| Newsletter | January 2019 |
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The Celebration Season Returns! |
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With the holidays officially behind us, and the warm days of summer still on the horizon, the appeal of Cape May reverts to what it probably does best, becoming a relaxing, romantic place to spend time with the person who is most important in your life. Most of us need an excuse to treat ourselves special and take time out for ourselves. The celebration of a special occasion like a birthday, anniversary, retirement, babymoon, or even an engagement provides just such an excuse. And where better to celebrate than Cape May (and The Queen Victoria, of course!)? |
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To give you even more incentive to treat yourself, special occasion or not, we're hosting several special events that run through early spring to tempt you with. Every month we have two or three fun events that are sure to become fond memories for you. I'll be telling you all about all of them, so as you read the rest of this newsletter, start thinking about what you might be able to celebrate in the coming months ... even if it is just being together and enjoying the company of your loved one. We're always happy to assist you find the best possible room for the dates you want to visit, or the best dates for the room you want to stay in. Call us at (609) 884-8702 to get started, or click the link below to reserve your room. |
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Room of The Month Crown Prince |
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Early last year Anna Marie and I decided to transform a couple of smaller rooms in the House of Royals into a magnificent new two room, two bath suite called the Crown Prince. We are very excited about the way it came out. This incredible 3rd floor suite has rapidly become one of our most popular rooms. Read on, and you'll learn why! The photo to the right is of the spacious bedroom, which features a luxuriant and dramatic king sized bed and comfortable seating for 2. It even has an ocean view. |
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above left: sitting room above right: "master" bath The sitting room has a magnificent hand crafted, granite top wine bar featuring a bar sink, refrigerator, wine cooler and Keurig machine (we wouldn't want you to have to stray from the comfort of your luxurious suite, just to get a cup of coffee from the pantry!). As you can see, the sitting room also has an electric fireplace and big screen TV. The comfortable sofa has the added benefit of an extremely high quality queen sized pull out sofa, making this suite an ideal option for families (children over 12), girlfriend getaways, and even couples traveling together. The Crown Prince is also a perfect option for couples who have slightly different sleeping schedules, allowing one person to stay up late or get up early without disturbing their partner. Both the "master" bath shown here and the 2nd bath in the sitting room (I often refer to them as Hers & His, respectively; it often seems to work out that way) both have the same very rich decor. The "master" bath even has a window with an ocean view! This two room, two bath suite is a truly luxurious option for your next visit to The Queen Victoria. Don't wait too long to reserve it for yourself, though, as it tends to book up pretty quickly. |
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Discount Packages Now that we're into January, both of our discount packages are available for you to take advantage of. The timing is perfect for you if you're already starting to plan what celebration you want to have in Cape May in the coming months. Both of our discount packages offer significant savings to you, no matter which one you choose. Winter Escape The Winter Escape package is available for reservations between January 1, 2019, and March 31, 2019, and includes a Large Standard room for any 2 nights for $350 (plus tax). The package also features some "value added" elements, including a complimentary cheese platter and a free beer tasting at the Cold Spring Brewery. This is the only deep discount package we offer at The Queen Victoria which includes weekends, and virtually all guests who book it take advantage of that. Cold Spring Brewery is only open Thursday through Sunday during the winter months, so keep that in mind as you plan your visit. Though the package includes Large Standard rooms, you can upgrade to larger, more expensive rooms and enjoy similar savings. * Package pricing is not available for Friday & Saturday of President's Day/Valentine's Day weekend (Feb 15 & 16, 2019). 234 The 234 package is a 2 night weeknight discount package offered Sunday through Thursday, starting November 1st and running all the way through the end of April. Specifically, it includes 2 nights in a Standard room for $234 ($117/night). Similar savings are available for our larger rooms as well, at a slightly higher price. Reservations for this package can also be expanded to as many as 5 nights at the same discounted rate. This really is a great deal, which I'm sure every Cape May lover (and Queen Victoria lover) will find hard to resist. |
