Lewes Archives

Walking On The Ferry For A Cause

November 14, 2018 by administrator

Ferry Hosts Woman During Overdose Awareness Journey

On a rainy Friday evening, Jessie Grieb arrived at the Cape May Ferry Terminal ready to board the 6:00 p.m. Ferry to Lewes. The second of two ferries she has taken on her journey so far, it was the only shelter she would get from the rain all day.

Jessie Grieb with her cart on Overdose Awareness at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry

Before arriving at the Cape May Terminal, Jessie’s travels through New York City and New Jersey had been difficult. She had to walk along the busy Garden State Parkway and run two miles with a State Trooper behind her to get back on local, safer roads. One night, she even caught poison ivy. But the memory of her brother, Brian, and her boyfriend, Christian Heekman, push her to keep walking.

On July 23, 2018, at the age of 26, Jessie began her 2,575-mile walking journey from the east coast of Maine heading south to Key West Florida. She’s driven by the desire to overcome her own addictions and help educate others about the opioid crisis and addiction–to which she lost both her brother and boyfriend. She’s aiming to arrive home to her parents in South Carolina for Christmas, and end her journey in Florida by February 2019.

Jessie is inspired by Brett Bramble, who walked the reverse route to help overcome his addiction. With a cart handed down by Brett that is on its third transcontinental journey, Jessie averages 20 miles a day, roughly 100 miles a week and has a GoFundMe which has raised nearly $4,000 to date.

Boarding the Ferry to continue her travels through Delaware is a respite from the cold rain and busy roads–a way to embrace the moment and relax while still covering ground. “I’m living my life more now than I ever have before…I am also enjoying every moment of my life, something I haven’t been able to do for a long time.″

For updates on how the rest of Jessie’s journey goes, donation information and to leave messages of encouragement, visit the Freedom to Grow Facebook page or her GoFundMe page.

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OH THE THINGS YOU'LL SEE

Stage Coach Gets Ferried to Delaware

November 7, 2018 by administrator

A Mini- Stage Coach & A Tall Ferry Tale

It’s not every day you see a stage coach pull up to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, but the first day after the 2018 Midterm elections, there she was! The story behind it, directly tied to the elections, was uniquely Delaware, although as with most Ferry Tales, it also has a New Jersey component.

Return Day parade participants with the mini Wells Fargo Stage Coach

The mini- stage coach at its heart is a golf cart modified by Jack Vliet, a three-time NJ state champion in single action shooting. The vehicle initially did unadorned service as Vliet’s gun cart during shooting matches. But, as a member of the Cowboy Action Shooting Club, Vliet soon got the inspiration to decorate the cart to be more thematic to the club’s roots. Within a few weeks, his plain golf cart was transformed into a bright red, mini Wells Fargo stage coach!

Two years ago, Robert T. Lee, a fellow shooter and Sheriff of Sussex County, DE, came up to Vliet to entice him into the Sussex County Return Day Parade. Held every two years, the parade and festival celebrates a Delaware tradition dating back to 1791 when all Sussex County voters had to travel twice to Georgetown, the County Seat. The first trip was to vote and the second was two days later to return and hear the election results when they were turned over from the Sheriff to the Town Crier.

Jack Vliet with his mini Wells Fargo Stage Coach for Return Day, Georgetown, DE

Return Day is now a Delaware State holiday. In 2018, Vliet was taking the Cape May-Lewes Ferry from his home in Mays Landing, NJ to return for his own second parade in the 103rd Return Day festivities.

Vliet officially paid for just himself as the driver, but he had two unnamed passengers in the back seat — mannequin he also designed himself to ride shotgun during parades. One might assume that he gained his talents from years at Bally’s Wild West Casino, but he’s really a 23 year vet of Harrah’s, Atlantic City! When at the parade, his two passengers take front and center on the coach, and he goes inside to drive it via restored golf cart battery power. No tows or horses needed to keep this vehicle running!

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Back to School Shopping with the Ferry

August 2, 2018 by administrator

Get the most out of Back-to-School Shopping

It’s almost that time of year again. Teachers are finalizing lesson plans and schools, if not already in session, are clearing the cobwebs out of the hallways in preparation. And for many parents, going back to school, also means back to school shopping.

We know. Back to school shopping invokes memories of fighting crowds, tons of traffic, and generally, lots of frustration. Howver, if you’re looking for a way to change things up this year and make back to school shopping a fun and relaxing experience, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry can help!

