Wednesday, June 24, 2009

The 24Th day of the sixth month of the year of the OP



CAPE MAY
LIGHT
ATLANTIC OCEAN & DELAWARE BAY
CAPE MAY, NJ



The current light is 157.5 feet tall and built on a low point of land at the entrance to the Delaware Bay. Sporting a 600,000-candle power white flashing light, this lighthouse is open to the public and is managed by the Mid-Atlantic Center of the arts. The first order lens produces a torch that can be seen 19 miles at sea. The original lighthouse at this location was built in 1823, rebuilt again in 1847, and finally again in 1859.

Rumor has it that the tower has a certain positive effect on young lovers willing to make the climb up the 199 steps. It seems that this is an excellent location for the staging of marriage. And, numerous engagements have been entered into atop this sentinel.

The southern most exit of the Garden State Parkway leads the traveler to Cape May, New Jersey. The GS Pkwy extended becomes Lafayette Street in Cape May and leads one into town. In town, take a right turn on Sunset Blvd. and follow this street until a left turn onto Lighthouse Blvd. The light is on the left at the end of this street. Ample parking is available, as is a tour of the light and nature walk. The beach is handy and a gift shop at the light offers memorabilia.


Cape May is one of my favorite towns on the east coast and a trip to see the lighthouse is only part of the charm of the area. Of course the town itself is full of seafood restaurants, old Victorian homes, and B&B's. The Lobster House Restaurant on the wharf is an excellent choice for fresh NJ seafood. One can be in Delaware within an hour depending upon the Cape May/Lewes Ferry schedule and it's worth it, just to ride back and forth.

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