A Queen Victoria gift certificate has always been the
PERFECT Christmas gift idea (trust me on this, I’ve worked
through it many times). This year, however, we’re making it
even better! I know it is hard to imagine how anything could
be better than a gift certificate to The Queen Victoria, but I
think you’re really going to like this.
Whoever you give a gift certificate to this Christmas
season will receive an additional gift from you upon their
arrival at The Queen Victoria for a shopping spree in our gift
shop. Imagine it, they’ll check into their room and find an
envelope containing a gift shop certificate worth 10% of the
gift certificate you gave them. It will include a little
message from you saying “Have a great time!” which will bear
your name. This really is the gift that keeps giving.
This special gift certificate offer is good for all
gift certificates purchased between November 1st and December
24th (including those that have already been purchased this
month).
Lots of you ask us where Anna Marie and I travel when we
take vacation. If you know us very well, you may not be
surprised to hear that one of our favorite things to do when
we go on vacation is to go wine tasting. That is why I’m
thrilled to say that we’ve got a pretty darned good winery
just a few minutes from The Queen Victoria!
As it gets a little cooler in Cape May the focus of our
visitors shifts away from the beach and towards other
enjoyable activities. For many, a visit to Cape May Winery is
at the top of that list. Cape May winery is open 12-5, every
day of the week.
Anna Marie and I usually suggest
making an afternoon of it, by taking a lunch or a cheese tray
(from Seaside Cheese) over to the winery and enjoying it over
a glass (or two!) of wine. Imagine how much fun it will make
the tasting if you know the goal is to pick the perfect wine
to enjoy with your lunch or cheese tray. I know that most
people don’t think of New Jersey first when they think of
wineries, but let me tell you, Cape May winery is producing
some excellent wines.
By the way, this Nov 28, 29 &
30 Cape May Winery is pariticipating in a Wine Trail
Weekend, where every winery is pairing food with their
wines. Cape May Winery is presenting their signature soups
(complimentary, of course) to enjoy while you’re
tasting.
Last time I mentioned that our seasonal weeknight specials
were back. For the next few months I’m going to feature each
package, one at a time. I’m starting with the Girlfriend
Getaway.
This is Anna Marie’s favorite package. Who would have ever
guessed that she would be interested in shopping? To be fair,
it was her idea and she is the one that did all the legwork
for it, so it is only natural that she get excited about it.
Even I’m excited about it and I really don’t like shopping
very much at all. Besides, this is one of our very best
specials.
What is it? How does two nights in a luxury
suite and $100 in shopping vouchers for $350 sound? That
breaks down to $125/night and an excuse to shop. What woman
could resist that? You always hear about male bonding, but
what about the ladies? This is your big chance. This special
is available Sunday through Thursday, November through April
(holidays excluded).
One more thing to think about …
what a perfect way to kick-start your Christmas
shopping!
Charles Dickens is certainly one of the most enduring
writers of the Victorian era. Here at The Queen Victoria we
are especially fond of the old fellow because of the wonderful
3 day festival that Cape May hosts every year in his honor.
This festival started at The Queen Victoria, which is
something we’re very proud of.
This year’s festival looks to be another wonderful time and
we’re getting excited about it. As always, this year we have
several new and exciting events that make up the festival. Of
course, we always do a few extra things to make your stay at
The Queen Victoria during the festival even more special.
If you’re looking for the perfect way to kick off the
Christmas season in a truly interesting and different way,
then you should seriously consider attending this year’s
Dickens Extravaganza. You’ll be happy you
did.
As Thanksgiving approaches, most of us are already looking
past it and planning our holidays. Where are we going to spend
Christmas? Who is cooking for the family? What gifts should I
get for my loved ones. Sometimes these are easy questions to
answer. Sometimes they are not. For those of you who fall into
the latter category … I’m here to help you.
First of all, if there is any question about where to spend
Christmas (a question like “who is volunteering to take this
on this year”), then I can only suggest finding a perfect
neutral location where everything is easy, relaxing and purely
pleasurable: The Queen VIctoria. Seriously, spending Christmas
with us answers all of these questions. The gift giving gets
particularly easy … you can give each other your stay at the
inn. Really, it doesn’t get any better or simpler than this.
