Kid-Friendly Activities in Cape May County

Traveling With Children in South Jersey

Looking for a way to combat cabin fever with your kids this winter? While it might be just a bit too cold for boardwalks, water parks, beaches and splashing in the waves, there are still plenty of activities to keep your kids entertained in and around Cape May County, and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry has your ticket to a fun & exciting winter adventure! Read through our list below, grab an extra layer and we’ll see you on board.


Cape May County

Cape May County Park & Zoo

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Cape May County Park and Zoo Entrance

Open everyday except Christmas, the Cape May County Park & Zoo features over 250 species and more than 550 animals! Admission and parking are both free (donations accepted), and they have a great playground set-up outside the zoo. On occasion, they’ll even have special events like Princess & Pirate Day or a Tree lighting celebration, so it always pays to take a look at their calendar.

Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum

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Jet fighter on display at Naval Air Station Wildwood museum.

Are your kids into big jets and fast planes? Naval Air Station Wildwood has them, and so much more. The non-profit museum, located at the Cape May Airport (which also houses a Taco Shop, and Cape May Brewing Company) inside historic Hangar #1. The Hangar has been fully restored and now houses a number of aircraft, engines, special exhibits, and educational interactive displays. Explore aviation and military history through “hands-on,” fun and educational activities for the entire family! Bring the kids and travel back in time to this 92,000 square foot sampling of the 1940’s. They even welcome friendly, leashed pets!

Cape May Bird Observatory

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Piping Plover

Did you know that National Geographic ranked Cape May as one of the best destinations in the world for birding? That’s right. In. The. World. So if your kids love the outdoors, a trip to the Cape May Bird Observatory is a must for your list. With weekly walks, guided tours and School of Birding workshops, there’s plenty to see and do. And with a location in Cape May Point, you’re just a hop, skip & a jump away from the Cape May Lighthouse or Sunset Beach (where you can search for Cape May Diamonds), and the shops, restaurants and beaches of Victorian Cape May are just down the road.


Atlantic County

Atlantic City Aquarium

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Atlantic City Aquarium

There’s so much to “sea” and do at the Atlantic City Aquarium! Located in the historic Gardner’s Basin section of Atlantic City, the aquarium features touch tanks and dozens of exhibits, plus an exotic animal show and sting ray feeder shows. You’ll be submerged in a world of fun, fascination and learning. In addition to the aquarium, AC offers great restaurants, water activities, outlet shopping, and more!

Check Out The Latest Edition of the Twin Capes Traveller!

Experience Cape May in September

Local's Summer: Explore the Shore in Fall

Ask anyone who’s grown up in or spent any significant amount of time in Cape May County what their favorite time of year is, and you’ll almost invariably get the same answer: September. At first blush, that might seem odd. After all, summer has come and gone, school is back in session and the hustle and bustle of summer at the shore has subsided. With so little seemingly going on, what’s so magical about the month of September in Cape May County?

You can start with the fact that the weather is beautiful; the sun shines bright and warm, the humidity vanishes, and the ocean temperatures are just right – cool enough to be refreshing, but warm enough to be comfortable. On top of that, shops and restaurants are still open, the summer crowds have disappeared and the beaches are free. Taken altogether, that sounds like a great time to visit, right? Well, we’ll let you in on a little secret: it is!

Welcome to Local’s Summer in Cape May County.

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sunset over the sunken concrete ship

Shopping & Dining

Though most of the tourists have ventured back home, almost everything in Cape May is still open in September. Come enjoy your favorite restaurants without the long wait, or go from shop to shop or town to town without hitting any of the congested summer traffic. September provides a perfect opportunity to explore new areas of Cape May County; try that new restaurant you couldn’t get into all summer, or pull up a chair at the brewery you’ve been wanting to try and strike up a conversation with the bartenders and locals. Cape May County is full of characters and local flavor, and September provides the perfect opportunity to explore it all!

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Cape May Brewing Company

All the Fun, Not All the Money

The only thing better than having a great time on vacation is having a great time on vacation and saving money in the process. Fortunately, as the summer traffic slows down, so do the rates at local accommodations. Beyond Air B&B’s and hotel rooms, you’ll find readily available happy hours, end-of-season clearance sales at local shops and much more. It’s all the fun of summer at a fraction of the cost!

