Cape May County is a treasure trove of thrills, games, specialty seafood, happy hour specials, traditional family-style restaurants, beach gear, breakfast spots, sweet treats, and relaxing rituals. Yet with its 620-square-mile span, the Jersey Shore county can be quite daunting. With all the ground to cover, where should you even begin? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Island Hopping is your go-to guide for the season with our favorite places to “do the shore.” This week we’re hopping all around the county to plan your day from dusk till dawn.
For those who like to spend time in the kitchen, a home-cooked breakfast with some help from ShopRite is the way to go! Conveniently located in Rio Grande, ShopRite is the place to go for all of your breakfast essentials. Offering deals and discounts on countless food items, you are sure to save big! ShopRite offers the freshest produce, meats, bakeshop items, and much more. Check out ShopRite’s ad in this week’s Herald, or log on to shoprite.com for the most up-to-date deals.
After breakfast, visit the home of Jersey Cape fishing at No Bones Bait & Tackle at the foot of the Rio Grande bridge! No Bones Bait & Tackle offers half-day and full-day boat rentals, plus fishing charter boats for a fun day out on the water. New to the fishing scene? Fishing seminars are held on location, and the shop is fully equipped for all of your fishing and crabbing needs. Get fresh, frozen and live bait, rods, reels, sunglasses, T-shirts, hats and more! There is plenty of free parking and a laid back atmosphere, so stop on by!
If you’re looking for a different outdoor activity, spend the first part of your day cruising through the Five Mile Island on a sleek bike from Smitty’s Bike Rental in Wildwood, located on the corner of Young & Ocean avenues. Take a tour of the shore on a tandem bike, which is perfect for couples, or a small or large surrey, for any size family or group. Alley-Cats and single bikes are also available, so everyone can join in on the fun!
If you’re looking to grab lunch or find something to bring home for dinner that night, head over to Clarke’s Sunset Market in Stone Harbor. Here, you’ll find a full line of gourmet Dietz & Watson deli meats, USDA choice and prime meats cut to order, sirloin patties made in house, homemade salads, local fruits and veggies, and more. With endless lunch options, Clarke’s is sure to have something to please every palate in your family!
For a “greener” lunch option, check out Green Cuisine in Stone Harbor, serving award-winning, naturally delicious menu items consisting of locally raised, hand-picked fruits and vegetables of the finest and freshest quality. Located on 96th Street in the heart of the main shopping district, you’ll find exotic, crispy salads, gourmet sandwiches and wraps, tropical fruit creations, fruit and yogurt smoothies, and fresh-squeezed juices. Gluten-free options are available!
After lunch, visit Ocean Outdoor Patio – Teak Outlet in Cape May Court House and start your backyard makeover with new, quality furniture. The outlet sells a variety of chairs, tables, seater sofas, and loungers so you can transform any ordinary outdoor living space into an extraordinary backyard oasis!
In the mood for Italian after shopping? Head to Little Italy in Wildwood Crest, replicating the sights, sounds, tastes and overall experience of an authentic Italian piazza. If the shore atmosphere has you craving cuisine of the sea, Little Italy offers ultra-fresh seafood combination platters topped lightly with breadcrumbs and baked/broiled/fried to perfection. Or, for the best of both worlds, try one of Little Italy’s “seafood with pasta” dishes!
For 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, fresh seafood selections, hand-carved beef and ham, a variety of chicken dishes, roast stuffed turkey, macaroni & cheese, rice pilaf, fresh vegetables, homemade desserts and more.
After a long day out in Cape May County, get home safely and relax. It won’t be long before you have to start planning your next fun-filled day at the shore!