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CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY

A Victorian Primer In Cape May, the Nation's First Seashore Resort

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6 Days | 5 Nights
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
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Program Details > Daily Schedule

Itinerary for Apr 28 — May 3, 2013

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Type: Hotel

 Description: When the Inn of Cape May began life in 1894, it boasted what were then state-of-the-art amenities: steam heat, gas lights, an electric system, and a wonderful wrap-around verandah to catch ocean breezes. Today, the Inn’s original Otis elevator from 1900 is still in service, operated by hotel staff as available. Guest rooms are basic and modestly sized, featuring retro-fitted bathrooms with showers, heat and A/C and cable TV. Rooms are furnished as they would have been a century ago with wicker and vintage furniture, and may either have two full-size beds or one queen or king-size bed. The Inn of Cape May also offers a restaurant, bar and in-ground pool, and is conveniently located within walking distance of the main pedestrian area.

Contact info:
7 Ocean Street
Cape May, NJ 08204 USA
phone: 609-884-5555
web: www.innofcapemay.com

Room amenities: Guest rooms are located on 2nd through 5th floor, though Road Scholar participants are generally placed on 3rd and above to be removed from street noise. Rooms are furnished with double, queen and/or king-sized beds, cable TV with remote control, heat and air conditioning. Every bathroom is equipped with a shower, though some are stall showers and some are in tubs. Some bathrooms are equipped with grab bars. As the bathrooms are a 20th century retrofit, the guest rooms are modestly-sized and differ in lay-out and configuration. Rooms are not equipped with telephones or alarm clocks. The room assignments are made based on needs of the group and can't be changed from one view to another.

Facility amenities: The family owned and operated Inn of Cape May features fifty one unique hotel rooms, each furnished with wicker and antiques, many featuring views of the Atlantic Ocean. Although the building is historic, it offers modern day comforts such as a lobby seating area with gas fireplace, WiFi in the public areas of the first floor and the front desk that is staffed 24 hours a day. The hotel does have a vintage elevator, which is not self-service. It must be operated by hotel personnel who are available 24 hours a day. There is a first floor restaurant and bar. Free guest parking is available directly across the street. A 15 minute loading space is directly in front of the main entrance and a bellman is available for convenient check-in. There is an in-ground pool, open seasonally. The hotel is on the oceanfront, just a short walk from the main pedestrian shopping area and within easy walking distance of many fine restaurants.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Some rooms have tubs with showers; some only showers.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: Please call the hotel.
Rates vary by season.

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day One: Sunday, April 28 - 3:00 PM: Registration 5:00 PM: wine and cheese reception. 7:30 PM: ... 
3:00 PM: Registration 5:00 PM: wine and cheese reception. 7:30 PM: Orientation

Afternoon: 3:00 PM: Program registration in hotel lobby 4:00 PM: Registration for guest rooms begins. 5:00 PM: Wine and cheese reception and introductions in dining room.

Dinner: 6pm: Dinner in hotel dining room. Three course plated dinner with choice of three entrees including a vegetarian option.

Evening: 7:30pm Orientation: Introduction of faculty and participants, review of week's programs and menu, orientation to hotel and area.

Lodging: Inn of Cape May

Meals Included: Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Description: When the Inn of Cape May began life in 1894, it boasted what were then state-of-the-art amenities: steam heat, gas lights, an electric system, and a wonderful wrap-around verandah to catch ocean breezes. Today, the Inn’s original Otis elevator from 1900 is still in service, operated by hotel staff as available. Guest rooms are basic and modestly sized, featuring retro-fitted bathrooms with showers, heat and A/C and cable TV. Rooms are furnished as they would have been a century ago with wicker and vintage furniture, and may either have two full-size beds or one queen or king-size bed. The Inn of Cape May also offers a restaurant, bar and in-ground pool, and is conveniently located within walking distance of the main pedestrian area.