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Cape May shopping area

Events & Activities

Worried that there might not be anything to do? Don’t be. There are a wide variety of events going on throughout the county all month long. Each town offers something unique – from fall festivals to block parties, live music, the Irish Festival in North Wildwood, Cape May’s week-long Food & Wine Celebration, even an early Oktoberfest party at Morey’s Piers.

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Corsons Inlet

More Than Just the Beach

During the busy summer months, the prospect of getting back in your car to drive anywhere can seem daunting due to the high volume of traffic. However, with that hurdle removed in September, the County is yours to explore! You can stick to the islands and follow the gull from Cape May all the way up to Ocean City, or take a trip to the mainland side of Cape May County where you can check out Historic Cold Spring Village, or any one of the breweries or wineries in the area. Head to the western edge of the County to explore the Delaware Bayshore for a different waterfront view, or trek through the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge to spot local wildlife.

Come Live like a local!

Cape May Greenways

Cape May County Trails and Byways

The Cape May area has miles of scenic trails and byways that run through forests, farmland, state and county parks, wildlife management areas, historic towns, and dunes of preserved beaches. Birds and other wildlife abound. In fact, the Cape May peninsula is one of the top birding spots in North America!

Cape May Point State Park

Speaking of top birding spots, Cape May Point State Park is a major migratory route, especially in the spring, when many sea and shorebirds come through. At the end of the summer, dragonflies and monarch butterflies can be seen as they make their way across the Delaware Bay.

Three blazed trails will lead you through a variety of habitats in the park. On the wheelchair- accessible Red Trail, viewing platforms overlook ponds where wading birds, ducks, swans and sometimes even osprey come to feed and breed. The Yellow Trail is 1.5 miles long with views of wetland marsh and coastal dunes. The Blue Trail is the longest of the three.

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Image of the entrance to a beach in Cape May, NJ

In Cape May Point State Park, you’ll also find a historic 157-foot lighthouse. Built-in 1859, with 199 steps you can climb to the top to take in a view of the Delaware Bay and surround area. As a reminder of its days as a military base, the park also has a bunker. It now stands as a monument to the strategic defensive role the area played during World War II, and at low tide, you can still see the gun turrets.

Cape May County Park & Zoo

At the more than 200 acre Cape May County Park, you’ll discover a zoo that’s home to more than 500 animals representing 250 different species, and admission is free! There are miles of walking trails and a park with playgrounds for children.

Cape May National Wildlife Refuge

At the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, broken out into three different units throughout Cape May County, a wide variety of habitats and species can be seen. At the Two Mile Beach Unit in Wildwood Crest, free family nature walks are available on Saturdays throughout the summer.

Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area

Birding is always excellent at Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area, especially from spring through early fall. In spring, when they are heading north, birds will rest and feed there after crossing the Delaware Bay. In summer, a number of species come to breed.  Because of this, pets are not permitted on the beach from April until September. This is also a great place to see dragonflies and butterflies, including monarchs. Higbee has more than two miles of nature trails with viewing platforms.

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Ferry Osprey

For fishing enthusiasts, Cape May State Park waters are home to weakfish, bluefish, flounder, tautog, and striped bass.

For more information and an interactive map of Cape May Trails and Greenways, visit the Cape May, New Jersey page on TrailLink.

Check Out The Latest Edition of the Twin Capes Traveller!

Visiting the Cape May Airport

Cape May Airport

While visiting Cape May, a great way to spend the day is to stop by and check out the Cape May Airport. Not only is it a functional general aviation airport that logs approximately 39,000 airplane and helicopter take offs and landings each year, it is also home to a few interesting places to see while visiting Cape May.

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Jet fighter on display at Naval Air Station Wildwood museum.

Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum

The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum (NASW) is a non-profit museum located inside historic Hangar#1 at the Cape May Airport. The museum features a variety of aircraft, engines, special exhibits, and educational interactive displays. You will be able to learn the history of the NASW and see what the airport was like during the World War 2 era. Friendly leashed pets are welcome.

