Page 42 - 2025 Southern NJ Vacationer

FALL, WINTER, HOLIDAYS
Discover the Magic: Why Fall and Winter May Become Your Favorite Time to Visit New Jersey’s Southern Shore
Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery
Christmas in Cape May
DOES THAT WORK FOR YOU?
As temperatures drop, New Jersey’s Southern Shore becomes an enchanting getaway for the fall and winter seasons. Don’t let the chill keep you away – there’s still plenty to enjoy here. Cozy up by a fireplace or fire pit at many local businesses, perfect for warming up any gathering. Enjoy having the beach all to yourself with a peaceful walk on the sand, a fresh seafood dinner at your favorite summer spot, or simply unwind and relax. For those seeking a bit of adventure, spend an afternoon with friends at a local winery or let your stress melt away with a spa day. The fall and winter months may just become your favorite time to visit Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties.
Planning your getaway during this time of year comes with its perks, including off- season rates that are generally on the lower end. If you’ve been dreaming of staying at a specific hotel, now is the ideal time to snag a deal. Popular booking platforms like Hotels.com offer casino rooms in Atlantic City at up to 35 percent off their peak rates. These accommodations come with all the amenities you’d expect during the high season, such as an indoor pool, ample entertainment, and restaurants that will make your entire stay enjoyable, even from indoors.
ROMANTIC INTERLUDE
Long overdue for a romantic escape? The historic City of Cape May is the ideal place to get lost for a day or a few. Renowned as one of the most romantic destinations in the mid-Atlantic by numerous magazines, its charm comes from gingerbread-adorned B&Bs, gas lamps illuminating Victorian streets, and intimate, top-rated restaurants. Delight in horse and carriage rides, tours of nearby wineries, a climb to the top of the iconic lighthouse, and couples’ massages at local spas. Cap off your day with a cozy
cocktail by the fireplace at the Brown Room in Congress Hall.
HOLIDAY SEASON
By November, the holiday season is in full swing! Experience your favorite summer vacation spot in a sweater and winter coat. The holiday season adds a new dimension to the region’s charm. Whether it’s dazzling electric Christmas displays, traditional Dickensonian events, or finding the perfect, unique gift, New Jersey’s Southern Shore has something special to offer.
Visit the Christmas Shop in the Brownstone Emporium at WheatonArts in Millville, which boasts a vast collection of handcrafted glass items. Cumberland County offers other excellent shopping destinations, including the Cumberland Mall and downtown Millville.
Celebrate the holidays in historic Greenwich. Bridgeton features historic holiday house tours, while Millville hosts Third Friday celebrations in the Glasstown Arts District.
Cape May’s Winter Wonderland includes events like the Christmas Candlelight House Tours, allowing visitors to explore beautifully decorated Victorian homes and inns. Cape May County offers numerous spots to find the perfect gift, from Victorian Cape May to downtowns in Ocean City, Avalon, and Stone Harbor. Each community in the region hosts Christmas activities, such as holiday parades, downtown shopping bazaars, tree lighting ceremonies, ugly sweater 5Ks, wassail tours, winter wonderland displays,
40 SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY VACATIONER