Around the World in 80 Miles at NJ’s Southern Shore
Filed in: Press
Remember that “See the USA, in your Chevrolet” ditty of the 1950s and 60s? You do? Really?
OK, so how many of you knew that Henry Ford and Louis Chevrolet raced their cars on the beach in Cape May? In 1905? They both lost, beat out by two other guys, but Ford and Chevrolet perfected their automotive inventions and for generations a Ford or a Chevy was loaded up every summer for that two-week vacation at shore.
Today, families are just as likely driving around Cape May in a hybrid or zipping down the Garden State Parkway in a mini-van but they’re still headed for that memorable summer adventure in Southern New Jersey. Leave those airport delays and luggage surcharges behind - grab your safari hat, load the kids in the backseat and set off for your own adventure closer to home.
It’s Around the World in 80 Miles – give or take - right here at NJ’s Southern Shore Region of Cape May and Cumberland counties. Actually, you’re in great company since Frommer’s – THE word in travel – named Southern New Jersey as one of the top destinations for 2008 – right up there with Wales, Morocco, Romania and other top travel hot spots.
Anxious to see the wild animals of Africa? Stop by the Cape May County Zoo and stroll the savannah where giraffes and zebras roam freely – there’s probably some deer and antelope, too. Or visit the Cohanzik Zoo in Bridgeton and get a glimpse of the rare white tigers, enjoy the only walk-through aviary in the state and marvel at the fauna of South America and Asia. Both zoos also have an abundance of other animals – lions, monkeys, reptiles and exotic birds to whisk your imagination into the African jungles or Amazon rainforests. And, guess what? No admission charge – wow!
Always longed for a vacation in the wine country of Sonoma or the Napa Valley? Check out the vineyards and wineries in New Jersey’s southernmost counties – and there are plenty of them! - for tours, tastings and fun.
What’s wine without food? Of course there are fabulous Italian restaurants, plus pubs, Asian, Thai and other ethnic favorites, all well represented throughout Southern New Jersey. There’s also good, old American food on the Boardwalk, local diners and a new place, named appropriately enough, Jersey Girl, in Wildwood.
Did you know the Wildwood Boardwalk has more rides, and is way more fun, than Disney World – plus, it’s right here in Southern New Jersey! No passport checks, no lost luggage or flight delays. Ocean City’s Boardwalk has Gillian’s Wonderland Pier and Playland Park; in the Wildwoods, it’s Morey’s Piers with three locations along the 38-block Boardwalk -Surfside Pier, Mariner’s Landing and Adventure Pier with roller coasters, bumper cars, Ferris Wheels and some thrilling rides not for the faint of heart.
Let’s see – about how many miles have we traveled – 35 or so, or maybe a couple thousand - on our journey that continues with that cruise you’ve always dreamed about. Until that day comes, a day aboard the Cape May Lewes Ferry crossing the bay, relaxing on a sightseeing boat while watching for frolicking dolphins and whales or hauling the sails on the deck of the A. J. Meerwald are great ways to satisfy that longing for the high seas.
Key West? The sunsets over Delaware Bay, especially if you’re enjoying a late evening snack and libation outside at Harpoon Henry’s, are the most spectacular this side of Florida.
Always wanted to tour the Netherlands? Dutch Captain Cornelius Mey didn’t leave his wooden shoes behind when he discovered Cape May in the 1600s but he certainly blessed the area with his Dutch influence, especially the thousands of tulips that bloom every spring.
Did you notice the Queen Victoria, the Prince Edward and the Duke of Windsor? No, you’re not strolling along Covent Garden or Hyde Park in foggy London Town, you’re in beautiful Victorian Cape May, America’s first seaside resort which was rebuilt after a disastrous fire in 1878 while Queen Victoria still reigned over the British Empire. .The Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, spent the winter of 1917-1918 in the Windsor Hotel and it’s rumored that she made her debut there. At her side was her first husband, long before King Edward gave up his throne to marry the American divorcee.
Anyone seen Phileas Fogg and his faithful valet Passepartout on their around the world in 80 days adventure? Be glad you’re in America – currently the dollar is sagging against the pound and the euro, and gas prices in Europe makes ours look like a bargain – plus some of those people drive on the wrong side of road!
Virginia might be for lovers but Williamsburg has nothing our many historic spots – Historic Cold Spring Village, Naval Air Station Wildwood, a concrete ship, local museums and other fascinating sites loaded with history.
And, in case you’re interested in how the story of Ford and Chevrolet turned out, here’s what happened. A huge wave rolled in and knocked Henry out of the race. Then Chevrolet looked back to see what was happening and hit a soft spot in the sand allowing some guy named Campbell to take the lead – and win the race in 38 seconds.
