The Lower Township Chamber of Commerce is
organized to achieve the objective of promoting business and
community growth and development within by promoting economic
programs designed to strengthen and expand the income potential
of all business within the trade area and promoting programs of
civic, social and cultural nature which are designed to increase
the functional and aesthetic values of the community and
discovering and correcting abuses which prevent the promotion of
business expansion and community growth.
The
towns/villages within Lower Township are unique and
diverse.
Villas, a small fishing community along the Delaware bay, sprung up in the
40's and 50's and was for the most part, the summer of many blue collar
Philadelphians; North Cape May, also along the Delaware Bay is probably the most
populated section of lower township, is also the business district; the original
whaling village of Town Bank was once the county seat. Erma between the garden
state parkway and rt. 9 is a thriving family community with plenty of open
space; Historic Cold Spring, named so because of the fresh cold spring still
there today, was a favorite stopping place for the train which brought early
visitors to Cape May; and Diamond Beach, the only Atlantic Ocean front resort
community, proudly hosts some of the finest resort accommodations found along
the Cape.
Claim to Fame:
Lower Township, directly north of Cape May City is the home of the Cape May
Lewes Ferry terminal, the Cape May lighthouse is actually situated in lower
Township, the Cape May state park, Higbees Beach wildlife refuge and Cape May
Bird observatory are all within the bounds of Lower Township. Other famous
attractions include Historic Cold Spring village, and the Old Brick Church. The
port of cape may, now one of the busiest fishing ports along the east coast is
also in Lower Township.
Other Attractions: Birding is a major draw to Lower
Township, more than 400 species of birds can be spotted
throughout the area during spring and fall migration time. The
World Series of birding is held annually by the Cape May Bird
Observatory and the national Audubon Society. Historic Cold
Spring Village, a 19th century living farm museum, is open may
through October and offers a taste of what life was like in the
19th century. This 22-acre village has more than 24 historic
buildings of that period that were relocated from throughout
Cape May County. Costumed crafts people wander throughout the
village. The Victorian Village is just south of Cape May.
Variety: More than 40 species of fish are caught in
the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Boat liveries and tackle
shops are prevalent along the bay side, with a large
concentration of charter and party boats near the bridges
between Cape May and Diamond Beach areas. Lower Township unlike
Cape May City, allows hunting for deer, waterfowl, small game in
season. The lush wooded forests situated throughout the Township
are a favorite of locals for hunting.
Lower Township is a perfect sample of the diversity found
throughout the Jersey Cape. From the modern beachfront motels,
and condo's, to some of the best camping resorts to the cozy
fishing cottages found along the Delaware. Lower Township offers
a little of every thing the outdoorsman or vacationer is looking
for.
Affordable: Accommodations range from small
inexpensive motels to the plush beachfront resorts of Diamond
Beach. Many small mom and pop motels can be found scattered
along Route 9, Route 109 and Bayshore Rd. which runs through the
heart of Lower Township. These smaller motels, off the beaten
path, are often filled with repeat customers, who have found
affordable accommodations around quiet and peaceful settings.
Lower Township has its share of eateries. Many small restaurants
and diners serve family style affordable meals. Dozens of good
restaurants can be found throughout Lower Township, from fine
seafood to elegant gourmet dining.
Authentic: A drive through the township offers another
sample of its diversity. In addition to the large waterfront
homes, there is quaintness about Lower Township that is a
refreshing change from the other surrounding resort communities.
Large farms and farmhouses dot the landscape, many have a
historic past and are the home of many Mayflower decedents. It
is said that that only Plymouth, MA has more Mayflower decedents
than Lower Township. This is mostly because of the migration of
the Howland Family to the whaling village of Town Bank.
Food: Seafood is naturally the number one attraction
of Lower Township. The port of Cape May, process the most
Fish/Seafood of all ports along the east coast. Commercial
fishing is the second largest industry in Cape May County, with
most fish processed from plants in Lower Township. With a large
abundance of seafood year round, local seafood restaurants boast
of offering some of the best fresh seafood around.
Local Lore: Generation after generation of many local
families still live, work and play in lower township, this
gently growing community, still has strong roots to it founding
fathers. Visit some of the local restaurants or bait and tackle
shops and ask about the local lore, Many areas of the township
have hardly changed during the past few decades. The friendly
people of lower township are happy to talk about how things
were, and often you will see that things are not much different
now.
We hope that we have provided you with the information you
need to make Lower Township the place to visit today or in the
future.