It's a bit South of the Pines, but Fire Control Tower #23 (located between the Cape May Lighthouse and Sunset Beach, aka home of the SS Atlantus) is now open for tours. I went through on Friday with my girlfriend, it was quite an interesting little tour. The downstairs tells the history of Fort Miles (built to defend the Delaware Bay). Another level is dedicated to the veterans of WWII who reside on Cape May County, several of whom give talks on Saturdays. The top two levels have been restored as they may have looked during the way, offering an educational experience on homeland defenses during WWII as well as a gorgous view of the South end of the Cape. There was also an excellent guide at the top who I spent a half hour or so talking to about the area as well as World War II, Boy Scouts, touring the Statue of Liberty (he was able to go up to the flame as a kid, which was never part of the tour), the USS NJ, and a host of other subjects.
The Official Tower 23 page
Article about the tower and defenses
A well spent $8, and joint tickets with the lighthouse for a $3 savings are available.
Also, the SS Atlantus is not doing well, the entire back end seems to be gone. A good storm could push her over in the next few years (the fellow on the tower said he wouldn't be suprised if it was this winter), so if you'd like to see her one more time, don't wait too long.
The Official Tower 23 page
Article about the tower and defenses
A well spent $8, and joint tickets with the lighthouse for a $3 savings are available.
Also, the SS Atlantus is not doing well, the entire back end seems to be gone. A good storm could push her over in the next few years (the fellow on the tower said he wouldn't be suprised if it was this winter), so if you'd like to see her one more time, don't wait too long.
There are 2 towers at the Cape one is within the Grand Hotel of all places, plus the battery at the SP. Over in Delaware there are about a dozen towers at Cape Henlopen and south along the beach, also the battery at Fort Miles at which they have gun drills and re-enactments at various times during the year. Cool stuff.