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Cape May Brewing Company

Cape May Brewing Company

The Cape May Brewing Company is one of New Jersey’s premier independent craft breweries. Established in 2011, the Cape May Brewing Co. is loved by not just locals, but all of the areas their beer has traveled to, which is most of New Jersey and the Philadelphia area. Come take a tour of the facility and see why it is one of the most successful breweries in the state of New Jersey.

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Airport diner exterior

Taco Shop and Flight Deck Diner

If you’re hungry after visiting the museum or the brewery, the Cape May Airport has a couple spots to grab a bite to eat. Stop by the Taco Shop and have some delicious traditional Mexican food, The Taco Shop is located right next to the Cape May Brewery tasting room. Or you could head to the Flight Deck Diner which is located inside the original terminal building of the Cape May Airport.

Christmas in July & Christmas Shops

Ways To Celebrate Christmas in July This Summer

Why celebrate Christmas once when you can celebrate it twice?  Christmas in July has become a very popular phenomenon throughout the past few years, and it’s not hard to see why. When mid-summer hits and you’re hot, sweaty, and sunburnt, dreaming of the brisk holiday season can provide a welcome chill! And although you can’t change the season, you can certainly still celebrate it.

Take a break from the beach and pull out your Santa hat because we have the ultimate guide to help you deck the halls this summer.  These must see Christmas shops located in your favorite shore towns will make this “holiday season” the best one yet.

Winterwood Gift & Christmas Shoppe

Winterwood Gift & Christmas Shoppe is a full service gift shoppe with three locations in Rio Grande (3137 Rt. 9 South, Rio Grande NJ), Cape May (526 Washington Street, Cape May NJ), and Wildwood (2910 Boardwalk, Wildwood NJ).  Each Shoppe has its own unique touch filled with festive home decor, art, gifts, collectibles, and Christmas ornaments.  Winterwood is a must see shoppe in Cape May County!

Winterwood Gift & Christmas Shoppe
Photo Credit
Winterwood Gift & Christmas Shoppe

Mia’s Christmas Gallery

Mia’s Christmas Gallery is a famous landmark located on Asbury Avenue in Ocean City, NJ.  It is a family owned business and has been around for 42 years, so it is filled with holiday tradition.  Be sure to stop in and check out all of the unique ornaments, decorations, and gifts that Mia’s has to offer.

 Mia's Christmas Gallery
Photo Credit
Mia’s Christmas Gallery

Paisley Christmas Shoppe

Paisley Christmas Shoppe has been around since 1985 and is located in the heart of Stone Harbor’s iconic Main Street among all of the awesome shops and restaurants.  Paisley Christmas Shoppe is most famously known for their beautiful handcrafted personalized Surf Clam ornaments, the perfect touch to your Christmas in July Celebrations!

Custom-painted Surf Clam Christmas ornaments
Photo Credit
Paisley Christmas Shoppe

Christmas Spirit

Christmas Spirit in Rehoboth Beach is a must see! This past winter, Christmas Spirit moved back to its original home of 20 years at 129 Rehoboth Ave.  Christmas Spirit sells everything from Christmas trees, to ornaments, wreaths, hand-painted sea shells and sand dollars, and just about everything in between. The store has over 60 different themes and you can personalize any item. Be sure to check out the new location right in the heart of Rehoboth beach.

Christmas Spirit Rehoboth
Photo Credit
Christmas Spirit

55 Reasons To Sail The Cape May-Lewes Ferry

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry: 55 Years & Sailing Strong

It's Our Birthday!

On July 1, 2019, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry turned 55 years old. To celebrate, we highlighted 55 reasons people have told us the Ferry is such a great experience. Check them all out on our  Pinterest Board, but below are some of our favorites, along with some highlights from our Ferry history.
Boardwalk photos of Ocean City, MD and Ocean City, NJ

Still Going Strong

The Ferry started operations in 1964, and has sailed more than 80,000 voyages back and forth across the Delaware Bay since. Much has changed on both sides of the bay, affording travelers many new sights and experiences to discover while on a Ferry trip. At the Ferry itself, the sailing experience, although reminiscent of earlier voyages, has also been updated with new innovations from modernized terminals and automated SkyWalks to the dockside restaurants, now operated by Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen and Exit Zero Hospitality, respectively. 

