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 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 ninth edition of Island Hopping, offering our map of suggestions of where to “do the shore” for a great week of Cape May County fun.
Let Rio Station in Rio Grande pour your first cup of coffee for the day! Rio Station’s brand new breakfast menu isn’t just your average breakfast. With dishes like hash made with prime rib and benedicts with crab cake, Rio is making things a little more egg-stravagant. Pair your meal with the “Wake Me Up” Bloody Mary or “The Sunrise” Mimosa!
If you prefer a classic breakfast at the diner, check out Dino’s Seaville Diner in Seaville. Homemade eggs, omelets, French toast, pancakes, waffles and more make Dino’s both the locals’ and visitors’ choice for delicious, affordable and family friendly dining. No need to rush if you hit the snooze button – Dino’s serves breakfast all day!
For a quick breakfast option, satisfy your sweet tooth at the new Duck Donuts in Avalon. These famous, made-to-order donuts are made fresh with a large variety of glazes and toppings, with unique options such as maple icing and bacon pieces. Grab a cup of coffee, too, and you have everything you need for a great breakfast!
After breakfast, it’s time to see Cape May County up close and personal from a bike seat. Take the family over to Hale Bicycle Shop in Cape May Court House, where there’s something for everyone. Hop on for a test ride so you can find just the right bike, then get everything you need to enhance your riding experience such as helmets, locks, pumps, hydration systems and more. At Hale, you’ll find only the best quality bikes!
Take your new bike up to the famous Wildwoods Boardwalk for a morning cruise. While you’re there, be sure to stop by Elby’s Variety Store and grab everything you need for your Jersey Shore vacation. Get swimwear, clothes, hats and shoes, plus souvenirs and gifts to forever remember your trip!
For lunch, be a part of the Farm to Table experience at Seaville Tavern in Seaville, which uses only the freshest quality produce from local Cape May County farms. 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.
If you prefer to stay on the Five Mile Island, visit Backfin Blues Bar & Grill in Wildwood for lunch in a relaxing yet classy atmosphere. Enjoy a drink in the sun on the rooftop deck, or grab a cocktail downstairs in the newly renovated and expanded bar. Check out the outside pizza bar for homemade, fresh fired brick oven pizza, the only brick oven pizza on the island that’s made with natural wood and no gas. Pizza is also available in the dining room and on the rooftop deck if you’re busy staying cool with cocktails.
Once the family is full, take that energy over to Mocean Waverunners in Wildwood and have an adventure on the water. Choose a leisurely cruise around, or open the throttle and see what you can do in over three miles of an open freestyle riding area. Don’t stress if you’re not experienced – Mocean’s professional instruction staff is highly qualified, informative and available to help everyone from the newest beginner to the waverunning veteran.
Over on the waterfront at Schooner Landing in Wildwood, Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grille offers contemporary coastal cuisine with an international flair, cuisine your family will love for dinner. Save room to sample one of the oyster specialties, with at least three different oyster dishes offered daily. Beach Creek’s extensive dessert and signature martini menu boasts some of the island’s most innovative cocktails. Cool off with the Shore Breeze specialty martini or sample the crowd favorite, Pineapple Upside Down Cake.
For a different type of cuisine, visit Vincenzo’s Little Italy II in North Cape May and get a taste of Italy. This family-friendly restaurant serves the very best in Italian food, from hot and cold appetizers like bruschetta to a large variety of pizzas, pastas, sauces and accompaniments. Bring your favorite Italian wine or beverage with you to complete your dining experience! If you’re looking to head home, Vincenzo’s offers a pizzeria with take-out options as well as delivery. Regardless of your location, you will always get restaurant quality food and authentic Italian cuisine with Vincenzo’s.
If you’ve got some picky eaters on your hands, head to Back Bay Bistro in the Villas. The menu consists of New American entrees to tempt even the most finicky of appetites, including seafood, beef, veal, pasta and pizza. If the weather’s nice, take in the warmth and sunshine and dine on the spacious outside patio. Offering the freshest homemade cuisine in the area, this local favorite will quickly become yours, too.