Cape May to Lewes

When you board the Ferry in Cape May, there are plenty of options for back to school shopping in Lewes. For those who prefer the flexibility of driving their own car, vehicle passengers are just a quick fifteen minute drive to Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach. There, you’ll find all the stores you could possibly need, from Nike to Banana Republic to Tommy Hilfiger to Under Armour. Or, for those who prefer to save the mileage on the car, there are several transportation options available from the Lewes terminal. You can rent an ebike from Pedego Electric Bikes. You can take the DART Route 204 bus, which picks up in front of the terminal every 1/2 hour, or – as of Monday, 8/30/21 – you can rent a car from Avis right at the terminal! And remember, aside from the great deals available at the Outlets, Delaware has no sales tax so you’ll get more bang for your buck!

Busy summer scene of Washington Street Mall Cape May

Lewes to Cape May

Looking for something unique to head back to school with this year? The Washington Street Mall, only a 12 minute drive from the Cape May Ferry Terminal, is the place to shop for handcrafted and specialty goods. The Washington Street Mall is located in downtown Cape May and offers more than 80 stores and shops. You’ll find clothes for all ages, as well as local products ranging from peanut butter to jewelry, honey, and home décor. And if you happen to work up an appetite while shopping, the mall has over 25 restaurants and sweet shops to satisfy your cravings. Pro-tip: if you’re traveling on a weekend through October 10th, the Ferry shuttle runs from the terminal to the Cape May Welcome Center at 609 Lafayette Street, which is a short 1/4 mile walk from the Washington Street Mall, so you can walk aboard as a foot passenger and take the shuttle over to Cape May.

Please note: The shuttle runs weekends only (Sat, Sun) through 10/10/21, and reservations are required, so make sure to call (800.643.3779) in advance to save your spot if you plan to do this.

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Sea Glass Stories

July 2, 2018 by administrator

Sea Glass: Nature's Recycled Art

Sea glass is the art of nature crafting something from man. It takes approximately seven years of tumbling and tossing in the ocean for disregarded jars, bottles and other pieces of glass to smooth down and gain a frosty coloration, forming into sea glass.

A certain affinity has formed on the east coast for sea glass, and our Lewes Terminal hosts the Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival. This event can have about 70 vendors, ranging from art to lawn pieces and of course, sea glass, each vendor with a story to tell.

Here are two stories of interesting vendors from a recent Sea Glass Festival:

Sam Sea Glass

15-year-old Sam Samero is from Pennsylvania, but still has quite an impressive collection of sea glass for someone who doesn’t live right along the shore. Sam’s neighbors had a summer house in the Chesapeake Beach area in Maryland. Apparently, in this area, only locals know the sweet spots where sea glass is more likely to wash up. Sam’s neighbors showed him these spots when he was younger and eventually, he inherited the whole collection.

His mom makes cement stepping stones for gardens, all with bright designs. When they first inherited the sea glass collection, she attempted to utilize the pieces within her stepping stones, but after it wasn’t working the way she hoped, she allowed Sam to claim the whole collection as his own. While his mom sold her stones at art shows and festivals, Sam began tagging along and setting up tables of his own right alongside his mom.

From there, Sam began collecting his own sea glass to add to the collection, and his pieces have taken on a life of their own. At 11 years old, Sam had won 1^st place in the St. Michaels Sea Glass Show in Maryland with a small, black piece that seems to have once been a small glass dog. Experts at festivals and events have estimated that Sam’s collection ranges pieces from the 1600s all the way to the 1980s, washed away from shores as far as China.

Patis-Sea-Rie

Suzanna and Ava are sisters from Milano, Italy and come over annually for the Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival in Lewes. Ava’s best friend from grade school, Anita, is also part of this group. Anita is from the U.S. but lived in Milano when she was younger, moving back to the states with her parents during high school, but the two always kept in touch.

The three got into sea glass when they were younger, Suzanna always loving to search for pieces along the shores. While of course it still washes up among Italian shores, they said that sea glass is not as common of a hobby in Italy. As Suzanna got into the hobby, her younger sister, Ava started coming with her, eventually bringing her best friend, Anita.

