The Cape May Vacation Rental Market is Booming!

Have you started looking for your vacation getaway for this summer yet?  According to a number of agencies up and down the Jersey coast, the rental market has been very active this year (see Philly.com article).  If you haven’t begun your search, now is the perfect time! View Jersey Cape Realty’s large inventory of vacation rentals online here.

We took a minute to talk with the rental team at Jersey Cape Realty. The agents indicated that many tenants reserved for 2017 as they were leaving in 2016.  This has become a popular trend as families grow accustomed to their favorite accommodations and want to be sure to have first dibs for the following year.  For larger beach homes or those with pools, re-upping at check-out is almost the norm anymore, making it difficult for new tenants to get on the booking calendar.  In fact, savvy planners start looking in September for the following season to get the most selection.  This is especially important if a tenant is locked into a specific week, has a special request, or is trying to accommodate a large number of guests.  Cancellations do happen but are rare so you can’t count on getting in that way.

The Jersey Cape Realty agents said that call volume has been very strong, along with daily walk-in visitors wanting to view properties in person prior to booking.  Guests can preview numerous vacation choices on Jersey Cape Realty’s rental site.   The agents are also happy to show guests through the homes for those that can make the trip.  It’s always best to call ahead so the agents may make arrangements with owners for showings.  Owners use the off-season to keep their homes in good repair so often there are maintenance projects going on.

For a sampling of what you might find in Cape May, during the 4^th of July week, there are currently some one bedroom beach block condos (some have a pool), sleeping 4, starting at $1400; a three bedroom, two bath, pet-friendly home, sleeping 7, for $2500; some 2 bedroom apartments, sleeping 6, within a short walk of the beach or mall starting at $1200; along with some 5 bedroom homes, accommodating from 8 to 16 and ranging in price from $2950 to $8000.  As you can see, there are still many nice options – and surely one that is just perfect for you!

Contact the friendly, full time rental staff at Jersey Cape Realty for help finding your perfect vacation home.  The agents welcome your questions and are not only rental experts, but are Cape May experts, offering lots of information about things to do, where to shop, places to eat, and even some local folklore.  Call now, 609-884-5800, or stop by Jersey Cape Realty at 739 Washington Street in Cape May, open 7 days a week.

3 of the Best Places to Enjoy Cape May Shopping

While most people know Cape May, New Jersey, for its beautiful sandy beaches, this historic resort town is also a great place to enjoy some much-needed retail therapy. The unique atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and quaint, quiet streets create the perfect environment for a relaxing Cape May shopping trip. Whether you’re looking to amp up your wardrobe or find a gift for that special someone, these fantastic stores are sure to fit the bill! Here are some of our favorite places to explore. 

Where to Find the Best Cape May Shopping

1. Washington Street Mall

With a motto like “shop, dine, relax,” you can’t go wrong with a trip to Washington Street Mall. This beautiful three-block outdoor shopping center is just a short stroll from the beach and features brick pathways, decorative fountains, and pretty wooden benches to sit and enjoy the view.  You’ll find clothing boutiques, specialty stores, restaurants, and pubs for your enjoyment, as well as a variety of items including men’s and women’s apparel, gifts and souvenirs, art and home goods, and even books and toys for the little ones. Be sure to check out a mall map so you can find your way around!

2. Whale’s Tale & Splash Gallery

Since 1974, Whale’s Tale has been offering some of the best beach-themed gifts and products at two retail locations in Cape May. At Whale’s Tale in Washington Mall and their Splash Gallery on Carpenter’s Lane, you’ll find jewelry, accessories, artwork, and more, including beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces handcrafted by area artisans. Whale’s Tale believes in the importance of small businesses and encourages visitors to stop in and support local Cape May artists.

3. West End Garage

Situated in a building that was once an old gas station, West End Garage is now a premier Cape May shopping destination on Perry Street. The Garage features more than 50 stores under one roof and has over 60 vendors from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and even New York. Here, guests can peruse a wide variety of items including antique furniture, framed artwork, candles, vintage memorabilia, souvenirs, and more. The stores are open Friday and Saturday from 10 to 6 PM and Sunday and Monday from 10 to 5 PM.

