Island Hopping: August 14th to 20th

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 ninth edition of Complete Island Hopping, our map of suggestions for a great week of Cape May County fun.

Begin in Stone Harbor and grab breakfast at the town’s newest luxury resort, the Reeds. Home of the Water Star Grille, dine on a short stack of pancakes or egg white garden omelet. On Tuesday, August 18th, The Reeds invites all to join them for the 4th Annual Reeds ‘n Seeds Event. Don’t miss the crowning of the new Reeds ‘n Seeds King and Queen…

While you’re on Seven Mile Island, hit up the great shopping. Located in Stone Harbor, Patchington is a great destination for Women’s resort wear. Find all you need for your vacation right here! Next, grab a beach read at the Stone Harbor Book Store. There is nothing better than getting into a good book while relaxing to sounds of the ocean.

When lunch time rolls around, stop in the Crab House at Two Mile Landing just off Ocean Drive in Wildwood Crest. The Crab House features ample boat dockage and its very own harbormaster. Arrive by boat or by car and enjoy lunch, dinner, happy hour, or a night out at the newly renovated Two Mile Crab House, offering the same great taste in an awesome atmosphere. Crab House diners are invited to enjoy “Crabby Hour” at the bar from 2 to 5 pm with $5 appetizer menu and $1 off all drinks at the bar.

Spend the afternoon where the locals head to “sizzle and chill” atop Ice House’s cool deck. Overlooking scenic and historic Otten’s Harbor, it features its very own Daily Deck Specials offering great deals on Ice House appetizer favorites. Plus, Ice House’s downstairs bar has debuted its very own brand new menu this summer season. Served exclusively at Ice House’s indoor granite bar, this menu features a Crab Cake, Shrimp Cocktail, and Tuna Sashimi starters.

Want to enjoy Happy Hour with a relaxed atmosphere and live music? The Porch at Elaine’s is the place to go! Every day from 5 to 9pm, local acts will entertain the diners of The Porch. Munch on delicious treats such as Toasted Raviolis and Buffalo Shrimp. During Happy Hour enjoy half price apps! Like Elaine’s on Facebook to get the most up-to-date news on live music and other events and happenings.

Looking for pre-dinner cocktails in your own home? Joe Canal’s, just a quick drive up Route 47, has EVERYTHING you need when it comes to wine, spirits, and beer. After undergoing a major expansion, Joe Canal’s now offers nearly twice the inventory plus even more of patrons’ favorite selections. For those of a refined wine palate, Joe Canal’s even sponsors its own wine tastings several times weekly. With wine consultants expert counsel and the friendly assistance of Joe Canal’s staff, shopping for drinks and cocktails is just as pleasant as the beverages themselves.

Dinner options in Cape May County offer many great restaurants. Head inland to Menz’s where you will find great food at an affordable price! This family friendly restaurant serves up many great dinner entrees that will please everyone in the family, even the youngest members! After your meal, hit up the Menz Candy Store for a sweet treat.

In the Crest, Little Italy of Atlantic Avenue replicates the sights, sounds, and overall experience of an authentic Italian piazza. When the shore atmosphere has you craving cuisine of the sea, Little Italy offers ultra-fresh seafood combination platters featuring local catches of flounder, scallops, shrimp, crab cake, and clams casino topped lightly with breadcrumbs and baked to perfection. For the best of the seafood and pasta worlds, opt for one of Little Italy’s ten pasta with seafood dishes such as Shrimp Alla Panna or Carne Di Granchi Al Pomidoro, lump crabmeat in marinara over a bed of pasta.

Those in Cape May Court House or their newly opened Wildwood location may alternatively choose to say “ciao” to Chef Antonio at local favorite Nino’s Family Restaurant. Here, homemade red and white sauces marry the cuisine of Northern and Southern Italy while a variety of fresh fish is prepared daily. Nino’s believes that quality fresh products are to be prepared in a simple and unique way, then served with pride and great family service, resulting in ultimate customer satisfaction. Test Nino’s authentic cuisine and premiere customer service for yourself…