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.
Get out and savor the shore with a healthy to-go breakfast courtesy of the Amish Market of North Wildwood. Located at 7th and New Jersey Avenue, the Amish Market is home to its very own smoothie station where the whole family can customize the smoothie of their choice for a fresh and fruity start to the day. Fuel up with an Amish Market coffee, with any size always only 99¢ and available in various flavors. Need something a bit more substantial to fill your belly? All of the Market’s pastries are prepared and baked each morning at Shady Maple Amish Farm Market.
Cape May locals and visitors can take a seat for a breakfast sure to satisfy at Cape May’s hidden gem – Marq’s Pub of the Marquis de Lafayette. This spacious dining room and full service bar is home to a spectacular all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet daily! Fresh cut fruits, yogurts, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, breads, pastries, make-your-own Belgian waffles, and omelets to order are just a few of the delights that wait to greet you in the morning at our breakfast buffet. Included complimentary with hotel guests’ stay, Marq’s morning buffet is open to the public as well. Start your day off right with choices to satisfy everyone for only $10.95 for adults, $5.95 for children, and free for any kids under the age of 4.
Experience the beach in an entirely new way with an early morning workout on the Congress Hall beach courtesy of Cape Resorts. Beach Boot Camp is offered daily with the exception of Mondays and is said to be a refreshing, yet challenging workout. Join instructors Natalie Sudell and Jayne Sudell on the sand as they guide you through boot camp drills to have you feeling in bathing suit-ready shape just in time for beach days. Classes are $14.95 each and tickets can be purchased at the front desk of a Cape Resorts hotel.
Sick of the sandy scenery? Take a beach break in the afternoon and swing by Tiki Topz at Flip Flopz for a pool party to remember. Tiki Topz Poolside is a tropical paradise open to the public, offering an elevated pool with live palm trees from Florida giving the air of being on an island while enjoying the ocean views. Lunch is served daily by the pool featuring tropical salads and delicious, made-to-order burgers that perfectly complement their many signature frozen cocktails. Tiki Topz hosts a dance party with beachgoers every Saturday and Sunday all summer long with DJ entertainment starting at 2 p.m.
For poolside fun the kids can enjoy as well, head for the waterparks of Morey’s Piers. Morey’s is home to not one but TWO world-class water parks. At Ocean Oasis, take the plunge on the thrilling Cliff Dive slide or go head to head in a race to the finish line on the six-lane slide, WipeOut!. Inspired by shipwrecks and located behind Mariner’s Pier, Raging Waters Water Park looks and feels like it might have just washed up one day ready for families to enjoy. It features two unique kiddie play areas along with an activity pool and much more. Be sure to inquire about each of the park’s morning and afternoon specials available 7 days a week.
Those who are in need of an escape from the shore crowds are encouraged to book a tee time at Sand Barrens Golf Club’s 27-hole championship course. 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.
When Happy Hour rolls around, “keep calm and Harry on”. Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grill of Cape May’s Beach Avenue is THE place to be for post-beach appetizers and cocktails. Harry’s gets “happy” from 4 to 6 p.m. daily and features chalkboard specials, discounted appetziers, 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.
The Wildwoods are also home to plenty of notable post-beach Happy Hours. Enjoy drinks with a world-class view of the Intracoastal Waterway at Boathouse Restaurant located on the Wildwood Yacht Basin. Relax with a bite of lighter fare and signature drink in hand at during their daily Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m. The Marina Deck is also home to live daily entertainment by talented local musicians. Check the weekly Entertainment Grid for the latest on The Boathouse’s entertainment schedule. Just a few blocks away, The Wharf features one of the longest Happy Hours on the island, starting at 11 a.m. and keeping up until 6 p.m. Consult the new appetizer menu and enjoy the breeze from the always lively deck. Stick around for dinner and join the Wharf for their daily deck specials including Monday’s 1/2 priced raw bar, Tuesday’s Fish Taco Night, Wednesday’s Pizza Night, or Thursday’s Burger Night.
For a quick, casual bite after drinks, hit Mr. D’s Pizzeria at its brand new location at 4611 New Jersey Avenue. Mr. D’s is known for their menu’s impressive variety, including specialty pizza, cheesesteaks, subs, wings, fried chicken, burgers, salads, sandwiches and much more. Mr. D’s offers an array of special deals such as two large cheese pizzas for $23.99, two medium pizzas for $20.99 and a 17” square Sicilian pizza for $16.99. Not in the mood for pizza? Try a cheesesteak. Mr. D’s is proud to have been voted Best Steaks at the Jersey Shore.
For a sit-down full-course family dinner, give Spiagetta Seafood Trattoria of Stone Harbor a try. This family owned and operated restaurant offers fresh, local, and simple ingredients – the key to emphasizing traditional Mediterranean flavors. Come in and experience a great seasonal menu with a large selection of fresh fish, like Branzino, Seabass, Cod Cioppino and Salmon. Ask about Spiaggetta’s exclusive daily specials. They are open 7 days a week from 5 p.m. Also located in the heart of Stone Harbor, make SAX Restaurant & Lounge at The Reeds your summer hot spot with NEW Live entertainment Monday through Thursday from 8 – 11 p.m. SAX also features a new whiskey and bourbon bar and Chef’s 3-course tasting menu from 5 to 6 p.m. daily.
Leave dessert to Duffer’s. From its beginning in 1974, Duffer’s golf course and ice cream parlor has prided itself on its dessert treats. With the island’s largest and only selection of homemade ice cream flavors, Duffer’s offers countless possibilities. Unique flavors such as maple walnut, strawberry cheesecake, vanilla fudge, butter brickle, and coconut chip can be topped with your favorite syrup and Snickers, Heath Bar, and Swedish Fish.