Island Hopping: July 31st to August 6th

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 seventh edition of Complete Island Hopping, our map of suggestions for a great week of Cape May County fun.

Are you bored of the same old local spot for breakfast? Mix it up with a trip to Bobby Dee’s Rock’n Chair in Avalon. This newly renovated restaurant has become widely known around the area for their courteous staff and mouth-watering food. Enjoy a Mimosa or Bloody Mary to get your morning started off right. Choose from their breakfast menu with House Specialties such as Crab Cake Benedict or a Fresh Yogurt Parfait. They also offer Pancakes, Waffles and French Toast, known as “Batter-Dips”, Omelets and Sandwiches. Stop back for lunch or dinner and enjoy everything their menu has to offer.

After, head down to Stone Harbor and make a trip to Harbor Outfitters for an on-water adventure. Offering Kayaks, Stand-up Paddle boards, Surfboards and much more as well as a variety of tours, your morning will be filled with fun for the entire family. Don’t forget to stop in to their store after to browse their great selection of Stand-up Paddle boards and Kayaks for you to try at home.

Next, drive down the Garden State Parkway to Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grill in Cape May. Take a seat at their rooftop bar and enjoy the view of the beach. Grab a cool cocktail such as their extremely popular and fresh, orange crush. Pair your drink with a delicious appetizer like loaded fries or hummus and pita. Continue your meal with a light Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad or Stuffed Flounder.

If you are looking to enjoy lunch in the comfort of your own home, a stop by Li’l Kurtz’s Seafood is your answer! Take your pick from the fish market – all fish is caught locally. If you aren’t in the mood to cook but would like to eat at home, grab your fish to-go, fresh, fried or broiled. Their menu offers items such as 40 U-Peel Shrimp, Key West Mango Salad, Coconut Shrimp, Broiled Filet of Flounder, among many other dishes. Li’l Kurtz’s is also home to the Sea Star Fleet where families can enjoy a Dolphin and Whale watching expeditions, fishing trips or partake in a Sunset Buffet Dolphin Cruise.

If you are looking for a unique souvenir to bring home, be sure to stop by Winterwood Gift & Christmas Shoppe. With an endless amount of Christmas ornaments, decorations for many holidays, jewelry and gifts you are sure to find something for everyone. With Three locations in Cape May County, you are never too far from the perfect gift. Stop by their Cape May, Wildwood or Rio Grande location today!

When Happy Hour rolls around Westy’s is THE place to be. From 4 to 6pm on Monday through Friday unwind after a long day on the beach and enjoy $5 appetizers, $2 Domestics and $3.50 Well Drinks. Westy’s also offers great dinner specials such as Prime Rib for $12.99 and Chicken Parmesan for $11.99. Don’t forget about Wing Night on Sundays for 45 cent wings! Stay a while and enjoy live entertainment, starting at 6 p.m. on the Deck.

For dinner, drop by Little Italy in Wildwood Crest for a true Italian experience. From Sunday to Friday, Little Italy boasts Early Bird Dinner specials from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. All of their dinners come with homemade bread and a salad with their house balsamic vinaigrette. Plus, Mondays and Thursdays this summer are Little Italy’s Prime Rib Nights. On Saturday, stop by for a taste of Little Italy’s BBQ ribs, smothered in a delicious homemade sauce and cooked to perfection.

If you are looking for a Seafood Experience, Axelsson’s Blue Claw on Ocean Drive in Cape May is your go-to spot. This delicious establishment is nestled among commercial fishing docks, a true diamond-in-the-rough. As you enter the restaurant you are greeted with beautiful décor and friendly staff. For dinner, choose from an extensive menu with starters such as Smoked Norwegian Salmon, Baked Clams Casino or Prussian Pearls. For your entrée choose from the Land or Sea. Dishes include Sesame Tuna, Crab Dewey and Filet Mignon. If you are looking for a lighter meal, their pub menu offers great options like Seafood Stuffed Potato Skins and Burgers.

End your night at the Shamrock Café on Pacific Avenue in Wildwood. From Wednesday through Saturday, enjoy live entertainment by Billy Jack. Beginning at 9 p.m. on Thursdays, stop in to take advantage of the very popular 25 cent night featuring 25 cent beers, wings and $2.50 pitchers. Challenge your friends to a game of pool on Tuesday for free pool night. There is always a good time to be had at the Shamrock Café.