In August 2023 we realized a dream when we opened The Colorful Palette Art School & Studio in Villas, Cape May. Our art classes are fun, rigorous, and accessible! We teach all ages and abilities how to draw and paint the world around them as well as create images from their imagination. Our classes are for beginners as well as more experienced artists. Students work in a variety of media including acrylic, watercolor and gouache paint as well as pencil and charcoal.  

Joel has taught art for over 30 years, first as a young art school graduate in his hometown of Highland Park, NJ, and more recently, in New York City and now Sea Isle City and Cape May.  Helen trained at the Camberwell School of Art in her hometown of London, England. In 2019, they joined forces to teach side-by-side.

General Info:

Located at 1640 Bayshore Road in Villas, Cape May, The Colorful Palette is an art school and studio. The school is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible, teaching students of all ages and abilities. Students learn how to paint from observation both indoors and outdoors as well as from their imagination. We also have live models who pose for figure drawing and painting classes.

From September to April, children’s classes are held on Saturday mornings and adult classes on Tuesday evenings. Children’s summer camps are held in July and August. Sip & Paint nights take place all year round on select Thursday evenings. Private Sip & Paint nights are available by appointment.  

Recent Google Reviews:

“We booked a private paint and sip for a Bachelorette trip this last weekend and it was the highlight of the trip for so many of us! This was different than other paint and sips I have tried because Helen and Joel are very passionate about the artists and art history as well…” Jillian M.

“Amazing, talented, and so kind. I love how sweet and encouraging the owners are. My daughter has been there for so long and they have become so important in her life. Thank you.” Linda B.

“Helen and Joel are two warm-hearted, talented artists who lead small groups of all ages in artistic adventures. They made me feel comfortable, despite my lack of artistic experience with ink, charcoal, acrylic and watercolor. I have taken four of their adult classes and look forward to participating in many more! Five stars for The Colorful Palette.” David C.

“A fun time, as always! Wouldn’t be a vacation in Cape May without spending time with our favorite potters!!!  See ya next year!” -The Ellermans 

“As always, I love this store, their products and the owners.  They go the extra mile for their customers.”- P. Cole

Note: Cape May City’s library moved to a new location! It is now at 720 Franklin Street

Cape May City’s library is a quiet place to escape the sun or rain for a few hours. The library offers the following services and amenities:

• Computers and free wifi
• Books and magazines
• 24-hour book drop
• Screen reading software
• Print, copy, fax, and scanning
• Bicycle rack
• Public restroom

If you’d like to check out materials or use the computers, free visitor passes are available. Bring proof of the address where you’re staying in Cape May, and ID for your home address. (If you’re from Ocean City or Avalon, you’ll need to purchase a non-resident pass.) If you live in Cape May County, your existing library card will work at this branch.

We also have a larger library available in Cape May Court House.

The Harriet Tubman Museum shares the inspiring story of an American hero, the rich history of abolitionist activism, and the enduring legacy of the African American community in Cape May County.

Admission is by timed entry. Please reserve tickets in advance.

Free guided- and self-guided tours are available during normal business hours. We are dog- and child-friendly. We do not serve food, however we have pretzels to cleanse your pallet between tastings. You may bring your own snacks/food, however no outside beverages are allowed. We offer bottled water for sale, and the tap water is free. Private and semi-private space is available for special events. Contact us for details.

Since opening, Slack Tide has grown from brewing 200 barrels of beer its’ first year to having the capacity to brew 2000 barrels. In 2016 the brewery added a 3BBL brew house and in 2017 expanded its operations again to include a 10BBL production brew house. It’s 3BBL brew house is used for seasonal and experimental beers typically available only in the tasting room. The 10BBL system is used primarily for production beers that are available in over 50 accounts and in cans starting late summer 2018.

Slack Tide offers up to 12 beers on tap and has received several awards: Bell Buoy, Belgian-style Blond Ale won 1^st Place at the 2016 Philadelphia Brew-Vitational; Knockdown, Black IPA won Bronze at the 2017 Best of Craft Beer Awards in Bend, Oregon; and the brewery was honored with a 2016 Critics Choice award from Craft Beer & Brewers Magazine.

Tastings are available as a flight with four 4oz pours or get a Slacker Special and do your tastings in our signature pint glass that’s yours to keep. Take home your favorites in a 64oz growler or in 32oz Crowler cans.  Beginning in late summer 2018, you can also get 12oz and 16oz cans in our tasting room.

In early 2014, the HCSV Foundation Board of Trustees voted unanimously to pursue the development of a small brewery on the Village grounds with the name Cold Spring Brewery. To this end, and in keeping with the mission of the Historic Cold Spring Village, an 1804 three bay English-style Cape May County barn from Upper Township was purchased. Stillwell and Elizabeth Corson, a familiar name in the County, built the classic building. Permission to restore and reconstruct the barn, board by board, and place it on Village property was received from both the Lower Township and County of Cape May Zoning Boards along with approvals to utilize the barn in connection with the proposed brewery.

Although the barn/brewery is located outside the Village fencing, it remains part and parcel of the 30 acres that are located between Seashore Road and Route 9 in Cold Spring, containing 27 restored historic structures. Funding for the project was secured through HCSV Foundation’s fundraising events, donations, memberships, retail sales, corporate sponsorship for programs and gate revenue. Its purpose is to stabilize the museum for future generations to enjoy.

The only Napa-style winery located on Cape May Island. Open daily for wine tasting and our famous in-depth vineyard experience eco-tour cart tours. Come enjoy a bottle or a glass of fine wine with our delicious farm-fresh hors-d’oeuvres.

Be at ease bringing your pet to sit with you outside on our beautifully redesigned patio.

We offer a variety of tastings as well as wine by the glass and bottle. Please check out our website and Facebook page for special events hosted throughout the year.  We welcome you to come with the family and enjoy the cozy barrel hall or vineyard lawn. Well-behaved pets are also welcome!

Established in 2008, our Winery has become a cherished destination for wine enthusiasts and seekers of unforgettable experiences. Our vines are carefully nurtured in the unique terroir of the Cape May Peninsula, resulting in grapes that embody the essence of the region. From rich reds to crisp whites and elegant rosés, each bottle is a testament to our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Join us for a wine tasting, flight or tour to explore the depth and complexity that defines Hawk Haven wines.

Don’t miss out on our other events throughout the year, such as our Rootstock Vineyard Concert Series and curated Food and Wine Pairings! Come experience the vibrant community that gathers at Hawk Haven. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a casual enthusiast, we invite you to savor the moments and create lasting memories with us!