Island Hopping: June 21 to June 27

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Cape May County is a treasure trove of thrills, games, specialty seafood, happy hour specials, traditional family-style restaurants, beach gear, breakfast spots, sweet treats and relaxing rituals. Yet with its 620-square-mile span, the Jersey Shore county can be quite daunting. With all the ground to cover, where should you even begin? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Island Hopping is your go-to guide for the season with our favorite places to “do the shore.” This week we’re hopping all around the county to plan your day from dusk till dawn.

Kick off your day with the whole family and have a delicious breakfast at Donna’s Place. Open daily at 7 a.m., the Stone Harbor staple serves food for eat-in or take-out to accommodate all of your plans. Choose from pastries, donuts, breakfast sandwiches, and more. After serving Stone Harbor for 40 years, you’re sure to find something you’ll love on the classic menu!

After breakfast, head over to Morey’s Pier in Wildwood to grab a tube and hit the water parks. Choose from the Ocean Oasis Water Park and Beach Club or the Raging Waters Water Park, or both! Relax in the fountain pool or jump off the rope swing for your perfect day in the water. If you stay for a few hours, stop by one of the three amusement piers to extend your fun into the sunny afternoon.

When you’re ready for lunch, Country Club Tavern in Cape May Court House is the place to go. Order take-out or dine in for great pub style food in a family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy classic sandwiches, like a grilled cheese or a BLT, or the Country Club Tavern classics, like the CCT Reuben or the CCT Special. Don’t forget a side of fries, potato salad, or cole slaw!

If you’re looking for another lunch option, you can’t go wrong with Salty Mermaid Bar & Grille in Wildwood. The creative menu gives you a variety of great options and the bar has over 20 beers on tap. Look out for daily specials or live music each weekend!

Looking for an afternoon activity? Drive up to the Cape May County Park & Zoo, where admission is free but donations are appreciated! Walk around the animal exhibits or book a special animal encounter, where you can meet the Giraffes, Otters, and more. Mingle with the flamingos or hang out with the monkeys for a fun animal-filled afternoon.

On your way to your next adventure, stop by Hoy’s 5 & 10 to pick up any essentials you may have forgotten. Browse the souvenirs or plan your beach trip with beach umbrellas, beach chairs, bathing suits, flip flops, hats, and more. Find exactly what your family needs for an affordable price at any of the four locations in Stone Harbor, Ocean City, or Avalon.

After a long day out on the town, treat yourself to a nice dinner at The Lobster House in Cape May, where you’ll find fine food and a nautical atmosphere. The restaurant overlooks the Cape May Harbor and provides you with picturesque views, plus the freshest seafood available! The Lobster House offers a large and varied menu, with options like Lobster Tails, Stuffed Flounder, Alaskan King Crabs, and more. No vacation at the Jersey Shore without an amazing experience at the famous Lobster House.

If you’re not ready to head home just yet, stop by Cape May Distillery in Cape May Court House for an after-dinner drink. The distillery produces handcrafted vodka, gin, and rum, which are then used to make spectacular drinks at the bar. Enjoy live local music on select nights as you enjoy one of the signature drinks, then take home a bottle at the end of the night to create your own cocktails at home!

After a long day out in Cape May County, get home safely and relax. It won’t be long before you have to start planning your next fun-filled day at the shore!