Ford, according to local stories, was depending on the prize money to pay for his stay at the Stockton Hotel. He offered the desk clerk stock in his company to settle his bill but the employee refused!
OK, so how many of you knew that Henry Ford and Louis Chevrolet raced their cars on the beach in Cape May? In 1905? They both lost, beat out by two other guys, but Ford and Chevrolet perfected their automotive inventions and for generations a Ford or a Chevy was loaded up every summer for that two-week vacation at shore.
Today, families are just as likely driving around Cape May in a hybrid or zipping down the Garden State Parkway in a mini-van but they’re still headed for that memorable summer adventure in Southern New Jersey. Leave those airport delays and luggage surcharges behind - grab your safari hat, load the kids in the backseat and set off for your own adventure closer to home.
It’s Around the World in 80 Miles – give or take - right here at NJ’s Southern Shore Region of Cape May and Cumberland counties. Actually, you’re in great company since Frommer’s – THE word in travel – named Southern New Jersey as one of the top destinations for 2008 – right up there with Wales, Morocco, Romania and other top travel hot spots.
Anxious to see the wild animals of Africa? Stop by the Cape May County Zoo and stroll the savannah where giraffes and zebras roam freely – there’s probably some deer and antelope, too. Or visit the Cohanzik Zoo in Bridgeton and get a glimpse of the rare white tigers, enjoy the only walk-through aviary in the state and marvel at the fauna of South America and Asia. Both zoos also have an abundance of other animals – lions, monkeys, reptiles and exotic birds to whisk your imagination into the African jungles or Amazon rainforests. And, guess what? No admission charge – wow!
Always longed for a vacation in the wine country of Sonoma or the Napa Valley? Check out the vineyards and wineries in New Jersey’s southernmost counties – and there are plenty of them! - for tours, tastings and fun.
What’s wine without food? Of course there are fabulous Italian restaurants, plus pubs, Asian, Thai and other ethnic favorites, all well represented throughout Southern New Jersey. There’s also good, old American food on the Boardwalk, local diners and a new place, named appropriately enough, Jersey Girl, in Wildwood.
Did you know the Wildwood Boardwalk has more rides, and is way more fun, than Disney World – plus, it’s right here in Southern New Jersey! No passport checks, no lost luggage or flight delays. Ocean City’s Boardwalk has Gillian’s Wonderland Pier and Playland Park; in the Wildwoods, it’s Morey’s Piers with three locations along the 38-block Boardwalk -Surfside Pier, Mariner’s Landing and Adventure Pier with roller coasters, bumper cars, Ferris Wheels and some thrilling rides not for the faint of heart.
Let’s see – about how many miles have we traveled – 35 or so, or maybe a couple thousand - on our journey that continues with that cruise you’ve always dreamed about. Until that day comes, a day aboard the Cape May Lewes Ferry crossing the bay, relaxing on a sightseeing boat while watching for frolicking dolphins and whales or hauling the sails on the deck of the A. J. Meerwald are great ways to satisfy that longing for the high seas.
Key West? The sunsets over Delaware Bay, especially if you’re enjoying a late evening snack and libation outside at Harpoon Henry’s, are the most spectacular this side of Florida.
Always wanted to tour the Netherlands? Dutch Captain Cornelius Mey didn’t leave his wooden shoes behind when he discovered Cape May in the 1600s but he certainly blessed the area with his Dutch influence, especially the thousands of tulips that bloom every spring.
Did you notice the Queen Victoria, the Prince Edward and the Duke of Windsor? No, you’re not strolling along Covent Garden or Hyde Park in foggy London Town, you’re in beautiful Victorian Cape May, America’s first seaside resort which was rebuilt after a disastrous fire in 1878 while Queen Victoria still reigned over the British Empire. .The Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, spent the winter of 1917-1918 in the Windsor Hotel and it’s rumored that she made her debut there. At her side was her first husband, long before King Edward gave up his throne to marry the American divorcee.
Anyone seen Phileas Fogg and his faithful valet Passepartout on their around the world in 80 days adventure? Be glad you’re in America – currently the dollar is sagging against the pound and the euro, and gas prices in Europe makes ours look like a bargain – plus some of those people drive on the wrong side of road!
Virginia might be for lovers but Williamsburg has nothing our many historic spots – Historic Cold Spring Village, Naval Air Station Wildwood, a concrete ship, local museums and other fascinating sites loaded with history.
And, in case you’re interested in how the story of Ford and Chevrolet turned out, here’s what happened. A huge wave rolled in and knocked Henry out of the race. Then Chevrolet looked back to see what was happening and hit a soft spot in the sand allowing some guy named Campbell to take the lead – and win the race in 38 seconds.
Ford, according to local stories, was depending on the prize money to pay for his stay at the Stockton Hotel. He offered the desk clerk stock in his company to settle his bill but the employee refused!