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 eleventh edition of Complete Island Hopping, our map of suggestions for a great week of Cape May County fun.
Get a healthy and hardy breakfast fix at Duffer’s of Wildwood’s Pacific Avenue. Nothing says “Good morning!” like a short stack of Duffer’s light and tender pancakes topped with whipped butter, old fashioned maple syrup, and your choice of warm apples, blueberries, or strawberries. Or check out their selection of Country Fresh Eggs made to order and served with potato pancakes and your favorite type of toast.
From there, head south down Park Boulevard until you hit scenic Lakeview Docks on Sunset Lake. Soak up the sun’s strong morning rays aboard a Lakeview kayak. Peace and quiet have never felt as good as aboard a kayak on this Jersey Shore waterway. Only $20 per hour for a single and $30 per hour for a double, Lakeview kayaks can be great for exercise and even better for relaxation. New to kayaking? The Lakeview staff provides professional pointers on rowing, helping you get started.
Beat the crowds and stop by the Lobster House for lunch. With many great places to dine such as the restaurant, Raw Bar, Schooner American and Coffee Shop, you have an endless amount of options to enjoy the harbor view! If you are looking to eat at home, stop by the Lobster House to pick out your filet of fish. Choose from numerous locally caught crustaceans and fish to bring home for a great family meal. If you aren’t in the mood to cook, The Lobster House has an excellent takeout menu featured fried or broiled platters with sides such as French fries and cole slaw.
After getting your fill of fresh seafood, do some afternoon shopping at the Washington Street Mall. The mall is home to a large variety of stores for anyone. If you are looking for a good book, stop at Cape Atlantic Book home to this week’s Beach Read! If you are looking for a Cape May Vacation Souvenir Great White Shark is your place to stop! With a large supply of t-shirts, sweatshirts, magnets, and hats you can find something for everyone in your family!
When Happy Hour rolls around the options are endless! Go for no-shower Happy Hour at Harpoon Henry’s located in North Cape May on the scenic Delaware Bay. Swing by Monday through Friday from 3 to 5:30 p.m. for $2 Miller drafts, $5 house wine, $6 U-Peel-Um Shrimp, $7 steamers, and $3 onion rings by the half-foot. Stick around for premium sunset views and the nightly conch blowing ceremony at the sunset’s end. This tradition originated in the Florida keys, and Harpoon Henry’s owner Ed Henry has brought it right here to the Jersey Shore.
“Keep calm and Harry on” at Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grill of Cape May’s Beach Avenue. Harry’s is THE place to be for post-beach appetizers and cocktails. Get “happy” from 4 to 6 p.m. daily and check out the chalkboard specials, discounted appetizers, and deals on their 40+ draft and bottled beers. Plus, live entertainment hits Harry’s Patio from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, making Happy Hour a delight for all senses.
Have a laid-back family dinner at The Wharf, a family-run restaurant and bar. Enjoy live music on their waterfront deck while enjoying one of their signature drinks such as the Voodoo Juice, a colorful drink with Cruzan Coconut, Cruzan Banana, Cruzan Mango & Cruzan Pineapple Rums, mixed with Cranberry Juice, Orange & Pineapple Juices – served over ice in a souvenir “Voodoo Bucket”. Afterward, try one of their delicious sandwiches such as the Fried Crab Cake Sandwich or Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich, you can even opt for a traditional burger or go for a Jersey Shore classic such as Fried Gulf Shrimp or Fried Crab Cakes.
Looking for a show with your dinner? Check out Elaine’s Dinner Theater in Cape May. Now performing, The Mostly Dead, you are sure to get a laugh at this zombie-comedy. Elaine’s is also home to a fine dining restaurant and outdoor eating area known as “The Porch” with live entertainment daily.
Find all you need for that night’s cocktail hour at Gleeson’s Discount Liquors of Ocean View. Be sure to check out Gleeson’s display of DiBruno Bros. cheese spreads, aged artisan cheeses, spreads, Crostini crackers, and more. Established in 1939 by Italian immigrant brothers Danny and Jo, DiBruno Bros. cheeses are unique treasures of the rich culture of Philadelphia’s 9th Street Italian Market and a true treat for any wine and cheese tasting.
For a late night bite to eat, swing by the Boiler Room, located underneath of Congress Hall in Cape May. This hip underground music club is now offering brick oven pizza and cold draft beer – the perfect compliments to a great night out! From 5 p.m. choose from seven signature varieties of pizza. Currently on tap are: Cape May Brewery’s Honey Porter, Dog Fish 60 min IPA, Cape May Brewery Coastal Evacuation, Victory Summer Love, Allagash , and Blue Pig Tavern Ale (by Flying Fish Brewery).