April & May 2019

If you haven’t seen those cute trolleys rolling
through the streets of Cape May, there are
one of two explanations: You’re not paying
attention, or this is your first time visiting
America’s Original Seaside Resort. In any
event, here is a handy guide that tells you the
what, when and why of trolley tours. For more
information, get in touch with the Mid-Atlantic
Center for the Arts and Humanities, who
run the trolleys, as well as other fun things.
Visit them at capemaymac.org.
The Definitive Trolley Guide
GHOSTS OF THE LIGHTHOUSE
Where It Goes: Begins and ends at Washington
Street Mall Information Booth, traveling
through parts of West Cape May to the lighthouse.
How Long It Runs: One hour.
When It Runs: Fridays, April 26 through
May 17 at 8:45pm, May 24 through June 7 at
8:30pm, and Sunday, May 26 at 8:30pm.
What It Is: The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse has
a frightfully lonely visage at night — the perfect
setting for the ghostly tales unearthed by
psychic medium and Cape May ghostwriter
Craig McManus. Your guide will share Craig’s
findings as you travel through West Cape May
and end at the lighthouse for a night climb to
the top. Hear about lonely maids who continue
to wander inns, ghostly pirates still desperately
digging for treasure, and more.
Who It’s For: Those who enjoy a tantalizing
tale.
Cape May’s Wild side
Where It Goes: Throughout Cape Island to
the area’s natural “hotspots.”
How Long It Lasts: About two hours.
When It Runs: Wednesdays beginning June 5
at 8:30am.
What It Is: Beyond the charming Victorian
homes and sandy beaches, Cape May is
world famous for its birdwatching, monarch
migration and natural history. Join Cape May
Bird Observatory naturalists on a trolley tour
to local “hotspots” with exits at several stops
along the way, learning about the diversity,
abundance — millions of birds pass through
each year — geography and extensive history
of this amazing natural spectacle. You’ll learn
why Cape May has been called the birding
capital of North America. Co-sponsored
by New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird
Observatory.
Who It’s For: Early birds and those who love
learning about Cape May’s natural wonders.
Historic District
Where It Goes: Through the historic district.
How Long It Lasts: About 45 minutes.
When It Runs: Daily; hours vary.
What It Is: It’s beautiful. It’s charming. Cape
May — one of the few places you can wander
through and feel that it’s more than 100 years
ago. Tour guides will explain how and why it
survived.
Who It’s For: Anyone and everyone who finds
Cape May charming.
Insider Tip: Combine this tour with a guided
tour of the Emlen Physick Estate and save $5.
Mansions by the Sea
Where It Goes: Along Beach Avenue, through
the early 20th century East Cape May development
areas
How Long It Lasts: About 40 minutes.
When It Runs: Daily beginning April 26. Hours
vary.
What It Is: See how the rich lived in the early
20th century. When $1 million really meant
something — before income tax. Also, see
new beachfront second homes, which run
the gamut from the mere wealthy to the fabulously
rich.
Who It’s For: Anyone who’s curious how the
one-quarter of one percent lives.
exit zero 122 april-may
underground railroad
Where It Goes: Throughout Cape May
How Long It Lasts: About 45 minutes.
When It Runs: Saturdays beginning April 27
at 10:15am.
What It Is: Cape May was part of the Underground
Railroad and this new trolley tour
tells the stories of those dangerous days.
Hear how, fleeing their chains in Maryland,
Delaware and Virginia, African-American
slaves braved strong currents and stormy
seas, guided by the beacon at the Cape May
Lighthouse. Hear how legendary anti-slavery
fighter, Harriet Tubman, walked these streets,
as did businessman and former slave, Stephen
Smith, whose railroad cars carried hundreds
to freedom. Co-sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic
Center for the Arts and Humanities and
the Center for Community Arts.
Who It’s For: Anyone and everyone who
seeks to understand our nation’s history.
Welcome to Cape May
Where It Goes: Throughout Cape May
How Long It Lasts: About 45 minutes.
When It Runs: Saturdays, April 13 and 20 at
2:30pm. Daily beginning April 26; hours vary.
What It Is: The best introduction to Cape
May for first-timers. Find the hidden gems and
little-known treasures as well as natural and
cultural points of interest.
Who It’s For: You just arrived to Cape May
and can’t wait to see the town. You’ve been to
Cape May before, but it’s been awhile. You’re
a local, but you’ve never taken this delightful
tour that celebrates your ever-so-charming
hometown.
Cape Mayhem
Where It Goes: Through the historic district.
How Long It Lasts: About 30 minutes.
When It Runs: Offered Saturdays beginning