Image snapshot: New google maps feature for capemayX.com

We eXplore Cape may so you can too

We added a cool feature to capemayX.com — our very own interactive Cape May, NJ Google Map.  Now, visitors who have never been here before can easily, without leaving the site,  learn more about Cape May. Like where it is for starters. Or how about the names and locations of streets and beaches. This map is a great tool that's simple to use for anyone planning a trip to town. We're also introducing custom Google Maps as a value added sponsor feature which we'll explain in more detail when that goes live, shortly.

Here's a simple, fast tip for the Cape May visitor (or local) to easily find which movies are playing and where. Use Google. The following movie listings link presents a super clean layout by movie title. There are no ads nothing blinks and you can be in and out in 20 seconds.

Perfect.

Now here's a question for our readers: would it be useful if capemayX.com compiled a simple summary page of the best links (like the movie listing page) for finding key Cape May information? We're not talking layer upon layer of confusing navigation menus that you have to fight to use. Rather, we'd design a simple text listing of key resources that present relevant, helpful summaries about town. This would be the kind of listing you always come back to even if we send you to another site, becausee it's dead simple and obvious. If we receive enough requests via the comments well do it. So speak up and let us know!

Speed tip: We designed the top banner so no matter where you are in the site, if you click the top banner image you'll always return to the daily dose home page.

When you're in Cape May, what do you read at the beach? That's the question we put to Donna, Jennifer and Linda — girls of the famed Elward House on Cape May's Decatur Street. Click to see our short impromptu video interview. We loved the reply from Jennifer (2nd girl), though we think she may have thought it was a book review assignment. That's understandable since the group planned the interview at 2 in the morning after our 5th round of drinks. The next time she's visiting, capemayX will plan a live book review test so read up Jennifer. Thanks to all the Elward House girls for their input! And though we only got two book recommendations, each is a perfect addition to your beach bag. Grab a copy today on the way to your favorite sun spot. Anything to add? Put commentary in the comments. Thanks!



Books recommended:
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
* I just started The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult. So far it's great. I'll post a review (as an update to this story) when I'm done.

Thanks to Dennis for adding Congress Hall to the list of places to purchase the New York Times in the morning. Any others we're missing?

I love reading my morning USA Today and New York Times (in addition to local papers). It's a ritual that starts the day. When traveling to a new town, it can be helpful to know where to pick up your trsuted daily pulp standbys. Every time a Cape May visitor sees me reading and asks where they can get a Times, I've wondered why there's not an online summary. So capemayX.com compiled a simple list of Cape May paper delivery locations to make you feel right at home with your morning reading ritual. If we've left any locations out, feel free to post additional information to the comments.

Click to read more ...

Millions (literally) of sites provide weather forecasts, some better than others. One of the the best we've found is weathermole. It combines the best of Google Mapping with Weather Forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

We especially like the layout, reading left to right and combining graphic icons with relevant text and appropriate colors (red=hot, blue=cool). It's a clear summary with no distracting ads or animations buzzing the page. And you can tell in a half second glance the weather trend for the next few days. Perfect!

Use Weathermole to plan out your Cape May weekly beach schedule. (on the weathermole home page, type the zip code - 08204 - or the city and state to get Cape May's report)

We've listed all ATMs in town that don't charge a fee. By our count there's two. Who isn't annoyed by ATM fees? It's a small detail that subtly says "we're going to nickel and dime you, because we can." Sure businesses make an extra buck or two. But long term is it worth it? Is businesss that good?

Click to read more ...