Island Hopping – June 19th through June 25th

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

Start your day off right at The Rusty Nail in Cape May for a delicious breakfast and drink. Children can play in the sand around the fire pit while the adults relax. ‘The Nail’ as patrons lovingly refer to it, offers Eggs and Omelets, Pancakes and French Toast, Breakfast Sandwiches and Burritos, delicious Smoothies and a children’s menu. Breakfast is served from 7:30 am to noon.

If a buffet breakfast is more your style, stop by the Marquis de Lafayette and visit 501 Beach @ The Marquis. Guests have the opportunity to fill up before heading out on their daily adventures at a breakfast buffet. If you are looking to start your day with a drink, try the 501 Beach Lemonade, Tropical Mimosa or Spicy Mary.

After filling up, take a trip to Utsch’s Marina, located at the base of the Cape May Bridge. Utsch’s Marina is your home away from home. This friendly Marina is THE place to experience the waters of Cape May. Take your choice of the Cape May Whale Watcher, East Coast Parasail, Jet Skis and Jet Boat Adventures, and a fleet of charter fishing boats, there is something for everyone!

After your water adventure, take a trip to Jake’s Bar and Grill in Villas for an afternoon for lunch. “The best kept secret in town” has plenty of dishes featuring local seafood. After lunch, head up the road to Menz Restaurant and Bar and visit this week’s Bartender of the Week, John Menz, for a cocktail! Try his recommended drink, the Menz Cooler and cool off!

If you are looking for some family fun, make your way to Duffer’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor. Play a round of mini golf on their 18-hole course or play some games in their arcade, with classics such as air hockey and skeeball, next, claim a prize at the prize redemption counter. After, enjoy their famous homemade ice cream to eat in or take home, they have an extensive menu offering milk shakes and large sundaes.

Once dinner rolls around, your options are endless! If you would like to cook your own fish fry, stop by Li’l Kurtz’s Seafood. 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.

If you would like to grab a meal out with the family, Wildwood is home to Piro’s Restaurant with an extensive wine list and delicious Italian Food. Their dinner menu offers Crab and Spinach Chowder, Shrimp Stuffed with Crab Meat, Jack Daniel’s Salmon and much more!

If you head inland, 5 West Pub is an excellent choice for a family meal as well. The dining room has a stellar selection of apps and entrees. The ‘Pub’ has more than just Pub Fare and offers fine dining entrees and classic burgers alike. And if you don’t want to miss ‘the big game’, with six flat screen TVs, 5 West is the place to be! If you are looking to enjoy the summer breeze, the just opened outdoor lounge is perfect and boasts a full bar and flat screen TV’s.

Why not end the day where you started? For those looking for a fine dining experience, Tisha’s Fine Dining is the perfect opportunity to dress up! Since 1988 Tisha’s has been serving delicious dishes to its patrons. Choose from appetizers such as Lobster Risotto or Mushroom Bisque. For a main course dine on Filet Au Poivre or Seafood Pescatore and don’t forget to leave room for one of Tisha’s delicious desserts!