The Cape May Bubble: Local Legend Meets Meteorological Reality

Issue #398

July 19, 2025

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather 

💡 Local Merchant Spotlight on Author Miles Nelson

‍🌐 The Cape May Bubble: Local Legend Meets Meteorological Reality

🚂 Nostalgic Model Railroad Exhibit Returns to Cape May Zoo for Summer Fun

🏳️‍🌈 Fourth of July Incident at Ice Cream Shop Sparks Criminal Charges

 

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

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

 July 19

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Cape May's Own Miles Nelson Turns Local History into Gripping Mysteries

Cape May author Miles W Nelson has carved out a distinctive niche in the world of self-published fiction, blending local flavor with high-stakes storytelling in his growing series of Cape May-based murder mysteries.

Raised in Cape May and a graduate of Lower Cape May Regional High School, Nelson has long had a knack for storytelling. As a teen, he filled the school paper with darkly humorous murder mysteries. That early passion eventually evolved into a serious writing career after a long stint in corporate computer operations.

After being laid off in 2015, Nelson seized the opportunity to pursue a lifelong ambition: writing novels. His first published work, The Privilege of the Dead (2018), was a gritty, action-packed thriller. Its sequel, To Die No More, followed a year later. But it was his third novel, Murder at Exit Zero (2020), that truly struck a chord—especially with local readers. Set in a fictionalized version of Cape May, the book landed in the top ten of the Clive Cussler Adventure Writers Competition.

That success inspired Nelson to continue developing a Cape May-based series featuring fictional police chief Tate Saxby. The sequels—Murder is a SHORE Thing (2022) and Death Rents a Beach House (2023)—build upon the same cast and coastal charm, delivering intrigue with a local twist.

Now, Nelson is putting the finishing touches on the fourth entry in the series, tentatively titled Murder is in the Wind. He expects to complete the draft within days, aiming for a release before Cape May’s Oktoberfest this September. The fall festival season, including the Monarch Festival and Collingswood Book Festival, provides a perfect platform for the book’s debut.

Self-published through Amazon, Nelson appreciates the control the platform gives him. He takes charge of everything from editing to cover design, a process he admits is both rewarding and exhausting. He values the creative freedom it provides—especially when it comes to writing about his hometown.

Nelson’s storytelling is known for its vivid, cinematic style, something he credits to his visual approach. Whether pacing out action scenes in his basement or imagining fictional eateries like the Starla’s Café, inspired by Nelson’s calico cat, he crafts immersive experiences tailored to readers who know Cape May—or are eager to explore it.

Although he doesn’t have any summer events scheduled locally, Nelson plans to return to Cape May for several fall appearances. His books are available on Amazon and at  The Whale’s Tale, on the Washington Street Mall in Cape May, as well as through the mobile bookstore Ink & Ivy.

As for how it feels to finish a novel, Nelson compares it to the exhilaration of completing a seemingly impossible task—something he celebrates with a bottle of champagne and the knowledge that, once again, he’s brought Cape May’s mysteries to life on the page.

The Cape May Bubble: Local Legend Meets Meteorological Reality

 At New Jersey’s southernmost point, Cape May is known for its sandy beaches and iconic Victorian charm—but it’s also home to a curious local weather phenomenon known as the "Cape May Bubble." Residents have long claimed that storms tend to break apart or veer away just before reaching the town, often leaving Cape May dry while neighboring areas face heavy rain. Although it might sound like folklore, there’s science behind the pattern. Cape May's unique position—surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Delaware Bay on the other—creates a moderating effect on local weather. These large bodies of water help balance air temperatures, which can diminish the strength of approaching storms or steer them off course. In addition, sea breezes often bring in cooler air that disrupts storm systems before they reach land. When combined with larger atmospheric factors, such as shifts in air pressure and jet stream patterns, this natural setup frequently causes Cape May to escape the worst of regional weather events. While there’s no literal weather shield over the town, the so-called "Cape May Bubble" is a vivid example of how geography can shape local climate conditions in surprising ways.

Nostalgic Model Railroad Exhibit Returns to Cape May Zoo for Summer Fun

Families visiting the Cape May County Park & Zoo this summer will discover an extra dose of nostalgia and fun tucked beside the zoo’s historic carousel. The Cape Atlantic Model Railroad Club has returned for its fourth summer season, bringing a vibrant, interactive train display that’s become a favorite stop for visitors of all ages. Set up in the green shed next to the carousel, the pop-up exhibit is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., now through Labor Day. Admission is completely free, making it an easy addition to any zoo outing. Built and maintained by a dedicated club, the display has become a hidden gem for zoo visitors and a nostalgic experience for all ages.

Fourth of July Incident at Ice Cream Shop Sparks Criminal Charges

 A Marlton man is facing charges after allegedly removing and destroying a Pride flag displayed outside a Cape May ice cream shop known for being LGBTQ+ friendly. According to the Cape May Police Department, 21-year-old David Ebner was arrested and charged with both criminal mischief and bias intimidation in connection with the July 4th incident. The flag was reportedly torn down outside Fine Fellows Creamery during the holiday weekend. Authorities confirmed the arrest and charges on Friday. The investigation identified Ebner as the individual responsible for the act, which has drawn concern from both residents and visitors during one of the city’s busiest weekends of the summer.

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

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Answer to the July 18th Trivia Question

Cape May, New Jersey, is recognized as the oldest seaside resort in the United States. In what year did Cape May first begin hosting vacationers from Philadelphia?

A) 1650
B) 1766
C) 1812
D) 1900

Answer: B) 1766

Cape May began hosting vacationers from Philadelphia in 1766, marking the start of its long history as a popular seaside resort destination.

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