House and Life

House and Life

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Cool Cape May


Gigi danced the beach all week

Drinks at the Brown Room in Congress Hall




I loved the chandeliers in this bed and breakfast

Seating on the porch seemed always to draw a few cocktails and guests every night


It seems like just about every other blog writer is off to Paris for September. But with a toddler and a 4 1/2 month old, the Jersey shore looked like the perfect quick fix for this end of season. Mix in a couple of great friends from Scranton and it made the perfect getaway. Quaint Cape May, filled with old Victorian charm with a m infused hipper vibe thanks to the likes of the re-invented Congress Hall. Cue hotelier Curtis Banshaw along with his talented interior designer sister Colleen, whol took this enormous structure on and made it relevent again, creating a youthful vibe with the likes of the Brown Room Bar and Boiler Room restaurant housed inside the pretty yellow and black shuttered hotel. We joined our friends Bill and Jen Davis for drinks one chilly evening at the beach. The deep brown walls with blown up black and white photos of original Congress Hall photos gave a sophisticated vibe, while touches of zebra and ikat pillows added a youthful touch. Add a roaring fire and you get a perfect setting for a relaxing evening sans the children Loved the enormous faux palms that soared to the ceiling, the toparies that glistened against the enormous mirror about the fire, and the smart seating plan that made everyone that night settle in for great cocktails.

We always found it easy to dine, shop, and navigate the town with the kids, as strollers are parked along center city, with great little restaurants tucked in between your typical beach shops. The beaches shimmered with the September light each day. Ah, back to reality. Thanks Cape May!