But as time marches on, the Ferry is proud not only about what has changed, but also about the basics have stayed the same — a relaxing, fun travel experience that almost automatically makes it into family vacation scrapbooks.

In 2018, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry was both recognized as 1 of the 7 most scenic rides in the U.S. by Smithsonian Magazine, and inducted into the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame. 

Virtually every kind of travel enthusiast will find something they admire on a Ferry trip. Here is a list of just some of the fantastic reasons to take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry on your next adventure. 

  • Dolphin sightings along the journey

  • Sunsets over the Delaware Bay

  • Relaxation on the outside deck chairs

  • Activities for the kids such as mini golf at the Terminal

  • Sipping cocktails at the Lido Bar

  • Birdwatching on the water

  • Reconnecting with Family

  • Lighthouse Sightings

  • Experiencing one of the most scenic Ferry rides in the U.S.

picture of Pinterest Post of the #1 Reason to Experience the Ferry - It's fun!

What's to Love? Lots!

Although ferries operate throughout the U.S., they are not as common a travel experience as in Europe.  According to one UK blogger who loves ferry travel, the fact that her luggage can weigh any amount, and she can take as many bags as she wants in her car are especially nice aspects of Ferry travel; that and the fact that if you take your car onboard you never have to rent a car when you get where you’re going!

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, there are approximately 220 ferry operators in the U.S. working out of 37 states. Washington State and Alaska rank among the best known along with New York’s Staten Island Ferry. New York and California have the largest reported fleets, but are generally passenger only commuter lines. The Cape May-Lewes ferry is unique not only because it connects New Jersey and Delaware, but also because it is among the 42 percent that carry vehicles of all sizes in addition to passengers. 

Don't Take Our Word for It

Of course, we think everyone should take the Ferry at least once to experience it, but we don’t want you to just take our word for it.  Here are a few stories and posts where others have shared their favorite reasons for experiencing Ferry travel across the Delaware Bay. 

What ‘s your special reason for taking the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, or any ferry for that matter?  Let us know by sharing your favorite experiences using the hashtag #CMLFerry55!

Find Your Reason to Sail...

Sweets, Treats & Homemade Ice Cream in Cape May County

Cape May County Sweet Finds

There’s a lot to love about Cape May County, but it never hurts to top off a great day with a sweet treat. Here are some places to savor well-known and homegrown desserts loved by many travelers.

Cape May Popcorn Factory

Their “secret recipe” caramel popcorn has been a seashore staple for over 30 years. 

9 Gurney St. (at Beach Drive), Cape May  (609) 780-0503

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Fine Fellow Creamery Ice Cream Shop

Fine Fellows Creamery

The fine folks at Fine Fellows have created an array of ice cream sundaes, naming them all after ’80s music acts. The Cure is a caramel lover’s dream, while Depeche a la Mode includes a slice of seasonal pie topped with fruity syrup. Oh, and the banana split? It’s appropriately named Bananarama. 

313 Beach Ave., Cape May,  (609) 854-4934, www.finefellowsicecream.com

Fralinger’s Original Salt Water Taffy and James Candy Company

Two brands and one company with a long history of being synonymous with seaside sweets. The original tried-and-true flavors are still popular, but there’s also a growing list of over 50 new types of taffy and fudge,

324 Washington St,

 Mall, Cape May, (609) 884-5695; 2714 Boardwalk and 3400 Boardwalk Ave., Wildwood, (609) 729-3318

Kohr Bros. Frozen Custard

Made from an original 1919 family recipe, this swirly, frosty treat is available at stands in Cape May County.

512 Washington St., Cape May, NJ and other locations; www.kohrbros.com

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The Scoop on Cape May's Ice Cream Scene

Laura’s Fudge

You’ll find vanilla and chocolate-but feel free to broaden your flavor horizons. 

