Day 3 in Cape May

It was Friday morning and I had a 6 mile run to do on my training schedule.  (I will be traveling to do the Bird in Hand Half Marathon in September.)   So I got up extra early (around 5:30!!) to get out there early.  One of my sisters decided to join me.  We got that done and met up with the rest of the crew for breakfast.  This morning we decided to try Coffee Thyme which was right on Beach Ave.   I split a cinnamon roll with my sister and had an iced coffee.  Very tasty and more organized than Avalon.  However they could use some better outdoor seating.  

We walked back to the room and my sisters and I headed out to the Cape May Lighthouse.  We always see the lighthouse across the beach and decided this year we wanted to check it out.  We drove over to get there when it opened.   It was $8 per adult to get in to climb all the stairs to the top, 199 steps in total.  We headed up and were happy to find there was a landing around every 30 steps.  At each landing, you can move out of the staircase if others want to pass you and there is a small window and some information or photographs about the lighthouse.   We were the only ones there at the time but we still stopped at each landing to see what was there and catch a quick breath before continuing on.  

Honestly, climbing up all those stairs was much easier than I thought it would be.  Stopping at each landing definitely helped.  There was a volunteer at the top who was happy to answer any questions and even offered to take our picture all together.  It was a beautiful day with great views.  We looked around for a bit, signed the guest book, and headed back down.  

Outside the lighthouse in a separate small building was a small gift shop.  We took a look around and I bought a magnet proclaiming that I climbed all 199 steps!  As you walk out towards the parking lot, there is also a visitor's center.  We didn't stop in there because it was almost 10 am and you know what happens at 10 am:  Pool's open!!

So yes, we spend another day poolside which was again nice and relaxing.  Around 3 pm, we started to get cleaned up and ready to venture out to Atlantic City!  

We make one trip up to Atlantic City each year that we go to Cape May.   My sisters aren't big gamblers but we all enjoy it as a night out.  This year we returned to the Borgata.  It is about a 40 minute drive from Cape May and pretty easy to get to.  We did valet parking and headed towards the buffet.  We still had about an hour before the buffet was open so we all split up to do some gambling.  None of us are big spenders.  We all play the penny slots for the most part.   I got luck and was up about $20 when it was time to head in to eat.

Yes, eating at 4 pm is very early.  But our crew doesn't like waiting or crowds so for one night we enjoy the early bird dinner... not that it is any less expensive.  The Borgata has a very nice buffet.  A lot of variety from Chinese food, to BBQ and even a fresh pasta station.  I really enjoy the fried chicken and cheddar biscuits.  And, of course, there is always a good selection of desserts. 

After we rolled ourselves out of the buffet, it was time to go back to slots.  We set a time to meet and all go on our way.  I like to play different machines so I usually end up walking around most of the casino.  I had some good luck and found myself up $100 so I decided to quit while I was ahead.  I texted my sisters and met up with them to walk around a bit.  When we all were done, somehow it was decided that the winner would treat to Starbucks!   I don't remember that rule when I lost in previous years. :)   But no problem. We all got our drinks, picked up the car and headed back to Cape May.

It was maybe around 9:30 / 10 pm when we returned.  We hung around a bit and then called it a night.    

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View of the stairs from botttom

View from the top

My souvenir!