Cape May Zoo Welcomes New Howler Monkey

Issue #343

May 10, 2025

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather 

🦍 Cape May Zoo Welcomes New Howler Monkey

‍🚚 Heavy Tow Truck Breaks Through North Wildwood Boardwalk

🍽This Quiet Cape May County Spot Offers a Taste of Classic Jersey Shore

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Shop Local

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 May 10

OUR NEW EVENT SUBMISSION FORM

Have an Upcoming Event?

Say ‘Good Morning’ to Coffee Tyme’s Jesse and Leigha Lambert

Since its founding in 2002 Coffee Tyme has become a beloved institution in Cape May—so much so that for many locals and regular visitors, the name Coffee Tyme is synonymous with mornings at the Jersey Shore. What started as a small café on Beach Avenue built a reputation not only on rich coffee, but also on exceptional baked goods and warm, personal service.

In 2015, the next chapter of Coffee Tyme began when Jesse and  Leigha Lambert, inspired by the idea of owning a café, got wind  the original owners were considering selling. Though just seasonal workers at the time with limited savings, they were determined to seize the opportunity. After being turned away by national banks due to lack of experience and assets, they found an unexpected ally in local Sturdy Bank, which took a chance on them—and still remains their banking partner today.

Taking over the shop meant early mornings and long hours.  Leigha, would start baking around 3 or 4 a.m., and the couple would often be at the shop until evening. But their hard work quickly paid off; in their second year, sales jumped nearly 50 percent. Increased community involvement and a strong social media presence helped drive even more business—and inspired the idea for expansion.

That inspiration turned into action early in 2018, when the owners acquired a second location on the Washington Street Mall by buying out the lease of a long-time local café. Despite concerns that the two shops were too close to one another, the new location proved to be a hit, especially with year-round traffic. We have all seen it, the long but quickly moving line and the sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Today, it serves as Coffee Tyme’s central hub.

But Coffee Tyme is more than just coffee. In 2018, a small act of generosity sparked one of the shop’s proudest traditions. A Coast Guard spouse who won a free drink in a social media contest asked if it could be given to a recruit instead. That gesture led to the creation of a donor-supported program that has since provided over $10,000 in free food and drinks to recruits during their off-base liberty—a welcome kindness after seven weeks of intense training. The story and its heartwarming photo of a smiling recruit helped the campaign take off.

The Free Coffee That Started a Tradition

Looking ahead, the Coffee Tyme team is preparing to open a third location—this time with a drive-thru. Acquired in early 2025 from Donut Connection in North Cape May, the new shop is aiming for a soft opening around Memorial Day weekend, with a full opening by mid-June. The drive-thru concept is a first for the area’s independent coffee shops and comes in response to increasing demand for convenience post-pandemic.

New Location in North Cape May Edward Norton Stopped by to Say Hello

Over the years, the shop has become a favorite of both locals and celebrities. Tina Fey, Ron Howard, Anne Hathaway, Rachel Bilson, and Edward Norton are just a few famous faces who’ve stopped by for a cup.

Much of Coffee Tyme’s success can be credited to its strong community ties, loyal staff—many of whom feel like family—and consistent customer care. Their signature “Good Morning, Cape May” social media posts have become part of the town’s digital rhythm, helping them amass over 40,000 followers on Facebook.

While challenges remain, Coffee Tyme continues to thrive thanks to the can-do spirit of Jesse and Leigha, its grassroots spirit, loyal following, and belief in staying local. With a third shop on the way and a growing legacy, this Cape May coffee staple shows no signs of slowing down.


Have a Merchant You Want to see Featured?

Cape May Zoo Welcomes New Howler Monkey

 

 The Cape May County Park and Zoo has a new resident swinging through its treetops. Diego, a six-year-old male Black Howler monkey, arrived in April from an Ohio zoo and has taken up residence at Primate Point alongside the zoo’s longtime female Howler monkey, A.J. Visitors can see the pair daily during regular zoo hours from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Diego belongs to a species native to the rainforests of South America, where their distinctive prehensile tails allow them to navigate the canopy with agility. Known for their powerful vocalizations, Black Howler monkeys can be heard from miles away, using their deep howls to claim territory and communicate. Males, like Diego, develop their black coloration around age two, while females retain a golden hue—making it easy to tell them apart.

 

Heavy Tow Truck Breaks Through North Wildwood Boardwalk

 A heavy tow truck fell through part of the North Wildwood boardwalk after exceeding the weight limit on Thursday. Temporary repairs are planned for the summer, with full reconstruction set for the winter. The accident prompted questions about the boardwalk’s ability to support new tram-pulling vehicles. City officials clarified that the Ford Maverick, weighing about 3,800 pounds, is significantly lighter than the tow truck involved in the accident, which tipped the scales at approximately 17,000 pounds. For perspective, the current tram engines weigh around 5,000 pounds.

This Quiet Cape May County Spot Offers a Taste of Classic Jersey Shore 

 Located in the unassuming bayfront community of Marmora, within Upper Township in Cape May County, the Tuckahoe Inn is a beloved local spot offering scenic water views and classic Jersey Shore hospitality. The site has deep roots in local history. Originally known as The Beesley Hotel, the original inn dates back to 1736 before it was destroyed by fire in 1961. Two years later, Charles Harp rebuilt and reopened it as the Tuckahoe Inn, preserving its legacy as a welcoming riverside gathering place. In 1996, ownership passed to the Merryman family, who continue to run it today.

Answer to the May 9th Trivia Question

Which famous beach destination in Cape May was recognized by the Travel Channel as one of the top 10 beaches in the United States in 2008?

A) Sunset Beach
B) Poverty Beach
C) Cape May Beach
D) Higbee Beach

Answer: C) Cape May Beach

In 2008, the Travel Channel named it among the top 10 beaches. It was also recognized as one of the best East Coast beaches.

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