You have to start planning soon though! Christmas is fast
approaching.
Yes, I’m still pitching The Queen Victoria for
Thanksgiving. I guess you’re probably thinking that I would
shamelessly suggest The Queen Victoria for just about any
occasion (which is true, of course). However, I really, truly,
sincerely and honestly (can I be any more expressive?) believe
that Thanksgiving at The Queen Victoria is a wonderful
experience.
I’ve already plied you in previous newsletters with all the
reasons this is true. You know about the ease of not having to
shop for, cook or cleanup the meal. Not having to spend a few
days “super cleaning” your house for your relatives visit is
obvious to you. I know you realize that spending Thanksgiving
at The Queen Victoria saves you from having to deal with the
(ridiculous) “Black Friday” shopping experience. What you may
not be aware of is that we’ll be decorated for Christmas!
That’s right, it is a two-for- one. Reserve a room for
Thanksgiving and enjoy the charms of Christmas as well (this
is only for those of you who absolutely cannot come spend
Christmas with us, of course).
So, you’ve got all the
reasons. Now you have to act. Really, it is time to go ahead
and make the decision. Have you forgotten how good it feels to
make a decision like this and move onto the important things
in life? Really, you need to do this for yourself. Call us
today.
“This Wonderful Life” at Cape May Stage Nov 21 through
Dec 28
New Jersey Film Festival Nov 21 – 23
Cape May Christmas Preview Nov 21,22
Cape May Winery “Soups Days” Nov 28 – 30
Thanksgiving at The Queen Victoria Nov 28 – 30
Cape May Christmas Parade Dec 6
Cape May Christmas Tours Nov 21 thru Jan 1
Dickens Extravaganza Dec 7-9
Christmas at The Queen Victoria Dec 24-25
Valentines/Presidents Day Feb 13-15
I think people fall into two basic categories: Those who love to
come to Cape May at Christmas, and those who want to visit Cape May
at Christmas. What about people that don’t celebrate Christmas, you
might ask? Well, I can only refer them to the MANY non-Christian
guests that visit us every year to enjoy the spectacle of Christmas
in Cape May.
The lights, the decorations, the special tours
and events and the festive feeling that permeates the town offer
something for everyone. One needs only to visit The Queen Victoria
at Christmas to know that something special is happening in Cape
May. Even the most die-hard scrooge can’t help but enjoy himself.
Just a few lights
Featured “Room of the Month” … Knightsbridge
Believe it or not, this is the 20th room I’ve profiled
since I started doing these newsletters. What a great way to
get a tour of the inn! Only 12 more rooms to go. Do you have a
favorite yet?
Knightsbridge is one of my favorite
rooms, and I know that MANY of you wouldn’t stay anywhere
else.
Knightsbridge is located on the third floor of our Prince
Albert Hall building. With windows on three sides, one with an
ocean “glimpse” (if you can’t see the sand, you can’t call it
a view), canopy bed, and cozy seating area, Knightsbridge is a
favorite of many long-time guests. The bathroom in
Knightsbridge is quite special, with a garden sized whirlpool
tub (an oversized one-person tub), large stained-glass window,
and bright cheerful “tube light”. Knightsbridge is also very
private, and is conveniently located near our roof deck. The
deck isn’t private for this room, but most other guests never
find it!
Showing Soon at Cape May Stage … This Wonderful
Life
Admit it, you’ve watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” more times
than you can remember. You’ve watched George stumble through
his life (and nearly end it) many times. Isn’t it amazing how
even though we know exactly how it ends, we still watch it
until the end evey time?
This year Cape May stage is bringing George Bailey’s life
to life with their presentation of “This Wonderful Life”. This
one man show is an amazing adaptation of the classic movie
which is so believable that you’ll actually think Jimmy
Stewart is on the stage (along with all the other original
characters). I was delighted with this show when I first saw
it a couple of years ago and I’m looking forward to enjoying
it again this Christmas Season.
“This Wonderful Life”
premiers on November 21 and runs through December
28th.
A few weeks ago we emailed all of you asking you to
consider casting a vote for The Queen Victoria as the “Most
Romantic Inn”. Perhaps it was the election fervor in the air
that put everybody in the voting mood, but I must say that
your response was tremendous. We can’t thank you enough for
taking the time to cast your ballot for The Queen Victoria.
