The Cape May Winery, 711 Townbank Rd 884-1169 www.CapeMayWinery.comis a great place to learn all about wine making and enjoy wine tasting with grapes grown right here in Cape May County.
If you take a walk thru the vineyards at the Cape May Winery you will see why New Jersey is called the Garden State. They have been growing grapes for 12 years and the winery is 10 years old. They offer a Wine Tour and Tasting every Saturday at 3 p.m. for $20.
According to our tour guide, Cape May County has great sandy soil-good for drainage and milder temperatures than North Jersey; another advantage. The Cape May Winery is 6th in the state for production and grows 16 varieties of grapes, from Merlot to Chardonnay to Pinot Gris and more. They have not needed to use the irrigation system, because grapes require only about 2 inches of water a month. The harvest is from Mid-September to Mid-November. Last year they produced 55,500 bottles of wine from 11 acres at 3 locations in the county. It takes 2 ½ pounds of grapes to make one bottle.
The 2005 Merlot was ready for bottling the day we were there. We were some of the first to sample last year’s crop, which was fantastic. They bottle the wine on the premises as well.
The wine is de-stemmed and crushed in machines outside and then the juice is placed in large 1,000 gallon steel tanks and wooden barrels Wine needs to be kept at controlled temperatures and sediment is removed during the year long process. Wines also vary in sugar content with a dry wine having less than 1 gram per liter; their best seller-Victorian Blush, a white zinfindel about 3.2; and their dessert wine-Fini Blanc about 8.
The crowd of about 25 was very interested in seeing the process first-hand. Then we were treated to a wine tasting of many of their prize-winning wines along with cheese, crackers and fresh fruit. There is a gift shop to purchase their excellent home-grown wines. It was a perfect day to do something a little out of the ordinary at the Jersey Shore. The Winery is a few minutes off exit 1 of the Garden State Parkway.
Note: Always drink responsibly and designate a driver. Drunk Driving Kills Lives.
Last Updated ( Sep 29, 2006 at 03:56 PM )
What to do at the Jersey Shore on a Rainy Day
Written by Jennifer Palermo
Aug 29, 2006 at 03:19 PM
What to do at the Jersey Shore
On most summer days you’ll find vacationers going to the beach at the Jersey Shore, but there’s a lot to do on a rainy or cloudy day as well. The region is full of great spots to keep kids of all ages entertained and many are free or charge a nominal fee. Here are some suggestions for our welcomed guests who might not know the Cape May, Atlantic and southern Ocean County area.
The Jersey Shore has many interesting lighthouses and tours are available. Check out the website http://www.njlighthouses.com/ for directions and info. In Cape May County you will see the Cape May Lighthouse and the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse in North Wildwood. In Atlantic City you can visit the Absecon Lighthouse and in Ocean County, the Barnegat Lighthouse.
Leaming’s Run Gardens on Rt. 9 in Swainton is an oasis of beautiful gardens to walk through and sit and watch hummingbirds and butterflies. Wear good walking shoes and a hat and spend a few minutes sitting in the gazebo. They will open in Mid May. Admission $8 Adults, $4 Children 7-14. http://www.leamingsrungardens.com/
For those interested in touring a home from 1775 and seeing exhibits including furnishings, costumes, tools and decorative objects the Cape MayCounty Museum is a great place to explore. On Rt. 9- Exit 11 off the Parkway in North Cape May Court House. http://www.cmcmuseum.org/
Cape May Trolley tours and horse-drawn carriages are a great way to learn about this charming Victorian town by the sea. At night it’s a romantic way to see the town and do a little “parlor peeking.” You can also tour the Physick Estate, http://www.capemaymac.org/
I also ‘love’ to get take-out seafood and eat on the docks at the Lobster House, the freshest seafood in the world and you can watch the fishing boats unload their catch-of-the day. Every year we enjoy the Southern Buffet on Sunday Nights at the Chalfonte Hotel. The food is fabulous and Lucille’s rolls are ‘to die for’! Tell her I told you! She told me her secret ingredient last year, but I’ll never tell!
Cold Spring Village is a charming re-enactment village near Cape May, including 25 restored buildings with costumed interpreters. Check out the site for weekend festivities including Railroad Days, an Antique Show and War Re-enactments. http://www.hcsv.org/ Adults $ 8, Children 3- 12 $5, Senior Citizens $7. I love this place!
The Cape May County Zoo, off exit 11 of the Parkway, is a great way to spend an afternoon and maybe even pack a lunch. The zoo is free, although donations are accepted. You will be delighted to see the new baby bears, giraffes, lions and zebras. It is well kept and there is a gift shop and food vendors on the premises. For more info http://www.thejerseycape.net/
Another great trip is to visit the Wetland’s Institute, “a great place to learn about conservation and preservation of coastal ecosystems by providing a fun and educational experience for families and vacationers of all ages!” It’s on the causeway going into Stone Harbor in Cape May County- Parkway Exit 10B. Admission $7, $5 2-11 yrs. http://www.wetlandsinstitute.org/
The Ocean City Museum is a great way to learn about the history of this seaside resort voted ‘the #1 Family Beach Resort in the Nation.’ The museum is located at 18th and Simpson Ave. Come and learn about the history of Ocean City formerly called Peck's Beach and visit their gift shop. Learn about the Sindia shipwreck. Free! http://www.ocnjmuseum.org/
Then moving up the coast to Atlantic County, Lucy the Elephant is a must see for children and the folks at home will love to see pictures of this 65-foot high wooden elephant that once was a hotel in Margate, NJ. http://lucytheelephant.org/Book lovers must purchase the book “Lucy the Elephant & Sami the Mouse” and their new book too, “Sami & Lucy 2: The Birthday Party.” Admission $4 Adults, $2 2-12 yrs.