Most commonly, they would comb the Ligurian Sea, but also enjoy traveling down the coast of Italy to search the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Anita now lives in Lewes, and a few years ago encouraged the sisters to come and visit her and set up a table of their sea glass for the Mid-Atlantic Festival. Now, every year, they come to the states strictly for our festival here (they have never attended another), theme their colorful table in cupcakes, and then make a vacation out of their stay with Anita. The three pride themselves on being the only European table at the event, having Mediterranean Sea glass, as well as sea glass that dates back to the Roman Empire.

Other exciting vendors included one from Greece, who explained she ships over all of her sea glass so that her luggage doesn’t get too heavy, and an antique shop owner from Virginia. We can’t wait to experience the Sea Glass Festival again next year, and hope you will be joining us!

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Seafood Fresh off the Boat

June 21, 2018 by administrator

A Celebration of Seafood: Where to Find Tasty Eats in Cape May and Sussex Counties

The sights, sounds and smells of the Bay are bound to stir up a craving for seafood. Here’s where to find some of the best at the Jersey Shore and Delaware beaches.

Cape May County

Louisa’s

Fish caught from the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic is thoughtfully spiced and sauced at this tiny Cape May gem that’s been a dining destination for 37 years.
$24-$28. 104 Jackson St., Cape May, (609) 884-5882, www.louisascapemay.com.

Fins Bar and Grille

One look at the fish tank and other maritime décor, and you know you’re in the right place for fresh seafood. Favorites include the fish tacos, seafood chowder, and lobster cobb salad with avocado, apple smoked bacon, and charred corn.
$25-$32. 142 Decatur St., Cape May, (609) 884-3449, www.finscapemay.com

The Lobster House

Much of the seafood on the menu is delivered right to the restaurant’s dock by a commercial fishing fleet, and you can watch the fishermen work as you dine. If you’re a locavore, order the Cape May Salts, the scallops, and the New Jersey clams prepared in a variety of ways. For drinks, apps, and lunch outdoors, ask for a seat on the permanently docked Schooner American.
$19.25-$48.50. 906 Schellengers Landing Road, Fisherman’s Wharf, Cape May, (609) 884-8296, www.thelobsterhouse.com

The Merion Inn

Romantic dinner for two with seafood and wine

The Merion Inn has been in operation since 1885, and its well-prepared seafood classics never go out of style. Highlights include the Maryland crab cakes, the crab or lobster imperial, and the stuffed flounder.
$36-$49. 106 Decatur St., Cape May, (609) 884-8363, www.merioninn.com

One Fish, Two Fish

Upscale accents define menu standouts like the Atlantic salmon with coriander-citrus-ginger beurre blanc, and local scallops with lemon vinaigrette and sweet-corn risotto.
$25-$36. 5209 Pacific Ave., Wildwood, (609) 522-5223, onefishtwofishrestaurant.net

Oyster Bay Restaurant & Bar

Oyster Bay Bar and Restaurant in Cape May, NJ

If you like your seafood spicy, don’t miss the Bang Bang Shrimp. Other specialties include a well-executed old-school Coquilles St. Jaques and a hearty seafood potpie
$24-$45. 615 Lafayette St., Cape May, (609) 884, 2111, www.oysterbayrestaurant.com

SeaSalt

Whether you prefer your seafood raw, prepared simply, or creatively embellished (think ahi tuna steak in spicy Penang curry), this restaurant in the Cape May Ocean Club Hotel has what you’re craving. For a true taste of the Shore, try the four-course ($55) or the five-course ($70) chef’s tasting menus. Go all out and opt for the wine paring too.
($70/$95). $26-$32. 1035 Beach Ave., Cape May (609) 884-7000, www.capemayoceanclubhotel.com

Tisha’s Cape May

The risottos are creamy and crammed with seafood. And the jambalaya is worthy of the Big Easy.
$26-$36. 322 Washington Street Mall, Cape May, (609) 884-9119, www.tishasfinedining.com

Lewes and Rehoboth Beach

Big Fish Grill

Be sure to order a Pot ‘O Mussels in your choice of sauce – spicy diablo, garlic wine, Dijon cream, andouille sausage, and saffron or Thai curry and coconut. The hand-cut fries are well worth the extra two bucks.
$18.95-$38.95. 20298 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach, (302) 227-FISH, www.bigfishgrill.com

