Island Hopping: Stone Harbor

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 second edition of Island Hopping for the season, offering some of our favorite places to “do the shore.” This week we’re hopping to Stone Harbor, the south end of the Seven Mile Island.

Start your morning at Donna’s Place! Whether you want to grab and go or enjoy a relaxing meal, Donna’s Place is a great breakfast option in Stone Harbor. From 7 a.m., stop by Donna’s to indulge in the delicious menu of breakfast items. Serving eggs, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, waffles, French toast and sides such as bacon, sausage and pork roll, you will surely leave with a filled appetite to get your day going. Dine indoors to escape the heat, or take your meal outside if you’d rather soak up the sun. Order fresh bakery items to take with you such as croissants, muffins, Danishes, donuts and much more!

Not in the mood for the beach? Head to Harbor Square Theatre for entertainment with a twist! Harbor Square Theatre isn’t just your average move theater experience. Here, mom and dad can bring fine wines and craft beers into the theater with them to enjoy while watching the movie. Additionally, appetizers from the Harbor Burger Bar, located inside Harbor Square Theatre, are available to take into the theater, too. Popcorn, candy, soft drinks, pretzels and more are also available for the classic movie theater experience. As you walk through the theater, you’ll get a blast from the past with refurbished neon signs and photos representing the over 100-year history of Stone Harbor.

If you’re not already full on movie snacks, beat your lunchtime hunger at Clarke’s Sunset Market. Here, you’ll find a full line of gourmet Dietz & Watson deli meats, USDA choice and prime meats cut to order, sirloin patties made in house, homemade salads, local fruits and veggies, and more. With endless lunch options, Clarke’s is sure to have something to please every palate in your family!

Go with a more classic Jersey Shore treat for lunch at Seven Mile Pies. But Seven Mile Pies doesn’t serve just your average slice. Unique specialty pies are available, such as Mango Habanero Chicken or Mac & Cheese, and other creations often make special appearances. Cheesesteaks, hoagies, sandwiches, wings, fries and more are also available to pair with your hot slice! If you wish to relax at home for the afternoon, take out or delivery is available.

For a “greener” lunch, check out Green Cuisine, serving award-winning, naturally delicious lunch options consisting of locally raised, hand-picked fruits and vegetables of the finest and freshest quality. Located right on 96th Street in the heart of the main shopping district, you’ll find exotic, crispy salads, gourmet sandwiches and wraps, tropical fruit creations, fruit and yogurt smoothies, and fresh squeezed juices. Gluten free options are available!

After getting your midday fuel, it’s time to shop until you drop! Hoy’s 5 & 10 has everything you need for your trip to the shore. Stock up on essentials for the perfect weekend at the beach like sand chairs, beach umbrellas, suncare products, beach toys, bathing suits, cover ups, hats, flip flops and more. Don’t forget to grab souvenirs to remember your beach vacation forever!

Continue your shopping adventures at Global Pursuit, offering everything you need for a casual seaside lifestyle. At Global Pursuit, you’ll find active wear, swimsuits, sandals, shoes, accessories, sunglasses, beach bags and backpacks. The shop proudly features brands that are environmentally, socially responsible and made in the USA. Shop the brands you love, and find new favorites!

When dinnertime rolls around, Stone Harbor Bar & Grill is the perfect place to settle in. The restaurant offers a great atmosphere, and a modern take on classic seaside pub. Try a fresh, never frozen, burger, and pair it with homemade Nachos Grande. Choose from 16 ice cold drafts (macro and craft) to wash your meal down with, and enjoy entertainment on 20 big screen HDTVs!

Post dinner, it’s time for a sweet treat. Try a wafflewich! Next to The Reeds at Shelter Haven is Wafflewich, offering made-to-order Coney Waffles with scoops of ice cream and assorted toppings. These “Coney Waffles” are named so because the waffle itself is shaped like a hot dog bun, making it a mess-free vehicle for scoops of ice cream. Indulge in your wafflewich while watching a picture-perfect sunset over Stone Harbor’s bay!

Another option for a sweet ending to your day is fudge from Douglass Fudge & Candies. Here, you’ll find the creamiest fudge you will ever taste, along with incomparable saltwater taffy and homemade chocolate. The Douglass family’s commitment to quality is evident after just one sample of these sweet treats, but believe us, you’ll want a lot more than that. Don’t leave Stone Harbor without a box of this Jersey Shore tradition!