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.
Good morning! Start your day with breakfast at Rio Station in Rio Grande, where you can choose from a variety of breakfast favorites to quench your cravings. Build your own three-egg omelets or frittatas, baked in a cast-iron skillet. Choose your stack of pancakes, then choose from sides of bacon, Taylor ham, scrapple, and more. Pair your meal with a Bloody Mary, traditional Mimosa, or Bellini and you’re ready to start your day!
If you’re planning a beach day, visit Cape Atlantic Book Company on The Washington Mall in Cape May to pick up your last summer beach read of the season. With a wide selection of books for all ages from fiction to nonfiction, mystery to romance, this bookstore allows you and your family to find the perfect book to get lost in on a summer day. You’ll find floor-to-ceiling collections of current best sellers and old classics, plus a large children’s department for little bookworms.
For lunch, head to 19 Buffet in Rio Grande for an all-you-can-eat buffet, featuring Chinese, Japanese, and American favorites! The kitchen also prepares fresh sushi and hibachi made-to-order. If you don’t want to dine-in, the restaurant also offers take-out, including lunch specials and a range of house specials that are sure to please.
After lunch, head over to Furry Fur Ends in Cape May Court House and shop ‘til you drop for your favorite furry friends! Spoil your four-legged friends with unique toys, treats, food, supplies, and gifts for cats and dogs, plus a wide selection of pet-themed t-shirts for the pet owners! You are sure to find everything you and your pet will want or need.
Continue shopping in Stone Harbor at Stone Harbor Surf and Paddle – this time for yourself or your friends and family. Shop an exceptional selection of watersport needs, including wet suits, boards, gloves, snorkel equipment, and more! The store also provides lessons, rentals, and sales, so stop by the store to find out more and sign up to develop your watersport skills.
After a long day out on the town, treat yourself to a nice dinner at The Lobster House in Cape May, where you’ll find fine food and a nautical atmosphere. The restaurant overlooks the Cape May Harbor and provides you with picturesque views, plus the freshest seafood available! The Lobster House offers a large and varied menu, with options like Lobster Tails, Stuffed Flounder, Alaskan King Crabs, and more. No vacation at the Jersey Shore without an amazing experience at the famous Lobster House.
For another dinner option, relax and unwind at 5 West Pub in North Cape May and grab some cool cocktails with friends. Even furry friends are welcome, as 5 West Pub’s outside patio is pet-friendly! Water is probably the best choice for Fido, but for you, we suggest the signature “5 West” cocktail made with Bacardi Dragonberry Rum, lemonade, cranberry juice and 7 Up.
When heading home for the evening, stop 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 need to pair with your fine wine such as cheese spreads, aged artisan cheeses, crackers 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!