Henlopen City Oyster House

The raw bar here is extensive, with oysters from all over the northeast and Washington State, including a delectable Kumatmotos. Order a sampler, and get one ($18) or two ($36) of each. For a heaping helping of clams, scallops, fish, mussels, and shrimp you can’t go wrong with the bouillabaisse.
$26-$38. 50 Wilmington Ave., Rehoboth Beach, (302) 260-9193, www.hcoysterhouse.com

Matt’s Fish Camp

Starters include a killer New England clam chowder with bacon, corn, and sherry cream, and crab dip with pimento and sharp cheddar. Then go for the popcorn scallops (bet you can’t eat just one), the lobster roll or the Crab Louie sandwich.
$18-$28. 34401 Tenley Court, Lewes, (302) 644-2267, www.mattsfishcamplewes.com

Salt Air Restaurant & Bar

The crab-deviled eggs make you feel like you’re at a picnic on the beach. And the crunchy, corn-flake-encrusted crustaceans – served with coleslaw, fries, and corn bread – make it easy to figure out why the menu calls its shrimp fry “famous.”
$26-$31. 50 Wilmington Ave., Rehoboth Beach, (302) 227-3744, www.saltairrestaurant.com

Striper Bites

You choose the cooking style and the sauce – from a simple lemon butter beurre blanc to a festive tropical fruit salsa. If you’re a sushi fan, try the North & South, made with house-cured pastrami salmon, fried Mahi and avocado. And don’t miss the lobster mac with three cheeses, bacon, and tomato jam
$12-$27. 107 Savannah Road, Lewes, (302) 645-4657,
www.striperbites.com

The Surfing Crab

Go with the crabs any which way you like them – just plain steamed by the half or whole dozen, in an imperial dip, or as an Eastern Shore cake. If you can’t get enough, take the All You Can Eat option that comes with fries, coleslaw, and hush puppies. Be sure to order a side of puppies with whatever you choose.
$15.95-$38.95, 16723 Coastal Hwy., Lewes, Del., (302) 644-4448, www.thesurfingcrab.com

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Best Ice Cream off Route 1 | Lewes & Rehoboth Beach Favorites

June 12, 2018 by administrator

Where Can You Get the Best Scoop near the Lewes Ferry Terminal?

While you can never go wrong with ice cream, sometimes it may feel as though there are too many places to choose from. Walking down the streets of Rehoboth, you seem to pass at least five before you even hit the boardwalk. So where can you actually get the best scoop in and around Lewes? We have our favorite suggestions for you right here.

2 Dips in Lewes

We would love to recommend where you can get a scoop of ice cream as soon as you get off of the Ferry, however, this place only serves “dips.” Named for what the owner calls his wife and daughter, his “two dips,” you order your ice cream in dips here, not scoops. For example, you may want to order 1 dip of Salted Carmel Cookies and Cream or 2 dips in a waffle cone, one of Better Brownie Batter and one of Candy Bar Overload (just a suggestion). When you come off of the Ferry, turn right until you can’t go any further, then turn left. You can’t miss the white building done up in pink and green. While you’re there, the garage is set up as a small trip-through-time museum you can stroll your way through, or the shop is within walking distance of the bay.

Ice cream cone held in front of a gameshow-style flavor wheel

The Ice Cream Store in Rehoboth

Wandering through Rehoboth, you’ll see plenty of ice cream classics like Jersey’s own Kohrs Bros, or Vermont’s Finest Ben and Jerry’s, but we want something unique to this area, right? When you’ve nearly reached the boardwalk and see a crowd of people, you’ve found the spot. But this line always moved quickly because the employees are fast yet friendly, and willing to provide plenty of sample spoons. You’ll definitely want to try a few flavors. There are over a hundred to choose from, each with a crazier name than the last, like Motor Oil or Netflix and Chill. They even have a carnival wheel to spin for when you really can’t decide. If you are thinking about ordering something just for the name, you won’t regret it.

Two chocolate ice-cream cones held up for the camera

Hopkins Farm Creamery in Lewes

If you are willing to travel off the beaten path for some really good ice cream, head off of Route 1, away from the beaches and past a few farms. A family-owned farm makes all of their ice cream right there on site, so you know it’s gotta be good. The scoops are portion sizes you would hope for with ice cream this good. While you enjoy it you can explore the farm, meet some cows, and there is even a small playground for the kiddies. The genuine homemade ice cream includes classic flavors, or you can try something more fun like Cow Pie. Bonus: Hopkins Farm Creamery has plenty of gluten free options!