Contact info:
7 Ocean Street
Cape May, NJ 08204 USA
phone: 609-884-5555
web: www.innofcapemay.com

Room amenities: Guest rooms are located on 2nd through 5th floor, though Road Scholar participants are generally placed on 3rd and above to be removed from street noise. Rooms are furnished with double, queen and/or king-sized beds, cable TV with remote control, heat and air conditioning. Every bathroom is equipped with a shower, though some are stall showers and some are in tubs. Some bathrooms are equipped with grab bars. As the bathrooms are a 20th century retrofit, the guest rooms are modestly-sized and differ in lay-out and configuration. Rooms are not equipped with telephones or alarm clocks. The room assignments are made based on needs of the group and can't be changed from one view to another.

Facility amenities: The family owned and operated Inn of Cape May features fifty one unique hotel rooms, each furnished with wicker and antiques, many featuring views of the Atlantic Ocean. Although the building is historic, it offers modern day comforts such as a lobby seating area with gas fireplace, WiFi in the public areas of the first floor and the front desk that is staffed 24 hours a day. The hotel does have a vintage elevator, which is not self-service. It must be operated by hotel personnel who are available 24 hours a day. There is a first floor restaurant and bar. Free guest parking is available directly across the street. A 15 minute loading space is directly in front of the main entrance and a bellman is available for convenient check-in. There is an in-ground pool, open seasonally. The hotel is on the oceanfront, just a short walk from the main pedestrian shopping area and within easy walking distance of many fine restaurants.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Some rooms have tubs with showers; some only showers.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: Please call the hotel.
Rates vary by season.

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Two: Monday, April 29 - Lectures/Cape May Historic District Walking Tour 
Breakfast: 8:30am Breakfast at hotel. Choice of either hot breakfast, oatmeal or cold cereal. Yogurt, fruit and toast basket available.

Morning: 9:45am Overview of MAC – A brief description of the activities of MAC and how they have contributed to Cape May’s Renaissance. with Mary Stewart. 10:30 AM: Introduction to Victorian Era and Cape May with Bob Heinly – Overviews of highlights of the history of Cape May and Victorian Era with emphasis on how the Victorians’ history and culture contributed to both Cape May’s becoming the Victorian Era Queen of the Seaside Resorts and its modern Victorian Renaissance. (powerpoint used).

Lunch: 12:30pm Lunch in the hotel dining. Choice of two menu options.

Afternoon: 1:45am Cape May's Victorian Architecture Talk. Lecture Richly illustrated Powerpoint presentation about the elements of Victorian architecture, focusing on Cape May's rich collection of Victorian era buildings. 3pm Victorian Architecture Walking Tour. Field Trip The lecture is followed by 45 minute guided walk through Cape May's primary Historic District to see examples of the various styles..

Dinner: 6pm Dinner in hotel dining room. Three course plated dinner with choice of three entrees including a vegetarian option.

Evening: 7:30pm Lecture - Victorian Social History – Overview of the major changes in American culture during Victorian Era. Included are the impacts of urbanization and industrialization on ethics, morals and other social behaviors. (powerpoint used)

Lodging: Inn of Cape May

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Description: When the Inn of Cape May began life in 1894, it boasted what were then state-of-the-art amenities: steam heat, gas lights, an electric system, and a wonderful wrap-around verandah to catch ocean breezes. Today, the Inn’s original Otis elevator from 1900 is still in service, operated by hotel staff as available. Guest rooms are basic and modestly sized, featuring retro-fitted bathrooms with showers, heat and A/C and cable TV. Rooms are furnished as they would have been a century ago with wicker and vintage furniture, and may either have two full-size beds or one queen or king-size bed. The Inn of Cape May also offers a restaurant, bar and in-ground pool, and is conveniently located within walking distance of the main pedestrian area.

