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 second edition of Complete Island Hopping, our map of suggestions for a great week of Cape May County fun.
Start your day in Stone Harbor at The Reeds at Shelter Haven, the newest boutique hotel in town. With the coziest of accommodations, and wonderful amenities like golf, complimentary yoga and beach service, you will be sure to have an above-average vacation. Enjoy breakfast or brunch at the Water Star Grille. The upscale, yet casual dining establishment is the place to be seen at the shore. Their new menu for 2015 features breakfast and lunch selections all day, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy a traditional short stack of tasty buttermilk pancakes or try lobster ceviche. Also featured is a wide selection of omelets such as bacon, tomato and cheddar omelet or satisfy your appetite with a crunchy salmon wrap.
Travel south on the parkway to Wildwood Crest, home to Lakeview Docks – the Ultimate Adventure! Voted best watersport rental of 2011, 2012 and 2014, Lakeview Docks is home to a plethora of water activities. From wave runners and kayaks to fishing and boat rentals, you are sure to find a fun activity the whole family will enjoy. Boasting the largest riding area in the entire crest, the memories made on Sunset Lake will only be great.
After your family adventure, grab lunch at The Wharf, a family-run restaurant and bar. Enjoy live music on their waterfront deck while enjoying one of their signature drinks such as the Voodoo Juice, a colorful drink with Cruzan Coconut, Cruzan Banana, Cruzan Mango & Cruzan Pineapple Rums, mixed with Cranberry Juice, Orange & Pineapple Juices – served over ice in a souvenir “Voodoo Bucket”. Afterward, try one of their delicious sandwiches such as the Fried Crab Cake Sandwich or Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich, you can even opt for a traditional burger or go for a Jersey Shore classic such as Fried Gulf Shrimp or Fried Crab Cakes.
After having a hearty lunch, grab dessert or just sweets for the day at Douglass Fudge at Wildwood Avenue and the Boardwalk. Since 1925, the Douglass Fudge has been providing the Jersey Shore with the “creamiest” fudge you will ever experience; fresh cream and butter make it the finest. If fudge isn’t your thing, Douglass is also home to delicious treats such as Salt Water Taffy, made with a higher sugar content, some corn syrup, and the most expensive natural flavors unlike other salt water taffy’s which are made with corn syrup and inexpensive imitation flavors. There is also a plethora of homemade candy to take home or enjoy right away.
Next, head to Historic Cold Spring Village for one of their weekend events. This weekend is their Cape May Quilt & Fiber Arts Show featuring exhibitions and demonstrations of quilting, spinning, lace making, basket weaving, broom making, wool dyeing and more. On Saturday visitors can vote for their favorite quilts at the Viewer’s Choice Quilt Show, and on Sunday continue to enjoy the display and see the winners. If quilting and fiber arts are not your thing, the village is host to numerous themed weekend events throughout the summer, log on to http://www.hcsv.org/ for a full list of events.
For dinner, Cape May County has many great options for any taste. Drop by Little Italy in Wildwood 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 head to Cape May you can enjoy outdoor dining at Harry’s Ocean Bar and Grille. Harry’s has a great dinner menu with starters such as the macho nachos and Crab Mac and Cheese and entrees like Stuffed Flounder and Prime Rib. Sit on their rooftop bar and enjoy a drink while admiring the beach view. Current draft beers include Cape May Honey Porter, Victory Summer Love and Samuel Adams Summer Ale.
For a Fine Dining option, head to The Virginia Hotel on Jackson Street in Cape May for The Ebbitt Room. Boasting a relaxing front porch to the classically comfortable bar and lounge with live piano music, the Ebbitt Room is the perfect place to unwind after a long day. Enjoy many dishes from the menu, all farm-to-table, such as Braised Lamb & Pea Shoot Gnocchi, Long Island Duck Breast and Seared Yellow Fin Tuna. End your meal with the Sweet Ricotta Doughnuts, among many other delicious desserts.