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30 recognized fish species in Cape May County waters. You can fish in the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, inland waterways, and bays around the county. Best of all, there’s no fee and no pre-registration required! For more information on rules and regulations at www.thejerseycape.com. Happy fishing, and may you reel in a winner!
DISCOVER THE MAURICE RIVER BLUFFS: A NATURAL WONDERLAND: Locally known as “The Bluffs,” the Maurice River Bluffs in Cumberland County border the Wild and Scenic Maurice River. The majestic bluffs offer a crucial habitat for migrating songbirds, osprey, and bald eagles. The Nature Conservancy protects this 535-acre preserve, which boasts over four miles of river frontage and is a freshwater haven for numerous species of odonates – dragonflies and damselflies.
The river supports New Jersey’s largest stand of wild rice and a variety of endangered animal species. Visitors can explore color-coded hiking trails, a mountain biking trail, and picnic areas. Be sure to stop by the visitor kiosk for helpful information and large trail maps. Highlights include a floating dock with clear views of bald eagle nests and the Maurice River; seasonal features like osprey nests from March through September; historic homestead from the 1700s.
This nature preserve is a true oasis for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit Silver Run Road, Millville, or call 609-861-0600 for more information.
EXPLORE THE CAPE MAY POINT SCIENCE CENTER: A HAVEN FOR WILDLIFE AND HISTORY: Visit the Cape May Point Science Center, a unique facility that has served as a hotel, hospital, and retreat for Catholic nuns. Now dedicated to the protection and conservation of its surroundings, the center is located at New Jersey’s southernmost point, right in the middle of the Atlantic flyway – a
renowned intersection of marine, insect, and avian species. Learn about butterfly migration and witness the world’s largest butterfly migration; horseshoe crabs and see the biggest concentration of these ancient creatures; bird habitats and explore critical habitats for migratory and predatory birds, including raptors, hawks,
owls, and eagles.
At the center, you can learn about raptor tracking,
Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphin studies, and the tracking of prehistoric horseshoe crabs. Take a tour of one of New Jersey’s most historic buildings, a 38,000- square-foot Victorian structure that has served many purposes over the years, including as a refuge for enslaved people, a summer retreat for the Sisters of St. Joseph, and a shelter for U.S. soldiers during WWII.
The center offers daily tours in July and August and hosts various events such as stargazing nights, concerts, Tai Chi, yoga, nature journaling, and art workshops. www.capemaypointsciencecenter.org
STROLL THE RIVERWALKS IN BRIDGETON AND MILLVILLE: Bridgeton and Millville, both located in Cumberland County, boast picturesque riverwalks that offer a delightful escape into nature. In Bridgeton, the Cohansey Riverwalk provides a scenic trail along the Cohansey River, where visitors can enjoy the serene views of the water, lush greenery, and charming wildlife. The riverwalk is perfect for leisurely strolls, jogging, or simply sitting on a bench to take in the tranquil atmosphere. Millville, on the other hand, features the Maurice Riverwalk, which follows the Maurice River. This riverwalk is adorned with beautiful landscaping and offers access to various parks, including Captain Buck Riverfront Park. It’s an ideal spot for picnics, birdwatching, and experiencing the vibrant local flora and fauna. Both riverwalks serve as great recreational spaces, inviting residents and visitors to connect with nature and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the riverside.
REV UP YOUR INNER RACE CAR DRIVER AT NEW JERSEY MOTORSPORTS PARK! New Jersey Motorsports Park, a premier “Motorsports Entertainment Complex” in Millville, spans 500 acres and is conveniently located just an hour from Philadelphia and two hours from New York City. The park offers a variety of dynamic attractions both on and off-track, making it a thrilling destination for all.
The park features two world-class road courses:
•Thunderbolt Raceway: This 2.25-mile track boasts 12 challenging turns, a half mile straightaway, and approximately 40 acres of full-service paddock space. •Lightning Raceway: Known for its fast and challenging 1.9-mile circuit, this track features 10 corners and dramatic elevation changes.
In addition, the park includes a 20-acre paddock area with a four-acre skid pad and autocross area. Tempest Raceway, one of the top outdoor karting complexes in the U.S., offers a 1.1-mile world-class karting facility with eight exciting configurations, many of which can run simultaneously. www.njmp.com
A THREAD THROUGH HISTORY: The Longest Yarn was unveiled on June 6, 2024, in Carentan, France, marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day. This stunning three-dimensional wool tapestry, knitted and crocheted by hundreds of volunteers worldwide, vividly portrays the events of June 6, 1944. Under the guidance of historians, each carefully crafted scene ensures historical accuracy, telling the story of the buildup, launch from England, and the invasion of Normandy. Measuring 80 meters (265 feet), the tapestry symbolizes both the 80+ years since D-Day and the 80 days it took the Allies to liberate Paris.
Following its time in Cape May County, The Longest Yarn will continue its journey to several esteemed locations, including the Chapel of Four Chaplains in Philadelphia, the Women’s Auxiliary in Washington, DC, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,
The Observation Wheel at Steel Pier
12 SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY VACATIONER