FAMILY TIME-The best thing about vacation is spending time together as a family. Catching waves, playing board games, building sand castles, laughing, talking, bonding and sharing. Making memories together is my numero uno favorite thing about vacation. The kids might disagree now but, hopefully, when they look back it will be theirs also:)
BEACH- The thing that everyone couldn't get enough of was the sand and the surf at the end of Route 1. We came equipped with beach umbrella, snacks, sand toys, towels and BOOGIE BOARDS! Hailing from Western New York, the use of the boards on the waves was novel and spectacular. The water was warm, the waves were perfect, the sand was not dirt ( like upstate NY), dolphins were swimming in the distance and that smell of sunscreen filled the air.
WATERPARK- The town next door, Wildwoods, has a classic boardwalk, kitschy retro signs and stops and 2 great waterparks to make the kids smile! The attendant told us Ocean Oasis was the better choice with shorter lines and better slides and it really was super. My son and husband went on every slide in the park, including the Cliff Dive which drops you 5 stories in 3 seconds. My 5 year old had just as much fun chilling in the kiddie pool and just splashing around. My favorite was a lazy river that you could keep floating around indefinitely and not have to pass your tube off. The weather was just what one would have ordered and that made the day outstanding!
PHILADELPHIA-We took a day off from the surf, left the camper behind and headed into the city for some site seeing. This was the only day it rained in Cape May-good planning? Philly should be its own blog but I had to include it here on our list. The history was moving and just at the right time because my son had just learned about all of it in 7th grade. There was yummy food, pop-up gardens that can only be seen in summer, the Rocky steps and a prison (that should sell you on Philly :). So much that we saw and more that we didn't. Great city if you get a chance to check it out!
CAPE MAY DIAMONDS- On the shores of Sunset Beach there is an old abandoned ship and quartz that has been worn down and smoothed as it travels from the Delaware River. We went to this beach to comb for these "diamonds" and arrived just in time for the daily flag ceremony at sunset. The flags that fly at the mast are veterans' casket flags that families bring with them from their loved one's funeral. It was a great treasure hunt looking for the Cape May Diamonds and learning more about them in the gift store.
WASHINGTON STREET MALL- Shopping would be closer to the top of this list if it were up to me. The mall is an open air, cobblestone walk where you can find books, gifts, souvenirs, clothing and more- my son even found a skate shop. There are great restaurants in the area and the street has benches, fountains and is adorned with beautiful flowers.
THE SURROUNDINGS- Victorian mansions with porches line the pristine beach that was left untouched by Hurricane Sandy. A towering lighthouse holds vigil over the town and a World War II Lookout Tower at the end of a small walkway under the blue sky demanding photographs. Cape May is a well known destination for birds and bird watchers. The easy driving vehicles share the roads with many bicyclists and horse drawn carriages, on occasion. The flip flops, seashells, boutiques, historic New England town on a beach and natural beauty of Cape May make it an incredible place to visit!
THE CAMPGROUND- Our lot on the sand was directly across from the swimming lake and when we arrived there was a DJ spinning the tunes near the water so the kids grabbed their suits and snorkels and we hit the beach. After a day by the ocean, the coin showers were clean and there was always one open for cleaning the sandy beach off. There was also miniature golf, basketball courts, playgrounds, an inground pool, an arcade and a camp store. There are themed weekends, movies, hayrides and great staff. The permanent campers have fun light displays, unique little signs and, making the campground more like home, one had two camp cats who lounged around and wandered .
If you are interested in finding out more about a trip to the Jersey Shore and having a vacation built just for you, contact me at stowawaywithme@gmail.com.