Victorian Gems: Why Fall is the Best Time to Stay in Cape May

Issue #508

November 07, 2025

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

👸🏻Victorian Gems: Why Fall is the Best Time to Stay in Cape May

🥒Pickle Lovers Rejoice: New Shop Coming to Washington Street Mall

🫎Growing Membership Spurs Patio and Bar Project at Moose Lodge

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

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

 November 7

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Victorian Gems: Why Fall is the Best Time to Stay in Cape May

Cape May residents often guide visitors away from beachfront hotels and toward historic Victorian guesthouses in the off-season. These 19th-century residences—dating from the 1870s to the 1890s—line the quiet streets near the Physick Estate. Preserved with care and often owned by Cape May families for generations, they offer a unique blend of period architecture and contemporary comfort. Featuring signature gingerbread trim and steep gables, these guesthouses sit just a short stroll from the cafés and shops along Washington Street. Visiting during the off-season, particularly between September and November, offers not just better prices—typically between $140 and $250 a night compared to peak summer rates that can climb to $400—but also a richer experience. Recent surveys show that nearly half of November guests find their accommodations through word-of-mouth rather than online booking platforms. Locals know which houses provide the best fresh-baked breakfasts, the quietest sleeping quarters, and hosts who can recount Cape May’s past with genuine insight. These restored homes, rich in architectural charm and family history, offer quieter, more personal experiences from September to November—at significantly lower rates than peak summer. Nearly half of fall visitors book through local recommendations, gaining access to well-loved inns, insider stories, and the town’s serene autumn atmosphere.

 

Pickle Lovers Rejoice: New Shop Coming to Washington Street Mall

Very soon, Cape May will find itself in something of a pickle! A flavorful new addition is coming to the heart of our town as the team behind the Smithville Pickle Company prepares to open a new storefront on Washington Street Mall. The new venture, aptly named the Cape May Pickle Company, is set to officially open its doors at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 14—coinciding perfectly with National Pickle Day. Known for its wide variety of handcrafted pickles and bold, creative flavors, the Smithville Pickle Company has built a strong following at its original location in Historic Smithville. Now, the popular brand is bringing its signature jars, unique merchandise, and pickle-themed gifts even further south to the iconic pedestrian mall in Cape May. The new shop will be located at 507 Washington Street, a prime spot for foot traffic and a favorite destination for both locals and tourists alike. Guests can expect shelves stocked with everything from classic dill pickles to inventive flavor combinations, all curated for pickle lovers and curious newcomers. With its grand opening timed to align with National Pickle Day, yes that is a thing, the event promises to be a festive celebration of a tangy tradition, inviting passersby to stop in, sample the goods, and join in the fun. As the holiday season approaches, the Cape May Pickle Company is expected to become a must-stop shop for anyone visiting the downtown area, adding a fresh new flavor to the local business scene.

Growing Membership Spurs Patio and Bar Project at Moose Lodge

  The Wildwood Moose Lodge, a longstanding private club located at 300 West Spruce Avenue, is undergoing a major expansion to enhance the member experience just in time for future summer seasons. This addition was prompted by steady membership growth and the need for more gathering space. The Lodge, which has served the community for decades, continues to operate as a members-only venue offering food, drinks, and events in a family-oriented atmosphere. Originally founded in 1949 and relocated to its current building in 2012, the Lodge has maintained its role as a social hub for its members. The new outdoor patio will convert part of the current parking area into a vibrant seasonal space. Plans call for an elevated bar with a safety guardrail, ample outdoor dining tables, ambient lighting, and entertainment features such as TVs and music. The space will accommodate 79 new outdoor seats, complementing the existing 83 indoor seats. Construction crews have already completed the base and begun work on the overhead structure. Once open, the outdoor area will provide full food and beverage service from the club’s kitchen and bar, including the return of popular offerings like Thursday crab nights starting next July. The initiative continues a trend that began during the pandemic, when temporary outdoor seating helped members safely gather. Now, the Lodge is making that concept permanent—with a focus on comfort, community, and summertime relaxation. Construction is expected to be completed by spring, the new space will serve as both a modern upgrade and a nod to the Lodge's tradition of providing a welcoming environment for its members and their guests.

 

What was the original name of Cape May when it was first incorporated in 1848?

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Answer to the November 6th Trivia Question

What is the name of the scenic coastal roadway in Cape May that is famous for its views of Victorian homes and is a popular route for tourists?

A) Ocean Drive
B) Beach Avenue
C) Washington Street
D) Lighthouse Road

Answer: B) Beach Avenue

Beach Avenue is a scenic coastal roadway in Cape May that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is lined with many of the town's famous Victorian homes. It's a popular route for tourists exploring the historic charm of Cape May.​

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