By Amanda Sciandra
Welcome back to Island Hopping! As summer days begin to fly by, it’s important to get outside and enjoy the weather before it’s too late. Thankfully, there are plenty of things to do and see. Let us take you to some of our favorite places that will definitely give you a good dose of vitamin D.
Our first stop is No Frills Farm, which is located right over the NJ-162 Cape May Canal Bridge. This quaint farm features a large field filled with wildflowers. They sell a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, and of course, wildflowers. You can purchase a large bunch of wildflowers for next to nothing.
Make your way to the Washington Street Mall for some great food and shopping. Be sure to check out Peace Pie, which is located at 326 Carpenters Lane in Cape May. Peace Pie is perhaps the grooviest ice cream shop in the area – they sell the “Racism is Wrong” bumper stickers that you will see on cars across the county, and theme themselves after the 1960s hippie movement.
With an assortment of flavor combinations sandwiched between shortbread cookies, Peace Pie has something for everyone. This place is perfect for keeping cool on a hot summer day. Personally, I opt for the creamsicle – it brings back childhood memories of visits from the ice cream man.
If bird watching is your thing, head over to the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary, located at 11400 3rd Avenue. The sanctuary has 4 different paths to explore: Heron Overlook path, Meadow Walk path, Egret Espy path, and Holly path. Each of these trails offers a different view of the sanctuary. There are a variety of birds to check out such as the Black Crowned Night Heron, the Great Egret and of course it wouldn’t be Jersey without a few seagulls. Maybe you’ll even catch a glimpse of the other wildlife that call this place home, like the Eastern Box Turtle and River Otter. You don’t have to be an ornithologist to enjoy this nature spot.
If you’re hungry after a long day out, check out The Inlet in North Wildwood, just on the other side of the bridge. This famous spot just underwent massive renovations– the place looks completely new and sits just a block from the ocean. Their menu has great takes on American seafood classics. We recommend the pierogis, cheesesteak egg rolls, or spaghetti and clams!
Our last stop is Stiles Farm and Nursery, which is located at 172 S Delsea Drive in Court House. Stiles’ is a “u-pick” fruit farm, making it a sweet activity with an even sweeter reward. They offer a selection of in-season fruits. Currently, they have blueberries, blackberries, peaches, and apples. Stiles Farm and Nursey offers fun for the whole family as everyone can be involved in the fruit picking process.
That’s all for this week’s island hopping. Let us know if you visit any of these places or if you have any suggestions for next week’s island hopping. Email the editor at chall@cmcherald.com