While on Absecon Island, check out the Atlantic CityHistorical Museum, http://www.acmuseum.org on the boardwalk near Showboat. Call (609) 347-5839. Open10 am to 4 pm. The latest exhibit is "Starshine: There's No Business like Show Business in Atlantic City.” It is free to the public.
Further north in Atlantic City is Gardner’s Basin and the Ocean Life Center, http://www.gardnersbasin.com/, “a fun and educational look into more than 100 varieties of fish and marine animals.” Adults $7, Children $4. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, 348-2880. While there go for a boat ride or enjoy at meal at the Flying Cloud. The whole area is enjoying revitalization.
StorybookLand is a great kiddie park located on Rt. 322/40 between the Hamilton Mall and the Shore Mall, 10 miles west of Atlantic City, in Cardiff, EHT. $16.95 plus tax for each child or adult, includes all storybook attractions and unlimited rides. http://www.storybookland.com
A short drive from Atlantic City north on Rt. 9 is Historic Smithville. It’s a fun place for dining, shopping with 60 shops and there is a little village to walk through. Be sure to cross the bridge and try the paddle boats. http://www.smithvillenj.com/
Save time for the Tuckerton Seaport, a maritime village celebrating the early settler’s who were baymen, many of whom were my relatives on the 'Mott side.' Henry Mott came to Tuckerton in 1714 and Henry Jacobs Falkinburg, who founded Little Egg Harbor, came circa 1698. See decoy carvers and clamming exhibits and climb to the top of the replica of the Tucker’s Island Lighthouse. (609) 296-8868. Rt 9 Tuckerton. Enjoy lunch at Skeeter’s Seafood Café. Another interesting fact: my grandfather's youngest brother, Vernon's nickname was "Skeeter!" http://www.tuckertonseaport.org/ Open 10 – 5 pm Adults $8 Children $3.
Most of all have a good time and spend quality, educational time with your children. Why not go off the beaten path and learn something while you’re at it. I can't believe the summer is almost over! September is one of our greatest months! Make sure to stop and smell the roses.
For more information e-mail me at
All photos taken by Jennifer except the Chalfonte porch by a family member.
Last Updated ( Aug 30, 2006 at 08:49 AM )
"This WAR is for REAL!"
Written by MG Vernon Chong, USAFR
Mar 25, 2006 at 07:24 AM
The Bottom Line
Editorial
"If we are united, there is no way that we can lose. "
"This WAR is for REAL!"
MG Vernon Chong, USAFR
retired Air Force Surgeon Commander of Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio
"...Our country is now facing the most serious threat to its existence, as we know it, that we have faced in your lifetime and mine...
First, let's examine a few basics:
1. When did the threat to us start? Many will say September 11, 2001. The answer as far as the United States is concerned is 1979, 22 years prior to September 2001, with the following attacks on us:
* Iran Embassy Hostages, 1979; * Beirut, Lebanon Embassy 1983; * Beirut, Lebanon Marine Barracks 1983; * Lockerbie, Scotland Pan-Am flight to New York 1988; * First New York World Trade Center attack 1993; * Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Khobar Towers Military complex 1996; * Nairobi, Kenya US Embassy 1998; * Dares Salaam, Tanzania US Embassy 1998; * Aden, Yemen USS Cole 2000; * New York World Trade Center 2001; * Pentagon 2001. (Note that during the period from 1981 to 2001 there were 7,581 terrorist attacks worldwide).
2. Why were we attacked? Envy of our position, our success, and our freedoms. The attacks happened during the administrations of Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush 1, Clinton and Bush 2. We cannot fault either the Republicans or Democrats as there were no provocations by any of the presidents or their immediate predecessors, Presidents Ford or Carter.
3. Who were the attackers? In each case, the attacks on the US were carried out by Muslims.
4. What is the Muslim population of the World? 25%.
5. Isn't the Muslim Religion peaceful? Hopefully, but that is really not material...
The terrorist Muslim leaders and what they are fanatically bent on doing -- by their own pronouncements -- killing all of us "infidels." I don't blame the peaceful Muslims. What would you do if the choice was shut up or die?
6. So who are we at war with? There is no way we can honestly respond that it is anyone other than the Muslim terrorists. Trying to be politically correct and avoid verbalizing this conclusion can well be fatal. There is no way to win if you don't clearly recognize and articulate who you are fighting.
So with that background, now to the two major questions:
1. Can we lose this war? 2. What does losing really mean?
If we are to win, we must clearly answer these two pivotal questions...
Cape
Then moving up the coast to Atlantic County, Lucy the Elephant is a must see for children and the folks at home will love to see pictures of this 65-foot high wooden elephant that once was a hotel in Margate, NJ. 
Save time for the Tuckerton Seaport, a maritime village celebrating the early settler’s who were baymen, many of whom were my relatives on the 'Mott side.' Henry Mott came to Tuckerton in 1714 and Henry Jacobs Falkinburg, who founded Little Egg Harbor, came circa 1698. See decoy carvers and clamming exhibits and climb to the top of the replica of the Tucker’s Island Lighthouse. (609) 296-8868. Rt 9 Tuckerton. Enjoy lunch at Skeeter’s Seafood Café. Another interesting fact: my grandfather's youngest brother, Vernon's nickname was "Skeeter!" 
The Bottom Line
