“Freshly-cut Christmas trees smelling of stars and snow and pine
resin – inhale deeply and fill your soul with wintry night.”
John
J. Geddes
Down
in the further most south part of New Jersey, where the Delaware
meets the Atlantic Ocean lies the most charming seaside town that is
jam packed with beautiful Victorian homes, charm, and history. Joe
and I come here at least once a year, but it wasn’t until about
three years ago that Joe’s mother told us we had to go in and see
Congress Hall. We didn’t know what to expect and when we went
inside, but were blown away but how gorgeous it was. So this year,
when we came up, that was a must see spot.
We
had taken the Cape May - Lewes Ferry and arrived not long before
sunset. By the time we got to Congress Hall, the sun had set and
was dark. It was the perfect time to see Congress Hall lit up in all
its glory decorated up for the Christmas holiday. We found a parking
spot after circling around for a bit and were lucky it was only a
couple blocks from Congress Hall.
As
we walked down the quaint streets towards Congress Hall, many of
these amazing Victorian homes were beautifully decorated with all the
Christmas finery. Cape May is one of the country’s oldest
vacation resorts and is a National Historic Landmark. If you ever
get a chance to visit, you will understand why.
As
we walked up to this magnificent Federal style building with the
impressive three story white pillars rising high above us, it gave us
a sense of how small we were in comparison. Even the door was
oversized being much taller than normal. Around the doorway they
had placed a gorgeous Christmas garland decorated with white lights
and silver, green, and red shining large Christmas balls. Two
American Flags were fluttering in the wind outside the entrance.
This remarkable building stately building takes up an entire city
block to give you an idea of its size.
As
soon as we entered we faced a beautifully decorated mirror graced
with another gorgeous garland, and wrapped presents on the table
beneath. A star festooned the top of the mirror. We walked to
the left first and noticed what appeared to be a living room/waiting
room that was painted a rich green color and a huge Christmas tree in
the corner. A fire was burning in the fireplace and it was
incredibly homey. It was a gorgeous room and when I looked away
from the fire, I noticed that is where you check into the hotel.
We
turned and walked down the long wide hallway with huge candy cane
decorations on both sides that must have been 12 feet tall. There
were shoppes to visit and everything was decorated up and was and was
just stunning. People were milling around like we were just taking
in the sights.
Then
we went outside and it was a winter wonderland and people everywhere.
This was the 9th year of having this Christmas event
here that included a train for the children to ride, a carousel, and
over twenty vendors that surrounded the pool in booths decorated with
lights. The vendors sold Christmas items, paintings, unique items,
and great gift items. It was a fun shopping experience.
The
pool itself was a site to see with two floating fires that
illuminated the water. There was a fire pit that people were
sitting around and a couple places to get tasty treats and hot drinks
or beer and wine. I’ve heard the hot chocolate is the best ever.
Right
in the middle of the building where it turns to make an L shape is a
huge gorgeous wreath all lit up and a giant Christmas tree with a
large star on top. Two toy soldiers stood on pillars who appeared to
be keeping guard of the building and Christmas tree.
Parked
not far from that was a small train that for a fee you could take for
a ride around the property. This place is a delight and great fun
for adults as well as children. Even with it being after Christmas,
it brings that Christmas spirit back and just made us smile.
Congress
Hall was built in 1816 and was a boarding house initially that was
called “The Big House” by Thomas H. Hughes, the proprietor.
When the locals all spoke of “The Big House” that said it was to
big to be successful and instead called it, “Tommy’s Folly.”
Later when Hughes got elected to the House of Representatives, he
changed the name to Congress Hall.
Initially
this building was built of wood and during the Great Fire of Cape May
in 1878, it burnt down along with 35 acres. Hughes had it rebuilt
within a year. Four presidents vacationed here including Franklin
Pierce, James Buchanan, Ulysses S. Grant, and Benjamin Harrison.
While President Harrison was in office he made this building the
Summer White House and Congress Hall was also used for state business
several months out of the year. Another notable who stayed here was
John Phillip Sousa and his Marine Band who stayed often and composed
a march called the “Congress Hall March” which they performed on
the grounds in 1882. It is a fine piece of music.
At
one time this stately building was purchased by Reverend Carl
McIntire and was part of the Bible Conference. When the Bible
Conference was declining, Congress Hall was in a great state of
disrepair. Fortunately, Curtis Bashaw, Carl McIntire’s grandson,
purchased the property and began renovating it in 1995 and it was
completed in 2002 making this a high end resort hotel.
This
building has four floors with 106 rooms and two suites. It can hold
5,300 people and has over 6500 square feet of meeting space. There
is a beautiful outdoor pool, fitness center, a couple restaurants,
and many shoppes. The beach is directly across the street making
this the perfect place to stay anytime of the year.
With
all this buildings Victorian charm it is a must see if you are in
Cape May. We now stop here every time we are in the town of Cape
May. Check them out at: www.congresshall.com.
Till next time. Bye for now.
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