Other Great Places to Shop

Also located on Washington Street are Carpenter’s Square Mall and City Centre Mall, which are enclosed shopping centers that offer about 20 small boutique-style shops. Cape May’s historic Congress Hall also features a selection of boutique stores, and visitors will find unique merchandise at the storefronts along Jackson Street.

Shop ’Til You Drop with Jersey Cape Realty

Don’t worry, the fun doesn’t have to end once your retail adventure is over! Not only is Cape May a wonderful place to shop, it’s also one of the best places to live. At Jersey Cape Realty, our experts can help you find your ideal vacation home, commercial lot, or summer rental and will make shopping for houses an easy and relaxing experience. For information on our featured listings in Cape May, visit our website or give us a call. We can’t wait to see you on the sand!

Your Guide to the Best Cape May Fishing

With a close proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay, Cape May, NJ offers excellent fishing along the Jersey shore. Since the area experiences different seasons and weather conditions, anglers have the chance to catch a wide variety of species all year long, including tuna, winter flounder, cod, and more. Whether you choose to hop aboard a party boat or charter a private yacht, Cape May fishing provides a day of fun and excitement for fisherman of all ages. Here are some of our favorite places to cast a line.

Where to Go for Great Cape May Fishing

Sea Star Fleet

Each day at 9 AM, the 65-foot Sea Star III sets sail for a 6-hour deep sea fishing excursion in Cape May. Once on board, guests will have access to free bait, free fishing instructions, rods, and reels, and can catch everything from Blackfish and Drumfish to striped bass in the spring. The boat offers fishing trips as well as private sunset cruises and cocktail cruises from April through December.

Porgy IV Deep Sea Fishing

Known as the largest party boat in Cape May, the 77-foot Porgy IV offers 8-hour deep-sea or Delaware Bay fishing trips lead by Captain Paul Thompson. With the latest fish-finding equipment and a friendly and knowledgeable crew, you’re guaranteed to have a fun and relaxing day. Be sure to pack a brown bag lunch and enjoy a scenic meal in the boat’s spacious deckhouse.

Cape Queen Charters

With a 20-foot fishing deck, heated cabin, and LCD TV’s, Cape Queen ensures a comfortable and memorable sportfishing experience. They offer a wide variety of year-round trips including inshore fishing, night fishing, and shark fishing, as well as diving trips, sunset cruises, dolphin watches, and private parties. The boat is also available for fishing tournaments, so you can compete for the chance to become one of Cape May’s winning anglers.

Miss Chris Boats

Since 1973, the Miss Chris fishing boat has been providing half day and full day fishing excursions for Cape May locals and visitors alike. This luxurious 75-foot yacht is perfect for a family outing and features an air-conditioned cabin, snack bar, and a huge upper deck for ultimate comfort and style. Guests can enjoy fishing for flounder, sea bass, weakfish, and more, or take an offshore excursion in search of giant sea bass, tilefish, and even tuna.

Surf Fishing

If you’d rather stay on land, Poverty Beach and the jetties around Cape May Point are popular spots for surf fishing. The best times to head out are at dawn and dusk, as most of the beaches around the peninsula are restricted for fishing midday because of swimmers.

Catch a Big One with Jersey Cape Realty

Whether you’re an avid angler or just enjoy spending time on the water, be sure to check out the website of Jersey Cape Realty! Our expert agents know the ins and outs of the area and can help find your perfect summer home or permanent residence, so you can enjoy fantastic Cape May fishing all year long. We can’t wait to see you at the shore!

Photo Credit: Steve Mason | Thinkstock

Shop Locally – Save the Economy

At a recent Cape May County Chamber of Commerce Meeting, the statistics below were printed on a flyer to encourage us all to shop locally.  While the obvious is that by shopping locally, we help the local store owners, but reading the facts and figures really puts a new perspective on just how much of a boost we can each give the local economy.  Individually, we can make a difference,but collectively, the impact can be huge.  Consider this:

THREE  (3)

Think about which three independently owned businesses you’d miss most if they were gone.  Stop in and say hello.  Pick up a little something that will make someone smile.  Your contribution is what keeps those businesses around.

FIFTY ($50)

If just half the employed US population spent $50 each month in independently owned businesses, their purchases would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue.  Imagine the positive impact if 3/4 of the employed population did that.

SIXTY EIGHT ($68)

For every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures.  If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here.

ONE (1)

The number of people it takes to start the trend…you.

