Things to See and Do
SEE & DO
Climb a lighthouse, enjoy a seafood dinner, marvel at migratory birds. Or, sip a brewski, savor a
merlot, experience the thrill of parasailing. And, the best part – and perhaps a bit surprising to many
people, it’s all right here in Lower Township. Who knew?
Let’s start with a bit of history – the perfect family activity.
How about planes, planes and more planes – some of them are probably older than you are,
Mom and Dad. Despite the name, Wildwood Naval Air Station is in Lower Township – the Wildwood
moniker dates to World War II when it was first called Rio Grande Naval Air Station but that caused
some confusion with another Rio Grande – that one in Texas. Along with vintage aircraft and all kinds of
fun stuff, there’s a serious side to the aviation museum that honors the memory of the 42 airmen who
died while training at the facility in the 1940s.
History buffs can stroll through the quiet paths around Historic Cold Spring Village and see, first
hand, the homes of our earliest families and the lives they lived - a blacksmith shop, a one-room school,
a country store – even a jail. Across from the Village on Seashore Road, the Cold Spring Presbyterian
Church dates to 1714 – that’s more than 300 years, folks. The gravestones in the cemetery around Old
Brick are a history lesson of lives lost at sea, cholera epidemics and Mayflower descendants.
The Cape May Lighthouse has been guiding mariners safely ashore since the mid-1800s, the
third light in that area. Feeling ambitious? Climb those 199 steps to the top - it’s worth the huffing and
puffing for the breathtaking – no pun intended! - view of the Jersey Cape in every direction.
Hungry? From pancakes to pizza, oysters to scallops, casual to upscale, satisfy your appetite with
whatever tickles your tummy.
Want a view of the water with your fish and chips or Cape May Salts? Not a problem. Watch
the yachts dock – and we do mean yachts! – while enjoying lunch on The Schooner American at the
Lobster House. Harborview delivers on its name – a spectacular vista of Cape May Harbor with the Coast
Guard Base as a backdrop. Get to Harpoon Henry’s on the Bayfront in time for sunset – you won’t be
disappointed with the sunset, the view or the fun atmosphere. Guaranteed!
Thirsty? Head to the Cape May Brewing Company for a tour and tasting. Those ambitious guys at
the brewery have created the largest tasting room in the state, with 20 or so rotating brews on tap at
any given time - they constantly come up with new brews with great names like Coastal Evacuation,
Paul’s Bareknuckle Imperial Stout or Steve’s Biscuits and Honey.
If wine is your beverage of choice, you’re in the company of oenophiles who enjoy Cape May
Winery, one of several wineries in the township. Walk through the vineyards around the estate, learn
about vines to wines and then sample a barrel-fermented chardonnay, a delicious cabernet franc or any
of the winery’s many other choices – on the patio or the upstairs deck on a sunny afternoon, or around
the fireplace on a cool fall day.
How about a cruise? No, we’re not kidding. The Cape May Lewes Ferry, home ported in Lower
Township, is a great way to take a day trip -- across the bay and back again without leaving the boat, or
enjoy some time ashore in Delaware. During the summer, shuttle service is available to attractions on
both sides of the bay and if, by chance, you need some great ideas of what to do, just call the guest
services team at the ferry. Pretty much like having your very own concierge.
Land and sea excursions can include whales – or alpacas. The Bay Springs Farm on New England
Road is open Saturdays and Sundays, year-round so you can visit, pretty much up close and personal,
the herd of Peruvian and Chilean huacaya alpacas – picture fluffy, like a Teddy Bear - roaming around.
The farm raises show quality animals in a range of colors, sizes and ages --plus you can pick up some
yarn or alpaca fleece for spinning.
Now the whales – not quite as up close and personal as alpacas but you can still enjoy all that
nature has to share on whale trips, sunset dolphin cruises or whales and dolphins excursions from the
Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center aboard the American Star that sails from Utsch’s Marina.
And, since you’re in the neighborhood, why not enjoy a parasailing adventure right here at the
marina…as the ad says, “why go coach when you can fly first class?” Why indeed!
And there’s even more right here in Lower: birds, horseshoe crabs, dolphins, nature trails,
parks, campgrounds and even a concrete ship – a few of the many reasons why our official Lower
Township slogan is “A Place to Remember” -- because it is!
So there - now you know. And, please, no secrets - spread the word!
