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 tenth edition of Island Hopping, offering our map of suggestions of where to “do the shore” for a great week of Cape May County fun.
Wake up with Pastrami on 9 in South Seaville, offering delectable breakfast sandwiches to get your day going. This New York style deli doesn’t just offer your typical breakfast selections. With options such as “NY Breakfast,” two scrambled eggs, lox and crispy onions on a bagel, and “Randy Macho Madness,” 3 scrambled eggs, sausage, hot peppers, American cheese and hot sauce on a hoagie roll, you’re bound to find a new breakfast favorite!
When everyone is fueled with food to start the day, hop on over to Harbor Bike & Beach Shop in Stone Harbor and take a cruise around town. Whether you’re looking to purchase a bike to call your own or rent one for a few hours, Harbor Bike & Beach Shop is the place for all of your biking needs. For those who like to get around in a different way, skateboards are also available, and for a family adventure, surreys are available for rent.
After a morning on wheels taking in the beauty and charm of Stone Harbor, hit the Cape May County 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 was designed and constructed by local architect Fred Langford. The course is pristine and beautifully laid out, with waters and other hazards presenting challenges at almost every hole to even seasoned veterans.
An active morning calls for a hearty lunch, and what better place than Tonio’s Pizzeria in Avalon. Best known for its signature, made-to-order pizzas and innovative sandwiches, Tonio’s is a classic lunch spot that will satisfy any appetite. In the mood for something different? Head next door to Tonio’s Seafood Shack for the freshest catches of your favorite fish, or check out the newest menu items under “Tonio’s Taco’s.”
If you are looking for a fun family experience for lunch, head up to the Deauville Inn in Strathmere for live entertainment, delicious food, cold drinks and a quaint atmosphere. Located at the foot of the Corson’s Inlet Bridge between Ocean City and Sea Isle City, choose to sit outside and enjoy the view as you dine. Kick back and relax at the sports bar – with 11 HD TVs, you won’t miss a second of the Summer Olympics! The Deauville welcomes those coming by car, bike, foot or boat.
For healthier lunch options, check out Good Earth Organic Eatery in West Cape May. This all-organic restaurant proudly prepares homemade healthy food options made with seasonal fruits and veggies from local organic farmers and locally-caught fish from local fishermen. At Good Earth Organic Eatery, your lunch will be made with simple, fresh ingredients that allow the flavors of the food to speak for themselves.
After lunch, visit the Bay Springs Farm Alpacas in Cape May and pick up some quality alpaca apparel, accessories, yarn and fleece. Made from superior Peruvian and Chilean Huacaya alpacas in a wide range of colors, the farm store offers a unique selection. Dreaming about owning your own alpaca? Meet the members of the Herd and check out the sales list so your alpaca dreams can come true!
Your dinner options are endless at the Lobster House in Cape May, home to a restaurant, the Raw Bar, the Schooner American, the Take Out Shop and the Fish Market. Dine in for a great family meal with cocktails and a beautiful harbor view, or take out to enjoy your meal in the comfort of your own home. Whatever Lobster House experience you choose, you’ll be sure to get flavorful and fresh locally caught seafood paired with delectable sides.
For even more limitless dinner options, the Red Oak Restaurant in Wildwood serves the finest all-you-can-eat sea and land dinner buffets to satisfy the entire family at the most reasonable prices. The dinner buffet offers over 60 items – soups, a complete salad bar, pasta galore, stuffed flounder, broiled tilapia and grouper, hand carved beef and ham, chicken tenders, ribs, meatballs, chicken cordon bleu, roast stuffed turkey, macaroni & cheese, rice pilaf, fresh vegetables, homemade desserts and more.
When heading home for the evening, swing 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 may need in cheese to pair with your fine wine, such as cheese spreads, aged artisan cheeses, crackers and more. If you’re unsure of exactly what you’re looking for, let the friendly staff of Joe Canal’s help you!
Rather let someone else do your drink mixing for you? At Ice House Restaurant & Bar in Wildwood, you can unwind atop the casual, open-air deck and bar with a cool cocktail in hand. Overlooking Otten’s Harbor, you might just be able to catch a fabulous sunset before the twinkling stars reveal themselves in the night sky. If hunger returns, Ice House’s indoor granite bar located downstairs offers a menu of delicious quick eats such as crab cakes, shrimp cocktail and more.