dialing 866.280.9211.

Cape May Stage has been newly renovated after a grant from the state and some contribution from generous residents. There is now comfortable theater seating to enjoy the stage entertainment. Cape May Stage offers several new shows throughout the season. Say Goodnight Gracie is now playing and has been well received by several guest. This stage does not offer dinner at the stage but has a wonderful alternative. Several Cape May restaurants offer a package along with discounted stage passes. Some of these restaurants include: 410 Bank,Oyester Bay, and Washington Inn. These are not the only choices rather a sample. A complete list can be found in the brochure provided in the foyer of the Bacchus Inn. One can also find out more info by dialing 609.884.1341.

On the next trip to Cape May try a night at the theater because many guest believe it is something you should not miss.

The classic cars have sauntered into town this July 11th. If you are looking for something to do while at staying at the Bacchus Inn stop by the Classic car show. There is a nice variety of cars down by the Washington St Mall today. The Lincoln Continental and vintages Woodies may be the oldest but MGs, Corvettes, and Jaguars offer and eyeful as well. Prizes will be award this afternoon but the real prize is a stroll through the park. This event is free to the public.

Cape May is an island. It has been since the army core of engineers made it so during World War II. The canal was carved from the main land in an effort to protect the Delaware river from sub attack during the war. The canal gave the then navy base (currently the coast guard base) easy access to the river in case of attack. That canal also made the Cape May peninsula an island.

There are three distinct waterways that surround the island: the Atlantic Ocean, the Delaware bay/river, and the inland waterway tributaries. Each of these waterways offer fun and adventure for Cape May bed and breakfast guests.

Cape May offers dolphin and whale watching. There are several options available at the marina like Cape May Whale Watching and Miss Chris. These boats take visitors out several times a day. The tour normally circles the island with curious dolphins following along ship side.

www.capemaywhalewatch.com
www.misschrismarina.com

Kayaking has become a popular recreational activity in the ocean and inland waterways. Miss Chris and Kayak adventures offer tours and kayak rentals.

www.capemaykayakfishing.com
www.misschrismarina.com

A charming sea adventure could be to try Key of the Sea sail boat. This is a sailing ship that will take guests for a fee for a cruise in a sailboat in the Atlantic ocean or Delaware Bay.  One can go for a morning, afternoon or sunset cruise.

www.sailcapemay.com

Jet skiing and parasailing rides are available at the marina as well. East coast Jet Ski offers 2 location in Cape May and Wildwood with daily rentals. 609.898.8754.

If you are looking for a more casual boating experience or enjoy birding then the Salt Marsh eco cruise may be for you. The MV Osprey takes tours from the marina 3 times a day:
10 am
1:30 pm
6:00 pm

Tours are normally 2 hours.

www.ospreycruise.com

So next time you check into your bed and breakfast in Cape May hop in the car and hit the South Jersey marina. There is plenty to do on the water on your next vacation in Cape May.