Cape May Lighthouse: A Blend of History, Maritime Lore, and Awe-Inspiring Views

Nestled at the southernmost tip of New Jersey, in a picturesque area that feels like it’s been

brushed with a touch of magic, the Cape May Lighthouse stands as a beacon of history, beauty, and maritime significance. I didn’t just visit a lighthouse during my trip; I stepped into the past and experienced firsthand the charm of this iconic structure. Walking up to this soaring sentinel, surrounded by the salty sea air and the cry of gulls overhead, I immediately felt a sense of nostalgia, as if this place was a storyteller waiting to share its rich history with me.

Location, Location, Location

Set within the Cape May Point State Park, the Cape May Lighthouse is only a few miles from the heart of historic downtown Cape May and right along the tip where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The area surrounding the lighthouse is beautiful and natural—a stunning contrast to the quaint Victorian charm of Cape May’s downtown. As I parked my car and crossed the small pathway over dunes and marshlands, I found myself surrounded by the symphony of the ocean breeze and rustling grasses. Before me was the lighthouse—a majestic, 157-foot tower rising proudly against the coastal backdrop.

When you visit Cape May Point State Park, it feels like the edge of the world in the best way. The horizon stretches endlessly over the Atlantic, and you can spot migratory birds that call this place a stopping point on their journey- a paradise for nature lovers. But the lighthouse itself easily steals the show.

A History Illuminated

There’s something mesmerizing about lighthouses, isn’t there? They’re more than just navigational aids; they’re symbols of resilience, ingenuity, and hope. The Cape May Lighthouse, in particular, is steeped in a history as compelling as the rolling waves it overlooks.

The current Cape May Lighthouse, constructed in 1859, is actually the third lighthouse to occupy this site. The first was built in 1823 but was poorly located and eventually deemed ineffective. A second structure, completed in 1847, fared better but ultimately succumbed to the relentless encroachment of the sea. By the time the third (and current) lighthouse was completed, it was clear the engineers had learned from past mistakes. Built farther inland and with a more robust design, this iteration of Cape May Lighthouse is a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering that has stood the test of time.

The architecture itself is fascinating. Its sandstone and brick construction, reinforced with cast-iron elements, has kept it durable through storms, salt air, and the steady march of time. The base of the structure is wide and circular, tapering gracefully upwards—a design meant to resist the intense winds that batter the shore. It’s also painted in a bold, iconic contrast: a white tower with a red lantern, making it visible for miles around.

In its heyday, the lighthouse played a critical role in ensuring the safe passage of ships navigating the treacherous waters off the New Jersey coast. Before the days of GPS and radar, mariners relied on the light to guide them away from shifting sandbars, hidden shoals, and other hazards. The light, powered first by whale oil and later by Fresnel lenses, could be seen for 24 nautical miles—a brilliant beam extending into the dark Atlantic night.

Today, the lighthouse no longer serves as a navigational tool; modern technology has taken over that role. But the light still shines each evening thanks to the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry, which oversees the site. It’s a symbolic reminder of the lighthouse’s enduring legacy.

My Climb to the Top

Climbing all 199 steps of the Cape May Lighthouse was every bit as thrilling as it was exhausting (and let me tell you, I could feel every one of those steps). Sure, I paused a couple of times—not because I was out of breath, of course (wink), but because I wanted to admire the little glimpses of scenery that the small windows along the stairwell offered.

One thing they don’t prepare you for is just how narrow the spiral staircase gets as you ascend toward the top tier. With every creak of the stairs and every echo of conversation from below, I couldn’t help but think about generations of lighthouse keepers who had made this same climb, often carrying heavy oil cans to keep the light burning through the night. There’s something deeply humbling about standing in their footsteps—literally.

When I reached the top… wow. That view. You don’t forget a view like that. Spreading out before you is the vast Atlantic Ocean, the Delaware Bay, and the patchwork of Cape May Point State Park’s marshy terrain. On a clear day like the one I had, you can see as far as Delaware and Wildwood. It’s not just the view—it’s the sense of being a tiny speck in such a vast, interconnected world. That feeling stays with you.

Fun Facts You’ll Want to Know

Did you know that the Cape May Lighthouse is still operational today? Though automated, the light continues to shine, partly out of tradition and partly for historical preservation. Here’s another fun tidbit: the lighthouse is believed to have its share of ghost stories. Cape May, after all, is known for its rich haunted history, and some visitors swear they’ve felt a “presence” while climbing the stairs. Now, I didn’t meet any ghosts on my visit, but you can bet I was keeping an eye out!