While there are plenty of other ice cream shops on this side of the Delaware Bay, these are just a few of our favorites!

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Marine Life Rescue Heroes

April 26, 2018 by administrator

Saving Our Sea(Life)

April 27 is the officially designated as Marine Mammal Rescue Day across the nation, but for two organizations on different sides of the Delaware Bay that mission is far more often than just one day a year. Both the MERR Institute in Lewes, Delaware and the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, NJ are on call 24/7 to provide emergency care to marine mammals injured in local waters.

The MERR (Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation) Institute provides rescue and care for turtles, dolphins and other marine mammals who are injured or ill and found on Delaware’s beaches. If the animal is severely hurt, emergency transport is provided over to the New Jersey side to Brigantine’s Mammal Stranding Center. If schedules and time permits, MERR’s volunteers drive the injured mammals to NJ via the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. It’s a shorter trip with less traffic noise and road bumps to disturb the wounded animals. Once rehabilitated, it’s also common to see happier trips such as with the turtle above where NJ volunteers return animals via the Ferry to their native waters in Delaware and points farther south including Virginia, and Maryland.

Seal rescued

According to MERR, accidents happen for many reasons – some natural and some man made. It’s far too common, particularly in the spring, to find a stranded seal with gashes that could occur from either shark attacks or run ins with propellers from private and commercial boats on the Bay.

Executive Director Suzanne Thurman notes that man made upsets can also occur on a much larger scale including recent initiatives to reinstate seismic testing for oil drilling on open waters on the eastern seaboard. “Blasts could affect more than 36 species of marine mammals and sea turtles along Delaware’s small coastline,” Thurman stated. She added that blasts can cause everything from severe hearing loss to mothers inadvertently abandoning their young.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center(MMSC) has been in operation for more than 40 years, having assisted in close 6,000 strandings of large whales to smaller sea turtles who have come ashore due to distress situations. Directed by Bob Schoelkopf for the entire 40-year period, the center is designed to care for animals found in New Jersey only, but whenever necessary has opened its doors and full facilities to animals from other states such as the MERR rescues. Animals have come to the center from the full length of the U.S. eastern coastline — Maine to Florida.

Delaware Bay Seals seen from the Cape May Lewes Ferry

The MMSC goal is to rehabilitate animals in a humane and efficient way to return them to the wild in the shortest possible time. In extreme situations Schoelkopf states, “When animals may not be released (such as a disability), every effort is made to secure a proper, enriching facility to provide lifetime care.”

When released, MMSC brings them as far north or south as possible to assist them on their way toward where they had been intending to go prior the incident that brought them into the facility for rehabilitation. In the case of the harbor seal shown above, she was picked up in Delaware in the spring, transported to MMSC, was undergoing rehabilitation in the ICU unit, and would be scheduled to transfer to a pool for strengthening and exercise after being cleared by a veterinarian. Ideally, she would then be transported to Sandy Hook, NJ in early summer to allow her intended migration north to cooler waters for the summer.

All marine mammals are federally protected and only organizations such as MERR and MMSC are authorized to pick up and handle the animals. When animals are stranded, both groups recommend that people do not approach the hurt mammals, but instead immediately call for assistance. Because these animals are wild, they can bite or cause more harm to both the person trying to assist as well as themselves. This recommendation also holds for deceased mammals that wash up on NJ and DE shores to allow the marine rescue teams to do clean necropsies and better understand issues affecting marine health in our local waters.

Both organizations are committed to ongoing research and public education on conservation and marine life issues on our coastal waterways. Many of the animals are endangered species, and both organizations are strongly committed to ongoing stewardship of the Bay, inland water and ocean habitats common to both states.

Volunteers are always needed to help with transporting and rescue duties and both organizations are supported by memberships and sponsor donations.

For more information:

	MERR
Web site	www.merrinstitute.org
Facebook	https://www.facebook.com/MERRInstitute/
Phone	302-228-5029
E-mail	merrinstitute@gmail.com

	MMSC
Web site	https://mmsc.org
Facebook	https://www.facebook.com/njmarinemammal/
Phone	609-266-0538
E-mail	info@mmsc.org

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Year-Round Birdwatching on the Cape May–Lewes Ferry

April 19, 2018 by administrator

What Expert Birdwatchers Look for Year-Round

The Delaware Bay is a unique habitat providing a wealth of birdwatching opportunities. But what are you likely to see?

