Cape May, NJ, named one of most beautiful small towns in U.S.

"Small Town" is a 1985 song written by John Mellencamp, that was very popular when I was growing up in the small town of Margate, NJ.

Fast forward to 2023 and I still live near that same small town, but have the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful small towns whenever I want and you do as well.

I'm talking about Cape May, NJ, which was just named one of the Top 20 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure Magazine.

The main criteria was a population under 20,000 peoplem, along with windswept coasts, historic architecture and natural scenery as just some of the things they were considering when making the list.

Located at the very southern most point of New Jersey, Cape May has something for everyone and every family.

It came in at No. 20 on their list of the most beautiful small towns in America.

“When you get there, you are struck by the beauty of Victoriana,” said Diane Wieland, director for Cape May County Tourism. “All the different colored painted houses...the gas lights. Then, there's a beautiful expansive beach.” Cape May’s pleasing aesthetics are obvious, but that's not the only thing contributing to its overall charm — there are no hotels or chain restaurants, nothing contrived. Wieland added, “This is the experience you’re going to get. And this is what we live every day.”

Cape May is a great spot for a winter weekend, a summer getaway, a fall afternoon and a spring walk down Washington street.

You can visit for Christmas and do your holiday shopping.  You can visit in the summer and sit on their beautiful beaches. You can visit in the fall to see the leaves change colors, grabbing a nice cold brew at their many breweries in town. You can visit in the spring when the weather starts to get a little warmer to get ready for the summer months.

Cape May has it all and on top of it all it is very ascetically pleasing with its Victorian homes and architecture.

Don't take Cape May for granted. While it might be a short drive, its worth a long weekend for the locals to visit.

Check out the full list of the Top 20 most beautiful small towns here.