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 620-square-mile span, this Jersey Shore county can be quite daunting. With all this ground to cover, where should you even begin? We’re here with our fifth edition of Island Hopping, offering our map of suggestions of where to “do the shore” for a great week of Cape May County fun.
Spend your morning away from the shore crowds and book a tee time at Sand Barrens Golf Club’s 27-hole championship course, located in Swainton. Book online to make things quick and convenient, and to enjoy the best available rates. For a shorter visit, hit the driving range and practice your swing for your next match. After your time on the green, relax and unwind in the Sand Barrens Club House, complete with high ceilings, large windows opening to beautiful vistas, and elegant yet comfortable furnishings.
Post tee time, visit the Kayak Fishing Store in North Wildwood and get everything you need for an afternoon on the water. Talk to the ProStaff, find the right kayak for you and get tips on how to reel in the best catch. If kayak fishing isn’t the sport for you, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent, and all kayaks are equipped with fishing rod holders for those that want to try their luck!
Spend some time on the water in a different way at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry! Hop aboard and head to Delaware’s tax-free shopping and beach attractions. The ride is pleasant and scenic, and terminals on both sides have enjoyable restaurants, outdoor cafés and well-stocked gift shops.
After working up an appetite on the water, grab lunch at Jake’s Bar & Grill in the Villas and experience one of the best kept secrets in town! This restaurant is chef owned and operated by James Kershaw, who has over 30 years of restaurant experience. His signature New England and Spicy Crab Chowders are just a few of the incredible choices on Jake’s extensive menu. Fresh specials are served daily at Jake’s, including seafood, pasta, and hot and cold sandwiches. The restaurant also offers a great children’s menu for the little ones!
Just down the street from Jake’s is Jersey Shore Country Store, where you can find everything you need to complete the look and feel of your beach getaway. From custom furnishings to nautical accessories, Jersey Shore Country Store has just the piece you need that corresponds perfectly with the existing décor or color scheme at your shore home, all at affordable prices. Check the store’s Facebook page daily to stay up to date with weekly specials and new arrivals!
Relax and unwind after getting some shopping done. Check out the all new Bare Foot Bar & Restaurant at the Marquis de Lafayette Hotel, situated on Beach Avenue in the middle of the sights and sounds of Cape May with public access from the street. Take in the waterfront views, grab a bite to eat and sip on a fruity crush, which go for just $5 during Happy Hour from 4 to 7 p.m. daily!
Head three blocks down Beach Avenue to Cape May Convention Hall to catch “twist sensation” Chubby Checker! Performing in Cape May on Monday, July 18 at 8 p.m., you won’t want to miss the 55th anniversary of The Twist’s Wildwood premiere.
If dancing the night away isn’t your thing, visit the Five Mile Island for a night out with a delicious meal.
On the Wildwoods Yacht Basin, Boathouse Restaurant & Marina Deck invites diners to enjoy fresh seafood, steaks and sunsets! Grab two entrees for just $29 with Boathouse’s Sunset Specials nightly from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sit on the Marina Deck and pair your meal with spectacular views and a warm summer breeze!
If you’re looking for something a little more casual, Poppi’s Brick Oven Pizza & Kitchen off of New Jersey Avenue has authentic, signature Italian dishes: Neapolitan brick oven pizza, specialty sandwiches made on homemade bread daily, pasta dishes and more, all available for eat-in or take-out!
For something a little more upscale, Duffinetti’s Restaurant & Lounge on Pacific Avenue offers traditional Italian fare coupled with a flair of creativity. Get a three-course meal from the Early Bird Menu for just $20 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. After dinner, grab a cocktail at the bar or sip on a glass of wine from the extensive list which includes local Cape May County wines. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, enjoy your drink over live music from 8:30 p.m. to closing!