Cape May County Tops New Jersey Tourism With Record $8.44 Billion Year

Issue #698

May 27, 2026

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

💰Cape May County Tops New Jersey Tourism With Record $8.44 Billion Year

😂 Adam Sank Brings Award-Winning Pride Month Comedy Show to Cape May

🚨 Heavy Security, Bad Weather Lead to Quiet Memorial Day at the 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 27

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Cape May County Tops New Jersey Tourism With Record $8.44 Billion Year

Cape May County has officially reclaimed its place as New Jersey’s leading tourism economy for the first time in more than three decades, posting a record-breaking $8.44 billion in visitor spending during 2025. County tourism officials reported a 4.2% increase in spending over the previous year, fueled by nearly 12 million visitors and a tourism industry that now supports more than 42,000 jobs across the region. The milestone marks the first time since 1993 that Cape May County has outperformed every other county in the state in overall tourism-related economic activity. The county’s lodging industry generated $3.59 billion alone, rising nearly 7% year-over-year. Cape May County also led New Jersey in spending tied to food and beverage, retail shopping, and recreation. Tourism leaders say the growth reflects years of effort to transform the county from a seasonal summer hotspot into a year-round destination. More than half of all visitors returned multiple times during the year, signaling strong repeat tourism and expanding interest beyond the traditional beach season. The county’s tourism appeal stretches across its distinct shore communities, from the family-focused boardwalk atmosphere of Ocean City to the nightlife and entertainment scene in Wildwood, the upscale coastal charm of Avalon and Stone Harbor, and the historic character of Cape May. Local attractions continue to play a major role in repeat visits, including iconic boardwalk foods, beach towns, wineries, breweries, birdwatching destinations, bike trails, and the Cape May County Zoo, which remains one of the state’s most popular free attractions. Officials are now preparing for an even larger tourism push during the upcoming America 250 celebration commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. Cape May County plans to highlight its coastal history, historic landmarks, and year-round attractions as it continues building on its strongest tourism year in decades.

Adam Sank Brings Award-Winning Pride Month Comedy Show to Cape May

  The East Lynne Theater Company will celebrate Pride Month in Cape May with a one-night-only performance of comedian Adam Sank’s award-winning stand-up show, “Bad Dates: A One-Man Show About Many Men,” on June 6 at the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the Allen AME Church. The adults-only comedy show marks the New Jersey debut of Sank’s production, which blends stand-up, storytelling and personal reflection centered on one man’s decades-long search for love and connection. Sank is nationally recognized for appearances on “Last Comic Standing,” the “Today Show” and VH1’s “I Love the 2000s.” He has also toured alongside comedian Ali Wong. His solo production debuted in 2023 at New York City’s Stonewall Inn, where it earned Broadway World Cabaret Awards for Best Debut Show and Best Spoken Word Show. Since then, the show has traveled to venues in Florida, California and other major LGBTQ+ performance spaces around the country. Critics have praised the production for combining humor with emotional honesty and sharp observations about modern relationships. East Lynne Theater Company Executive Director Mark David Boberick said the performance aligns with the organization’s Pride Month programming by highlighting LGBTQ+ voices through live theater and comedy. He noted that Sank’s storytelling and audience connection make the show a strong fit for Cape May’s celebration of inclusivity and community. The performance begins at 8 p.m. June 6 at the Clemans Theater for the Arts in Cape May. Get tickets here.

Heavy Security, Bad Weather Lead to Quiet Memorial Day at the Jersey Shore

 Wildwood emerged as one of the strongest examples of the Shore’s new enforcement strategy. Local officials introduced a series of stricter boardwalk rules ahead of the summer season, including a 10 p.m. curfew for unaccompanied minors, an 8 p.m. backpack ban, and a new ordinance shutting down the boardwalk from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. daily. The city also coordinated with multiple law enforcement agencies, including the New Jersey State Police and Cape May County Sheriff’s Office, to deploy mounted patrol units along the boardwalk throughout the weekend. Authorities also moved proactively against organizers of unsanctioned events, issuing cease-and-desist notices to promoters accused of encouraging disruptive gatherings. The visible police presence — especially officers on horseback patrolling the nearly empty, rain-soaked boardwalk — became one of the defining images of the weekend. The calm atmosphere marked a sharp contrast from Memorial Day 2024, when Wildwood declared a state of emergency after overwhelming crowds and numerous police calls created dangerous conditions on the boardwalk. Officials say the lessons learned from previous summers directly shaped this year’s stricter policies and enforcement efforts. Other Shore towns also increased security and curfew enforcement, recognizing how important a safe summer season is for local tourism economies. Despite cold temperatures, fog, and steady rain limiting attendance, local leaders viewed the peaceful weekend as an encouraging sign heading into the busy summer months.

What unique feature did the Mount Vernon Hotel in Cape May boast in its dining area during the 1850s?

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 Answer to the May 26th Trivia Question

Which notable Cape May building served as a hospital during World War I and was later used by the Navy and Coast Guard?

A) The Chalfonte Hotel
B) Congress Hall
C) Hotel Cape May
D) The Physick Estate

Answer: C) Hotel Cape May

Hotel Cape May, which opened in 1908 and later became the Admiral Hotel, was used as a hospital during World War I. The Navy acquired part of its land to create a naval base, which was taken over by the Coast Guard in 1925. ​

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