So it is official … Summer is over and now the fun really begins. First of all, I’ve got to tell you that it is amazingly beautiful in Cape May right now. It is hard for me to sit at my desk and write this, because the cool, fresh ocean breeze is wafting in through the window (yes, it is open window season) and it is nearly irresistible.
Many of our long-time guests have figured out that the Fall is their favorite time to visit The Queen Victoria. I’m going to spend some time in this newsletter explaining why that is. Remember though, the perfect time to be at The Queen Victoria is any time you need a break from the real world and some serious relaxation.
The votes are in and I’m pleased to announce that for the 6th consecutive year The Queen Victoria has been awarded the “Best of Cape May” award. This year we won for both “Best B&B” and “Favorite Victorian Building”, which are the only two categories that made much sense for us this year.
Thanks to all of you who voted for us to make this happen.
Cape May Oktoberfest Jackson Street, Oct 5
Though it is happening a little later than the traditional Oct 1st date, Cape May is once again hosting its Jackson Street Oktoberfest in a couple of weeks.
This event is always a lot of fun and the weather is almost always perfect for it. If you need an excuse to visit Cape May this October, this could be the one that works for you. There will be beer, there will be bratwurst, pretzels and traditional music. Since no Cape May event is complete without a shopping opportunity, there will be vendors lining Jackson street all day long. This is one of Cape May’s longest running traditions and certainly one of the most enjoyable.
We still have a couple of rooms left for the weekend, so if you can’t resist a good Oktoberfest, give us a call and you’ll be on your way to Cape May soon.
TEDx Cape May
Sunday, October 20th
What about TED? Seriously, what the heck is it, and why should you care? TED (not sure what the letters stand for) is a non-profit organization which is devoted to “Ideas Worth Spreading”. It started out in 1984 as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader.
TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together along the TED model to share thought provoking ideas presented by industry leaders, 18 minutes at a time (each speaker is challenged to give the presentation of a lifetime within 18 minutes).
The theme for 2013 is to Journey back to the Jersey Shore for “ideas worth spreading” at the intersection of “Nature & Nurture”. There will be 12 outstanding and inspirational presenters/performances from various fields of human endeavor. Lunch and a reception at Congress Hall are included.
This sounds like a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon to me. Follow the link below to check out the lineup of presenters and topics and I’m guessing you’ll be calling to book a room at The Queen Victoria for October 20th.
Over the years Cape May has become a major Halloween destination. With all of our old houses and our abundance of ghosts, the event has taken on a life of its own.
Lessons From Lincoln Harold Holzer Presents his lecture “The Poetry and Prose of Freedom” October 13, 2013
Anna Marie and I are very excited about the 2nd Annual “Lessons of History” Lecture returning to Cape May this October 13th. This year MAC (Mid Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities) is bringing the preeminent Lincoln Scholar and speaker in the country to Cape May to present a lecture entitled “Lessons from Lincoln:The Poetry and Prose of Freedom”.
Harold Holzer is the author of 43 books on Lincoln and the Civil War era, and the historical advisor for Steven Spielberg in the making of his recent film “Lincoln”. He will be examining how Lincoln balanced the prose and poetry of his Gettysburg Address and Emancipation Proclamation, as he recounts the year that Lincoln so deftly balanced the political, military, and historic to preserve government of, by, and for the people. This is sure to be a fascinating and entertaining lecture. It is being held at the Presbyterian church, right next door to The Queen Victoria. Immediately following the lecture we will be hosting an optional Meet the Speaker reception at The Queen Victoria.
Tickets are $25 before Sep. 2 and $30 after Sep. 2. The additional charge to attend the reception is $20.
through October 31 This year’s Designer Show House has turned out to be wildly popular with everybody who has visited it. It is a beautiful new home built in a Victorian fashion, but with all the modern conveniences you would expect in a high-end home.
As always, a bevy (not sure how that word popped into my head) of designers have taken on the task of decorating the various rooms in the home to showcase their talents. They all add their special flair, which is a big part of what makes a Designer Show house so interesting.
The 2013 Designer Show House is ideally located directly across the street from the Emlen Physick Estate. Anna Marie and I are suggesting making an afternoon out of it by taking advantage of the luncheon package offered at the Carriage House Cafe & Tearoom on the Estate. It is a great lunch, a great deal, and a great time overall.
This is a “must do” activity for your upcoming visit to Cape May.
Upcoming Events
Great Reasons to Return to The Queen Victoria
Designer Show House through Oct 31
Cape May Oktoberfest Oct 5
Victorian Weekend Oct 11-14
Lessons from Lincoln Lecture Oct 13
Cape May Wine Festival Oct 12-13
Halloween Happenings Oct 18-31
Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Weekend Nov 1-3
Exit Zero Jazz Festival Nov 8-9
Christmas in Cape May Nov 22 – Jan 1
Dickens Extravaganza Dec 8-10
Channeling with Craig McManus Jan 11, 2014
Channeling with Craig McManus Feb 8, 2014
Wine Lovers Weekend (blending party) Feb 22, 2014
“Big Cheesy” Cheese Tasting Party Mar 8, 2014
Room of The Month
Princess Helena
Princess Helena is a 3rd floor standard room in the House of Royals Building. This is our largest standard room, and a great value. The bathroom has a marble floor, heated towel bar, and a big step in shower. The room has a lot of character with nooks and crannies all over the place. My sister and her husband stayed in Princess Helena the last time they visited us and they LOVED it.
