Imagine moss-colored wicker rockers, sandy wooden floors and railings with gingerbread detail, beautifully worn cast iron flower pots overflowing with vibrant red geraniums and the sounds of distant seagulls floating in the warm summer air. Now smell the comforting aromas of freshly roasted coffee mixed with fresh raspberry cream cheese tarts floating from inside the elegant dining room decorated with a massive 12-person dining table along with a mahogany side bar.

“Good morning Mr. Smith. Breakfast is served in the dining room or if you’d like, you can enjoy it out here on the front porch, whatever you like.”

And so begins the day at the Bedford Inn Bed and Breakfast in Cape May, New Jersey, one of the historic inns that can be found among numerous well-maintained inns in this quaint Victorian town. The Bedford Inn offers 9 guest rooms, each named for a particular person that meant something special to the former owner.

Virginia’s Suite offers true antique furnishings that range from a high-back Victorian king bed to a marbletop walnut bureau to a clawfoot tub in the room’s private bathroom.

In Lauren’s room, soft, flowing lace curtains dance in the soft breezes of the summer season or the windows can be shaded and the air conditioner turned on from the units provided in each room. It would be easy to let the day slip by relaxing on the front porch sipping tea and having a nice conversation with your significant other or by sinking into a king-size mattress while finishing up the last few chapters your most recent book.

But just outside the Bedford Inn lie numerous vacation attractions that are hard to resist. The expansive beach is just one block away and offers guards at each block. The charming boardwalk offers typical but welcome summer fare including a fudge shop and ice cream and hot dog stands along with a well-maintained and clean arcade. And when you day at the beach is over, the Bedford Inn provides outdoor showers complete with fresh towels and a clothes line to dry out your bathing suit if you wish.

There’s no shortage of shopping in Cape May and you can find anything from an expensive tiffany-style lamp to T-shirts and flip flops on the Washington Street Mall, also just a few blocks within walking distance from the Bedford Inn.

Pearle’s is an upscale boutique on the mall that will entice any female shopper with its beautifully displayed window presentations of sleek silver jewelry paired with a sheer black sundress and vibrant turquoise blue handbag.

If it’s trinkets you’re shopping for, the Whale’s Tale is overflowing with Victorian-style objects and you’ll be serenaded with their selection of the day’s soothing music. The kids will be enthralled by the toy shop with its variety of candy, Webkinz and beach toys located near the newly renovated Catholic Church, Our Lady Star of the Sea.

If you’d prefer not to break out your sneakers and walk the town, which is highly recommended since parking is in short supply, bike rentals abound and you can either ride solo or take the family all together in a four-seated bike complete with overhang to protect you from the sun’s rays. Shields Bike Rental has been a long-standing bike rental operation and is located in the heart of the town just a few blocks from the beach so getting there is not complicated.

Shopping, biking, beaching – what more could you ask for from a vacation at the Bedford Inn?

How about fantastic dining? While a bit pricey, Cape May restaurants offer the best in fine dining.

Tisha’s is located directly on the boardwalk with a fantastic view of the ocean from your table. Immense window-doors open up onto the back porch to let the fresh salt air drift over each and every table in the restaurant. And because the entire restaurant is flanked by these enormous open doors, there isn’t a table in the house with a bad view.

If it’s more intimate dining you’re looking for, Louisa’s on the mall provides a small, warm atmosphere with only about 12 tables in the entire restaurant. Nightly specials are delicately written on the chalkboard and be sure not to miss the desserts at Louisa’s. They are some of the best in the town.

The Washington Inn is located more in the historic district of the town and requires jackets for the men. But don’t consider it stuffy at all. You can eat in the inner dining room alongside the fireplace or sit on the relaxing side porch while enjoying fantastic entrees.

After a day enjoying all these wonderfully exciting activities, you can take comfort in the serene environment you’ll find back at the Bedford Inn. Gas-fueled lamps envelope the street in warm light. There’s barely a sound at the inn other than the soft music playing from the dining room and the tick of the clock over the mantle in the parlor.

Your Victorian bed awaits you with freshly laundered linens and cozy warm blankets. What a nice way to end the day and slip away into a restful sleep at the Bedford Inn.

If you’d like to learn more about this cozy and inviting destination, please visit http://www.bedfordinn.com/ or call the current owners, Archie and Stephanie Kirk, at 609-884-4158.

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Alesha Corwin writes about travel, vacation homes and the Bed and Breakfast industry. To explore additional information about vacation home rentals, visit: http://www.findvacationrentals.com/

Follow Alesha on Twitter @AleshaCorwin