And here’s something cool: Not a single penny of taxpayer money went into its restoration! The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC), the organization that runs the lighthouse, relies entirely on admission fees and donations for maintenance. So, when you buy that ticket to climb the lighthouse steps, you’re contributing to its preservation—a fact that made the climb feel even more meaningful.

Wrapping It All Up

Standing beside the lighthouse as I prepared to leave, I couldn’t help but smile. The Cape May Lighthouse isn’t just a historic structure; it’s a living connection between the past and the present, a place where maritime lore and history fuse seamlessly with breathtaking beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or an adventurer at heart, this lighthouse has something for everyone.

So, if you find yourself in Cape May, do yourself a favor: stop by the lighthouse, take the climb, and let yourself be swept away by everything it represents. Who knows—maybe you’ll find that the Cape May Lighthouse does more than just illuminate the shore. It might just illuminate a little piece of you, too.

A Cozy Fall Invitation: Step Inside the Heart of Coast & Country

There’s something magical about autumn—the way it ushers in golden afternoons and crisp evenings, the way its beauty seems to quietly remind us to savor the moment. It’s a season of connection, creativity, and warm, welcoming spaces.

And here at Coast & Country, autumn feels like the perfect time to invite you into ours. Imagine the scent of fresh coffee brewing, a soft knit blanket over your knees, and a room full of inspiration waiting to be discovered. That’s what we hope to offer with what we’ve created—a space where art, passion, and practicality all meet.

Today, I want to take you somewhere special: my art studio, the heart and soul of Coast & Country, and the place where ideas and creativity bloom all year round. Ready? Let’s step inside.

Where Every Piece Begins

Every time I pick up a brush or snap a photo, the journey begins again. There’s something almost sacred about the process of creating—of finding the perfect mix of colors to bring a sunrise to life on canvas, or composing a photograph that captures the sweep of a country lane in autumn’s full splendor.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the creative process. From brushstrokes to shutter clicks, there's something uniquely fulfilling about capturing the world as you see it and shaping that vision until it’s ready to be shared. But behind every piece of art is a story—one that’s often unseen.

Take painting, for example. When you look at a finished piece, it’s easy to admire the outcome, but the path to get there is full of twists and turns. There are countless layers, a little trial and error, and years of experience hidden in every brushstroke. Oftentimes, a painting begins as just a whisper of an idea—a quick sketch in my notebook, or a scene I’ve stored in the back of my mind for weeks, waiting for the right moment.

The same is true for my photography. For me, capturing the perfect image isn’t just about pressing the shutter—it’s about finding balance and creating a story. Whether it’s the golden slant of sunlight across the dunes or the subtle textures of fallen leaves, I try to capture the moments that make you pause. And to be honest, this whole process has made me appreciate the little things even more.

My studio is where all this magic happens. It’s less like a formal workspace and more like a cozy lab for exploration and creation. It’s a place where I roll up my sleeves, connect with the ideas bouncing around in my head, and transform them into something tangible for you to enjoy.

Art Meets Life

At Coast & Country, we believe art should feel personal and approachable—it shouldn’t just hang on a wall; it should be something you live with, something that sparks warmth and joy in your everyday life. That’s why my art doesn’t just stop at paintings or photographs. We’ve brought these designs to life in a variety of ways, blending form and function to create pieces that add beauty to your home and make wonderful gifts for the people you love.

Some of my favorite creations are those that take art beyond the traditional canvas. You can find my designs on charming everyday items like mugs, which are perfect for wrapping your hands around on a chilly morning while sipping your coffee or tea. We’ve also transformed these pieces into joyful puzzles—because honestly, is there anything cozier on a crisp fall day than pouring a puzzle out on the dining table while the leaves rustle outside?

For collectors and lovers of curated spaces, we also feature framed art prints that are ready to add the perfect finishing touch to any room. And as the holidays approach, I’m particularly excited about our Christmas ornaments and seasonal decorations. Each one reflects that magical spirit of the season and makes a heartfelt addition to your tree or mantle.

Even for those who embrace the art of journaling, we’ve got something unique: classic lined page journals, where the cover itself becomes a piece of creativity. Whether you’re jotting down your thoughts, doodling, or planning, these journals are companions as beautiful as the stories they’re meant to hold.

Every product we share is a piece of the heart and creativity that bubbles over in my studio. They are made to be used, cherished, and celebrated—not just admired. My wife and I poured our love for art and home into every one of them because we believe art is meant to be a part of life, not apart from it.

