Valentine’s Day in Cape May

Valentine’s Day in Cape May can be incredibly romantic. Many of the local restaurants, wineries, and such offer special incentives for this heartfelt holiday. The weather can be a bit dicey, that is certainly true.  However, I say throw caution to the wind! A friend of mine literally proposed on the beach on Valentine’s Day. It is a Cape May day they will never forget (it goes without saying she said yes).

Where to Stay

Angel of the Sea may just be the quintessential Valentine’s destination. This lovely Bed and Breakfast boasts 27 gorgeous rooms, each with a private bath. You will also be food-pampered all day from the full gourmet breakfast (featured on The Food Network) to afternoon tea with yummy sweets and even early evening wine and cheese selection.

Virginia Hotel on Jackson Street is another great option. They will have just returned from their annual Winter break and will be ready to impress. Breakfast is included and the rooms scream romance. There is so much to do that is within walking distance of the hotel.

Wilbraham Mansion in West Cape May (by the CVS) offers so much in the way of amenities including a heated indoor pool. Each Victorian bedroom has a private renovated bathroom—the suites and room 9 even have a Jacuzzi for two, gas fireplace and more. Breakfast and afternoon tea are served daily.

Casablanca on Columbia Avenue has a sophisticated vibe that is unlike any other Bed and Breakfast in Cape May. The professionally decorated rooms are absolutely spectacular and most include cozy gas fireplaces. I invite you to take a sec and click through the rooms yourself to get a true sense of just how gorgeous they are. Breakfast and afternoon tea are included in your stay.

Grand Hotel on Beach Avenue is a favorite destination in Cape May for many. It also boasts an indoor heated pool. Each room is either ocean front or ocean view, so you can wake up to a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. They offer a Valentine’s Day special that includes several perks (my favorite is dancing in the Penthouse Ballroom). Check it out here to see everything included.

Where to Dine

Peter Shields Inn on Beach Avenue is often recommended by many as a romantic dinner spot. The food and service are outstanding to say the least. The best scallops I have ever eaten were at PSI (I kid you not). Reservations are often difficult to get so this is one place that you want to book early. Please note is it a BYO so plan accordingly. Peter Shields is also a great option for your stay as well.

Ebbitt Room at the above-mentioned Virginia Hotel. I know I mention it in so many of my blog posts, but I just can’t help it. It is one of our go-to places for a special occasion. The last time we were there, the waitstaff recognized us and welcomed us. I know it is silly, but I was so pleased that they had that level of attention to detail.

Washington Inn on Washington Street is another one of our absolute favorite restaurants in Cape May and one I do mention repeatedly. We love the crab cakes there amongst other things. The owner often walks through the restaurant stopping at tables asking how everyone is enjoying their experience. I love that!

Grana on the corner of Perry and Broad (Godmother’s was there for years) is an intimate BYOB that is a fabulous spot to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Cape May. The four course menu (you don’t need to do all four, but you will want to) is creative and fun. Save room for dessert! I promise it will be worth it.

Beach Plum Farm in West Cape May is offering a romantic candlelit dinner experience. It is held in their heater loop house for a unique and unforgettable evening.

YB on Beach Avenue has also become one of our favorites. Also a BYO, it is candlelit, intimate and cozy—just perfect for a romantic dinner. The food is outstanding and the service is first rate. They offer you small little tidbits throughout your meal on the house. I could take a bath in the cream of mushroom soup we had the last time.

Things to Do

Spas

The Cape May Day Spa on Jefferson Street has a whole section on their services menu called Couple’s Escape. With names like Love is All Around, Sweet Escape for Two and Love Head to Toe, they know a thing or two about celebrating Valentine’s Day. You can get massaged, scrubbed, and more. Some even include chocolate!

Sea Spa at Congress Hall on Congress Place is another choice for a little couple’s pampering. While they do not have any couples themed packages, they do offer an array of wonderful variety of massages and other treatments that are sure to relax and rejuvenate you.

Both spas consistently get rave reviews from extremely happy customers.

Wineries

All of the wineries in Cape May are open this time of year. Many of them have cozy indoor spots to snuggle a little while you are sipping on a lovely glass (or two) of wine and a nibble. Willow Creek is doing a Valentines at the Vineyard event. Hawk Haven has a chocolate and wine tasting. Cape May winery is also a wonderful place to try. Weather permitting fire pits outside can be so much fun this time of year too!

Most shops in Washington Mall are open in February. Why not commemorate the visit with a little something from one of the fabulous Cape May stores? Right off the top of my head, Queen May would be a fun stop for something shiny. Also in that some category, Henry’s Landmark Jewelers has some wonderful trinkets. If you are looking for something at a different price point, Splash and Whales Tale have wonderful pieces—many of which are beach inspired.

Something a little different…

Schedule a private yoga class or tarot reading at Cape May Yoga on Perry Street. You would also do a couples aura cleansing there. I go into more detail on these types of activities in my post Mind-Body-Spirit in Cape May.

Stop by the Cape May Nature center for Wildlife Love Stories. You will sip hot chocolate around a campfire while you listen to the love stories of the wild.

Add a lock to the lovelocks in Cape May—just like in Paris. They are right on Beach Avenue next to the Hotel Macomber. I get choked up just thinking about how romantic it is!

Seashore line Railroad in Tuckahoe (short drive) has a Valentine’s Express. A romantic love themed train ride is sure to be a day you will never forget. Tickets are available on line and will likely sell out!

Go roller skating at Convention Hall—there are two time slots: 1:00pm to 3:00pm and 4:00pm to 6:00pm. No skates? No problem—you can rent them there for a small fee.

I hope this post has inspired you to plan a special trip on Valentine’s Day in Cape May! Or have a Galentine’s celebration with your gal pals (think Tina Fey’s and Amy Poehler) I have literally just scratched the surface of the accommodations and restaurants and fun that would be wonderful options for a romantic getaway. If you do go, please let me know what you all the fun things you did!  I would love to hear about it. If you are not already subscribed, please take a sec and do it!  You don’t want to miss out on more fabulous things to do in Cape May!

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