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Host Your Next Group Meeting at The Queen Victoria! |
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The Perfect Offsite Meeting Destination Imagine what a great place Cape May would be for an offsite meeting for your business or group! What better place to get away from the hectic distractions of the everyday "real" world? And what better place in Cape May than The Queen Victoria? Our beautiful new House of Royals dining room, which is easily transformed into a meeting space, offers the ideal environment for your "destination" meeting. Imagine starting your day with a private breakfast with your group, casually discussing the previous evening's wonderful Cape May dining experience and socializing before getting down to the business at hand. After breakfast we'll transform the room to meet your meeting needs in the same beautiful and relaxing environment. As a meeting space, the room provides complete privacy for groups, with everything you'll need to have a productive and comfortable meeting or gathering. It even has a dedicated powder room. Our side board will be stocked with beverages and snacks throughout the day, and lunch can be ordered in from one of our many local restaurants. The room can also be locked up, allowing you to stroll down the street and enjoy a lunch out at one of our wonderful restaurants without concern for your valuable and confidential equipment and materials. |
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With 18 seats (we can sneak an additional table & 2 chairs in, if needed), the room is perfect for your small to medium sized group. Each of the 9 tables has a dedicated power outlet, allowing every participant to "plug in". The centrally located presentation table (buffet table during breakfast), with its own power source, is the perfect spot for a presenter to setup a projection unit and easily speak to the entire group. Discount package pricing for guest rooms is an option to consider when planning the timing of your event. Group meeting events are not available during our peak season. Call us to today to start planning your offsite meeting in Cape May: (609) 884-8702. |
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Upcoming Events & Activities |
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Monthly Birthday Celebrations - February 2, 2019
- March 16, 2019
- April 27, 2019
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Lots of our guests choose a visit to The Queen Victoria to celebrate a birthday. Since it is the "Celebration Season", we make it especially tempting to do so by hosting a monthly birthday celebration party as a fun way to enliven a few weekends during our cooler season. One weekend each month, January through April, we transform afternoon tea into a birthday celebration with balloons, cake, party favors for everyone, and of course we sing "Happy Birthday". We don't discriminate against those not celebrating a birthday, but we do try to make all of our birthday celebrants for that month feel special. If you or the one you love has a birthday coming up in the next few months, and you just can't figure out what the perfect gift is (besides a gift certificate to The Queen Victoria, of course), you might just consider booking a reservation for the appropriate month and celebrate in style at The Queen Victoria. |
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Chocolate Lover's Weekend Jan 25-26, 2019 May 10-11, 2019 Nov 15-16, 2019 With two Chocolate Lover's Weekends under our belts, we think we've pretty much perfected the chocolate decadence concept. With our next one just a few short weeks away, we're really starting to get excited again. Admit it, you love chocolate. Perhaps you avoid the frequent consumption of chocolate, but every once in a while you deserve a little indulgence. One thing you may not know about me is that I am a Master Rationalizer. I have the special ability to convince myself and anyone who will listen to me of the wisdom of just about anything I want to do. The consumption of chocolate affords me a wonderful opportunity to ply this skill. First of all, you need to understand that chocolate is good for you! Yes, chocolate is high in antioxidants, especially dark chocolate, making it healthy as well as tasty. Several of the specialty chocolates visible in the rear left of this photo are also very low in sugar, so they're "low carb". Of course the fruit and cheeses that you see in the foreground are very healthy as well, which means that this chocolate feast could actually be a very healthy experience for you. We want to contribute to your good health, of course. |
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As you can see, we'll be serving lots of specialty chocolates (on the left, behind the cheese cubes), LOTS of chocolate baked goods (to the right), and goodies that are fun to drizzle with chocolate (no dipping in a public setting!). To the right you can see the 6 pots of melted chocolates that we'll have on the buffet. Once again, we'll be offering some wonderful flavored melted chocolates, including Dark Chocolate, Mint Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Dark Chocolate, Orange Dark Chocolate, Cherry Dark Chocolate, and Sea Salt Caramel. Believe me when I tell you that they taste as good as they sound! FREE! (for all reserved guests) |