Welcome to the Journey

Over the years, my wife and I have also fallen in love with the hunt for art as collectors. We’ve wandered through galleries, searched for hidden finds, and spoken with artists to build pieces of our own little collection. We know that for those new to collecting, it might feel intimidating at first. But that’s the beauty of Coast & Country—it’s a place for art lovers, beginners, and seasoned collectors alike.

Whether you’re looking for that perfect piece for your space, or you want to bring artistry into your daily life with one of our practical but beautiful creations (like those mugs—and our stunning decorator clocks), my studio and our shop are here for you. We want to make art accessible, warm, and joyful—a part of your story, just as it’s been such a meaningful part of mine.

An Autumn Invitation

So as the cool days settle in and the leaves paint the ground with the warm tones of fall, I invite you to come and explore. I hope you feel all the heart, love, and creativity we’ve poured into Coast & Country. From our art studio to your home, it’s our mission to bring you not just products, but pieces of joy, comfort, and connection.

Stay for a while. Wander through our shop. Find something to wrap up as a gift or something special for yourself. And if you’re like me, don’t forget a warm mug of cider to sip as you browse. After all, art, like fall, is best enjoyed in the coziest of ways.

We’re so glad you’re here and can’t wait to share our creations with you.

Warmly,

Lee and Barbara Buchanan

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Welcome to Coast and Country: Finding Joy Where the Land Meets the Sea

Hello, and a very warm welcome.

I’m so incredibly happy you’ve found your way to our little corner of the internet. My name is Lee M. Buchanan, and Coast and Country is more than just a store to me, it's a feeling, a memory, and a passion project brought to life.

Whether you’re someone who feels most at home with the scent of salt in the air and sand between your toes, or someone who finds peace in the quiet hum of the countryside, you’re in the right place. Coast and Country was built on the idea that our homes should be a sanctuary, a reflection of the moments and places that bring us the most joy.

For as long as I can remember, I've been drawn to the beautiful tension between these two worlds. The wild, untamed energy of the coast and the gentle, grounding spirit of the country. Coast and Country was born from a desire to capture that feeling and bring it into our daily lives, through a beautifully crafted mug that warms your hands on a chilly morning, a soft linen throw that feels like a hug, or a piece of decor that whispers a story of the sea.

More Than a Store, This is Our Journal

While I invite you to browse our collections, this blog is where I hope we can connect on a deeper level. It’s a space for us to share stories, inspiration, and the simple joys that make a house a home.

As I thought about what to share here, I realized the best blog posts, the ones that truly resonate, often come from the heart. So, I plan on approaching my Blog's in a few different ways, and I hope you'll join me for the journey.

• We’ll share the stories behind the products. Every item in our store is chosen with intention. Sometimes we’ll take you behind the scenes, sharing the inspiration behind a new collection—perhaps a trip to a windswept shoreline that inspired a new color palette, or the discovery of an artisan whose craft perfectly embodies the country spirit. It’s a wonderful way to see the "why" behind what we do.

  
  

• We’ll offer inspiration and simple "how-to's." We believe creating a beautiful space shouldn’t be complicated. We’ll be sharing our favorite tips for bringing that coastal or country feel into your home, no matter where you live. Think posts like, “5 Simple Ways to Create a Cozy Reading Nook,” or “How to Style Your Shelves with Natural Elements.” It's all about providing value and helping you create your own personal retreat.

  
  

• We’ll get personal. Sometimes, a blog post doesn't need to be about anything more than a moment. I might share a story about a perfect morning walk on the beach or the simple pleasure of watching the sunset over a rolling field.

  
  

• These are the moments that fuel the Coast and Country spirit, and I hope by sharing them, we can all be reminded to find the beauty in our everyday lives.

Come on In and Explore

I’m so glad you’re here. I invite you to make yourself a cup of tea, get comfortable, and have a look around.

If you’re dreaming of the sea, you might want to start with our Coastal Living collection. If your heart belongs to the rolling hills and quiet meadows, our Country Charm collection is waiting for you.

This is just the beginning. Coast and Country is a community for all of us who find beauty in the simple, the natural, and the authentic. This isn't just our space; it's yours, too. Please feel free to leave a comment below and say hello—I'd love to know what brings you more joy, the coast or the country!

Thank you for stopping by. I can't wait to get to know you.

Warmly,

Lee M. Buchanan Co-Founder, Coast and Country