Contact info:
7 Ocean Street
Cape May, NJ 08204 USA
phone: 609-884-5555
web: www.innofcapemay.com

Room amenities: Guest rooms are located on 2nd through 5th floor, though Road Scholar participants are generally placed on 3rd and above to be removed from street noise. Rooms are furnished with double, queen and/or king-sized beds, cable TV with remote control, heat and air conditioning. Every bathroom is equipped with a shower, though some are stall showers and some are in tubs. Some bathrooms are equipped with grab bars. As the bathrooms are a 20th century retrofit, the guest rooms are modestly-sized and differ in lay-out and configuration. Rooms are not equipped with telephones or alarm clocks. The room assignments are made based on needs of the group and can't be changed from one view to another.

Facility amenities: The family owned and operated Inn of Cape May features fifty one unique hotel rooms, each furnished with wicker and antiques, many featuring views of the Atlantic Ocean. Although the building is historic, it offers modern day comforts such as a lobby seating area with gas fireplace, WiFi in the public areas of the first floor and the front desk that is staffed 24 hours a day. The hotel does have a vintage elevator, which is not self-service. It must be operated by hotel personnel who are available 24 hours a day. There is a first floor restaurant and bar. Free guest parking is available directly across the street. A 15 minute loading space is directly in front of the main entrance and a bellman is available for convenient check-in. There is an in-ground pool, open seasonally. The hotel is on the oceanfront, just a short walk from the main pedestrian shopping area and within easy walking distance of many fine restaurants.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Some rooms have tubs with showers; some only showers.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: Please call the hotel.
Rates vary by season.

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Three: Tuesday, April 30 - Lecture/Field Trip/Carriage House Tearoom and Cafe/Living History... 
Lecture/Field Trip/Carriage House Tearoom and Cafe/Living History Presentation

Breakfast: 8:30am Breakfast at hotel. Choice of either hot breakfast, oatmeal or cold cereal. Yogurt, fruit and toast basket available.

Morning: 9:45am Lecture: Victorian Etiquette & Manners: Learn the Ps and Qs about etiquette and manners before traveling to the Emlen Physick Estate so you know how to comport yourself with the Physick Family. 10:45 am Welcome to Cape May Trolley Tour.Then enjoy a guided field trip through Cape May's Historic District and to the Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May's only Victorian House Museum. Trolley shuttle transportation provided to and from hotel.

Lunch: 12:30pm Luncheon and Program Enjoy a traditional Tea Luncheon at Carriage House Cafe & Tearoom on the grounds of Emlen Physick Estate. Lunch includes homemade tea breads, salad, sandwiches and dessert. 1:00 PM: Following lunch, take part in the temperance debate raging in Cape May in 1899. Listen to Women's Christian Temperance advocate Jennie Wales as she battles with saloonkeeper Patrick Collins and then exercise your right to vote. This living history presentations features costumed characters from the past who welcome you into their world.

Afternoon: 2:30pm Meet The Physick Family Dr. Emlen Physick, his mother Mrs. Frances Ralston and Aunt Emilie Parmetier - come to play a call on you at the hotel. They are prepared to share with you the news of what's happening in the Cape May of the Victorian era, including choice bits of gossip. They welcome questions about their world. 3:30 PM: Lecture: Victorian Vices – A look at the underside of Victorian culture including topics like sexual behavior, drug addiction, obsession with physical beauty and use of bogus elixirs and cure-all potions. (powerpoint used)

Dinner: 6pm Dinner in hotel dining room. Three course plated dinner with choice of three entrees including a vegetarian option.

Evening: 7:30pm: An Evening of Victorian Music Lecture/Performance An audio-visual program of the history of music of the Victorian era presented by a retired professional musician. The program includes audio of the music discussed as well as historys of the most influential musicians of the day.

Lodging: Inn of Cape May

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Description: When the Inn of Cape May began life in 1894, it boasted what were then state-of-the-art amenities: steam heat, gas lights, an electric system, and a wonderful wrap-around verandah to catch ocean breezes. Today, the Inn’s original Otis elevator from 1900 is still in service, operated by hotel staff as available. Guest rooms are basic and modestly sized, featuring retro-fitted bathrooms with showers, heat and A/C and cable TV. Rooms are furnished as they would have been a century ago with wicker and vintage furniture, and may either have two full-size beds or one queen or king-size bed. The Inn of Cape May also offers a restaurant, bar and in-ground pool, and is conveniently located within walking distance of the main pedestrian area.