PICK 3.    SPEND 50.    SHOP LOCAL.

Employment statistics courtesy of US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2/6/2009.  68/43 courtesy of Civic Economics study 2008.

Enjoy Harbor Fest 2012!

CAPE MAY HARBOR FEST, 2012

June 15 & 16 (rain date 17^th), 2012

(Reprinted with permission of the Nature Center of Cape May)

             On Saturday, June 16, 2012, the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May and Nature Center of Cape May will once again host the annual Harbor Fest. Originally conceived as a means to raise the funds necessary to remove derelict vessels from the harbor, Harbor Fest has evolved into an annual celebration of the harbor and the sea; culture, ecology, and the bounty they provide to our region.

WhileCape May’s beautiful harbor provides the overall setting for Harbor Fest, the Nature Center of Cape May (NCCM) is the focal point of the event since most land based activities are held at or near the Center, and on Delaware Avenue which will be closed for the Saturday events.

What is being planned?

• Harbor Fest begins with a Friday evening (June 15^th) “Blessing of the Waters” ceremony at the Fisherman’s Memorial. Conducted by local clergy, and accompanied by the Coast Guard recruit band, the ceremony is a time of remembrance for local fishermen who have lost their lives at sea, while asking for blessings for a successful fishing season.
• On Saturday, Harbor Fest takes on the characteristics of a street festival with prepared fresh seafood and “land-lubber” fair, a beer garden, street vendors, entertainment, and educational displays.
• Perhaps the most popular of Saturday’s activities is a “Scallop Cook-Off” featuringCape May’s finest chefs and recipes.
• The always popular “Paddling for a Purpose” kayak & canoe regatta is scheduled for Saturday. This event supports theNatureCenter’s Good Neighbor Fund which provides scholarship dollars for Coast Guard dependent children.
• Other activities planned for Saturday include Explore the Shore programs, a Beach and Marsh Marine Debris Clean-up, Wharf Tours, birding programs for every age group, and a kayak eco-tours.
• The afternoon concludes with a Coast Guard SAR demo in the harbor.
• Many other special events are being planned for this year’s Harbor Fest including live music on Saturday and kite surfing, kayaking, SUP and “Paddle Mania” on Sunday.
• Transportation between key locations, via trolley is furnished as well as a water taxi which connects the key points around the harbor.

Since its inception as a whaling village in the 17^th Century,Cape May’s economy and culture has been linked to the sea. But with the promise comes a challenge. Harbor Fest is intended to heighten awareness and appreciation of this fragile resource.

Additional information about Harbor Fest is available on the web: www.capemayharborfest.com or by contacting the Greater Cape May Chamber of Commerce, 609-884-5508, www.capemaychamber.com. For boating information: South Jersey Marina’s Dockmaster, 609-884-2400 or email: Dockmaster@sjmarina.com

Christmas 2011 – A New Tradition

Keeping the American Dream Alive.

This Christmas, let’s give gifts that show our genuine concern for other Americans.  Rather than purchasing gifts that are produced overseas, let’s support our own economy here at home.

It’s easy.  Just think of the things you need and use every day, or that you might like….

Hmmm….we all need a haircut from time to time, so how about a gift certificate for Aunt Suzie for the local salon?  Maybe she’d like to get her nails done, too!

Most of us drive cars.  Gift certificates for detailing, the car wash, or even an oil change are really useful.  Or, how about a gas card to fill up the tank?

Perhaps a friend is trying to lose weight.  Maybe they would really appreciate a membership to the gym down the street or some classes with a personal trainer to get them on track.  What about some yoga sessions?

Does someone on your list have a pet?  Your local pet store would be happy to help you find the right something for “Fido”. 

What about some help around the house?  Who wouldn’t just love to have someone professionally clean the house? or do the windows?  maybe even the carpets?  Don’t forget about outside.  There are plenty of local workmen looking to do things like power washing, gutter cleaning, or yard cleanup.  You could even pre-pay for some lawn mowing.

Does Uncle Joe love a good “cuppa Joe” in the morning?  A gift card from his favorite coffee shop would treat him day after day. 

Cape May County is known for its fabulous restaurants.  Treat someone to dinner.  Or, if dinner doesn’t work, how about a couple of breakfasts or lunches at their favorite spot?  And don’t forget to take good care of the wait staff.