Ospreys nesting in Cape May County Wetlands

We asked two Bay birdwatching experts for their advice on best times and tips to enjoy birding either while on the Ferry or the shores of the Delaware Bay. Thanks to Scott Barnes who oversees the NJ Audubon’s Young Birds Club, and Bill Stewart, Director of Conservation & Community for the American Birding Association in Delaware for their insights.

Q: What type of birds are people most likely to see on the Bay?

Stewart: During the spring and summer months, keep a look out for Parasitic Jaegers, a falcon-like open water bird that loves to chase and steal food from other birds, hence their name! You will also see lots of gulls and terns following the ferry.

Barnes: Most often passengers will be looking at waterbirds – everything from loons to ducks, gulls and terns. From late fall through early spring there are often hundred of Red-throated Loons, Surf Scoters, and Black Scoters. Summertime months bring a variety of gulls with Laughing Gulls being the most numerous, but you can also spot Brown Pelicans and several varieties of terns.

Q: Are some birds more likely to be seen on the Ferry than on shore?

Barnes: In some years, the ferry can be a good place to search for Wilson’s Storm-Petrels and other “pelagic” species that don’t usually come close to land. After strong storms with onshore winds, some lucky birders have seen shearwaters, another sea bird not often seen from land.

Stewart:The month of March is probably the most exciting with big and beautiful Gannets migrating north. It is common to see a few hundred near and directly following the Ferry. It’s very rare to see Gannets from land.

When most media outlets pay attention to Punxsutawney Phil to find out if spring in imminent, ferry folks pay attention to sightings of Gannets by the Ferry Captains. When ship logs take note of Gannets, the Ferry teams cheer and start to break out spring clothing!

Q: What is a good age to start birding?

Stewart: ANY AGE!!! The earlier the better, especially for hearing and listening for the birds.

Barnes: Whenever someone is interested. NJ Audubon does birding for tots on up.

Q: What are some good resources for local birders?

Barnes: The NJ Audubon Young Birders Club, eBird from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and the NJ Birders Facebook Group.

Stewart: Only a few miles from each ferry terminal young birders can find the Cape May Bird Observatory in Cape May Point and the Nature Center at Cape Henlopen State Park. Both locations have a wealth of information on local bird happenings and many bird books to purchase.

Q: Are there specific programs for young birders?

Stewart: The American Birding Association hosts numerous young birder events, workshops, contests, mentoring opportunities and summer camps. Once a year, our youth camp boards the Ferry to teach passengers about Delaware Bay birds. For more information, contact the American Birding Association in Delaware City, DE.

Barnes: The NJ Audubon young Birders Club runs birding trips year-round (about 1-2 trips/month) across the state. They are designed for kids ages 11-17 and their parents. We go to hotspots around the state from Cape May to the Delaware Water Gap.

Photo Credit: Special thanks to photographer Beate Pohlig of Cape May for sharing the header photo taken March 2018 during an early spring birdwatching expedition that took her across the bay on the Ferry.

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Finding Solace in Spring Break Travel

March 15, 2018 by administrator

Putting the 'Break' in Spring Break

When planning Spring Break vacations, students, families and 9-to-5’ers alike find themselves packing their bags and driving south to soak in some Vitamin D. While mapping out your adventure, keep in mind what Spring Break is all about—relaxation and escaping the winter doldrums. Be sure to make time for pit stops to relax and stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and (if you’re lucky) enjoy a view that doesn’t include the highway. This can be easier said than done as you travel south through the Mid-Atlantic region, home to some of the most congested highways around the Philadelphia, Baltimore and DC region.

The solution: take the scenic route.

Consider taking the Ferry, which offers reduced Spring Fare rates through May 31. The 85-minute escape across the Delaware Bay between Cape May, NJ and Lewes, DE allows you to bypass crowded roadways, park the car, and catch fresh spring breezes. If the air still has a chill, you and your crew can duck inside for warm on-board refreshments while still spotting Gannets, the Delaware Bay bird also considered the harbinger of spring.

