My first trip was at least twenty years ago... Once again, a three hour ride down to the very end of the Garden State Parkway took us to America's oldest seashore resort filled with quaint shops, succulent seafood and rows upon rows of charming bed and breakfast painted ladies... 

"Painted ladies" is a term used for Victorian and Edwardian houses and buildings painted in three or more colors that embellish or enhance their architectural details. Cape May, New Jersey, is filled with them! In fact, as we learned during our trolley tour, town law states any new structure must be built of wood in compliance with the antique style. Owners can paint their buildings in any color, just as long as they are painted, anything other than wood is strictly prohibited in order to maintain Cape May's famous old-time spirit and charm. Strolling the outdoor shoppers haven, we perused many unique boutiques, said hello to one of the carriage horses and returned to our porch for afternoon refreshments, watching vacationers like ourselves drink in the relaxed air.

Of course, I took many pictures... because each on is worth a thousand words. Streets lined, one after the other with such attention to detail in gingerbread trimming, impeccably enhanced by the surrounding kaleidoscope of fresh flowers and lush landscapes. Have a look...