Cape May County is a treasure trove of thrills, games, specialty seafood, happy hour specials, traditional family-style restaurants, beach gear, breakfast favorites, and relaxing rituals. Yet with its six hundred and twenty square-mile span, this Jersey shore county can be quite daunting. With all this ground to cover, where should you even begin? “Blast” is here with our fifth edition of Complete Island Hopping, our map of suggestions for a great week of Cape May County fun.
Jumpstart your day with breakfast at Duffer’s, a Wildwood tradition now for thirty nine years. Sample their light Swedish pancakes or indulge with a stack of Banana Nut classic pancakes.
For a south of the border breakfast twist, try Duffer’s hardy Breakfast Burrito, stuffed with scrambled eggs, sausage, cheese, and served with a side of salsa. Rather stop by for lunch and a beach break? Choose from a wide selection of wraps, gourmet burgers, steak sandwiches, and croissant sandwiches. The hungriest patrons are invited to appreciate one of Duffer’s hardy Double Decker Club sandwiches, served with a dill pickle and your choice of potato chips or homemade potato salad.
A stroll down the Wildwoods’ lively boardwalk is also the perfect beach break and offers irresistible shopping options for gourmet goodies. Stop by Douglass Fudge, also a Wildwood tradition, at Wildwood Ave and the boardwalk for a taste of the “creamiest fudge” around. “Fresh cream and butter make it the finest,” pledges the Douglass family, who created the original recipe in 1925. Douglass Fudge is also proud to announce that their authentic and original salt water taffy is made with the most expensive natural flavors. Preservative-free, all Douglass fudge and candies are made fresh in their kitchens daily. Experience for yourself the Douglass commitment to quality and sweeten up your summer.
Nothing sets the mood for a great night like happy hour cocktails. Take a seat at Beach Creek’s outdoor martini bar and select your favorite custom martini or cocktail such as the Hawaiitini or the Shore Breeze. Or head across the bridge to Lighthouse Pointe and grab a pre-dinner cocktail at the renowned dockside bar and enjoy the view as the boats of the harbor dock for the day. For a casual and quick meal, take a seat at Lighthouse Pointe’s outdoor raw bar and grill featuring nightly specials. The Wharf, another Wildwood favorite, also promises breathtaking happy hour views in a relaxed and “always fun” atmosphere. Visit this week’s bartender of the week, Judy Conway, and enjoy one of her flavored mojitos or opt for a Wharf beer tower to conquer with friends.
The next morning, take a step back in time with Historic Cold Spring Village. Take a stroll along 30 acres of shaded lanes, enjoy the gardens and observe the farm where heritage crops are grown. Visit twenty-six restored historic buildings housing historically-clothed interpreters, who educate and entertain visitors about the lifestyles, issues, trades and crafts of yesteryear.
For those who prefer to hit the water, make Utsch’s Marina your first stop for water sports essentials. Utsch’s Marina is home to the East Coast Parasail & Jet Skis, Hell Yeah Watersports, the Cape May Whale Watcher and during the month of August of each year, the “AJ Meerwald,” New Jersey’s Tall Ship. Located in Cape May Harbor on the south side of the Cape May Canal, this full-service facility can provide you with dockage overnight or for the season and offers boat sales, charter boats, a Bait & Tackle Shop and a Ship’s Store for all your boating needs. Rather kick back and relax? Take a seat at the Poolside Gazebo Bar at the Marquis de Lafayette Hotel, open to guests and the public alike. With great views of Beach Ave. and Cape May’s scenic beaches, the Gazebo Bar is perfect for people watching whilw sipping on your favorite cold cocktail or brew.
Head over the bridge to North Cape May to sample Harpoon Henry’s brand new lunch items, including fresh Fish Tacos and BBQ sliders. Pre-meal, play a few games of Corn Hole with friends with Harpoon Henry’s brand new custom boards.