A Neat Lighthouse Tour
By Bea Foster

What a great day trip! Once again we made our rounds and picked up our passengers for another mystery day getaway. It was a beautiful May day as we headed for North Wildwood where our first stop was the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse. (www.herefordlighthouse.org) This cherished landmark is located on the south side of Hereford Inlet which leads from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intra-Coastal Waterway that links Maine to Florida. This Victorian style lighthouse is not only a museum BUT has been a working lighthouse since 1874. While there, we learned the history of Hereford and had a glimpse of the lighthouse keepers life in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Prior to touring the lighthouse we watched a short descriptive video. The gardens surrounding the lighthouse contain over 200 different plants and flowers which are planted in a Victorian cottage style. The gardens extend to the existing seawall which creates a beautiful scene as one watches the Atlantic Ocean roll in. It is very easy to walk the garden paths to the seawall where one can take a seat on one of the benches and relax and reflect on the day. The gardens have been shown in the Countryside magazine and has also received several awards on its beauty. What a wonderful way to relax and enjoy on the beauty all around you.

From Hereford it is approx. a 45 minute drive up the Garden State Parkway to Marmora and the Tuckahoe Inn where the group enjoyed a nice sit down lunch. (www.tuckahoeinn.com)  The Tuckahoe Inn opened in 1963 and is a favorite dining spot of the local residents as well as visitors to the shore area.

Our last stop of the day took us to Atlantic City and the Absecon Lighthouse. (www.abseconlighthouse.org) This lighthouse is the tallest in the state of New Jersey and the third tallest in the US. Upon our arrival we were greeted and given the history of the lighthouse. In 2007, the lighthouse was 150 years old and has recently received a multi-million dollar restoration. Some of the group took the challenge and climbed the 228 steps where they had breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Atlantic City skyline. Those that climbed came face to face with the original first order Fresnel Lens, which was first lit in 1857. For those not taking the adventure of going to the top, they visited the Keeper’s House Museum, exhibits and walked the grounds surrounding the lighthouse.

Of course both lighthouses had gift shops where one could purchase lighthouse and nautical items, books, shirts, mugs and much more.

So as you can see there is a lot of interesting things to see and do right here in South Jersey. All you need to do is pick a day and go sightseeing on a beautiful spring or summer day as everyone has the freedom of travel!

Travel is the Perfect Freedom that we have all been given in this great country of ours and we wish to THANK the men and women that protect us so that we may have this right!

As a tour operator, C and Bea Tours & Cruises, Inc. have the tools and knowledge to assist you in group travel needs whether it be a tour that we have planned or with any of the tour operators that we work with. Travel with us and leave your cares at home!

C and Bea Tours & Cruises, Inc.
185 Marlton Road, Pilesgrove, NJ 08098-2723 
Phone: 1-856-769-2816
Fax: 1-856-769-4896
Cell phone: (24/7) 1-609-420-4995
email: bea.foster@verizon.net
website: www.candbeatours.com