357 E. Wildwood Ave., Wildwood, (609) 729-1555, www.laurasfudge.com

Original Fudge Kitchen

Savor almost two-dozen varieties, from old-fashioned to a contemporary version sprinkled with sea salt.

513 Washington St., 738 Beach Drive (on the Boardwalk) and 513 Washington Mall, Cape May; 4120 Boardwalk, Wildwood ;Boardwalk and 22nd Street, North Wildwood; (800) 23-FUDGE, www.fudgekitchens.com

Peace Pie

Delicious original flavors include key lime, pecan, banana cream and strawberry shortcake. But you must try the cinnamon mocha latte, peanut butter chiffon and the one they call Elvis. 

326 Carpenters Lane, Cape May, (609) 435-5321, www.peacepieworld.com

Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream

On summer nights, the line can be epic outside this Seven Mile Island institution. But your rich and creamy reward is well worth the wait. 

9420 3rd Ave., Stone Harbor, (609) 368-4631, www.springersstoneharbor.com

Uncle Charley’s Ice Cream

Homemade since 1976. One of more of the over 48 flavors make the perfect foundation for a stellar sundae.  

310 Washington St., Cape May, (609) 408-4751

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This listing originally appeared in the Spring/Summer 2018 edition of Twin Capes Traveler, a joint travel digest produced by Today Media, Today Media Custom Communications and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Items can change year over year, and items noted were available at time of print publication. When on board or at any of our terminals, make sure to pick up the latest edition to see more ideas of places to go and things to do while in the Delaware Bay region.

Get Me To The Treats!

Two Generations of RVers Take the Ferry

Canadian RVers Travel South for the Winter on the Ferry

There’s no doubt that each day after November 1, there’s an increasing chill in the air. We can measure it here at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry by the number of Canadian RVers increasingly making their way southbound. Perhaps because they have farther to travel, or more likely because it’s just colder at their home latitude, they are frequently some of our earliest snowbirds heading to warmer parts of the North American continent.

On one particular early November Monday, two of the earliest RVs to show up for the 2:30 departure out of Cape May were different generations of first time Ferry travelers from Canada, each sporting very different types of recreational vehicles.

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Canadian RVers take their Class A on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry

Snowbirder’s Class A includes a Pet Passenger

Lorne and Sue Green along with their border collie Charlie live year round in their Class A RV.  Even when at home in Manitoba, they have forsaken mortgage payments for full-time living in their truly mobile home. On this voyage, they left Canada on Sept. 28 to ride small roadways while strategically working their way toward a family wedding in Florida in late November.  

Each year, the Greens stay on the road for 182 days to enjoy various state parks throughout the United States.  For the remainder of the year, they run a mini-golf area in Manitoba.  On this trip, they visited Atlantic City just before coming down to  Cape May to cross the Delaware Bay on the Ferry.

Related Post: 10 Tips for Taking Your Dog on the Ferry

Soon after they arrived, a much smaller graphic van came on campus with Simon Bertrand from Montreal in the driver’s seat. When asked to classify the vehicle, Lorne smiled and noted that it certainly wasn’t a stealth RV, plain vans used by some RV’ers that aren’t clearly recognized at first sight as a mobile home with a resident inside.

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Canadian Class B RVer takes a first time trip on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry

Class B Makes a Splash with Colorful Graphics

Simon, found eating lunch from the Grab ‘N Go in the terminal, told us he was on a self-proclaimed sabbatical from his latest entrepreneurial venture selling Kombucha Tea. His 2001 van was updated with its fun design by a muralist friend, and now also sports solar panels on the roof for energy self-sufficiency. Lorne Green admitted he was planning a similar solar installation when he next stops in Arizona for RV refurbishments post-winter. “It makes a big difference,” Lorne stated.

Unlike the Greens, Bertrand’s voyage is a likely once-in-a-lifetime adventure, planned in three separate stages rather than one, long extended voyage. His idea is to be away for several months at a time, and fly home in between stages for holidays and other planned return visits to Quebec.

Both Bertrand and the Greens spoke of their desire for laid back fun rides that let them see nature and enjoy different views though one team is retired and the other still active in a unique career.

