Cape May, New Jersey isn’t just for summer vacation – it’s a year-round destination. Christmastime is spectacular, Halloween is perfectly spooky, Restaurant Week is to dine for, and the Victorian Weekend never fails to delight. There’s never a bad time to visit and, if I could, I’d be booking a trip right now. While I’ll have to wait, there’s still a way to enjoy Cape May without actually being there.
You can take a free virtual tour of the Emlen Physick Estate!
Staib/Wikipedia
A Victorian house museum with a fascinating history, it’s a can’t-miss Cape May attraction.
Carol M. Highsmith/Wikipedia
The 18-room mansion was built in 1879 for Dr. Emlen Physick Jr., his mother, and his Aunt Emilie.
Harriet Duncan/Wikipedia
You’ll find original furnishings on display inside the house, and gorgeous gardens outside. You’ll also find a carriage house gallery, tea room, and gift shop.
Cape May Mac/Flickr
The beautiful estate faced demolition but was saved by Cape May MAC, who produced the incredible tour you’ll find below.
Cape May MAC/Flickr
Cape May MAC (Museums. Arts. Culture.) is the cultural heart of Cape May. It holds a host of fantastic events each year and offers a variety of tours. Each year the estate tour is different, focusing on a unique aspect of Victorian life and culture. Past tours have focused on curious Victorian goods and traditional Victorian pastimes (including vaudeville), but this year’s theme is the history of the house itself, in honor of Cape May MAC’s 50th anniversary.
Staib/Wikipedia
Carol M. Highsmith/Wikipedia
Harriet Duncan/Wikipedia
Cape May Mac/Flickr
Cape May MAC/Flickr
While I’d love to see the full 45-minute tour in person, I’ll settle for the 13-minute tour offered by Cape May MAC in the video below. Though not as comprehensive as a longer tour, it offers an intriguing peek into what the museum has to offer. The guide is fantastic and while watching, I felt like I was actually there. Just press play to learn about one of the home’s strangest light fixtures, its haunted history, a piano that costs as much as a house, dining etiquette, and much more! You can also learn more about the museum and donate to support it by clicking here. If you enjoy the virtual tour, contribute what you can.
If you would like to visit in person, you can purchase tickets online. According to their website, the first floor is wheelchair accessible.
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Address: Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
