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Four Storytellers, Four Surprises: Cape May's Tales at the Dormer House Returns for Season Finale

Issue #835

October 10, 2026

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather 

 🫘 Four Storytellers, Four Surprises: Cape May's Tales at the Dormer House Returns for Season Finale

  🎅🏻Cape May Seashore Lines Announces 2026 Santa Express Holiday Train Rides

 📩Cape May Voters to Decide Three Uncontested Council Races on November 3

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

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

 October 10

Have an Upcoming Event?

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Four Storytellers, Four Surprises: Cape May's Tales at the Dormer House Returns for Season Finale

Classic American Tales (CAT) will bring its 2026 Tales at the Dormer House series to a close on Thursday, October 15, with an afternoon of storytelling, literature, and refreshments at one of Cape May's historic bed-and-breakfast establishments.

The season finale begins at 4 p.m. at the Dormer House, located at 800 Columbia Avenue, and will feature four performers sharing some of their favorite works by celebrated American writers.

Returning storytellers Frank Smith, Stephanie Garrett, and Gayle Stahlhuth will be joined by newcomer Liberty Ero for the special presentation. Each performer will bring a personally selected short story or monologue to life, offering audiences a variety of literary voices and storytelling styles.

Adding an element of surprise to the finale, the performers will keep their selections secret until they take the stage. Unlike the earlier weekly readings, which featured announced literary works, the closing performance invites guests to discover each selection as it unfolds.

The event continues the series' tradition of presenting American literature in an intimate, welcoming setting. Weather permitting, the performance will take place on the porch of the historic Dormer House, allowing guests to enjoy an autumn afternoon in Cape May. If rain or unfavorable conditions arise, the storytelling will move indoors to the property's parlor.

Guests will also be treated to lemonade and homemade desserts, adding to the relaxed atmosphere that has become part of the series' appeal.

Through its live performances, Classic American Tales celebrates the enduring appeal of American literature while introducing audiences to works through the voices and interpretations of experienced performers.

The October 15 gathering marks the final Tales at the Dormer House presentation of 2026, giving residents and visitors one more opportunity to experience the series before the season concludes.

 

Cape May Seashore Lines Announces 2026 Santa Express Holiday Train Rides

The holiday season is arriving early in South Jersey, and one of the region's most beloved Christmas traditions is preparing to welcome families aboard for another year of festive fun. The Cape May Seashore Lines Santa Express is returning for its 31st season in 2026, bringing holiday decorations, Christmas music, visits with Santa Claus and nostalgic train rides to passengers of all ages.

The popular attraction has become an annual tradition for generations of New Jersey families, offering a memorable way to celebrate the Christmas season while traveling aboard historic passenger railcars.

The Santa Express transforms a traditional train ride into a holiday celebration filled with seasonal decorations, festive music and plenty of Christmas spirit. One of the biggest highlights is a special visit from Santa Claus, who makes his way through the passenger cars to greet children and spend time with families.

The experience gives younger passengers an opportunity to meet Santa while parents and grandparents enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of a classic holiday train ride. Each excursion lasts approximately 85 minutes, giving families plenty of time to enjoy the decorations, seasonal entertainment and excitement of the journey.

The Cape May Seashore Lines offers several options for passengers looking to celebrate the season. Traditional Santa Express excursions include Coach Class and First Class seating, allowing families to select an experience that fits their preferences and budget.

The Santa Starlight Express is also expected to operate on select evenings, offering passengers the opportunity to experience the holiday atmosphere after dark. For adults looking for a different kind of holiday outing, select evening excursions include a special 21-and-older experience aboard the Braddock Inn railcar.

These options make the Santa Express appealing to families with young children, couples, groups of friends and longtime holiday train enthusiasts. The 2026 Santa Express season is scheduled around the weeks leading up to Christmas, with weekend excursions beginning in late November and select additional evening departures.

Passengers can board at two South Jersey locations:

  • Richland Village Train Station: U.S. Route 40, also known as Harding Highway, in Richland.

  • Tuckahoe Train Station: Near the intersection of Routes 49 and 50 in Tuckahoe.

Although the experience is associated with the Cape May Seashore Lines, passengers should pay close attention to their selected boarding station when purchasing tickets.

Tickets for the 2026 holiday excursions are available for advance booking, with prices varying by seating class, departure date and experience.

With the Santa Express entering its 31st season, holiday excursions are expected to attract families from across New Jersey and neighboring states. For more than three decades, the Santa Express has helped families create lasting Christmas memories through the simple charm of a holiday train ride.

From children eagerly waiting for Santa to appear in the aisle to adults enjoying the nostalgia of vintage railroad travel, the experience continues to capture the excitement of the season. For updated schedules, seating options, ticket prices and reservations, visit the Cape May Seashore Lines Santa Express official website

Cape May Voters to Decide Three Uncontested Council Races on November 3

Three Cape May City Council incumbents — Deputy Mayor Maureen McDade, Councilwoman Lorraine Baldwin and Councilman Shaine Meier — are running unopposed for three four-year seats in the November 3 election. McDade is emphasizing fiscal oversight and infrastructure improvements, Baldwin is prioritizing coastal storm protection and water security, and Meier brings more than a decade of council experience and a history of community involvement. The next council will oversee major projects, including the police headquarters, seawall improvements and desalination plant expansion.

1. What tiny municipality borders Cape May and is home to Sunset Beach?

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 Answer to the October 9th Trivia Question 

Which historic Cape May hotel, built in 1876, is known for being the oldest continuously operating hotel in the city?

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

Answer: B) The Chalfonte Hotel

The Chalfonte Hotel, built in 1876, is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Cape May. It has a long history of hosting visitors and is a landmark in the city's Victorian heritage​

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