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 sixth edition of Complete Island Hopping, our map of suggestions for a great week of Cape May County fun.
Whether you need to grab and go or take a break, Donna’s Place is the ideal spot for breakfast. From 7 a.m., stop by Donna’s to indulge in their delicious menu of breakfast items. Serving, eggs, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, waffles, French toast and sides such as bacon, sausage and pork roll you will surely leave with a filled appetite. Don’t forget to order bakery items to take with you. The bakery boasts Croissants, Muffins, Danishes and much more!
After Breakfast, learn about the History of Cape May County at Historic Cold Spring Village. This weekend, the Village hosts Railroad Days on Saturday, July 25th and Sunday, July 26th. Visitors will find presentations and railroad displays from a variety of groups throughout the grounds. Children can also enjoy free train rides throughout the village as well as participate in crafts, games and dress up activities. Visit the Country Store, Bakery or Ice Cream Parlor for a sweet treat or souvenir!
After immersing yourself in the County’s history and educating yourself on America’s Railroad system it is time to hit the water with Utsch’s! Located at the foot of the Cape May Bridge, Utsch’s Marina is home many great water sports activities. Visit the Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center – with guaranteed sightings, located at the marina and every August, the restored Tall Ship AJ Meerwald will set sail. The Marina is also home to East Coast Parasailing which offers parasailing, jet skis and jet boat. For those looking to try Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, Steger Stand-Up Paddleboard is conveniently located next door.
When it comes time to take a break from the Cape May sun, head to Poppi’s Brick Oven Pizza in Wildwood for a savory lunch. Offering lunch specials Monday through Thursday for $6.95, you can eat great on a budget! Poppi’s uses the most fresh and high quality ingredients in all of their dishes. Be sure to try one of their Brick Oven Pizza’s cooked in less than 2 minutes in an oven 800 to 1000 degrees. The best Neopolitan Pizza in town!
Rather have Chinese Cuisine? Head over to Pacific Avenue to try the Dragon House. Established in 1959, this restaurant is famous throughout the shore for serving the very finest in Chinese cuisine. Dragon House’s food speaks for itself. Customers from around the world all discover the taste sensations of the Dragon House cooking style and quality food. The Scallion Pancakes appetizer, nicknamed the Chinese Pizza, is a must try choice that has become a crowd favorite. Dragon House offers daily lunch specials from 11:30-3:00pm., with over 17 delicious choices.
Prefer to spend an afternoon away from the beach? Cape May is home to many Golf Courses that are welcoming to golfers of all skill levels. Head over to Cape May Par-3 for an 18-hole experience that can fill an afternoon. This easy course allows those of all skill levels to have a successful game on an excellent green. And do not worry about a dress code, Par-3 welcomes those in beach attire to hit a round of golf and then hit the beach after! Clubs, Bags and Carts are available to rent. Par-3 is also home to a driving range and hosts lessons. Check out Chips & Divots for a full list of area golf courses!
When Happy Hour rolls around, there is no better place to be than Owen’s Pub. The Pub’s Extended Happy Hour from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. means there is no rush getting to the bar! With great drink and food specials you are sure to get ‘Happy’ and relax. Enjoy half price appetizers every day from 3 to 6 p.m. Enjoy all of your favorite sports on one of their 21 Hi-Def, wide screen TV’s positioned throughout the bar and dining area. If you would like to stay through dinner, Owen’s offers many delicious dinner specials.
Do dinner along the Wildwoods Yacht Basin for an escape to the tropics only at Urie’s Waterfront Restaurant. Here, the waterfront deck is complete with its own Tiki Bar featuring favorite summer cocktails and beer. Indulge in all-you-can-eat Snow and Maryland Blue crabs nightly on the dockside deck, or opt for fresh catch from the raw bar. Discover for yourself why Urie’s was voted Best Water View Dining by South Jersey Magazine.
Head inland and enjoy dinner at one of the best kept secret – Jake’s Bar and Grill, located in Villas. This restaurant is chef owned and operated by James Kershaw, who has over 27 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. They also offer a great children’s menu. Stop by and see what Jake’s can offer you.