Contact info:
7 Ocean Street
Cape May, NJ 08204 USA
phone: 609-884-5555
web: www.innofcapemay.com

Room amenities: Guest rooms are located on 2nd through 5th floor, though Road Scholar participants are generally placed on 3rd and above to be removed from street noise. Rooms are furnished with double, queen and/or king-sized beds, cable TV with remote control, heat and air conditioning. Every bathroom is equipped with a shower, though some are stall showers and some are in tubs. Some bathrooms are equipped with grab bars. As the bathrooms are a 20th century retrofit, the guest rooms are modestly-sized and differ in lay-out and configuration. Rooms are not equipped with telephones or alarm clocks. The room assignments are made based on needs of the group and can't be changed from one view to another.

Facility amenities: The family owned and operated Inn of Cape May features fifty one unique hotel rooms, each furnished with wicker and antiques, many featuring views of the Atlantic Ocean. Although the building is historic, it offers modern day comforts such as a lobby seating area with gas fireplace, WiFi in the public areas of the first floor and the front desk that is staffed 24 hours a day. The hotel does have a vintage elevator, which is not self-service. It must be operated by hotel personnel who are available 24 hours a day. There is a first floor restaurant and bar. Free guest parking is available directly across the street. A 15 minute loading space is directly in front of the main entrance and a bellman is available for convenient check-in. There is an in-ground pool, open seasonally. The hotel is on the oceanfront, just a short walk from the main pedestrian shopping area and within easy walking distance of many fine restaurants.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Some rooms have tubs with showers; some only showers.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: Please call the hotel.
Rates vary by season.

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Four: Wednesday, May 01 - Cape May Lighthouse Lecture an Field Trip. 
Breakfast: 8:30am Breakfast at hotel. Choice of either hot breakfast, oatmeal or cold cereal. Yogurt, fruit and toast basket available.

Morning: 9:45am Seminar on Victorian Women. What were Victorian women like? Find out if they were frail, fragile hothouse creatures swaddled in the cocoon of their society, their home and their clothing or independent thinkers ready to fly the cocoon in this afternoon seminar on Victorian women. Richly illustrated Powerpoint presentation, supplemented by artifacts and objects from the past.

Lunch: 12:30pm Lunch in the hotel dining. Choice of two menu options.

Afternoon: 1:45pm Lecture and Field Trip The Keeper of the Cape May Lighthouse shares his knowledge and love of the structure in a richly illustrated lecture about lighthouse history, legend and lore. 2:30 PM: The lecture is followed by guided field trip to Cape May Lighthouse at Cape May Point State Park, where you may climb the 199 steps to the watchroom. If you choose not to climb, a fully accessible visitors center is available. You will also explore Cape May Point State Park and Sunset Beach, where you can look for "Cape May Diamonds." Trolley shuttle transportation provided to and from hotel.

Dinner: 6pm Dinner in hotel dining room. Three course plated dinner with choice of three entrees including a vegetarian option.

Evening: 7:00pm: Lecture: America:The Impact of Immigration: This program explains why immigrants chose to come to America and how they shaped the country. (powerpoint is used).

Lodging: Inn of Cape May

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Description: When the Inn of Cape May began life in 1894, it boasted what were then state-of-the-art amenities: steam heat, gas lights, an electric system, and a wonderful wrap-around verandah to catch ocean breezes. Today, the Inn’s original Otis elevator from 1900 is still in service, operated by hotel staff as available. Guest rooms are basic and modestly sized, featuring retro-fitted bathrooms with showers, heat and A/C and cable TV. Rooms are furnished as they would have been a century ago with wicker and vintage furniture, and may either have two full-size beds or one queen or king-size bed. The Inn of Cape May also offers a restaurant, bar and in-ground pool, and is conveniently located within walking distance of the main pedestrian area.

