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 Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, a business and development consulting firm for local businesses and not-for-profit organizations. She has more than 20 years of experience in writing, from business writing to journalism to creative writing, as well as in event planning for corporations, not-for-profit organizations and private clients. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion, travel, and other lifestyle topics. |
| Like most people these days, I run ragged until the need for a few days to unwind are more of a requirement than a nicety. While a weekend staycation is lovely, there are some truly wonderful locales within driving distance to our lovely Island. Off-season Cape May has become a personal favorite. Cape May is, during the summer months, a vacationing mecca at the southern tip of New Jersey. During the off-seasons, it is a quiet retreat, complete with fine dining, historical touches, boutique shopping, an array of accommodations, and nature in abundance. Located less than 200 miles from LI, it is, quite possibly, a perfect getaway. Exiting the Garden State Parkway into Cape May, you have a deep sense that the hustle and bustle is behind you. You enter a seafaring community filled with small shops, architecture reminiscent of the early 1900s and the soft color palette seen in towns along the East Coast. Long strolls are a must during your stay. Visit Cape May Point State Park, where you may feel like the only person on the planet in winter or do some bird watching in autumn or springtime (Cape May is considered one of the world’s finest spots for bird watching, so it may not be for you if thoughts of Tippi Hedron give you chills). You might prefer to get in your cardio strolling through town as you investigate the boutiques along the square. During the holiday season, you will be treated to lovely lights and decorations along your stroll. There are fudge shops, book stores, art galleries and more to peak your interest. Away from the center of town, but equally fun to browse, is the honey shop, where all-natural skin care, tea accoutrements and more, made from the fruits of local bees’ labours, are offered. Take time to glimpse the historic flavor of Cape May. You may even try a walking or trolley tour. I gave the ghost walking tour at Elaine’s a try on a crisp autumn evening for some added Halloween-like frights. If you are a foodie, Cape May will not disappoint. Whether breakfast fare with a creative twist on old favorites or a spectacular dinner whipped up by a James Beard Award winner, The Red Store in Cape May Point is a fantastic choice. If you want to feel as though you have travelled back in time, stop for a bite at the Congress Hall Hotel where you can sip cocktails by the fire while waiting for your table at its Blue Pig Tavern. There is an ample supply of restaurants to visit during your stay. Whether you crave a culinary delight or a juicy burger, you will have no trouble finding the right place. Cape May in the summer is beautiful and lush – with trees and flowers in bloom and an ocean that is calm and inviting. I, however, prefer all it has to offer when crowds die down and its charm can truly shine through. |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 