The Princess Helena room apparently has an interesting history too. Legend has it that the space where the closet is currently located was a hidden “counting” room for the gambling parlor on the 2nd floor back in the early days of the building. I don’t think you’ll find any money in the room, but I know you’ll find a great night’s sleep.
Gift Shop Featured Item Queen Victoria mugs
Lots of you are very reluctant to leave The Queen Victoria on your scheduled departure day. I’ve noticed over the years that many of you have figured out how to ease the transition back into the real world. The secret is purchasing a little memento of The Queen Victoria, especially if it is something you can use every day and be reminded of your special time here. This is guaranteed to make the parting easier.
Given all the great gift shop items that we carry, what is the perfect one to take home with you? That’s a tough call, but this month I’m suggesting a pair of Deneen Potter hand-thrown Queen Victoria mugs. These are beautifully crafted works of art that just happen to be the best coffee mugs on the planet. Seriously, you’ll love the feel of them in your hand as you sip your coffee at home or in your office. You just might be transported back to The Queen Victoria for a moment or two.
Our Price: $16.95 each
Favorite Photo
Prince Albert Hall front garden
Still Beautiful in September
While some of our perennial gardens are past their prime now, this time of year is traditionally the peak of our annual garden blooms. These beauties should be looking good for at least another month, giving you an opportunity to experience them yourselves.
Playing at Cape May Stage Freud’s Last Session (through Oct 19)
Cape May Stage’s current production, “Freud’s Last Session”, which opened about a week ago is a riveting and thought provoking new production that has been drawing record breaking crowds in New York.
Renowned psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud pioneered the Id, the Ego and the Superego. Writer C.S. Lewis created The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Two men, both brilliant, yet vastly different: Freud the atheist, Lewis the believer. In this new play they meet in 1939 as England goes to war against the Nazis. Their evening of electrifying conversation about God, love, sex and the meaning of life will spark controversy long after the show is over.
Lots of our guests are taking advantage of the several “Dinner and a Show” specials at many of our restaurants. What a great way to see a show and save a few dollars!
Exit Zero Jazz Festival November 8-10
I’m pleased to announce that the 2nd annual Exit Zero Jazz Festival is returning to Cape May this November 8. Last year’s first effort was successful despite the fact that it was held just one week after Hurricane Sandy visited the Jersey Shore. It was a great event with some terrific artists. But I have to say that I think this year’s event will be even better.
Pictured above is Dianne Reeves, the Friday night headliner and one of the premier vocalists in the world. She’ll be featuring her new album “When You Know”, which is a stunning array of performances of old and new standards along with an infectious, uplifting new original.
Other artists featured this year include Eddie Palmieri, a 9-time Grammy winner, Kenny Garrett, the Aaron Diehl Quartet, Lakecia Benjamin, Robin McKelle & the Flytones, Jaimeo Brown, and many others.
This is going to be an amazing event. The folks at Exit Zero Jazz have been working hard to make their Jazz Festival a world class event, and you can see the results. Now you have to book a visit to The Queen Victoria for November 8-9 so you can experience it yourself.
Anna Marie and I have always loved Cucina Rosa. It has consistently been our favorite Italian restaurant in Cape May and one of the places we frequent most often. It has everything we’re looking for in a restaurant … Great Food, a comfortable atmosphere, reasonable prices, close proximity to The Queen Victoria, and it is BYOB. What more could we ask for? How about a “diminutive menu” of the same great meals, just in smaller portions at a lower price? Yes, it is a popular option that really makes sense for a lot of our guests who tend to eat a lot of meals while they’re in Cape May.
Let me start by saying I love everything at Cucina Rosa. Now I have a confession to make. I’m seriously hooked on the Chicken Oreganata. I haven’t been able to order anything else in probably the last 8 times we’ve dined there. It is just too good to pass up. In years past I’ve loved everything else, including the Spring Lamb Chops, Seafood Fra Diablo, and the Salmon. Anna Marie loves the Strip Steak, the Petite Filet (on the diminutive menu, of course), and the Salmon.
If you’ve never dined at Cucina Rosa, you need to make plans to do so during your next visit to The Queen Victoria. Even if you don’t like Italian Food, you’ll love it!
Visit The Queen Victoria Soon!
Cape May’s Premier Bed and Breakfast
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!
Sincerely,
Doug & Anna Marie McMain, Owners/Innkeepers The Queen Victoria Bed & Breakfast
Though it is happening a little later than the traditional Oct 1st date, Cape May is once again hosting its Jackson Street Oktoberfest in a couple of weeks.
This year’s Designer Show House has turned out to be wildly popular with everybody who has visited it. It is a beautiful new home built in a Victorian fashion, but with all the modern conveniences you would expect in a high-end home. 
