The Daytripper

By Paul Rose
Special to the Coastal Point

	Special to the Coastal Point • PAUL ROSS The Cape-May Lewes ferry, hard at work.

Our destination this time is Cape May, across the bay in New Jersey. To get there, we will drive north to Lewes, Del., where we will board the Cape May ferry. This is a great car-and-passenger ferry that runs from Lewes to Cape May at regular intervals. Actually, there are two boats, running in opposite directions. You can take your car across if you wish, but then you have to find parking in Cape May. Finding parking in Cape May can be a challenge during the busy summer season.

The better bet is to park your car in the parking lot at Lewes, board the ferry as a foot passenger, and take the shuttle from the ferry slip in Cape May into town. If you wish, you can take your bicycle with you, if you want to explore more of the town than you can conveniently do on foot. Bicycle rentals are also available in Cape May. You can even take your dog on the ferry, but they have to sit outside with you on the deck. If you do take the dog, don’t forget some water for our furry friends.

Going as a foot passenger on the ferry is considerably cheaper, faster, and much less fuss. Let somebody else do the driving! The trip across (one-way) takes about 80 minutes.

So, what do we do in Cape May? Well, if it is a warm day, I suggest ice cream — your choice of flavors — at any of the likely spots on Beach Avenue or Washington Square, in town. Do wear comfortable shoes for walking, especially if you plan on spending the day in town for lunch, and possibly dinner. A small backpack is a good idea for conveniently carrying the stuff you are likely to buy. Cape May is also an incredibly photogenic town — bring a camera to take pictures of the classically restored Victorian homes, which are a major feature of the town.

Cape May is shoppers delight. There is the usual range of gift shops, clothing stores. There are all sorts of activities to keep you out of trouble and busy for the day. Plan on at least having lunch at one of the many excellent restaurants, or dinner, if you choose.

You are done? You are out of money? Your VISA® card is maxed out? Your stomach is full? Your feet hurt? Well, back to the ferry. Pick the shuttle bus up where you were dropped off. They will take you back to the ferry for the return trip to Lewes. Do make it a point to note the time for the last shuttle to the ferry slip, and the last ferry back to Delaware. There are some nice bed and breakfast places in Cape May, but they tend to get booked up during the summer season. In fact, a night at a bed and breakfast in Cape May is an excellent way to stretch our “day trip” into a two-day stay. Consider it…

How do we get there?

From Bethany Beach, head north along the shore on Route 1. Go past Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beach. Swing east on Route 9 (King’s Highway), following the signs for the Cape May ferry. You will turn right on Cape Henlopen Drive. Turn left into the ferry parking lot, park and leave your car, if traveling on foot. Otherwise, just get into line for the ferry if you are taking your car. You can make advanced reservations by calling (800) 643-3779, or (302) 645-6346. If you go by foot (my choice), there is a shuttle from the ferry slip in Cape May into town that runs at frequent intervals.