FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE VIRGINIA HOTEL AND CONGRESS HALL PARTNER WITH WORLD-RENOWNED BIRDER RICHARD CROSSLEY FOR EXCLUSIVE BIRDING WORKSHOP
CAPE MAY, NJ Highlighting Cape Mays year-round appeal, Cape Resorts Group is excited to announce a new birding workshop with world-renowned expert Richard Crossley, marking the first time this esteemed birder, author and photographer executes a hands on, personalized workshop. In addition to the picturesque beaches that Cape May is well known for, Cape Resorts Group properties are lauded nationwide for unique seasonal programming that attracts discerning travelers all year long. A new refuge in the fall, and again in spring 2012, the workshop promises to help develop enhanced birding skills to change the way participants look for and see birds, and provide optimal bird sightings. Guests will be engaged from dawn until dusk learning to look for birds throughout Cape May. With Crossleys guidance, the focus of the workshop will be to not only see the birds, but to better understand and enjoy them. The geographic location of Cape May between the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay makes it one of the worlds most famous birding spots. The rich variety of habitat provides an opportunity for birders to seek out diverse species in beautiful surroundings. Guests will have the opportunity to visit Higbee Beach for songbirds that have traveled to Cape May overnight and watch them fly north first thing in the morning a beautiful spectacle not to be missed. Other places that they will see songbirds are the Beanery, State Park, Beach Plum Farm which is owned and operated by Cape Resorts Group and the gardens around Cape May Point. Additionally, guests will be able to spot shorebirds at South Cape May Meadows, while Richard, author of the game-changing book, The Crossley ID Guide and The Shorebird Guide, teaches them firsthand how to best identify this fascinating group. Visitors will be surprised to hear that Cape May is also a famous raptor migration site. They will get the chance to observe hawks at Cape May Point and The Hawkwatch, which is the birding social hub during the autumn season. Originally from Yorkshire, England, Richard Crossley became hooked on birding at age seven. He traveled extensively, particularly to Asia and North America, and even hitch-hiked over 100,000 miles to follow his passion. Crossley eventually fell in love with Cape Mays surroundings and landed there permanently in 1991. His enthusiasm for the local environment and passion for birding have revolutionized the way individuals look at birds, wildlife and nature books. His real life approach helps participants to become better and more independent birders with the ultimate goal of identifying birds on their own. The Learning to Look workshop held at The Virginia Hotel is a 2 night/3 day experience in an intimate group of up to 14 participants. Spending quality time with Richard, guests will experience the special world of Cape May birding and perfect their birding skills. The workshop includes hotel accommodations, meet & greet with Richard, breakfast each morning, picnic lunch delivered on site, a signed copy of The Crossley ID Guide, binocular use and a late check out. The Learning to Look workshop will take place

October 2nd, 3rd, and 4th ($499 single occupancy, $199 additional person charge same room), and October 17th, 18th and 19th ($419 single occupancy, $199 additional person charge same room). Visit VirginiaHotel.com or call 800.732.4236 to reserve one of fourteen spots at the workshop. In addition to the workshop, there is a Learning to Look self-guided birding package created by Richard Crossley, available at both The Virginia Hotel and Congress Hall. With this package, guests will explore and discover the wonders of Cape May birding on their own, through a curated agenda personally designed by Richard Crossley. The Learning to Look package includes a room at The Virginia Hotel or Congress Hall, bicycle rental to get around Cape May, a signed copy of The Crossley ID Guide, and use of a birding backpack which includes, binoculars, a Sibley birding guide and a tasty packed lunch. The package is available this fall starting September 11th at The Virginia Hotel (rates starting from $150 per night for single occupancy and $200 double occupancy midweek) and Congress Hall (rates starting from $160 per night for single occupancy and $210 double occupancy mid-week). Visit CongressHall.com or call 888.944.1818 or visit VirginiaHotel.com or call 800.732.4236 to book the package. About Congress Hall Providing hospitality since 1816, Congress Hall in Cape May is a haven of relaxed elegance, fun, historic charm and luxury at the New Jersey shore. Set amid landscaped grounds overlooking Cape May's broad sandy beaches, the iconic Congress Hall is just a few steps from the ocean, in the heart of Cape May's famed historic district. This summer, Congress Hall announces additions and updates just in time for the beach season. The property welcomes the summer 2011 season with new retail space and additional dining options. Additionally, Congress Hall guests, Cape May visitors and residents can experience the luxurious, accessible and relaxing Sea Spa, officially opened in summer 2009. Not fussy or aloof as some spas can be, each treatment room is designed to look like the inside of a beach cabana to further enhance the feeling of a getaway. Congress Hall offers a wide variety of live entertainment including the piano lounge and the Boiler Room a live entertainment lounge with great food, a fun atmosphere and New York downtown nightclub vibe has updated its live music schedule with unforgettable live entertainment seven nights a week. The Virginia Hotel The Virginia, Cape Mays foremost luxury hotel, offers luxurious accommodations and personalized service in an immaculately restored 1879 landmark building, reopened by Curtis Bashaw of Cape Resorts Group in 1989. Featuring 24 well-appointed guestrooms, intimate public spaces like the lobby bar and enclosed sun porches, and The Ebbitt Room the hotels signature restaurant, The Virginia offers its adult-only guests a flawless integration of service and style with a timeless glamour. Nestled on Jackson Street in the heart of the famed historic district of Cape May New Jersey, the Virginia Hotel is mere half block from the towns beautiful beaches. About Cape Resorts Group Cape Resorts Group, a division of high-profile real estate development firm Cape Advisors, Inc. founded by Curtis J. Bashaw and Craig Wood in 1996, has offices in Cape May, NJ, Atlantic City, NJ and New York, NY. Known for its expertise in

adaptive reuse and historic preservation of resort and hospitality properties on the New Jersey Shore, Cape Resorts Group manages hotels and rental properties including The Chelsea in Atlantic City, NJ as well as Congress Hall, The Virginia Hotel and Cottages, The Star Inn, and Sandpiper Beach Club in Cape May, NJ. Officially opened in summer 2009 is the retro-chic Beach Shack featuring the reopening of the iconic Rusty Nail Bar and Restaurant. For additional information www.CapeResorts.com. on Cape ### Media Contact: Maggie Porges / Carran Gannaway: caperesorts@lsagency.com LaForce+Stevens (212) 242-9353 Resorts Group please visit