Why so many historic accommodations in one place? Cape May, the oldest seashore retreat in the United States, started hosting summer visitors back in the early 1800's.

It was considered fashionable then, as now, to have a summer "cottage" at the seashore.

In an effort to save those former 19th century summer "cottages," preservation-minded innkeepers have slowly turned the huge homes of the past into bed and breakfast inns and guest houses, suites and apartments. In addition, several wonderful historic hotels have survived the past 100 years or more intact.

The Cape May Historic Accommodations are all lodging places builty before 1920.

Today , the town's known nationally for its huge collection of Victorian era architecture.

Recognizing Cape May's uniqueness, the federal government has declared the entire town a National Historic Landmark.

When you visit Cape May, make sure to tour The Emlen Physick Estate, a Victorian mansion that's been restored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts.