I absolutely lose my mind over historical gems such as the Physick Estate that have the entire house to peruse! The tour guide was fantastic & really went through every possible detail on the family & the history. Came with my friends on the first day of our CM vacation on a weekend. Pretty easy enough to purchase tickets ahead of time at the gift store. All in all a perfect way to spend a few hours learning about the local history! Highly recommend!!!! read more

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Whenever I'm traveling I do my best to look up if there are any museums or historical points of interest I can check out. Even though Cape May is known mostly as a Jersey Shore resort community, there's a lot of eye candy in the form of Victorian architecture - including some historic estates. One of these is the Emlen Physick Estate, and since they offer tours of the house I thought it would be a great way to spend part of my afternoon. Located on Washington St slightly away from the main hustle and bustle of CM, the Emlen Physick Estate sits on a sizeable piece of land somewhat inward from the street. The property contains the main house, a carriage house which now holds the gift shop and a restaurant, and another building used for administration. The estate is run by Cape May MAC, who worked to restore the house back in the 70s. In addition to the standard estate tour, they also offer trolley tours and evening "haunted" tours on the property. The Estate was built for Dr. Emlen Physick, who came from a prominent family. I won't give away the details of the tour, but they did a really good job discussing the history of the property, Physick and his family, as well as all of the architecture and decor of the estate. Our tour guide did a great job with every aspect of the tour, including answering our questions. One thing I noticed was that the promo pictures here on Yelp show historical interpreters guiding the tour, but we didn't have that. Our guide was great, but a historical interpreter would have been a funner touch. The tour took about 45 minutes to an hour, and afterwards we were given free-reigns to explore the carriage house which had merch and a small self-guided tour area. Overall, I enjoyed my time at the Emlen Physick Estate; it's definitely worth taking the time to explore and a welcome contrast to the typical beach things to do in the area. read more

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The Physick Estate Christmas Tour was such a pleasure. From the moment that you walk into the mansion, you go back in time to the late 1800's. The tour guides remain in character and provide the tour as if they are within that era. The tour guide was magnificent. She spoke at a perfect cadence, described every room with great detail, allowed plenty of time for us to take in each room, and time to take pictures. The mansion is immaculate, elegant, and well kept. The Christmas decorations are stunning and beautiful. The pictures that you will view do absolutely no justice to what you will experience, here. I highly recommend this tour and am so glad, that they have preserved this fabulous piece of history for us to enjoy. read more

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There is a lot of nice events that happen at the Estate. But, one has to be careful, if the event is being hosted/organized by the MAC. Not all of their events is not worth attending. One such event is the Murder Mystery at The Chalfonte. Another is some of their holiday trolley tours. Also, make sure that your Christmas trolley tour or any event the MAC holds does not occur during the Cape May Christmas Parade. Because, they will take your money; but you will not be able to get on to Cape May or enjoy the event you paid for. read more

Last Saturday, our crew scheduled a dose of spooky history goodness to break up the winery-related debauchery of the weekend. The initial purchase included a tour of the estate (which, based on other reviews and a website description, was supposed to be about 45 minutes in duration), followed by a trolley tour of the historic areas of Cape May right around sundown. I'm a cagey veteran of quite a few ghost tours up and down the Eastern Seaboard, so I was looking forward to the trolley especially. Unfortunately, the trolley part was cancelled I think about a day or so before we were set to go over there due to lack of conductor (driver? not sure what you call them) availability, so we had to settle for just the house tour. It wasn't terrible, but we definitely left feeling vaguely unsatisfied - the lack of the trolley loomed large. The atmosphere was top-notch. We coincidentally ended up over there during some gail/tornado warnings in the area, so the sky looked super ominous and actually opened up about 30 seconds after we left the building. Regardless of the actual weather, the tour was timed so it was pretty dark when it started. Appropriate vibes, in my opinion. We met up with the group outside on the porch, and the tour started shortly thereafter, breaking the pack up into two (about 10 people in each) so we could easily navigate around the first and second floors without too much congestion. The house itself is awesome. I grew up in homes that were built between 1770 and 1860, so I can appreciate the attention to detail and overall character that you just don't get from an 80s bi-level. I'm not an expert on Victorian architecture, but the interior of the house seemed very well-preserved and respected. Some of it looked a little stagey (I have trouble believing, for instance, that the original inhabitants carefully propped their Ouija board on a chair when they weren't using it) but I think that's pretty par for the course and not something I would take points off for. We were also fortunate that it was a little nippy (early April) so the lack of ventilation that you often encounter with these types of homes wasn't a factor. The tour guide was nice but seemed a little unprepared. For instance, at one point I believe in the context of a child passing away in the house, she mentioned that the specific percentage of infant mortality was high and then paused - she didn't remember the number and excused it by saying, "I haven't done this tour in a while," admitting that she hadn't given the tour since last year and couldn't remember all of her notes. Isn't that enough of a reason for a refresher prior to actually handling the tour? Beyond that, I wasn't crazy about the heavy emphasis placed on discussing a ghost hunter that the house hired to look around the premises a few years ago. Regardless of how strongly you believe or don't believe in the paranormal, I'd like to hear more confirmed facts about the history of the house and its inhabitants, not unfounded speculation from a guy who was paid to roam around and locate spirits. I wouldn't have minded just some anecdotal observations from him, but to devote almost half the tour to it seemed excessive. That said, there were a few creepy moments, like when one of my chums was told about a ghost supposedly hanging out in the chair that she was standing near, causing her to slightly hop away from it. The tour itself literally lasted maybe 25 minutes, so I didn't feel like we really got our money's worth (about $15 or so, taking into account the trolley refund), especially since the only reason it technically expanded to 30 minutes was because the host opened the floor up to the group to share ghostly anecdotes. I wasn't anti the anecdotes - in fact, we were all enormously impressed by an adolescent girl who figured out a way to not only drag her dad and sister to Cape May for the sole purpose of ghost hunting, but also got them to get up in the middle of the night with some glowy cat ball things to perform some recon in her hotel ballroom - but I think they should have been a bonus add-on, not officially a way to bloat the tour to a still meager 30 minutes. In hindsight, I wouldn't recommend proceeding with the tour unless the trolley is involved, or the adolescent girl is hired as the guide. I feel like the most important fact I learned on the tour was that cat toys are used to hunt ghosts. read more

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Beautifully restored estate not to be missed if you're in the Cape May area and appreciate history and architecture. $12 gets you a guided tour of the estate. They also offer a self-guided tour for $10 but the guided tour is the way to go. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The guided tour lasts about 90 minutes and you walk through the 1st and 2nd floor of the estate. Due to fire regulations the 3rd floor is off limits to tours. Many of the furniture pieces are not original to the condition the house was purchased in but they have recreated the period perfectly. Parking is free in the gravel lot. There is also a tea room in the old stables if you're hungry after your tour. All proceeds from the tours go to restoration and maintenance of the property, so it's $12 well spent. read more

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I can't believe that I had visited Cape May so many times but hadn't come here. This is especially given the fact that I love old houses. Cape May is a touristy town. I think most helpers probably wouldn't want to eat out at restaurants or visit attractions there, albeit with some exceptions. However, the Emlen Physick estate is worthwhile, and it is not touristy. It's actually run by a foundation and volunteers, and its purpose is not to make money. It's to preserve and showcase an estate worth saving. You get a personalized tour of the inside. It's a Victorian mansion, and the richest family in Cape May of the era lived there. Our tour guide was so excited to be giving tours again after the coronavirus shut down. There was just so much to learn about this Victorian mansion in the family that live there. Highly recommend to visit! read more

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Had a fun time attending the "Clueless" tour! The characters were all well played and the whodunnit was fun to solve! We will definitely be back for other events! read more

Great tour led by informative and very interesting tour guides. They made the tour so much fun!

The haunted tour was really beat. It was hot and stuffy; my mother-in-law had to sit before she passed out. Joyce yelled at her not to touch anything before she brought out a folding chair. She yelled at my brother because he made a joke. She rushed us through pretty quickly, luckily, and her stories were so dry I don't even remember much about them. The house itself was pretty cool to see but the haunted tour we went on was a bust. read more

We were lucky enough to see the Physick estate during the Christmas holiday season. The house and gift shop were decorated beautifully. The gift shop has an amazing train set through a spectacular old village. Wow! To start off, Dr. Physick's grandfather gave his grandson the family fortune after he graduated from medical school. The grandfather was an amazing doctor who operated on a few of our presidents and their families. He was considered the father of surgery. Fast forward to the entitled Emlyn, who never practiced a day once he received his inheritance. The Physick estate is truly a lavish home of the rich. Very fascinating to see what the best of the best looked like years ago. It is an amazing part of history that is owned by Cape may, but has to be supported through the money it earns from tours and donations. The group in charge of this also cares for the lighthouse and the WWII lookout tower. All great things to see in Cape may. read more

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Carol was our tour guide. She was more interested in her delivery, which was hokey, than the actual information. I'm guessing she was a teacher, as she is quite comfortable speaking to adults as though they are children. She lacked information given on previous tours and evaded questions. Unrelated, there was a child on the tour that was totally disruptive to the tour. Carol never said a word! Great house and property. Highly recommend the tour sans Carol. read more

Girls week, why not go on the haunted trolley tour. Cold October night and they had the trolley sides open we were beyond freezing so dress warm and you will be fine. Extremely interesting tour of haunted places in Cape May. They stop briefly at each house or hotel and the guide tells some interesting history of hauntings. I totally enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Best time is to do at Halloween and get In the spirit. Go early enough and do the haunted estate tour and follow with the trolley ride. Drink some wine before too to get you in a silly mood. We had lots of fun. read more

Emlen Physick Estate - Museums Near Me - Cape May, New Jersey

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Off peak there isn't much to do in Cape May. A nice Trolly Tour of the town is always fun. Emlen Physick Estate is a stop that is worth the hour or so tour that you need an additional ticket for. The house is quite similar to Frank Llyod Wright (as a matter of fact the guy who designed the house had the same influence). Great design and the tour guide was a bit unique but in a good way. read more

Very cool activity to do while in Cape May. It is suited for all ages, you will learn a lot about Doctor Physick, his life and the life of the middle upper class back in the 1880s', without being bored or overwhelmed. I loved the time spent on relating the architecture and the decorating details to what it meant for people then. For example, the entryway of the house was always very lusciously decorated for show off wealth for visitors, but the rooms and the family areas were a lot more simple and light. I was stunned to learn that women had to learn to play an instrument just to keep their home quiet and that they were considered to be the cool thing in town when they knew taxidermy. Ha! We learned a lot of cool facts from the life of our peers from over a 100 years ago. It's your turn to find out about the quirky objects in the house and about the customs of our (not too far away) ancestors. The MAC society in charge of preserving the historical landmarks of the town is doing an amazing job. read more

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Nice tour of the Physick Estate. It was a great break from the cool temps and winds today. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and fun. It also happens to be October so there are some fun Halloween decorations. read more

Beautiful museum house run by SOMA. The tour is comprehensive and covers the first two stories and the grounds. Package price if you pair it with a trolley tour. A must do for any Cape May regular or fan of Victorian architecture. The docents are all friendly and knowledgeable and make the tour interactive and enjoyable. Be sure to check out the souvenir shop and tea house located in the old carriage house. read more

Visited on 10-7-2012. Did not tour the mansion but came to see it - amazing architecture & the gift shop & attached tearoom are fantastic. Definitely do not miss this! I am still dreaming of the clotted cream & tea breads served at the tearoom. The best place we ate at during our time in Cape May. read more

Emlen Physick Estate - Emlen Physick Estate - Museums Near Me - Cape May, New Jersey

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I've toured more historic homes than I care to remember. In fact, many of them I don't remember. This one was special. The owner was no one famous (by national standards), just very wealthy and odd. But the place was extremely well furnished with authentic items from "way back." We really got a feel for the lives that were lived here and the atmosphere 100+ years ago. A good part of that was our well informed guide. She wasn't bluffing - she really knew her history, and backed off on what she didn't know. I doubt she appreciated me, but I really appreciated her. I can't imagine visiting Cape May without taking this several hour tour. read more

The haunted combo tour was fun! Took my 7 year old and he loved it. Joyce was a pleasure to talk to and her stories and personality were both lively. My son thought it was awesome and it was family friendly too! Love the MAC haunted tours! Just wish they were longer! read more

After an hour at the estate I find myself in a foul mood. We arrived for the guided tour of the estate. The only thing the tour guide was missing was a stick to keep us tourist scum in line. Despite a seemingly grateful thanks for supporting their ongoing restoration efforts, the guide rushed us through the rooms and scolded us for not keeping up because she's on a schedule. The rooms we visited were lined with other tourists and, therefore, many of the things she was discussing were out of view. When we tried to look on the way to the next room we were rudely told to keep up or go on the self guided tour later on. Maybe they should consider lengthening the tour or having smaller groups. We then went to the tea room. I asked to be seated outside, but was wondering if the weather was ok (thunder storms were predicted). The hostess/server told me that she had one table left outside and she wasn't the weatherman. Pretty rude. At this point I felt like leaving, but I figured I'd try the tea luncheon menu. Skimpy and nothing special. We were presented the check before we were asked if we wanted anything more. (More rushing) Not a very pleasant or authentic experience, unless the Victorians were snotty and condescending. I won't return and wish you better luck if you decide to come here. I'm on vacation and shouldn't be made to feel as though I'm an imposition on the tourism and hospitality businesses read more

Not much to say, my girlfriend and I visited the haunted house tour on halloween... not much to say for it. They claim your tour will last 35minutes. Flow of traffic moved you thru in less than 10. Not much happening. A couple characters to meet, one better than the others... save the 15 dollars, go to one of the local drinking establishment and get a couple drinks read more

The tour was amazing. Ginger portrayed Emlen's mother and she was great. I highly recommend this tour.

If you like old houses and history, this is a great tour. The Physick Estate is a fine example of Victorian-era architecture and MAC has done a fantastic job of restoring it and filling it with period antiques -- many of which were original to the home. You can learn a lot about early Cape May as well. There is an excellent little gift shop and luncheonette on the premises. Our teenagers were also thrilled to be looking for any other-wordly residents who might have been present. read more

I FINALLY took a tour of the estate on my last trip to Cape May. I had been to tea at the Twinings Tearoom twice and had never gotten the chance to take a tour. I love architecture and history and the Physick Estate had it all! I will go back every time I'm in Cape May even if nothing changes!!! read more

My boyfriend and I took a trolley tour around the historic Victorian neighborhood of Cape May and then topped it off with a tour of the Physick Estate. I have to say, we loved every minute of it. The estate was beautiful and our tour guide was not only entertaining, but able to answer everyone's obscure questions about the era. Dont miss out! read more

A good stop for historical culture of Cape May. Not far from town so a good stop. Carol our guide was exceptional. She was well-informed and had a narrative arc to all of her stops while engaging the crowd. It was 45-50 minutes which was the perfect amount of time to maintain excitement of audience. They bring you to gift store at the end which had a collection of local wines, tea breads, and a smaller museum for Cape May. Booking online was easy. read more

The guided tour costs $10 and lasts about 40 minutes. The guide was very knowledgeable and it's obvious he knows the estate's history very well. Once you walk into the house, you really do feel like you stepped back in time. The only 2 disappointing things are we were only allowed to see the first and second floors, and photography was prohibited. Other than that, if you enjoy touring houses I'd recommend it. read more

While the tour was interesting, I did not really learn that much. Beautiful stuff without much context.

We had purchased tickets previously as a group of 8 for the haunted house and trolley tour. The actors were fantastic and the tour guide was so knowledgable and interesting. My one problem was that we were in line for the haunted house and told we should go hop on the trolley first. They promised the haunted house would still be happening afterward. When we returned from our trolley ride, it was closed and dark. We were so bummed that we were promised a haunted house and prepaid for it to see that it was closed :( read more

A must for those interested in the history of Cape May and the beautiful homes. The tour of the Emlen Physick mansion was very interesting and informative. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable on the history of the mansion and it's prior inhabitants. Tours all throughout the year. It was amazing to see the original furniture used by the family. The only downside is not being able to visit the third floor due to fire code/ordinance, other than that well worth it and not pricey at all. read more

For the past several years we have been enjoying going into old mansions that have been turned into museums. This place was stunning inside, I wish I could show you some pictures but they don't allow inside pictures. The tour lasts 45 minutes and you ever get to see the kitchen and you are given all kinds of fun and informative history on the Victorians. They don't allow you on the 3rd floor or the basement though. I could easily live in this home, it's very beautiful and worth a stop. We bought our tickets and had to wait 2 hours until the next tour. I would call and see if you could book ahead. We stopped in the tearoom in the old stables and had tea, scones and tea cakes for a nice snack, very enjoyable. read more

I loved this tour and the house. I think I had particular interest in it because my mother is a docent at a Victorian mansion in CA. First, I think the guided tour was super affordable at only $10 for a 45 minutes + tour. Our adorable guide, Ginger, was very knowledgeable. She knows the estate's history very well and included lots of little trivia and pointed out details that were fascinating! Ginger helped to paint the picture and create the story of the people who lived in the house and the culture of the time... we really did feel like we stepped back in time. Although they have modified the house to show all aspect of the home, including the 3rd floor which they do not show, I felt like they gave a great view of the transitions and redecoration of the estate. I highly recommend this tour... particularly with Ginger. :) read more

This was a nice activity on a hot day. It was about 45 minutes long in an air-conditioned mansion. The tour guide seemed excited about the information he shared. The home is in beautiful condition and contains some really nice period pieces. read more

this place fucking sucks every single event here is a mess. the people who run it are complete morons. the physick haunted house tour was atrocious the actors and actresses were clueless they had no idea any information on the house and we're so disorganized. now I'm on the lighthouse trolley tour and we can't leave until someone admits that they came on the wrong date and no one will budge. staff is handling it so poorly too. Been sitting here forever waiting to leabehate this place everything about it. Update now I'm on the trolley and this tour guide has no clue what he's talking about literally saying "who knows" or "I don't really know" after every sentence. He doesn't even know where anything is located. Can't pronounce anything. At this point I'd rather be in front of the moving trolley rather than inside. read more