There may still be plenty of warm beach days left after Labor Day but visitors to Cape May do not have to plan their fall trip around sunny weather. This National Historic Landmark located at the southern tip of New Jersey has plenty of autumnal activities including Victorian Week, murder mystery dinners and a food and wine festival.
Victorian Week in Cape May
Each October, the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) sponsors Victorian Week. The week’s activities range from tours with a historic slant to explorations of some of the city’s legendary haunted buildings. Historic offerings include private home tours and a self-guided "History Detectives Tour". For those looking to learn more about paranormal events in Cape May, there is the self-guided "Phantoms of Cape May Tour" and the "Tales of Terror Trolley Ride". Many of the innkeepers and tour guides are dressed in authentic Victorian costumes.
Get in the Spirit – Learn a Vintage Dance or Solve a Murder Mystery
During the October Vintage Dance Weekend, participants in dance workshops can learn the dances that were popular in the mid- and late-19th century. Then, they can try out their new skills at Vintage Ball or Tea Dance. Guests are encouraged to wear authentic Victorian dress to the Ball and Dance.
For those who prefer to use sleuthing skills rather than their dancing skills, one of the highlights of Victorian Week are murder mystery dinners and luncheons. Guests interact with characters and try to solve the mystery as they dine on a four-course dinner or luncheon at the Inn at Cape May.
In early November, MAC sponsors a Sherlock Holmes Weekend where guests will search for clues and compete for prizes as they try to solve a complex mystery. The weekend includes brunch and performances.
Wine and Dine in Cape May
The Fall Food and Wine Festival takes place in late September. The festival features tours and tastings at the Cape May Winery, a beer tasting dinner, chef cook-offs and a chowder contest.
Four times a year, during the Spring and Fall Wine Festivals, during Victorian Week and during the Holiday Season, MAC sponsors a "Chef Dine-Around". Participants enjoy a five-course meal with each course served at one of Cape May’s finest restaurants. Representatives from local vineyards are also present at each course to provide distinctive wine parings. A trolley shuttle is provided to transport diners to each restaurant.
For anyone who would rather just skip to dessert, the Chocolate Fantasy Buffet is offered at the Washington Inn several times a year including once during Victorian Week. The Inn’s pastry chef is on hand to share his secrets for the wonderful all-chocolate creations that tempt visitors.
Halloween Happenings
In a town that takes pride in its tales of ghosts and haunts, Halloween takes on an especially spooky tone. What better time to take a ghost tour or attend a tea with a psychic? Many of the homes and bed and breakfast inns are decorated for the holiday. Halloween events take place from mid-October through Oct. 31.
Getting to Cape May and Where to Stay
Cape May is located about 2 hours from Philadelphia and about 4 hours from New York City at the last exit from the Garden State Parkway.
Cape May has many accommodation options including cozy bed and breakfasts, larger historic inns and casual beachfront motels. Visitors planning to stay a week or more may want to rent a private property ranging from full houses to one-bedroom condominiums.
Many dining and mystery events have limited seating so visitors should plan ahead and book early.
Meryl Feiner - I am a freelance writer living in New York City.. Publications include Big Apple Parent,, Queens Parent, and The Cooperator.
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