Thanks to both for taking the time to not only ferry across the bay with us, but give us some insights into different types of RV travel. We wish them both a warm, easy winter and hope to see them again perhaps next year!

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Walking On The Ferry For A Cause

Ferry Hosts Woman During Overdose Awareness Journey

On a rainy Friday evening, Jessie Grieb arrived at the Cape May Ferry Terminal ready to board the 6:00 p.m. Ferry to Lewes. The second of two ferries she has taken on her journey so far, it was the only shelter she would get from the rain all day.

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Jessie Grieb with her cart on Overdose Awareness at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry

Before arriving at the Cape May Terminal, Jessie’s travels through New York City and New Jersey had been difficult. She had to walk along the busy Garden State Parkway and run two miles with a State Trooper behind her to get back on local, safer roads. One night, she even caught poison ivy. But the memory of her brother, Brian, and her boyfriend, Christian Heekman, push her to keep walking.

On July 23, 2018, at the age of 26, Jessie began her 2,575-mile walking journey from the east coast of Maine heading south to Key West Florida. She’s driven by the desire to overcome her own addictions and help educate others about the opioid crisis and addiction–to which she lost both her brother and boyfriend. She’s aiming to arrive home to her parents in South Carolina for Christmas, and end her journey in Florida by February 2019. 

Jessie is inspired by Brett Bramble, who walked the reverse route to help overcome his addiction. With a cart handed down by Brett that is on its third transcontinental journey, Jessie averages 20 miles a day, roughly 100 miles a week and has a GoFundMe which has raised nearly $4,000 to date.

Boarding the Ferry to continue her travels through Delaware is a respite from the cold rain and busy roads–a way to embrace the moment and relax while still covering ground. “I’m living my life more now than I ever have before…I am also enjoying every moment of my life, something I haven’t been able to do for a long time.″

For updates on how the rest of Jessie’s journey goes, donation information and to leave messages of encouragement, visit the Freedom to Grow Facebook page or her GoFundMe page.

 

DOLPHINS & WHALES

OH THE THINGS YOU'LL SEE

Quilting at the Ferry

Monthly Meetings at the Ferry

Many local groups and business organizations like to meet at the Ferry for everything from Chamber of Commerce luncheons in the Cape May Sunset Lounge to pick up mahjong games in the Lewes salon.

But, without a doubt one of the warmest and most regular groups is Quilts of Valor South Jersey Chapter. The group meets the first Friday of every month from September through June in the mornings.  Everyone loves getting a homemade quilt, but this special organization builds blocks at a time to create quilts for veterans of war who might otherwise not have an extra layer of both warmth and care when most needed. 

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Quilts of Valor volunteer works finishing touches on a red quilt.

The organization has strong ties to the area. In 2003, it was started by Blue Star mom Catherine Roberts in Seaford, Delaware while her own son was deployed in Iraq. She knew the healing properties a quilt can provide and started organizing groups of quilters from her sewing room at home to create free handmade blankets for returning military and veterans in need. It has grown into a national effort, with the South Jersey chapter now making the Cape May Ferry Terminal their monthly home. 

Quilts of Valor first discovered the Cape May Ferry Terminal salon in February 2016 when a prior site wasn’t available. They fell in love with the large space, open lighting, multiple electrical outlets and inspiring view, and have been meeting there ever since.  The open space has helped them get their message and mission out to more people as many of the traveling public stop by to make donations and pick up literature.

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close up of quilt block being sewn at the Cape May ferry terminal salon.

Ruth Ann Bosworth leads the South Jersey chapter. She notes that volunteers or interested parties can simply come on appointed Fridays, or email her at r_a_b_27@hotmail.com to learn more about becoming locally involved. Volunteers bring their own sewing machines, but non-sewing help is also welcomed from those who iron to other less hands on assistances.

The group is also always looking for nominations for military active and retired personnel to become a future recipient of one of their special quilts. Non-quilters can also participate by joining the group and donating a small annual fee to help provide fabric, thread and other needed supplies to the more craftier volunteers. For more information on Quilts of Valor, visit their web site at QOVF.org

DOLPHINS & WHALES

OH THE THINGS YOU'LL SEE

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