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9th Annual Wine Lover's Weekend Feb 8-9, 2019 We have only 2 seats available still for this amazing event, so if you're inspired by reading this (as many others will be as well), don't waste a moment to call us and reserve your room and seats. By the way, you could call this a Valentines Celebration! |
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The Wine Lover's Weekend wine blending party is one of the oldest events sponsored by The Queen Victoria. It is also probably the most enjoyable, entertaining event that we sponsor. Each February up to 30 guests join Anna Marie and me at Cape May Winery to participate in a wine blending party/competition. If you enjoy red wine then you will absolutely love this event. On Saturday afternoon we gather at the winery and break up into groups of 5 or 6 people creating teams that will work diligently, endeavoring to create the best possible blend of red wines from the decanters of wine that are sitting on the table. These wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah, are drawn straight from the barrel, giving the participants of our event the first taste of these wines from the 2017 vintage. We start by tasting each of the individual blending wines to ascertain their unique characteristics, and then embark on our blending adventure. After each team creates, and tastes 5 or 6 different blends (usually each team member suggests one), they choose their favorite and submit it to the event guide. While the guide starts blending up decanters of each blend, all of our participants take a tour of the winery, returning to find a glass of each team's blend sitting in front of their seat. Everyone dutifully does a blind tasting of each wine and then a vote is taken to choose the "Best Blend", which will be bottled for each participant (since the wine isn't quite ready for bottling, the blending and bottling of our event's wine doesn't happen until a couple of months later, usually in early May. That gives all of our participants an excuse to return to Cape May to pick up their wine!). Anna Marie and I provide Antipasto platters to be sure nobody goes hungry. I think that most participants make it their lunch. $60/person (in addition to your reservation) |
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11th Annual "Big Cheesy" Weekend March 8-9, 2019 Every March we pull out all the stops and transform afternoon tea into an unforgettable Cheese Tasting Party. As you can see, our table is barely able to hold all of the different cheese platters that we prepare and serve, usually about 16 cheeses. We always try to find a fun variety, perhaps somewhat exotic, selection of cheeses to create a tasting adventure. We also serve premium breads, olives, olive oils, and roasted red peppers to make the event even tastier. For those guests that are serious about their cheese, we provide a tasting/scoring chart to use as they make their way through all the cheeses. Most people just taste all the different cheeses, trying to figure out which is their favorite. This event is free for all guests spending the weekend at The Queen Victoria. Over the many years that we've been hosting this event, it has become one of the most popular weekends of the year. We encourage our guests to bring a bottle of wine if they are so inclined, to enjoy with their cheese. Our buffet table generally ends up having a pretty healthy supply of wines. We encourage you to bring a favorite wine, but make it a wine you're willing to share, as it becomes a pretty communal affair with regards to the wine. |
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Sherlock Holmes Mystery Weekend March 15-17, 2019 Yes, everybody's favorite sleuth is returning to Cape May this March to solve the latest mystery which will befall our city this winter, "The Wake at the Wedding" (a new mystery by Emily Pruna). "They say the wedding day is all about the bride, but when John Watson attends the wedding of an old army compatriot, it quickly becomes all about the body in the garden." |
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It sounds like Holmes and Watson (and You!) are bound to be busy this March, solving this latest mystery. The Game's Afoot
Friday Evening: 8:30pm, Coffee and Dessert Reception
The Rose Room at the Inn of Cape May
Join the great detective and his faithful assistant Dr. John Watson for the evening. It is here that the mystery unfolds, and as Holmes says, "the game's afoot." A cash bar will be available. Registration begins at 7pm; seating begins at 8pm. Search for Clues Tour
Saturday Afternoon: 1pm - 3pm, A self-guided tour of Bed and Breakfast Inns You'll get to explore several B&Bs in search of clues that will help you to solve the mystery before you. While you sleuth you'll be able to rub elbows with Sherlock, Watson and the whole cast of characters, asking them questions if you wish. The Game Continues Saturday Afternoon: 3:30-4:30pm, The Rose Room at the Inn of Cape May
Why is Holmes drawn to this case? What are the larger ramifications of the case? Compare your findings to those of the famous detective. How are you faring in your search? Have you matched wits with Mr. Holmes or are you on track to become this year's clueless wonder? Holmes Unlocks The Mystery!
