Cape May beach

“Because stress is water-soluble”

Being in the city too long can drive a person crazy. Just getting to work everyday is a constant struggle: Did you make onto the train? Did you get a seat? Did you make it in on time or was there “train traffic ahead of [you]?”

To escape New York City madness, my boyfriend and I took a trip to a little New Jersey Beach town called Cape May. The relaxing memorial day weekend getaway was just what we needed, and it gave us a chance to take a break from the continuous city hustle and bustle.

What to do

I’ve only lived in New York for two years, and I’ve already forgotten what good customer service was like. Cape May will refresh your memory. It was so nice to go to restaurants and have waiters and waitresses treat you like they appreciate your business. Our favorite place to eat was Godmothers Italian Restaurant , which serves tasty Italian and seafood in an upscale environment. We ate the succulent grilled salmon over rice with mixed veggies, which ran us $23.00 a plate.

When you are not stuffing your face at the endless restaurants, you can choose between visiting the Cape May Winery & Vineyard, getting a message at Serenity Day Spa & Salon ($65 an hour for message; 609-899-6900), taking a tour of The Southern Mansion, going whale and dolphin watching , or getting a view of the entire island from the top of the lighthouse. If you’re afraid of heights, rent a bike for $10 a day and peddle your way around the island. There is also a beautiful beach, complete with a boardwalk, that is perfect for long walks.

If you like shopping, check out the cool vintage shop called Antiques Emporia, which sells tons of second hand goodies for a fraction of the cost. I bought two vintage clutches for $10 each.

Where to stay

I’m not going to lie, Cape May is a tad homogeneous (read: not that many people of color). That’s where Akwaaba - founded by former Essence editor-in-chief Monique Greenwood, and her husband Glenn Pogue - comes in. This set of Black owned adorable inns - across the street from each other - are decorated with an African touch. Thanks to Monique, who personally greets every guest upon arrival, and gives you the lo down on what to do and were to eat, black folks are beginning to migrate to this spot for vacations.

We stayed in Akwaaba by the Sea, a Victorian bed and breakfast just four blocks from the beach. Each morning, at 9 a.m., we were served a delicious breakfast that hit the spot. And Monique was very accommodating. Since my boyfriend and I are both vegetarians, Monique made sure to whip up some soy bacon for us. In each of her bed and breakfasts’ (Akwaaba by the Sea and Buttonwood Manor) ther

e were living rooms, dining rooms and full kitchens for the guests to use. Each guest room was uniquely decorated, and given a name that added to it’s flavor. We stayed in the “Mayors Retreat,” which ran us $150 a night.

How to get there

From New York City, go to Port Authority and take the New Jersey transit bus heading towards Atlantic City. Then take then you will transfer to the bus headed to Cape May. The whole trip is about $66 round trip, and takes a total of 4-5 hours to get there. During the summer there are express buses from NYC to Cape May. If you really want to save money, take the Chinatown bus at 88 E. Broadway to Atlantic City, then transfer to the bus heading to Cape May. That option will be closer to $30.

From Philly catch a bus from Philadelphia’s Greyhound Bus Terminal that is heading to Cape May, NJ. There is an express bus between Philadelphia and Cape May, but it only operates from June until September. The Philadelphia Greyhound Bus Terminal is located at 10th and Filbert, just north of the Gallery and Market East Station at Market St. Purchase tickets here.