Cape May Families Host Coast Guard Recruits for a Heartfelt Thanksgiving

Issue #529

November 28, 2025

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🛸 Cape May Families Host Coast Guard Recruits for a Heartfelt Thanksgiving

𓌉◯𓇋Wildwood Restaurant Week

✨ Smithville’s Holiday Light Show Returns to Dazzle Through New year

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: The Cape May Holiday Guide

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

 November 28

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Cape May Families Host Coast Guard Recruits for Thanksgiving

 Hundreds of Coast Guard recruits spending the holiday season in boot camp at Cape May found comfort and connection this Thanksgiving through a longstanding community tradition.

Thanks to Operation Fireside, nearly 600 recruits were welcomed into the homes of about 100 families and local organizations across Cape May County. The program, organized by the American Red Cross, has provided holiday hospitality to recruits for decades, offering a warm break from the rigors of basic training.

For many of these young service members, it was their first time away from home during Thanksgiving. Though unable to visit their own families, they were treated to home-cooked meals, heartfelt conversations, and a sense of belonging by their host families.

Beyond the turkey and trimmings, the experience was about gratitude—both from the recruits who felt supported by strangers, and from the community expressing thanks for their service. Many hosts described a desire to give back and make the day special for those preparing to serve the nation.

Adding to the emotional day, recruits were granted the opportunity to call their families—some for the first time in weeks. For many, the kindness they received reminded them that their efforts are seen and valued far beyond their own homes.

Operation Fireside is set to continue its tradition on Christmas, reinforcing the message that these young Coast Guardsmen are not alone, even while in training.

Dine around the Wildwoods: Prix Fixe Menus Featured November 28 - December 7

Food lovers are in for a treat as Wildwoods Fall Restaurant Week returns from Friday, November 28 through Sunday, December 7. Hosted by the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce, the event highlights the culinary diversity and talent found throughout this coastal resort community.

During the 10-day celebration, a curated selection of top local restaurants will offer special prix fixe menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From fresh-caught seafood and expertly grilled steaks to inventive global cuisine and traditional Boardwalk staples, the event caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets.

Whether discovering a new favorite or revisiting a familiar spot, diners can enjoy gourmet experiences at great value while supporting local businesses. Many seasonal restaurants are also offering gift cards and certificates as a festive bonus, just in time for the holidays.

To explore participating restaurants and view sample menus, visit the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce website or call (609) 729-4000 for more information.

 

Smithville’s Holiday Light Show Returns to Dazzle through New Year

  Historic Smithville is once again transforming into a winter wonderland as its beloved Holiday Light Show makes a glowing return for the 2025 season. Starting Thanksgiving evening, November 27, and running nightly through January 6, this festive spectacle will light up Lake Meone in the heart of the village from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The centerpiece of the event is a dazzling display of over 120 floating Christmas trees adorned with more than 50,000 synchronized lights. The trees illuminate the lake, dancing in time to classic holiday music and reflecting across the water to create a truly magical scene.

Perfect for families, couples, and anyone craving a bit of holiday cheer, the event offers more than just lights. Visitors can stroll along cobblestone walkways, explore charming shops, and enjoy dinner at one of the village’s cozy restaurants before settling in to watch the show.

To get the most out of the experience, early arrival is recommended—especially for those hoping to snag a prime viewing spot by the lake. The show’s short evening run means timing is everything if you want to catch the full effect as the sun sets and the lights spring to life.

With its blend of nostalgia, small-town charm, and show-stopping lights, Smithville Village delivers a nightly dose of holiday spirit that draws crowds year after year.

Cape May is home to which historical estate, now a museum, that offers a glimpse into life during the Victorian era?

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Answer to the November 27th Trivia Question

Which Cape May hotel, originally dubbed "Tommy's Folly," was mocked for being too large but later became one of the city's most iconic buildings?

A) Congress Hall
B) The Chalfonte Hotel
C) Southern Mansion
D) The Virginia Hotel

Answer: A) Congress Hall​ Congress Hall, built in 1816, was originally called "Tommy's Folly" by locals who believed it was too large to succeed, but it later became one of Cape May's most famous and historic hotels.

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