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 tenth edition of Complete Island Hopping, our map of suggestions for a great week of Cape May County fun.
Cape May locals and visitors can take a seat for a breakfast sure to satisfy at Cape May’s hidden gem – 501 Beach at the Marquis de Lafayette. This spacious dining room and full service bar is home to a spectacular all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet daily! Fresh cut fruits, yogurts, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, breads, pastries, make-your-own Belgian waffles, and omelets to order are just a few of the delights that wait to greet you in the morning at our breakfast buffet. Included complimentary with hotel guests’ stay, Marq’s morning buffet is open to the public as well. Start your day off right with choices to satisfy everyone for only $13.99 for adults, $7.99 for children, and free for any kids under the age of 4.
After breakfast, have an adventure at Mocean Waverunners of Wildwood. Located on West Rio Grande Ave., Mocean allows riders to take their time cruising or open the throttle on more than 3 miles of open and safe riding area. They provide top-of-the-line equipment, as well as free professional instruction and a scenic boat ride to the riding area. No experience is needed because Mocean Waverunners’ staff is highly qualified, informative, and available to help everyone from the newest beginner to the waverunning veteran.
For those who can’t get enough fun on the water, head to Ocean Oasis Waterpark of Morey’s Piers for an afternoon of thrills. Take the plunge on the Cliff Dive slide and drop 5 stories in 3 seconds or take it slow as you drift down the relaxing course of the Lazy River. Go head to head in a race to the finish line with your family on the six-lane WipeOut or make the quick drop off of Shotgun Falls.
Head back to exit zero for a Tisha’s lunch. Tisha’s lunch menu features an array of small plates to start with including Lobster Risotto, Cajun Fried Oysters, Buffalo Chicken Tenders, Tisha’s Loaded Fries, and several more appetizer favorites. With the option to add chicken, grilled salmon, or oysters, Tisha’s fresh, large salads are the perfect light entrée for a hot summer day.
If you’re looking to grab and go, Jack’s Shack is your answer. Open Daily, starting at 8am, Jack’s Shack is the place to get your food fix for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Offering a wide variety of entrees, seafood, sandwiches, sides, appetizers and breakfast foods, everyone in your party is sure to find something they love. Jack’s Shack also serves many specialty sandwiches, unique to the restaurant. A new feature Jack’s is offering is online ordering to make your vacation that much more relaxing. Although delivery is not available, you may pick up your items thirty to forty minutes after ordering. Log on to their website to get a full listing of their delicious delights to enjoy with the whole family or stop in to their physical location, conveniently situated in the heart of the 96th Street shopping district in the Harbor Square Mall.
After having a hearty lunch, grab dessert or just sweets for the day at Douglass Fudge at Wildwood Avenue and the Boardwalk. Since 1925, the Douglass Fudge has been providing the Jersey Shore with the “creamiest” fudge you will ever experience; fresh cream and butter make it the finest. If fudge isn’t your thing, Douglass is also home to delicious treats such as Salt Water Taffy, made with a higher sugar content, some corn syrup, and the most expensive natural flavors unlike other salt water taffy’s which are made with corn syrup and inexpensive imitation flavors. There is also a plethora of homemade candy to take home or enjoy right away.
If you want to enjoy the outdoors, head to Historic Cold Spring Village for one of their many themed weekends. This weekend stop by to enjoy Seafarers’ Weekend. The event will feature pirates, music, family fun, and a variety of displays and demonstrations of all things nautical. The Village buildings will also be open, featuring historical interpreters in period clothing who demonstrate the trades, crafts and lifestyles of Early America.
When it comes time to grab a bite for dinner, your options are practically limitless. Red Oak Restaurant, in business for over 40 years, serves the finest all-you-can-eat sea & 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 even more.
If you are looking for a delicious sit-down meal, Piro’s is the place to go! With an extensive dinner menu featuring appetizer options such as Broccoli Rabe and Oyster on the Half Shell, and great dinner entrees like Scampi and Flounder Stuffed with Crab Meat, there is no reason to leave hungry. Make sure to pair your meal with one of Piro’s wine featured on their excellent wine list. Sit at the bar or a table; you will get the same, delectable dishes to rave about.