Cape May Works In The Winter Time
If you’re among the fortunate who live full-time in Cape May, you get to know the perks of living here. You also learn who’s open and what’s closed up for the winter. The crowds get a little smaller, especially during the week, but some nights, in some establishments, can surprise you. That’s How Cape May works in the winter time.
January 2nd for example was the historic Merion Inn’s last night of the season. A celebrated evening when the Merion reduces their prices 50% in order to clean out the fridge and prepare for closing.
The Merion’s dedicated staff work just as hard on their last service shift as they would on the 4th of July. It’s amazing to observe. The food comes out of the kitchen hot and tasty.
Richard keeps his eyes on the dining room like a pro. Dean Schneider on the piano, taking requests makes the mood simply heavenly.
There is no chaos in the Merion. With a packed house, probably sold out via reservations, mostly locals, The Merion runs smooth. At least it looks like it even peeking in the kitchen.
And this was mid-service. But that’s how Cape May works in the winter time.
It’s not all fun and games
Once the curtain closes on an establishment, the work keeps going. This winter we are seeing many favorite places taking time off in January to get some maintenance done. The Lobster House is down for the month of January. The Mad Batter Restaurant and Bar is closed till the 17th of January. The biggest shocker to some people will be Congress Hall.
Congress Hall, starting this Monday, will be closed for the month of January. Rooms are getting some attention and preventive maintenance. The Brown Room, aka Cape May’s living room is getting an overhaul. Yep the Brown Room as you know may not be the same. In a subsequent blog we will get more specific, but the bar is getting moved and enlarged.
Congress Hall does have a date on the books for Sunday Supper and Old Timey Hymn Sing on January 27th if all goes well.
There are lots of rumors swirling around about how the room will run in the summer, but I am told it will remain Cape May’s living room. Stay tuned for updates.
George’s is open for breakfast 7 days a week and they serve dinner Thursday to Sunday from 5-8. Other staple places, like Fins Bar and Grille, the Mug, and Delaney’s are of course open.
Stay tuned to this blog for more updates.
Thanks for the info. This is our first CM winter as “locals,” and its good to know our options when we get the urge to shake off the cabin fever. Please keep us posted! (BTW, loving it here, even in the cold months!). In WCM.
So glad to read your comments, I hope to be a “local” in a few years. Glad to hear how things work in the cold months lol. Looking to meet new friends and finding the inside and outsides of the town is what I feel would be my problem. Enjoy!
Thanks for the updates. Good to know what is open this time of year.
Also, Lucky Bones is open 7 days a week even during the winter months. With the fireplace going and the friendly staff always welcoming, it is a great place to go to take the chill off.
Yes it is! I had the pleasure of serving you Friday evening 😊
Thanks for the info. I visit for the day over the winter months. Good to have a plan
Love cape may!!
Hi, thanks for the info but a correction on Congress Hall, it will reopen on January 24th.
Dont forget our favorite watering hole the C-View open all year.
Great blog for info. Love living in Townbank.
Love Cape May!! Thanks for the information.
Winter is beautiful at CM!!!
What a great idea! This information is a big help. Even those of us who live here sometimes forget what is closed and what is open. Thanks for the information.
Thank you for the complimentary review of The Merion Inn. I forwarded your article to Vicki and Richard. I have worked with Richard for 22 yrs- yes, he is a pro!
Janice Schumann
Author
Thank you Janice, I hope they enjoy it as much as I did dining there and writing about it. Thanks for the comment.