In order to uncover the best of the Wildwoods Boardwalk, we decided on a complete walking tour, with lots of pit stops at some of our favorite retailers and eateries. The result? Your step by step guide to a delicious and super fun boardwalk experience. No wonder this boardwalk has been voted one of America’s favorites and is considered to be world-class!
Our tour began at the far end of the boards, just past the Wildwoods Convention Center and in the Crest. Our stroll ended as quickly as it had began as soon as we spotted the elegant and on-trend designs on display in Marcellina boutique at Cresses and the boardwalk. Marcellina has singlehandedly brought the affordable yet high-end shopping experience to the boardwalk like it has never been brought before. We simply were not prepared for everything we saw at this one-of-a-kind, chic boutique! Marcellina is famous for their awesome giveaways, and we happened to stop by in time to get a FREE Gift when we made a Tommy Bahama purchase. Marcellina Boutique has quickly become the isalnd’s go-to shopping destination for high quality clothing and accessories and personalized customer service. Expect to browse the latest from popular designer lines such as Tommy Bahama, Pandora, Brighton, and Vera Bradley. This summer season, the boutique debuts its very own collection of the highly popular Alex and Ani line adjustable bangle bracelets and custom Wildwood bracelet and beads. Do yourself a favor and put this on your vacation “To Do” list. It’s a must stop shop for those who have to have the best!
Next up, we made a pit stop at Garfield Avenue and the boardwalk, where the Boardwalk Mall caught our eye. Cape May County isn’t home to many malls…What exactly would this one have to offer? Over 25 unique shops was the answer to our question. You could spend an entire day in this amazing mall. We stopped for candy, but once inside, found ourselves wandering through three separate levels of shops. From name brand sunglasses, swimsuits and footwear to sports apparel and memorabilia and handbags to skateboards and even shore décor, this place is the pinnacle of picks! Stop by with the family or on the way to the beach, but be sure to make a stop. Expect an unbelievable variety and reasonable prices to match.
From there, we made our way to Mariner’s Landing at Schellenger Avenue where we were greeted at what is best described as your one-stop shore vacation shop – Boardwalk’s Best. “Convenience” doesn’t even begin to describe Boardwalk’s Best three full service stores located on the boardwalk. Why overpack? Boardwalk’s Best stocks everything and anything you could possibly imagine to suit your beach needs, including sunblock, hats, beach chairs and the best selection of swimsuits for men, women and children. Boardwalk’s Best is “Shore” to please your eye and wallet. Life has distractions. Let Boardwalk’s Best take the packing pressure off your back. They also have locations at Glenwood Avenue and 25th Street.
Just past the entrance to Mariner’s, the bright sign of what appeared to be one of the boardwalk’s newest stores caught our eye. Located at Oak Avenue, East Side carries the best in big-name surf brands and the latest trends in headwear and streetwear. If you plan to soak up the summer rays this summer, you should definitely stop by East Side to see what’s hot besides the sun. Oakley, Smith, and Neff are just a few of the many brands on display at this cool shop.
All that shopping can no doubt build up a serious appetite. We’re the first to admit that there are countless pizza shops calling your name on the boards…We’ll cut to the chase and tell you where to find delicious family deals with minimal wait time. At Fredo’s Pizza at Wildwood Avenue and the boardwalk, you can snag a whole pie, baked fresh to order for $9.95. We’re not sure how they can manage to keep their food so delicious yet affordable but they’ve done it. Grab $.99 hamburgers or cheesesteaks, fries, and chicken dishes. Take a set in their sprawling indoor dining room and cool down to fill your belly without emptying your wallet.
After getting some grub and just in time for Christmas in July, we wandered into Winterwood Gift & Christmas Shoppe located between Spicer and Spencer. At Winterwood, it’s Christmas all year long. This unique store at the shore has the widest selection of holiday gifts that are unlike any you’ve seen. Shop Winterwood’s variety of shore souvenirs for a keepsake of the many boardwalk memories you’ve created.
Next stop? Kreations of Magnolia and the boardwalk where we came face to face with some of the island’s best deals on gold, silver, body art, handbags and everything in-between. Ever think you might want a tattoo but want to take a “test drive” first? Consult Kreations’ Henna pros for a semi-permanent solution. Don’t just shop, be Kreative!
Just a few steps away, Groff’s Restaurant had to be our dessert destination. Groff’s is celebrating nearly 100 years of amazing signatures and service. And we decided to celebrate with them with a generous slice of their world famous pie. As they say, “If you could bake all of the smiles and good memories your family has of the shore, it would taste like a famous homemade pie from Groff’s Restaurant.” With an extensive flavor selection and the generations old recipe, pie at Groff’s is a unique and delicious experience. Sample a slice of their Apple Crumb, Black Bottom, Lemon Meringue, Coconut Cream, Peach Glaze, Banana Glaze, Blueberry Glaze, or Strawberry Glaze.
Rather save dinner for a bit later into your boardwalk stroll? Why not dine in true Doo Wop fashion while in the Wildwoods? We stopped at Juniper Avenue and the boardwalk to check out why exactly the cuisine of Route 66 has been proclaimed “not your average boardwalk food”… Once we tooka seat at our cherry red booth, we were struck by the authentic 50s style of this family diner. Servers are decked out head to toe in 50s attire, full of smiles, and always ready to break out into the staff’s dancing routine. The Route 66 staff is proud to have received the “Certificate of Excellence Award” by Trip Advisor for the past two years. If you haven’t already, you MUST come get your kicks at Route 66. This is the most entertaining restaurant we’ve been to since…well, it feels like 1955!
As we made our way north down the boards, we couldn’t help but feel the urge to play to win. Our gaming mood found us stopped at 26th, where we were enticed by the bright lights of Gateway 26. Overlooking the beautiful sunny beaches and the breathtaking Atlantic Ocean, Gateway 26 is a high-class family entertainment center. This heated and air-conditioned facility is open year-round, every day, from Easter to Columbus Day, and on Saturday and Sunday throughout the rest of the year. Gateway 26 is the biggest casino/arcade in the state, and stocked with over 10,000 prizes, it is guaranteed fun. Stop by soon and get the scoop on the Cadillac STS giveaway or the touchscreen tablet grand prize. With so much to do and see, this place is the Gateway to good times.
Just six blocks ahead, the gaming fun continued when we spotted Ed’s Funcade at 20th. Ed’s has the latest and greatest in video arcade games and cranes as well as a few of the shore classics such as skee ball. Don’t forget to snag every single ticket you win and enjoy the thrill of selecting your prize from the vast assortment of options at Ed’s prize center. Make your trip to the shore even more thrilling than you could have anticipated with a winning day at Ed’s.
We finished up our boardwalk adventure in a very unexpected but absolutely exhilarating way. Imagine two activities that you would most likely never imagine doing simultaneously…Now imagine those same two things were combined for a complete treat for all senses. What would you get? SniperHut Killer Mexican located at 18th and the boardwalk. Here, we got a taste of authentic Californian Mexican cuisine AND shot a real gun for the first time ever. This kitschy restaurant meets shooting gallery is one of the boardwalk’s best kept secrets. Ever wonder what it’s like to shoot a hand or machine gun? Experience the thrill in a safe and controlled environment only at SniperHut. Try your hand at the 40 yard shot in order to win a free taco. Or step up to the plate and show your eating prowess with the 5 pound burrito challenge…The coolest thing about the boards besides the breeze, SniperHut Killer Mexican is a “shore shot” unforgettable time.