Cape May is one of the Garden State’s great year-round destinations, but the area really outdoes itself in the fall, with a long list of special attractions. All of the events listed here are sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities. For more information or to make reservations, call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
Halloween Horror Show at the Physick Estate
October 1-2, 6, 8-9, 15, 19, and 29
A crime has been committed in Cape May’s original haunted house. Interact with a cast of likely suspects as the murder mystery unfolds. 6:45 and 8:30 pm, last three dates, 8:30 pm only; $25 for adults and $20 for children 3 to 12. Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street. On Halloween, the historic house will host trick or treat for boys and ghouls. 5-7 pm; free.
Victorian Week Murder Mystery Dinners
October 8-9, and 10-11
Mingle with the suspicious cast of Impromptu Players while trying to solve the mystery of Blood on their Hands. Enjoy a three-course dinner. Reservations are required. 7 pm; $45. Aleathea’s Restaurant, 7 Ocean Street. The Impromptu Players will invade the dining room with a new mystery, One Tough Cookie, October 15-16, and 22- 23.
Chocolate Championship Tour and Tasting
October 9
Inns, B&Bs, and restaurants will vie for Cape May’s Chocolate Champion title. Visit each competitor’s property, sample their signature chocolate dessert, and vote for your favorites. Those who turn in completed evaluation cards will get recipes by email. 1 to 3:30 pm; $25 for adults and $15 for children 3 to 12. The Cliveden Inn, the Dormer House, the Henry Sawyer Inn, Inn at the Park, the Mason Cottage, the Primrose Inn, and Victorian Lace Inn.
Vintage Dance Weekends
October 9-10
Dance instructor Martha Griffith will lead three workshops October 9 at Franklin Street School on the popular ballroom dances of the mid- and late-nineteenth century. 9:30 am to 2 pm; $45; 712 Lafayette Street. The same day, a costumed Vintage Ball will be held at Cape May Elementary School with live music by Spare Parts, a band specializing in ragtime and Victorian era music. 8 pm; $35; 921 Lafayette Street. The following day, Franklin Street School will host a tea dance with live music by Spare Parts. Victorian dress encouraged but not required. Refreshments are included at the ball and tea dance. 2 pm; $25. An all-inclusive package for the weekend is available for $95.
Mad Batter Beer Dinner
October 15
Celebrate Oktoberfest with a four-course dinner paired with beer featuring East Coast microbrews. 7:30 pm; $65 (tax and gratuity included). Mad Batter Restaurant, 19 Jackson Street. The restaurant also will hold a beer school on October 17 where guests can learn about the world of beer and sample five brews and munch on light refreshments. 2 pm; $25.
Harvest Festival Crafts and Antiques Show
October 16
Celebrate fall with a new open-air crafts and antiques show. Vendors from throughout the region display and sell their wares. 10 am to4 pm; free. Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street.
Madame Parmentier’s Psychic Tea
October 16, 23, and 30
Dr. Physick’s aunt, Emilie Parmentier, returns to her home in spirit for a Halloween-themed luncheon complete with wandering fortune-tellers, phrenologists, and strange characters. 11:30 am to 2 pm; $25 includes tea luncheon. Carriage House Tearoom & Café, 1048 Washington Street.
A Lighthouse Ride with the Ghost Writer
October 23
Paranormal investigator Craig McManus will take guests on a haunted trolley ride to the Cape May Lighthouse while relating his eerie findings. Climb to the top or stay below—either way, there may be a ghost encounter. 6 pm; $30. Leaves from Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street. McManus also will offer 45-minute haunted trolley rides in Cape May’s historic district while talking about ghosts and the history of the houses where he previously sensed activity, October 22, 7:30 and 8:30 pm. (Leaves from Washington Street Mall Information Booth at the corner of Washington and Ocean streets) and October 23, 8:30 pm (leaves from Emlen Physick Estate), $25.