LOWER TOWNSHIP is a 30.5 square mile area located at the southernmost point of Cape May County. The towns of Cold Spring, Diamond Beach, Erma, Fishing Creek, North Cape May, Schellenger’s Landing, Shawcrest, Sunset Beach, Townbank and Villas comprise the township, which offers various points of interest. Lower Township is an especially exciting location for history buffs and nature enthusiasts.

Historic Cold Spring Village is an early American open-air living history museum. Travel back in time and experience what life was like for those living in 19th century New Jersey. Interact with the local tinsmith, weaver and bookbinder, who among many others, make this living-history museum a special place to visit. The Village also offers many themed weekends and special events including military encampments, antique shows and concerts – just to name a few.

Stop to visit Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW), which served as a training facility for dive-bomber squadrons throughout World War II. Located in the Cape May County Airport Complex and listed on both the National and New Jersey Register of Historic Places, NASW is a fun activity for the whole family. At the museum, learn all about aviation, the importance of the station during WWII and wonder at the sights of the changing exhibits housed on location.

The unusual concrete ship “Atlantus” sits in the waters off of Sunset Beach. Built during WWI when steel was in very short supply, the American government experimented with various designs, thus the concrete ship. Only 12 were ever put into service and the “Atlantus” was the second prototype. Towed to Cape May in 1926, the ship broke loose during a storm and went aground.

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is a superb ride and will provide enjoyment as you cross the Delaware Bay from Cape May, NJ to Lewes, DE. View the scenery of the Cape from the top deck of one of the five vessels. You may even see dolphins splashing along in the water during your trip. Take your vehicle on the Ferry, or board as a foot passenger. Shuttle buses are available to take you to shopping and sightseeing destinations on both sides during the peak season. The ride is approximately 70 minutes each way and provides transportation as well as relaxation and enjoyment.

Lower Township is also home to the Cape May Lighthouse. For those who are brave and steady, trek up the 199 steps to gaze out at the unbelievably magnificent panoramic view from the observation deck. To the left of the lighthouse is a bird observatory where birds can be admired.

For wine lovers, take a tour of a local winery. Revel in the splendor of its peaceful vineyards and tour the facility for a wine tasting. It’s a great way to bond with friends or spend time with a special someone. On top of being fun, it’s educational too!

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP is the largest in Cape May County at 70 square miles and is the location for the county seat, Cape May Court House. Middle Township is also comprised of the towns of Rio Grande, Green Creek, Del Haven, Whitesboro, Goshen, Dias Creek, Swainton, Clermont, Burleigh, Mayville, Pierce’s Point, Reed’s Beach, High’s Beach and Avalon Manor.

A trip to the Jersey Cape just isn’t complete without a visit to the Cape May County Park & Zoo in Cape May Court House. This 200 - acre oasis of fun and leisure offers an abundance of activities for your enjoyment. In addition to the zoo, the park provides wonderful picnic areas, playgrounds for the kiddies, paths for walking and biking, and ponds for fishing. It is also an excellent area to engulf yourself in a good book or meditate your stresses away.

The Zoo encompasses 80 acres and is filled with over 200 specimens and 550 animals. From pigs and sheep to bears and lions, bison to flamingos, all are inhabitants at the zoo. The zoo is home to three very special exhibits – the African Savanna, the Amphibian & Reptile House and the World of Birds. The African Savanna is 57 acres of plants and animals indigenous to Africa. Its elevated walkway allows you to observe the animals from a birds-eye view and lets you go face-to-face with the giraffes. The Amphibian & Reptile House is an indoor exhibit filled with snakes, turtles, lizards and more. The World of Birds is an indoor sanctuary where birds fly freely and lush plant-life thrives. You’ll be amazed by the colors and beauty of the birds and the plants and imagine that you are in the rainforest rather than Cape May County. The best part about the zoo is that it is free of cost for all to enjoy.

For history lovers, the Cape May County Historic Museum is located at 504 Route 9 North in Cape May Court House. It is housed in the John Holmes House that dates back to 1755. The museum is a treasure trove of information and pictures of early life in Cape May County. The museum also provides programs and tours for families, schools and adults. For those who may have familial ties to Cape May County, you can research your family history too!

DENNIS TOWNSHIP is a mostly residential area located in the upper-central portion of Cape May County. However, much of Dennis Twp. is preserved and several campgrounds call the township home. Belleplain State Forest, a New Jersey State Park, is located in Dennis Twp. The forest is easily accessible from the Garden State Parkway and provides an excellent adventure for outdoor lovers. At Belleplain State Forest you can camp, fish, trap, hunt, picnic, boat and canoe, swim, hike, ride horseback, mountain bike and run the physical fitness trail. In the winter, you can also enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Belleplain State Forest is 21,034 acres of natural beauty where you can become one with nature. Many flock to Dennis Twp. for its Historic House Tours during the Holiday season, when homeowners open their magnificently decorated homes for all to share the joy of the season.

UPPER TOWNSHIP marries the best of residential, commercial and natural areas. Located in the northernmost portion of Cape May County, Upper Twp. incorporates the towns of Beesleys Point, Marmora, Palermo, Seaville, Tuckahoe, Greenfield, Marshallville, Steelmantown, Petersburg and Strathmere. Upper Township is also home to three beaches – Strathmere, Tuckahoe and Beesleys Point. These small, intimate beaches are exactly the place to go for some quiet relaxation and reflection. Many of the county’s campgrounds are also located in Upper Twp.

WOODBINE is a place rich in history. Once a safe-haven for Russian Jews who sought religious freedoms, Woodbine proudly houses historic relics and documents this important part of Cape May County’s history in the Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage. The museum is located at the antique brick Brotherhood Synagogue. It is an interesting place with an abundance of information for history buffs. Woodbine Municipal Airport is a public use airport located in the boundaries of the borough and is ideally situated to serve all pilots’ aviation needs. With so much to see and do at the Jersey Cape, you will want to make it your favorite vacation destination.

For more information about Cape May County call the Cape May County Department of Tourism at 609-465-7181 or visit their website at www.capemaycountychamber.com.•







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