Thursday, August 22, 2013

On the Way to Cape May!

As summer nears to a close (my teens start back to school next week!) and families scramble for one last glorious, long weekend away for Labor Day, consider some of these options "On The Way To Cape May!"  (Cue music!)  Following is my latest article in South Jersey Mom Magazine!

South Jersey Mom Magazine

Looking for something different to do at the Jersey Shore this summer? Check out these, perhaps lesser known, family friendly spots on the way to Cape May!

Cape May County Zoo (http://www.capemaycountyzoo.org/): Located in Cape May Courthouse, the zoo is situated in the woods on Route 9. It is a picturesque zoo that offers many attractions for young and old alike. Beautiful walking paths wind through a park to bring you to the main gate and guide you throughout the zoo. Follow the boardwalk through the woods to the African Savanna where you might be greeted by a curious giraffe! Be on the look out for lions, tigers and bears as you stroll through this shaded zoo to the Reptile and Amphibian House or World of Birds Aviary. Monkeys, otters, wildcats, alligators, peacocks and more provide a full day of entertainment throughout the zoo. Though it may be a small zoo, it boasts a collection of over 550 critters representing over 250 species! One of the best features of this zoo is that it is FREE! It is a non-profit community zoo, which will gladly accept donations, but above all wants to share the animal experience with you. Consider the Cape May County Zoo for your next family adventure!

Cape May Point State Park (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/capemay.html): Head to the southern most point of New Jersey, a little further past the end of the Garden State Parkway, and you will find yourself at Cape May Point. One of the major attractions to this park is the 157 foot high lighthouse which can be toured for a nominal fee and provide tourists with breathtaking views! Covering 244 acres, the park also provides opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, picnicking and hiking. In addition there is a World War II Bunker and a museum on the area's natural and historic features. Several miles of trails offer a beautiful scenic hike through freshwater wetland marshes, past ponds, by the beach and coastal dunes. A handicapped accessible boardwalk allows travelers of all levels to participate on some of the trails, while providing access to more difficult trails along the journey. A perfect way to spend the day with the entire family in the great outdoors!

Sunset Beach (http://www.sunsetbeachnj.com/default.aspx): Just down the lane from the Cape May Lighthouse you will come to the end of the island at Sunset Beach. Bring your shovel and buckets to dig for “Cape May diamonds” while watching dolphins swim past the partially sunken remains of the concrete ship, the USS Atlantus! Kids love discovering the unique quartz crystals that cover the beach and seeing how the stones can be turn into “diamonds” once polished and faceted. Making memories at Sunset Beach is easy to do with mini golf, The Grille, gift shops, spectacular sunsets and the Evening Flag Ceremony, a 40 year tradition honoring veterans each night.

Each of these shore points are free, offering additional activities at a minimal cost and providing hours of fun for your family! Create some special memories this summer by the shores of Cape May!

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