Inn at the Park

The Inn at the Park is more than a charming retreat in a picturesque setting. It’s also a glimpse of a bygone era, beyond the Victorian caricature of ladies in bustles and gentlemen in frock coats.

The property was built in 1893 for sea captain Henry Walker Hand, of the founding local family that traces its lineage to the Mayflower. An 1889 obituary remembers the Navy veteran chiefly for “following the sea” and serving in the Civil War. He then returned to Cape Island to become editor of the Ocean Wave newspaper, later the Star and Wave.

But that’s just a glancing account of a much richer life. According to innkeepers Susan and Carl Spatocco, Hand was a daring abolitionist who risked his life to ferry slaves to safety in the north and spent time for his exploits in a southern jail. He was also a schoolteacher and enthusiastic birder, who especially prized the state’s resident hawk species. 

To spend time at the Inn of the Park is to absorb that history, learn about that intrepid hero, and occupy the place he called home—a gracious 19th century residence with chestnut woodwork, luminous stained-glass windows, and a witch’s cap turret.

A framed, hand-written bill of sale, on display in the dining room, shows that Hand paid $1,670 for the home, which now offers three guest rooms in the main house—the Captain’s Quarters, the Lighthouse Room, and the Sunset Suite—and three more in the adjoining cottage.

The latter are named for the couple’s daughters: Bella Nicole, Joanna Rose, and Samantha Ann. Each is distinct in feel and décor. The third-floor Lighthouse Room, for example, has original arched windows overlooking an antique king-sized brass bed, plus a twin trundle bed that also opens to a king, perfect for families. The Joanna Rose Room is a study in subtle florals against white wicker, made even brighter by a skylight and cathedral ceiling.

All the rooms include comforts like fireplaces for those cooler evenings. Depending on the accommodation, some also offer luxuries like whirlpool baths and heated floors.

I was lucky enough to stay in the Captain’s Quarters, a spacious room in shades of blue, white, and buttercup yellow. The king-sized bed’s wooden headboard and footboard are both ornately carved, typical of the Victorian era. The original square stained-glass window, in panes of blue, green, yellow, and orange, “grabs the sunlight and washes the room with it,” says Carl. The bath includes a gorgeous claw-foot slipper tub and separate oversized shower and adjoins a private deck.

Located on the corner of Washington Street and Madison Avenue, the Inn at the Park is an easy stroll or bike ride to the mall and promenade, the bars, boutiques, and bistros. But it’s far enough from downtown to feel like a real getaway. The “park” in question is Kiwanis Community Park, right next door, a leafy haven with a pond, gazebo, curving walkways, tennis courts, and a picnic area.

The Spatoccos are Delaware County, Pennsylvania natives who summered in the Villas as children, and always hoped to live in Cape May. Eight years ago, they realized that dream, and since then have built a loyal customer base. Carl often regales visitors with a history of the inn, “but we have so many repeat guests, some of them could give the speech themselves,” he jokes.

“It’s just like family,” agrees Susan.

A prior owner was a big fan of purples, pinks, and mauves, a motif that’s still prevalent. The inn is undergoing slow but steady renovations to introduce a lighter theme. But one thing won’t change: the collection of musical instruments that covers almost every downstairs wall and surrounds the parlor’s majestic old player piano (it works, and there are dozens of music rolls to choose from). There are banjos and saxophones, ukuleles and trombones, and a basket full of maracas, pan flutes, and even cowbells for impromptu concerts around the fire. Multi-instrumentalist Carl can also serve as leader of the band.

Little things mean a lot in a B&B stay, and nothing has been overlooked at the Inn at the Park, from magnifying mirrors and makeup towels in the bathroom, to a 24-hour coffee bar, to a nighttime dessert offering, which is Susan’s contribution in lieu of afternoon tea.

Your hosts own several specialty food stores, including the Cape May Peanut Butter Company, so don’t be surprised if you’re offered a nightcap of peanut butter whiskey (surprisingly sweet, mild and tasty), Carl also served samples of deliciously crunchy brownie-batter fudge from the shop.

Breakfast was a comfort-food feast: first a rich yogurt parfait topped with fruit and granola, then the main event: pumpkin waffles with honey butter, fresh maple syrup, sausage, and piping hot coffee, served by the inn’s justly renowned cook, Bonnie.

The Inn at the Park is ideal for weddings, honeymoons, reunions, and family gatherings, and is a great solo sanctuary. I couldn’t have asked for a more pleasant stay than this.