While celebrating the maritime culture and history of the Jersey Cape at Historic Cold Spring Village’s Seafarers’ Weekend on August 22nd and 23rd, what could be better than to dine on a full seafood buffet? The Village is hosting the 2nd Annual Seafood Feast at the Cold Spring Grange Restaurant on Saturday, August 22nd from 5pm to 7pm. The Cold Spring Grange Restaurant’s own chef Vincent Buchter will cater the event, bringing a unique combination of locally produced, farm-to-table delicacies and comfort foods to the full seafood buffet. Tickets are $45.00 per person. Advance purchase is required. Please call (609) 898-2300 ext. 10 to purchase tickets.
Proceeds from the Seafood Feast will benefit the preservation of the Stillwell and Elizabeth Corson Barn. This late 1700s, early 1800s three-bay English barn was dismantled and moved from its original site in the Palermo section of Upper Township to the Village for restoration. Ground was recently broken and work on the foundation began at the barn’s new location in the grove north of the Cold Spring Grange Restaurant. Historic Cold Spring Village is currently home to three restored barns: the Corson Gandy Barn used by the farmer to illustrate 19th century agricultural techniques; the Willis Barn, which is used for broommaking demonstrations; and the George Douglass Carriage House, now a woodworking shop. All three barns are invaluable assets in keeping the rich agricultural history of Cape May County alive; the preservation of the Stillwell and Elizabeth Corson Barn will add to this important work. Furthermore, this barn will perform another vital function as a multi-use space for special events, classes, and private parties, adding significantly to the museum’s financial growth. An application is currently before the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control for the development of a microbrewery in the planned rear addition to the barn, which will attract a wider range of visitors and provide much-needed revenue for the museum’s stabilization.
Historic Cold Spring Village is a non-profit, open-air living history museum that portrays the daily life of a rural South Jersey community of the Early American period. It features 26 restored historic structures on a 30-acre site. Tuesday through Sunday, from late June to early September, interpreters and artisans in period clothing preserve the trades, crafts and heritage of “the age of homespun.” Fun and educational activities for children are featured Tuesday through Sunday, with special events every weekend through September.
The Village is located on Route 9, three miles north of Victorian Cape May and a mile and a half west of the southern terminus of the Garden State Parkway. Admission during the season is $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 are admitted free. Unlimited free admission is available with Village membership. The Village Nature Trail at Bradner’s Run is open to the public for free self-guided tours. Visit the Country Store, Bakery, Ice Cream Parlor and Cold Spring Grange Restaurant. For more information on events, membership, volunteering, or booking private affairs, please call (609) 898-2300, ext. 10, or visit the Village website at www.hcsv.org.