Vacation Time......

We finally made it to Cape May, NJ. This is our annual trek to the Cape. We originally came here when we got married three years ago. We have been together about 9 years but just didn't see the need to actually tie the knot. Having been down the aisle before, I didn't want a large or extravagent wedding. We actually got married more for my mom than anything else. She was terminally ill with leukemia and we knew that she would like to see us married before she passed. So we just decided to get married in a very small ceremony, just the two of us, as my mother was unable to attend and we just didn't want to bother with the whole wedding affair. That really isn't my bag, or my husbands either. If I'm going to spend thousands of dollars I'd rather have a beachside house :). So we came to Cape May for a quick weekend getaway after our wedding and we fell in love with it. We now make a point to come here every year at this time. The weather is ideal, in the 70's during the day and cool at night. The beach is virtually deserted because all the kiddies are back in school. And the rates are dirt cheap in the off season. We rent a house for the week so we have as much privacy as possible. That works out great with a little one too! Plenty of good reasons to love it here. But the real reason is because the beach and the town are just so quaint. We were remarking last night that it feels like a throwback to old times here. Clothes hanging on the line, cute little neighborhoods. I would love to live here.

The entire town of Cape May is on the National Historical Register. Cape May began hosting vacationers from Philadelphia in the mid 1700s and is recognized by the United States government as the country's oldest seaside resort. Cape May became increasingly popular in the 18th century and was considered one of the finest resorts in America by the 19th century. It is noted for its large number of well-maintained Victorian houses — the second largest collection of Victorian-era homes in the nation after San Francisco. It's also wonderful here this time of year because everyone is preparing for Autumn, so you see pumpkins and Halloween decorations everywhere. That really adds to the charm as well.

The Cape May area is also a world-famous location for the observation of migrating birds, especially in fall. With over 400 bird species having been recorded in this area. There is a lot to love about this area. That's what keeps us coming back.

After all that great build up to Cape May, it's easy to see why we spent 7 hours in the car with a 1 1/2 year old toddler that does not like to nap in his car seat. Add to that the fact that it was pouring down rain and the traffic was crazy and that = WINE!!!!! But it was worth it because now we are here and we can enjoy morning walks on the beach, bike rides and siteseeing of the gorgeous Victorian architecture. Victorian isn't really my thing, but you can't help but admire the beauty and history of this amazing place.

Check out http://www.capemaychamber.com/ to see more about this amazing place. I look forward to this trip every year at this time. And it never disappoints. The only sad thing is leaving.