Family friendly travel aboard the Cape May Lewes Ferry

Popular Spring Break Destinations

Some popular Spring Break destinations Ferry passengers often travel to when heading south include:

Delaware Beaches (Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey)
Ocean City, Maryland
Chincoteague, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Myrtle Beach, SC
Charleston, SC
Orlando, FL and Walt Disney World
Key West, FL

Spring Break means different things to different people. College students view it as a time to let loose at popular beach resorts. Secondary school students often are just happy to be out of school, but parents frequently save their precious time off to use for an annual family vacation to warmer weather.

Increasingly, families are again taking to the roads to save money for spending at their final destination instead of on airfare. The Ferry is a great gateway to start the vacation experience early while still on the road, putting the entire family in vacation spirits well before they’ve hit the warmer climates.

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Top 7 Sojourns for Snowbirds Heading North

February 20, 2018 by administrator

Ways to Enjoy the Journey: Cape May & Lewes Travel Stops

As the weather warms up, snowbirds who have headed south for winter begin to once again venture north. For many, the Ferry is a welcomed mid-point to relax and restore energy with a variety of waterside activities. There are plenty of opportunities for rejuvenation in the Lewes and Cape May areas—below we’ve outlined some of our top recommendations.

Lewes

Embrace History

Embrace the history of our nation’s first state by touring the Ryves Holt House, the oldest standing structure in Delaware, built in 1665 by Dutch settlers. Today the house is home to the Lewes Historical Society and part of the First State National Park.

Parks & Trails

A five-mile trail perfect for a bike, hike or stroll, the Junction and Breakwater Trail winds through forests and open fields along a former section of the Penn Central Railroad between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. Or explore nearby Cape Henlopen’s three-mile trail looping around the park and experience the scenic landscape and history by climbing to the top of the WWII Observation Tower.

Shopping

A short bike or car ride from Lewes, Rehoboth is home to some of the region’s best shopping, including three Tanger Outlet Centers as well as boutique shopping downtown. Even better, all stores are tax-free!

Cape May

Home Tours

America’s first seaside resort, Cape May has one of the largest collections of late 19th-century frame buildings left in the U.S. and more than 600 Victorian era homes. Take a private guided tour or trolley tour throughout Cape May’s Historic District.

Cuisine

A trip to Cape May wouldn’t be complete without savoring the local coastal cuisine. Take a walking food tour to experience multiple restaurants, local culture, sights, and stories. Or for a romantic feel, stay at the Peter Shields Inn, a romantic seaside getaway, with nine guest rooms, breathtaking oceanfront views, and gourmet dining.

Spas

Relax and rejuvenate from your travels at Spa at Congress Hall or the Cape May Day Spa. Or bring a luxurious spa experience to you by requesting in-room spa service at one of the many B&Bs located in town.

Ferry Hosts Woman During Overdose Awareness Journey

DOLPHINS & WHALES

OH THE THINGS YOU'LL SEE

A Mini- Stage Coach & A Tall Ferry Tale

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Get the most out of Back-to-School Shopping

Cape May to Lewes

Lewes to Cape May

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Sea Glass: Nature's Recycled Art

Sam Sea Glass

Patis-Sea-Rie

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A Celebration of Seafood: Where to Find Tasty Eats in Cape May and Sussex Counties

Cape May County

Louisa’s

Fins Bar and Grille

The Lobster House

The Merion Inn

One Fish, Two Fish

Oyster Bay Restaurant & Bar

SeaSalt

Tisha’s Cape May

Lewes and Rehoboth Beach

Big Fish Grill

Henlopen City Oyster House

Matt’s Fish Camp

Salt Air Restaurant & Bar

Striper Bites

The Surfing Crab

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Where Can You Get the Best Scoop near the Lewes Ferry Terminal?

2 Dips in Lewes

The Ice Cream Store in Rehoboth

Hopkins Farm Creamery in Lewes

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Saving Our Sea(Life)

For more information:

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What Expert Birdwatchers Look for Year-Round

Q: What type of birds are people most likely to see on the Bay?

Q: Are some birds more likely to be seen on the Ferry than on shore?

Q: What is a good age to start birding?

Q: What are some good resources for local birders?

Q: Are there specific programs for young birders?

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Putting the 'Break' in Spring Break

The solution: take the scenic route.

Popular Spring Break Destinations

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Ways to Enjoy the Journey: Cape May & Lewes Travel Stops

Lewes

Embrace History

Parks & Trails

Shopping

Cape May

Home Tours

Cuisine

Spas

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