Beach-O-Matic: Cape May, N.J. Sunday, May 17, 1997; Page E06

Victoriana -- the entire city of Cape May is a National Historic Landmark.

What's There?

Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center ... Cape May Bird Observatory ... Cape May County Park and Zoo ... Historic Cold Spring Village ... shopping at the Washington Street pedestrian mall.

Lodging

This is a B&B town -- there are more than 80 and most are genuinely Victorian; rates range from $85 to $300. Motel rooms start at $95 a night. For advance bookings (always recommended), Cape May Reservation Service (1-800-729-7778) handles 70 percent of Cape May's hotels, motels and B&Bs. Historic Accommodations of Cape May (609-884-0080) is a resource for last-minute vacancies.

Bargains

Ask about midweek rates.

The Drive

207 miles, 4 ½ hours

Quirk

Parking can be a nightmare; spaces are limited, and meter maids have a nose for the just-expired meter.

Contact

609-884-5508, http://www.co.cape-may.nj.us and http://www.beachcomber.com