Sunday Afternoon: 12:30pm, The Rose Room at the Inn of Cape May
Be seated at 12noon and enjoy a hearty lunch before Holmes and Watson reveal the solution. Is there a villian among us still? How well did you fare in your search? Once the mystery is solved, the winners will be announced and prizes awarded, including the "Clueless Wonder" for the worst solution submitted. It is all in fun! |
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Exit Zero Jazz Festival April 12-14, 2019 Every April the Exit Zero Jazz Festival returns to Cape May, bringing a bevy of talented musicians from all over the Jazz spectrum, both new and famous. The attractive young lady named Veronica Swift pictured to the left is relatively new on the Jazz scene, but is already making big waves in the industry. The more famous Chick Correa, with Christian McBride and Brian Blade will be headlining the Festival. Other performers include the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Lizz Wright, Red Barrat, NOJO 7, Jose James, Sullivan Fortner, Ron Artis II, Jon Cleary, Swift Technique, Lucky Chops, and Max Hatt/Edda Glass. |
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More New Stuff! Beautiful Facelift for our Parlor Bay Window |
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We recently finished giving our Parlor bay window a little tender loving care and the result is fantastic, as you can see. I can't speak from personal experience, but I think it probably looks better than it did when it was new! The bay window turrets on the Queen Victoria building are such significant and iconic architectural features of our building, that it truly brings a smile to my face every time I glance at it looking so good. With the fresh coat of paint that we just dressed it up with, it should be weather resistant for the next 20-30 years. |
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Favorite Photo
A Stunning Fall Sunset |
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It isn't often that one gets to experience a sunset quite as dramatic as this one. I must say that Cape May probably gets more than its fair share of incredible sunsets. This one was shared with us by a guest back in 2016. I couldn't resist sharing it with you again a few years later. View Photo Gallery >> |
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Featured Gift Shop Item
Framed Phil Courtney Prints |
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What better memento to take home with you from The Queen Victoria than one of these lovely matted prints by our favorite local artist? These arguably beautiful prints are magnificently matted and ready to frame and hang on your favorite wall at home. Imagine being able to gaze at your favorite place in the world every day of the year! Of course, seeing this print every day might inspire you to make more frequent trips to Cape May. To my way of thinking, this can only be a good thing for you (I could go on at length as to why, but I'm pretty sure you've already got a handle on the myriad of reasons). 8x10: $15.95 11x14: $21.95 |
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Fun Things to Do in Cape May
Take a Trolley Tour |
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The Historic District Trolley Tour is definitely the best way to explore Cape May and learn its history. Though this photo was taken on a summer day, the trolleys are cozy and comfortable on a winter day as well. They weave their way through Cape May's beautiful historic district, the guide sharing the Cape May story and pointing out interesting and significant buildings all over town. Even if you've taken the trolley tour before, I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it again, taking in some details you might have missed before and enjoying the beautiful streetscape of Cape May. |
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Discount Tickets If you need more incentive to experience this Cape May staple, how about discount tickets? Since Anna Marie and I are co-sponsoring the winter trolley operation, we're able to sell tickets for the tour for $8 (a 33% discount) at our front desk through the end of March. Saving money and having fun, what a great combination! Only $8 |
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Restaurant Pick of the Month
Fins Bar & Grill |
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You might already know it, but Fins Bar & Grill is a FUN place to go for a meal. Given its proximity to The Queen Victoria, a fun atmosphere, and great food, that should not be a surprise to anyone. Fins is certainly one of the most distinctive restaurants in town. It is pretty hard to miss the startlingly blue building on the corner of Decatur Street and Carpenter Lane, just a few steps from The Queen Victoria. Step inside and you'll immediately feel the fun "vibe" and innovative design of |
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the different spaces within, which have a wonderful nautically inspired decor (including some seriously large fish tanks). If you love seafood, then Fins is the place for you. Pictured here is the ever popular Lobster Cobb Salad, which Anna Marie is crazy about. Fins menu is replete with lots of my personal favorites, including Scottish Salmon, Scallops, and Fish & Chips. It also features a nice selection of appetizers, and list of "flatbreads" (personal pizzas), which has my mouth watering as I write this. As an added incentive to frequent Fins, guests of The Queen Victoria can take advantage of an exclusive "Two Free Drinks" special with any $50 food purchase, which isn't all that hard to do for a great meal. Be sure to look for the certificates near our front desk when you check in! |
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Great Reasons to Visit The Queen Victoria
Upcoming Queen Victoria & Cape May Events |
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Queen Victoria Chocolate Lover's Weekend January 25-26, 2019 14th Annual Burns Supper January 26, 2019 Queen Victoria February Birthdays Party Feb 2, 2019 Queen Victoria Wine Lover's Weekend (wine blending party) Feb 8-9, 2019 "Big Cheesy" Cheese Tasting Party Mar 9, 2019 Sherlock Holmes Mystery Weekend March 15-17, 2019 |
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| Queen Victoria March Birthdays Party Mar 16, 2019 Singer Songwriter Cape May (Avi Wisnia concert at The Queen Victoria) Mar 30, 2019 Exit Zero Jazz Festival Apr 12-14, 2019 Queen Victoria April Birthdays Party Apr 27, 2019 Queen Victoria Chocolate Lover's Weekend May 10-11, 2019 |
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Make your reservations today for a fun, romantic getaway at The Queen Victoria Bed and Breakfast. We are looking forward to helping you plan your next visit! Sincerely,
Doug & Anna Marie McMain, Owners/Innkeepers
The Queen Victoria Bed & Breakfast
www.queenvictoria.com
(609) 884-8702 |
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