Page 11 - 2025 Southern NJ Vacationer

The Wetlands Institute
ospreys, other shorebirds, and wildlife.
Along the bayside in Cape May and Cumberland
counties, birders can witness more than a million migrating birds each spring – the second-largest shorebird population assembly in the Western Hemisphere. The World Series of Birding challenges enthusiasts to count as many species as possible within 24 hours. In nearby Cumberland County, Turkey Point, the Maurice River, and Stow Creek are hotspots for bald eagles, great blue herons, ospreys, and more.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious novice, the diverse and abundant birding opportunities in Cape May and surrounding areas offer an unforgettable experience.
The Cape May Bird Observatory, available at www.birdcapemay.org, is an excellent resource for birding enthusiasts. In Atlantic County, bald eagles can be seen soaring even in the winter months at Lake Lenape in Mays Landing. Other notable birding locations include Forsythe Wildlife Refuge, Wharton State Forest, Weymouth Furnace, Gaskill Park, Makepeace Lake Wildlife Management Area, and Estell Manor Park. A guide to bird watching in Atlantic County is available at www.aclink.org. www.audubon.org
READY, SET, EXPERIENCE YOUR HALLMARK CHRISTMAS MOMENTS: The holidays kick off in Cape May starting the third week of November, and it’s no wonder that Travel + Leisure named this charming seaside town one of the 25 Best Christmas Towns in the USA. The Washington Street Mall hosts Hospitality Nights, while Congress Hall transforms into a magical winter wonderland. The streets come alive with beautiful Victorian buildings adorned with twinkling lights, greenery, bows, and festive decorations.
Embrace the holiday spirit by sipping on wassail, hopping aboard the Holly Trolley, taking tea with Mrs. Claus, or visiting the Physick Estate, lavishly decorated
in true Victorian style. Learn about the holiday traditions of the Victorian era of the 1890s, immerse yourself in a Dickens Christmas extravaganza, and enjoy a Lamplighter Christmas tour or the annual Christmas Candlelight House Tour.
In between, there are concerts, performances at Cape May Stage and the East Lynne Theater Company, food and wine events, craft fairs, and much more, ensuring the merriest of holiday seasons. For information about tours, you can reach out at 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 and visit www.capemaymac.org. For accommodations and special event information, contact 609-884-5508orvisit www.capemaychamber.com
BOOK A GHOST TOUR DURING THE SPOOKIEST TIME OF YEAR IN CAPE M A Y : Restored to its 19th-century splendor, the Physick Estate retains hints of its haunted past and capitalizes on that reputation with spooky, fun Halloween events that even the Addams family would enjoy. Residents and visitors can check out the trolley tours—Ghosts of Cape May Tours, Ghosts of the Lighthouse, and others—or wander around Scarecrow Alley on the estate grounds, lined with funny, creative, and spooky (but not too scary) scarecrows. For more information, visit www.capemaymac.org
BEYOND THE ZOO: Visit the Freedom Farm Animal Rescue, a sanctuary that is dedicated to the preservation and protection of animals in need. From rescued farm animals to other wildlife, every creature at Freedom Farm has a tale of resilience and hope to share. Every Saturday, this sanctuary welcomes visitors. www.facebook.com/freedomfarmanimalrescue/
FIND CAPE MAY DIAMONDS ON THE STATE’S SOUTHERNMOST BEACH: Sunset Beach, the southernmost point of New Jersey, is celebrated for its breathtaking and vibrant sunsets,
among the most stunning on the East Coast. Visitors can embark on a treasure hunt for Cape May diamonds, pure quartz crystals found exclusively along the bayside beaches. The beach also holds the remnants of the S.S. Atlantus, one of twelve concrete ships constructed during World War I.
Nestled right on Sunset Beach, the new Fish House restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with breathtaking ocean views. The menu showcases a variety of fresh seafood dishes, craft sandwiches, homemade local ice cream, and expertly crafted cocktails.
As the sunsets over the bay each evening, the American flag is ceremoniously lowered, adding a touching and patriotic touch to the day. Sunset Beach presents a perfect fusion of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and peaceful tranquility. For more information, call 609-884-7079 or visit www.sunsetbeachnj.com
SPEND THE DAY EXPLORING THE WONDERS OF THE COAST AND COME FACE-TO-FACE WITH SEA CREATURES: A place where you can come face-to-face with a diamondback terrapin, encounter a creature older than the dinosaurs, or plumb the waters of a tidal creek to discover its secrets? There is a place located at 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd., situated on 15,000 acres of salt marsh: The Wetlands Institute. The Institute invites visitors to explore the wonders of the coastal landscape one trail at a time. From the moment you drive up, you’ll find migrating songbirds feeding in the trees lining the parking lot or summer nesters tending to their young. A trip down the Quarter Mile Salt Marsh Trail reveals birds hunting in the marsh, pairs of osprey hard at work on their nests, diamondback terrapins seeking safe nesting sites, or thousands of fiddler crabs scurrying across the rich mud. On the guided exploration of the Salt Marsh Trail, you’ll learn how the plants and animals interact to keep the marsh healthy. Visitors can help drag seine or dip nets through Scotch
SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY VACATIONER 9