Were you thinking of something sparkly or shiny?  Visit the local jeweler for a really special handcrafted necklace, earrings, or ring.

For that history buff, a membership at the nearby museum or historical society will provide hours of fun.

Maybe you’re stumped because someone on your list has everything.  A gift in their name to their favorite local charity might be the perfect answer and will definitely be appreciated by the cause.

You see, Christmas shopping doesn’t have to drain our pockets to our detriment and the betterment of those overseas.  Rather, if we show our care for each other and our local community by supporting our local businesses, the benefits will come back to us in so many ways.  This Christmas, let’s keep the American dream alive.  Buy local, shop often, and keep the lights burning at home.

We hope this finds you living your dreams… 

July Summer Rental Properties

The summer heat we are feeling in Cape May, New Jersey right now is being felt all along the east coast.  Luckily for us, we have a nice ocean breeze to keep us cool.  The weather report for today stated that it was 98 degrees but feels like 116 degrees.  Luckily, the ocean temperature is in the upper 70’s.   Still a great day to go to the beach, but be careful about being outside too long.

Noticing the influx of cars into Cape May today, and checking the rental property check in sheet, I would say that the many Cape May vacationers are in for a super sunny hot week at the beach.  The heat has never been a deterrent but an absolute deciding factor when vacationing here.  Jumping into the cool Atlantic Ocean on a day like this will surely make one feel better and no that they made the right choice on their vacation destination.

Our vacation properties that we have available range from 1 bedroom condos to 9 bedroom single family homes.  There is something for everyone.  Looking for a vacation rental?  We can help.

Email us at info@jerseycaperealty.com and we will answer any of your sale or rental questions.

Beach Vacation in Cape May

Oh, the decisions that need to be made when deciding where to go on vacation.  The two deciding factors are usually how far from home to venture and the price.  Cape May is always an affordable destination.  It is a family friendly Victorian resort town located at the southern tip of New Jersey.  This quaint nautical town is known for its fabulous fine dining restaurants, shopping on the mall, first-rate beaches, and a  friendly, laid back atmosphere.

Cape May, New Jersey is also known as Cape Island.  It is cut off from the main land by a man-made canal that is primarily used by the boats that are located along the harbors and inlets.  On the east side of Cape May is the Atlantic Ocean.  As you follow south along the beach, the ocean turns into the Delaware Bay at the southern end at Cape May Point.  On a clear day, Delaware is seen from across the bay in the distance.  It is only a short ferry ride across the bay to Delaware, which is the home for tax-free shopping.  When you visit here, be sure to take a trip along the Cape May-Lewes Ferry to another historic town , Lewes.

When looking for an affordable get away, either for a weekend or a month, think of Cape May.  Need assistance finding a rental property?  Click to view our rental website or call 609-884-5800 and ask for the rental department.

If you have decided to buy that second home, call 800-643-0043.  One of our full time rental agents at Jersey Cape Realty can locate the perfect property for your lifestyle and budget.

July–Fun Vacation Ideas

 

Looking for some fun and fabulous ideas to make the most of your vacation in Cape May, NJ?

Along the beachfront today, there is the 47th Annual Promenade Art Show starting at 10am.  Beach Avenue.

Congress Hall’s Brown Room will be hosting Eric Simonsen tonight at 8pm-12am.  Great voice!

Tomorrow will be the Cape May Antique Show and Sale in Cold Spring Village.

The Jersey Cape Antique Auto Show will be in Rotary Park (by the Gazebo on Lafayette) at 10am on Saturday.

The Atlantic City Jazz Band will be at the VFW (419 Congress St. on Sunday 7/10 at 2pm.  Cover charge is $10. 

Dinner and Show at Washington Inn and Cape May Stage.  Call 609-884-5697 for details about the 8pm Show.

Beachfront breakfast fine dining at the Pier House.

Cabanas Beach BashVolleyball Tournament on Saturday, July 16 from 9am to 8:30pm on Steger beach.

South Jersey Marina:  July 13-17 is the 22nd Annual Viking/Ocean “War Offshore” Tournament.

South Jersey Marina:  July 20-23 is the Mid-Atlantic Tuna Tournament with prize money that could top $250,000.

Surf fishing along Poverty Beach, Cape May Point, the Jetties, and the sod banks.

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