Judging from the conversation I had with the owner of the
website the next day, I can only say that I think you have
placed The Queen Victoria at the top of the list. The rankings
aren’t out yet, but it was my impression that they had never
had so many postings and were actually a little overwhelmed by
them. Several hundred of you voted for us (though some of you
forgot to put the word “romantic” in the title … I think
they’ll count them anyway) in what I’m sure is the biggest
landslide victory to date. We can only say THANK
YOU!
A New Convention Center for Cape May
Last year I maintained a column in my newsletter keeping
you all abreast of the progress of our Mall restoration
project. In that proud tradition I am now reporting on the
status of Cape May’s convention center.
If you’ve been keeping up with our local news then you
might be aware that our current convention hall was condemned
late last Spring. Perhaps you saw this sad structure looking
even more forlorn than ever during your last visit. You might
also have heard that replacing this structure has become even
more controversial than last year’s mall restoration project.
I wasn’t too surprised to discover that the same cast of
characters were throwing up roadblocks in the path of both
projects. These “obstructionists”, as one local writer has
labeled them, managed to derail a planned bonding issue and
forced a referendum. Happily, common sense prevailed and plans
are under way to build a beautiful new facility.
This
is great news because so many of our great events throughout
the year utilize this venue and have been struggling all year
long (our Music Festival, the Jazz festival, countless craft
fairs, and the New Jersey Audubon Society event to name a
few). I’m not sure if this drawing represents the latest
design (that was controversial too), but it gives you an idea
what is in store. It is currently scheduled for a May 2010
grand opening, and I believe demolition should start soon.
I’ll have my camera ready so I can keep you
informed.
Favorite Guest Photos … Prince Albert Hall
Garden
OK, I’m making a bold move here and breaking with the
general “Holiday Season” theme with this photo. Sure, I could
put up another picture showing our guests enjoying themselves
during Thanksgiving or Christmas. I could even show a photo
giving you all a peak of just how incredibly beautiful The
Queen Victoria looks decorated for Christmas. But no, I’ve
elected to not dangle any more tantalizing photos of the
Holiday season at The Queen Victoria. I wouldn’t want you to
think I was trying to persuade you to come visit. Instead, I’m
just going to show you a really pretty picture that the Bezeks
sent me the other day.
I have to say that this is one of the best photos I’ve ever
seen of the front garden at Prince Albert Hall. Seriously, the
only thing prettier than the garden in this picture is the
lovely Mary Lynn standing on the porch steps. I guess the
photo speaks for itself, but you know I can’t resist an
opportunity to express an opinion. I love the lighting or
shading, as the case may be, the colors, of course, and the
fact that they managed to get the entire garden in the shot
without including any vehicles. Not even the professionals
could do that!
Doug & Anna Marie’s Restaurant Pick Of The Month
… Panicos
Have you ever found a restaurant that you’d be willing to
dine at several times a week? Panicos is that kind of place.
Panicos just opened up this year (to wide acclaim in the local
press, by the way), and Anna Marie and I have come to love it
there. I ate there 3 times last week!
Technically, I guess Panicos is a Pizza Place. Afterall,
the sign over the door reads “Brick Pizza Oven”. That doesn’t
begin to describe it. Even though I personally think that
Panicos has the best Pizza in town, it just doesn’t seem like
a pizza place. Actually, it feels like a contemporary, fairly
hip Italian restaurant. The setting is wonderfully
comfortable, with high ceilings (imagine that), large, roomy
tables, a wonderful brick oven (as advertised) in the center
of the room, and a bright atmosphere. There is an extensive
Pasta menu with some wonderful offerings, as well as a nice
entree menu.
One of the things people comment on the
most about Panicos is their salad. Order the family sized
house salad for $11. Really, you have to order the salad. Did
I mention the bread? They have the BEST bread I’ve ever had
anywhere. I could easily make a meal of it, but then I’d miss
out on everything else. Oh, and Panicos is a BYO, which makes
it perfect! You definitely need to try Panicos on your next
visit.
Make your reservations today for a romantic getaway at The Queen
Victoria Bed and Breakfast. We are looking forward to helping you
plan your next visit!
