Island Hopping: Offshore

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, this Jersey Shore county can be quite daunting. With all this ground to cover, where should you even begin? We’re here with our last edition of Island Hopping for the season, offering some of our favorite places to “do the shore.” This week we’re hopping offshore, where you’ll find just as much summer fun as our beach towns.

Swing by Woodbine Meat Market in Woodbine before your day begins to feast on fresh breakfast sandwiches, omelets, bagels, French toast, breakfast meats and hash browns. Open daily at 6 a.m., you can get your day going early, leaving more time for island hopping!

Route 50 Coffee & Produce in Ocean View is another great place to get all of your breakfast essentials. This warm, inviting coffee shop offers top-of-the-line vendors’ quality products, specialty items provided by local entrepreneurs and fresh produce. Coffee drinks, smoothies, fresh fruit juices and more await you!

The Bailey Grind in Seaville also offers an extensive menu of smoothies and juices, alongside breakfast sandwiches, breakfast platters and bagels with homemade cream cheese spreads. Don’t forget to grab a cup of the fair trade, organic, locally roasted, fresh brewed coffee to pair with your meal!

After breakfast, step onto the green at Heritage Links Golf Club in Ocean View. Open to the public, this nine-hole golf course features 2,100 yards of golfing area, 30 par and 113 slope. The “links style” golf course offers a fun, beginner-friendly atmosphere, but also provides a challenging and rewarding experience for the accomplished and seasoned veteran alike.

If you “golf” up an appetite, head to the Seaville Tavern in Seaville, where only the freshest quality produce from local Cape May County farms are used. Enjoy mouthwatering starters, crisp salads, gourmet burgers, traditional “Tavern” style sandwiches and more. Seaville Tavern is “Home of the Best Wings,” so be sure to order some!

Another lunch option is Surf Dog Bar & Grill in Woodbine, where you can indulge in savory burgers, tacos and brick oven pizza. With daily specials to fit everyone’s budget and a vibe that captures the spirit of the Jersey Shore, this eatery offers a fun environment the whole family can enjoy. Relax inside the cozy dining room, or cool off and have a cold drink at the Sand Bar on the outside patio!

Next, check out the Cape May County Park & Zoo in Cape May Court House and experience over 200 acres of beautiful, natural wooded areas and open space. Besides the many exotic and native animals, the zoo has a large playground, picnic area, gift shop, carousel and rock climbing wall. Bring your bikes and take a ride on one of the bike paths, or hike on one of the trails in the park. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the six-acre aerial park, Tree to Tree Adventure Park, featuring zip lines, climbing nets, Tarzan swings and other fun obstacles. Admission to the zoo is completely free but donations are always welcome!

For dinner, treat yourself and your family to great dining at the Tuckahoe Inn in Beesley’s Point. Stop in before 5 p.m. and take advantage of the early dinner specials. Choose from 14 diverse entrees served with a potato or vegetable of the day, and get a house salad or soup of the day, dessert, and coffee or tea with your meal. Dine inside, or enjoy the Back Bay Café with an informal outdoor setting and live music overlooking the Great Egg Harbor Bay!

In the mood for Asian cuisine? Cheng’s Chinese Restaurant in Rio Grande offers only the finest Chinese food, buffet style. All items are skillfully made throughout the day for guaranteed freshness no matter when you visit. Start with Cheng’s famous eggrolls or steamed pork dumplings, or opt for a cup of egg drop soup topped with crispy noodles. Cheng’s is also renowned for their scrumptious pepper steak, General Tso’s chicken, egg foo young and Lo Mein entrees. Bring your appetite!

Maybe you prefer barbeque? If so, you must visit The Bar-B-Que LLC in Cape May Court House. The whole family will love this mouthwatering barbeque. All meats are cooked 12-16 hours, low and slow, and all sides are homemade. You won’t find better barbeque!

For a home-cooked dinner, Dutch Country Meats & Deli in Bridgeton can provide you with the delicious meats you need. First, start your meal with a platter of freshly sliced meats and cheeses. If you don’t feel like cubing your own cheese, Dutch Country Meats has mixed cheese and sweet bologna or pepperoni cubes ready to go. For the main course, Dutch Country Meats has pork crown to fit to your table, whole beef tenderloin and prime rib trimmed to your request, sausage grillers great for grilling and a variety of hams for any occasion!