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 fourth edition of Complete Island Hopping, our map of suggestions for a great week of Cape May County fun.
Start your day in Victorian Cape May at historic Congress Hall. The Blue Pig Tavern of Congress Hall serves farm-fresh breakfast from 7:30 a.m. daily and invites you to fuel for the day with omelets, waffles, pancakes, or even their tavern specialties. For a little taste of everything, spring for The Presidential or The Congressional specialty.everything, spring for The Presidential or The Congressional specialty. You won’t be sorry. Those stationed in the Wildwoods need not stray far for a new and totally satisfying breakfast experience. Flip Flopz Beach Bar & Grill, historically known for its nightlife scene, is now home to its very own family breakfast buffet on Saturday and Sunday mornings kicking off at 8 a.m. Pick and choose your favorite breakfast items from the varied buffet selection for just $12.50 per adult. This all-you-can-eat format is a perfect way to fill up before a long beach day!
When it comes time to take a break from the Wildwoods sun, there’s no need to stray far from the sandy shores. Stubborn Brothers Beach Bar & Grille is the best place to hang up your wet beach towel and grab lunch and/or a cold one. Stubborn Bros. Grille’s laid-back mood, tropical drinks, oversized Adirondack chairs and beach-influenced fare have made it the go-to spot to grab some shade. Here, Betsy Garr, Food & Beverage Manager, creates dishes featuring, a beach-influenced fare with fresh vegetables and local ingredients. Signature dishes include the Crab Cake Sandwich, Fried Green Tomatoes and the Shrimp Mediterranean Wrap. Dress code is swimsuit casual and bare feet are not only okay but also encouraged.
Rather head inland for lunch along the Intercoastal Waterway? Set your sights on The Wharf for a taste of their all new discounted lunch specials. From fresh salads prepared with seasonal ingredients to signature lunch entrees, the selections change with each day, but their delicious flavors remain consistent. End your beach day with a few cocktails on the Yacht Basin at the Boathouse’s daily Happy Hour. Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. the Boathouse brings people together with great food and drink specials, perfect for taking the edge off. Plus, on any given day on the deck, you can hear anything from smooth reggae with a distinct island feel to today’s hits. Check this week’s entertainment grid for the Boathouse’s live music schedule.
Head just across Wildwood Boulevard for a second Happy Hour stop at one of the newest downtown eateries – Tavern on the Bay. Sample signatures such as the “Bluecumber Mint” at TOB’s Happy Hour Sunday through Wednesday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the downstairs bar or in the relaxing Sunset Lounge on the rooftop deck. Those who’d prefer dinner and drinks are encouraged to sample one of the Tavern’s several wood-fired specialty pizzas, made fresh in the ONLY outdoor wood-fired brick oven pizza kitchen in the County!
This Saturday, July 12, schedule a stop at Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grille around 6 p.m. to catch live performances by local reggae sensations, Cultureal. Cultureal’s full ensemble of Philadelphia’s “best of the best” enables them to perform in a league of their own. “We can play about thirteen or fourteen hours of music including over fifty covers and more than twenty original songs.” Cultureal makes sure to change up their set for each individual performance. “We always try to do a different show,” states band leader Joshua Winer. Their eclectic island sound is best enjoyed with a sample of Beach Creek’s extensive rum stock in hand.
Rather do dinner in the comfort of your own home, hotel, or rental? Sample the renowned Asian fusion flavors of Dragon House Restaurant in the heart of the Wildwoods. All menu items are available for takeout and/or delivery, including the ever-popular “Chinese Pizza”, or Scallion Pancakes, appetizer.
Kick off your next shore day with an adventure on the water courtesy of Utsch’s Marina. Utsch’s is located directly on the Cape May Harbor and is home to a number of charter and party boats available to fulfill your deep sea fishing or deep sea tanning dreams! Consult Utsch’s website for the latest updates on available charters and their designated captains. In the words of the Utsch’s staff, “Sail on in…we’ll be waiting!”
Land-lovers may prefer a stroll on Cape May’s Washington Street Mall instead. Check out the newest retailers or swing by Rotary Park in the evening for a live concert at the bandstand. The Mall has it all and invites visitors and locals alike to “shop, dine, relax”. However, if you happen to be craving sushi or steakhouse fusion cuisine, Yozu of North Cape May is your best bet. Here, you can expect the unique. Yozu’s chef staff, with combined experience of over 40 years, has most definitely put both the best of their hearts and minds into the sushi bar’s signatures. Yozu is proud to present a signature roll perfect for both the sushi eater and the sushi skeptic. The “East Meets West” roll is the product of chefs’ experiences in both American and Japanese restaurants. Custom tailored to Yozu’s clientele, the East Meets West features Shrimp Tempura, Jumbo Lump Crab, and avocado wrapped in rice and soy paper and topped with filet mignon and a combination of Japanese mayo and Bernaise sauce.