Cape May, New Jersey, USA

This is only the second time that I’ve seen the Cape May Lighthouse from shore. Of course, I saw it numerous times from the water.

The lighthouse is actually located in Cape May Point, NJ. This is a great place if you’re into bird watching, quiet living, and enjoy the salt air. The lighthouse itself is open for tours. You can climb to the top of it as well as walk around the balcony just below the light. The view is fantastic. You can see into the Delaware Bay, out into the Atlantic Ocean, and over the beaches that fringe the end of New Jersey’s coastline.

It’s always a good idea to come here early as the crowds build throughout the day, especially when the weather is as nice as it was when I took this photo. Here’s a look at the beach at Cape May Point.

You can see it wasn’t crowded. People had just started to stake out their patch of sand. The airplanes were towing banners, advertising everything from restaurant specials to Atlantic City casinos. Cape May itself is filled with Victorian-style homes. I took this photo of two modest places, but there are many more that are as big as these two put together and more brightly painted than a carnival ride.

Still, I think these represent a pleasant scale that is both practical and inviting. Readers of this blog know that I’m partial to Spanish Colonial Architecture. However, I enjoyed a morning stroll through Cape May, taking in the variety of Victorian homes. The residents here take good care of their property. The sidewalks and streets are immaculate. If you want to do some shopping or antique hunting, there’s a pedestrian mall in the center of town that looks like this:

We found a place for lunch here that was quite good. Of course, an ice-cold Coca-Cola was had for dessert before more walking around town. Cape May deserves its reputation as a low-key, friendly destination. The beach can get crowded but all good beaches do. There are plenty of good restaurants, quaint bed and breakfast establishments if you want to stay a few days, and lots of quite streets to welcome you. (I’d like to work Cape May into a story some day, just haven’t figured out exactly how.)

Published in: on September 1, 2008 at 11:56 am  Leave a Comment  
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Roger’s Beach, Aruba

Near the southern tip of Aruba is an area known as Roger’s Beach. Crescent shaped, it curves out to the Caribbean, creating a handsome lagoon of bath-warm water. At the far end of the beach are a few small docks where fisherman moor their boats.

Like so many things in Aruba, however, there is a contrast between this beach and the refinery complex just about a mile away. You can be swimming or enjoying the sunshine here, and so long as you look to the south, southwest, you would never know that the refinery is just over your shoulder. Here’s a look at it, with the end of Roger’s Beach in the frame.

That view never bothers me. Refineries are a reality. This one doesn’t affect the beach very much. In fact this beach is typically less crowded than Baby Beach which is only another half mile further down the coast. So, give it a try. You might like it.

Published in: on August 14, 2008 at 11:04 am  Leave a Comment  
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Old Man and the Sea (Restaurant)

My wife and I stumbled on a brand new restaurant here in Aruba. It’s called The Old Man and the Sea, and is located here in Savaneta, directly on the water, (a few dozen yards from The Flying Fishbone). I met the chef and took some photos in the morning when we were going for a walk. The restaurant is billed as “romantic dining” and the place definitely fits that bill. We visited again last night, even though they are not officially open. As things turned out, my friend, the Right Reverend Robert Gibson, happens to know the owner and thus we were granted a preview. First let’s look at the setting, photographed during the day so things are more visible.

In the evening those heavy wooden doors are wide open and the pathway in is lit with tiny lights.

You follow this path (which would be great for weddings) into the heart of the restaurant. There is a small bar (not shown) off to the left. There is some seating available under cover, but the majority of the tables are right on the beach.

When I took these photos, they weren’t set up for dining, but you get the idea. There is also that small stage out in the water where the musical entertainment will be set up. Then there is a spit of land sticking into the Caribbean, where they built a palapa hut for private dining and/or wedding events and such.

Very nice, if you ask me. So how about the food? Last night we took a taste. My wife ordered one of the “small plates,” beef tips with fried oysters. This was too exotic for me but she said it was “amazing.” She wishes they would offer it as an entre. I had tostones de pollo, a wide slice of fried plantain with shredded chicken in a mild red sauce on top. Very, very good, and something different for me. The Reverend Gibson enjoyed a penne pasta with shrimp, and his wife, the lovely Gloria, dined on the lamb. All dishes were good and prices were lower than the neighboring famous restaurant.

The owner informed us that the restaurant will open formally in about 10 days. By that time they’ll have the last few kinks worked out. I’ll give the place another test and report here. Again, the setting is fabulous, the staff friendly, and the dishes creative. If you’re in Aruba anytime soon, give it a try and let me know what you think.

Published in: on August 8, 2008 at 10:54 am  Leave a Comment  
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Snorkel Cruise, Aruba

Snorkeling in Aruba can be fantastic. In earlier posts, I mentioned various places to go from shore. This post takes a look at a snorkel cruise. The boat pictured belongs to the Jolly Pirates. There are other operators on the island, including Red Sail Sports, Pelican Watersports, and small family businesses, too.

The nice thing about snorkeling from the boat is that you can go to places that may not be accessible from shore. They also serve drinks and maybe snacks. Music plays in the background as you swing off the yardarm. Lots of fun no matter what. Just don’t forget that sunscreen!

Published in: on August 7, 2008 at 6:34 pm  Leave a Comment  
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