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 visit the home of Jersey Cape fishing at No Bones Bait & Tackle at the foot of the Rio Grande bridge! No Bones Bait & Tackle offers half-day and full-day boat rentals, plus fishing charter boats for a fun day out on the water. Get fresh, frozen and live bait, rods, reels, sunglasses, T-shirts, hats and more! There is plenty of parking and a laid back atmosphere, so stop on by!
Next, stop by Ellie & Wild Bill’s Farmers Market & Garden Center in Cape May to buy fresh produce, baked goods, plants, and more. You’re sure to walk away from this family-owned and operated shop with pretty flowers or a sweet treat!
For lunch, head to Owen’s Pub for outdoor dining. Enjoy daily specials Sunday through Thursday, and blackboard specials on Friday and Saturday. Sit back, relax, and sip on a classic orange crush or order a delicious Owen’s Cheesesteak with all the fixing to fuel up before your next activity of the day.
If you’re looking for a relaxing day of lounging, lay out your towel on any beach along the coast. Bring a comfortable chair, a good book, and a bottle of sunscreen, then you’ll be ready to have some fun in the sun.
Did you forget something at home while you were preparing for your beach day? Head on over to Glenwood Avenue, where you’ll find what is best described as your one-stop shore vacation shop – Boardwalk’s Best in Wildwood. They stock everything and anything you could possibly imagine to suit your beach needs, including sunblock, hats, beach chairs and a great selection of swimsuits for men, women, and children.
If you don’t want to go to the beach, hit the green at Laguna Oaks Golf Course in Cape May Court House. Filled with 200 acres of meadowland, willows, oak trees, ponds, and waterfalls, this 10-hole par-3 course may be the most challenging and beautiful par-3 course you will ever play. The course is pristine and beautifully laid out, with waters and other hazards presenting challenges at almost every hole to even seasoned veterans. Plus, golf is a great sport when practicing social distancing!
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!
When heading home for the evening, stop by Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Outlet in Rio Grande and grab everything you need for some post-dinner cocktails. Joe Canal’s has the largest selection of your favorite vodka, scotch, bourbon, whiskey, rum, brandy, gin, liquors, beer, and wine. Besides spirits, Joe Canal’s also offers everything you need to pair with your fine wine, such as cheese spreads, aged artisan cheeses, crackers, and more.
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!