Photo courtesy of cmczoo.com
Cape May County is a treasure trove of thrills, games, specialty seafood, happy hour specials, traditional family-style restaurants, beach gear, breakfast spots, sweet treats and relaxing rituals. Yet with its 620-square-mile span, this Jersey Shore county can be quite daunting. With all this ground to cover, where should you even begin? We’re here with our last edition of Island Hopping for the season, offering some of our favorite places to “do the shore.” This week we’re hopping offshore, where you’ll find just as much summer fun as our beach towns.
Start your morning overlooking beautifully manicured greens. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, Avalon Links Restaurant in Cape May Court House hosts a delicious breakfast with specialty omelets, fresh eggs, golden pancakes and more. After, head out onto the course at Avalon Golf Club where you can “Get in on the Good Life!” Measuring from 6,325 to 4,924 yards, Avalon Golf Club is a test for all skill levels. Be dazzled by the 18-hole championship course full of country-club conditions, eight natural lakes and abundant wildlife.
After your morning on the green, head to the Cape May County Park & Zoo in Cape May Court House and experience over 200 acres of beautiful, natural wooded areas and open space. Besides the many exotic and native animals, the zoo has a large playground, picnic area, gift shop, carousel and rock climbing wall. Bring your bikes and take a ride on one of the bike paths, or hike on one of the trails in the park. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the new six-acre aerial park, Tree to Tree Adventure Park, featuring zip lines, climbing nets, Tarzan swings and other fun obstacles. Admission to the zoo is completely free but donations are always welcome!
Grab lunch at Jake’s Bar & Grill in the Villas and discover one of the best kept secrets in town! This restaurant is chef owned and operated by James Kershaw, who has over 30 years of restaurant experience. His signature New England and Spicy Crab Chowders are just a few of the incredible choices on Jake’s extensive menu. Fresh specials are served daily at Jake’s, including seafood, pasta, and hot and cold sandwiches. The restaurant also offers a great children’s menu for the little ones!
Another lunch option is the Seaville Tavern in Seaville, where only the freshest quality produce from local Cape May County farms are used. Enjoy mouthwatering starters, crisp salads, gourmet burgers, traditional “Tavern” style sandwiches and more. Seaville Tavern is “Home of the Best Wings,” so be sure to order some. Choose from original, mild, inferno, hot & honey, BBQ, garlic, sweet & spicy, Thai chili, teriyaki, peppercorn parmesan or old bay rub.
It’s time for some “you” time! Pamper Me Nails in Rio Grande can get you feeling beautiful with professional manicures, spa pedicure treatments, full body and face waxing, and more. With nail art offerings such as holographic, mood changing and ombre, you’ll be sure to have the coolest nails in town!
Keep pampering yourself with a trip to SunTastic Tanning Salon in Cape May Court House. For those of us with schedules too busy to get to the beach, this is the perfect solution. Get that summer glow with a sunless spray tan, or enter a top-of-the-line sunbed. Make your new tan pop with in-salon or take-home teeth whitening services!
For dinner, consider delicious BBQ and seafood from DC’s Smokehouse in Cape May Court House. Bring the whole family and experience this delightful down-home cookin’, featuring favorites like brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken and turkey, fried and broiled seafood, and more. Pair your meal with sides such as mac n’ cheese, homemade potato salad, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and a variety of soups and salads.
If you prefer Italian, Nino’s Family Restaurant in Cape May Court House can provide you with nothing short of an authentic meal. The menu is perfect for both the seafood lover and those with a passion for pasta, and it brings together the cuisine of Northern and Southern Italy. If you’re an early diner, we suggest the Early Bird menu, served from 3 to 5 p.m. This menu includes soup or salad, bread and butter, an entrée with either a side of vegetables or linguini, a beverage and dessert. Choose from over 25 entrée items!
For a more casual feel, treat yourself and your family to great dining at the Tuckahoe Inn in Beesley’s Point. Stop in before 5 p.m. and take advantage of the early dinner specials. Choose from 11 diverse entrees served with a potato or the vegetable of the day, and get a house salad or soup of the day, dessert, and coffee or tea with your meal. Dine inside, or enjoy the Back Bay Café with an informal outdoor setting and live music overlooking the Great Egg Harbor Bay!