Contact info:
7 Ocean Street
Cape May, NJ 08204 USA
phone: 609-884-5555
web: www.innofcapemay.com

Room amenities: Guest rooms are located on 2nd through 5th floor, though Road Scholar participants are generally placed on 3rd and above to be removed from street noise. Rooms are furnished with double, queen and/or king-sized beds, cable TV with remote control, heat and air conditioning. Every bathroom is equipped with a shower, though some are stall showers and some are in tubs. Some bathrooms are equipped with grab bars. As the bathrooms are a 20th century retrofit, the guest rooms are modestly-sized and differ in lay-out and configuration. Rooms are not equipped with telephones or alarm clocks. The room assignments are made based on needs of the group and can't be changed from one view to another.

Facility amenities: The family owned and operated Inn of Cape May features fifty one unique hotel rooms, each furnished with wicker and antiques, many featuring views of the Atlantic Ocean. Although the building is historic, it offers modern day comforts such as a lobby seating area with gas fireplace, WiFi in the public areas of the first floor and the front desk that is staffed 24 hours a day. The hotel does have a vintage elevator, which is not self-service. It must be operated by hotel personnel who are available 24 hours a day. There is a first floor restaurant and bar. Free guest parking is available directly across the street. A 15 minute loading space is directly in front of the main entrance and a bellman is available for convenient check-in. There is an in-ground pool, open seasonally. The hotel is on the oceanfront, just a short walk from the main pedestrian shopping area and within easy walking distance of many fine restaurants.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Some rooms have tubs with showers; some only showers.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: Please call the hotel.
Rates vary by season.

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Five: Thursday, May 02 - Lectures on Spiritualism, Ghosts and a storyu-telling session. 
Breakfast: 8:30am Breakfast at hotel. Choice of either hot breakfast, oatmeal or cold cereal. Yogurt, fruit and toast basket available.

Morning: Free morning to explore Cape May and its surrounding areas.

Lunch: 12:30pm Lunch in the hotel dining. Choice of two menu options.

Afternoon: 2:00 pm: Victorian Spiritualism: This richly illustrated lecture examines the Victorians' fascination with ghosts and spirits, seances and mediums. Having conquered the material world, they felt that the spiritual world was their next frontier. 3:00 PM: Ghosts of Cape May: Nyumerous books have been written about Cape May and its ghosts and haunting. This illustrated lecture examines paranormal experiences in the area as documented by orbs and EVPs. 4:00 PM: Tales of Old Cape May: Two storytellers regale the audience with stories of Cape May's visitors of old.

Dinner: 6pm Three course dinner at the Merion Inn Restaurant. Choice of menu options.

Evening: Free evening

Lodging: Inn of Cape May

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Six: Friday, May 03 - Performance/Graduation 
Breakfast: 8:30am Breakfast at hotel. Choice of either hot breakfast, oatmeal or cold cereal. Yogurt, fruit and toast basket available.

Morning: 9:30am John Philip Sousa is the graduation speaker and will talk about his fascinating life and his times. The presentation is richly illustrated and full of interesting information about America's March King. John Philip Sousa is a living history reenactor and life long musician, who even plays the helicon, the forerunner of the Sousaphone and today's tuba. 11:00 AM: Afterwards, review final exam questions, collect evaluations and distribute diplomas. Open forum with participants to discuss program, review additional offerings.

Lunch: 12:30pm Lunch at hotel. Box lunch available for early departures.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


Free Time Opportunities


Cape May, NJ
Cape May County Historical Museum(609) 465-3535
For additional information, visit: www.cmcmuseum.org
Leaming's Run Gardens(609) 465-5871
For additional information, visit: www.leamingsrungardens.com/
Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts(609) 884-5404 or (800) 275-4278
For additional information, visit: www.capemaymac.org
Naval Air Station WildwoodAviation Museum Phone (609) 886-8787
For additional information, visit: www.usnasw.org
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Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date.
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•5 nights of accommodations
•15 meals: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
•11 Expert-led lectures
•4 Field trips
•3 Performances
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