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, the Jersey Shore county can be quite daunting. With all the ground to cover, where should you even begin? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Island Hopping is your go-to guide for the season with our favorite places to “do the shore.” This week we’re hopping all around the county to plan your day from dusk till dawn.
Start your day off right at Route 50 Coffee & Produce in Ocean View where you can find all of your breakfast essentials. This warm, inviting coffee shop offers top-of-the-line vendors’ quality products, specialty items provided by local entrepreneurs and fresh produce. Coffee drinks, smoothies, fresh fruit juices and more await you!
After you’ve had your caffeine fix, head over to D R Bradley’s Bike Rental for a lovely bike ride through the Wildwoods! Conveniently located on Rambler Road and the beach in Wildwood Crest at the beginning of the Wildwood Bike Path, D R Bradley Bike Rentals has bikes to accommodate everyone. Rentals include single bikes, surreys, low riders, training wheels, and trailers.
If you’re not in the mood to bike, step onto the green at Heritage Links Golf Club in Ocean View. Open to the public, this nine-hole golf course features 2,100 yards of golfing area, 30 par and 113 slope. The “links style” golf course offers a fun, beginner-friendly atmosphere, but also provides a challenging and rewarding experience for the accomplished and seasoned veteran alike.
When afternoon hunger strikes, Cold Spring Grange Restaurant – located at Historic Cold Spring Village– is the solution. Satisfy your stomach with farm-to-table dishes that reflect the season’s bounty, such as a Lobster Roll or Pulled Pork Carnitas. Experience these delectable dishes within Grange Hall, built in 1912 as a meeting hall for the farmers and residents of Cold Spring and its surrounding rural area until about 1970. Feel free to BYOB or BYO-Pet (the restaurant is pet-friendly!) to kick off a relaxing afternoon.
If you prefer a relaxing lunch in the comfort of your own place – whether that be a hotel room, condo or house – Fish House Market & Eatery in Wildwood Crest can provide you with delicious seafood to go. Order raw and Fish House will give you the lemon and spices needed to whip up a home-cooked meal, or order it cooked and let them do the work for you!
For an afternoon water adventure, hop on over to Harbor Outfitters in Stone Harbor. Experience the waters of the Jersey Shore on one of Harbor Outfitters’ kayak tours, catch waves during a stand-up paddleboard lesson, or get wet while kayaking or paddleboarding! With a variety of tours and activities, your afternoon will be filled with fun for the entire family. Don’t forget to stop in the store afterward to browse the great selection of stand-up paddleboards and kayaks for you to try at home!
For a home-cooked dinner, Dutch Country Meats & Deli in Bridgeton can provide you with the delicious meats you need. Choose from a variety of meats at peak freshness, including grill ready kabobs, tender roasts, delicious steaks, fresh ground hamburgers, pork chops, sausage grillers and more. Plus, Dutch Country Meats has weekend specials, so don’t miss out on a great deal!
If you’d like enjoy after-dinner drinks on your own front porch, swing by Cork ‘n’ Bottle on Atlantic Avenue in Wildwood and grab everything you need to unwind. Established in 1937, Cork ‘n’ Bottle has been serving wine, beer and spirits to both locals and visitors of the Wildwoods for over 80 years!
After a long day out in Cape May County, get home safely and relax. It won’t be long before you have to start planning your next fun-filled day at the shore!