By: Mitchell Corson

The Merion Inn is such a special place to so many well informed people.As the oldest restaurant in Cape May it embodies all that is good about this great historic town.

Recently, a good friend of mine, artist Chuck Snyder, made on of his bi-annual visits here to do some artwork for the Atlantic County Utility Authority.For many years, he lived in the Philadelphia area, and loved the beauty of Southern Jersey.Now he lives on beautiful Hawaii, but returns for work and family visits.

On this recent visit, I asked him to pick a restaurant anywhere along the JerseyShore where we could have dinner.He picked the Merion Inn in Cape May, and then told me exactly why.

Chuck’s father was a medical doctor in Philadelphia, and growing up, the entire family would spend much of the summer in Cape May, so it really feels like home to him.

“When I have a Merion Inn cup potato, the memories just come flooding back.I love the good food, good music, and the wonderful feel of history in the place.”

When artist Patricia Rainey moved to Cape May, one of her very first artistic subjects was the Merion Inn.She has painted the Inn in all different seasons, and is fondly considered to be their “artist in residence”.You can see the beautiful artwork of Patricia, on this page and her website www.patriciaraineystudios.com.

Another of what is best about the Merion Inn is the incomparable piano music of George Mesterhazy.As this is being written, he is finishing up a three week engagement with Jazz Singer Paula West, at the famous Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel until November 10th.Hey received a rave review from the New York Times (Oct. 22, 2007).

This holiday season is a great time to start your tradition at the Merion Inn.It is a true treasure for all of South Jersey.