There is no better way to spend a day in New Jersey than taking a day trip to explore. The Garden State is home to a number of small towns and quaint areas such as Cape May, NJ. Located at the tip of southern New Jersey’s Cape May Peninsula, Cape May is a summer destination spot for many vacationers because of its picturesque atmosphere and beaches. However, Cape May is a place to visit all year round, as it is full of great eats, historical sites and views that can be appreciated by all. If you are looking to spend a day in Cape May, then here is a list of some of the top spots you need to visit.
Grab Breakfast at The Blue Pig Tavern
Located inside Congress Hall, The Blue Pig Tavern is known for serving not only a hearty breakfast but lunch and dinner as well. Originally, Congress Hall was home to the first-ever tavern to open up in Cape May for whalers in the 1700s. Today, the name of the restaurant comes from the gambling parlor that used to be located within the hotel in the mid-1800s.
The menu consists of a number of American-style classics. For breakfast specifically, The Blue Pig Tavern has a wide variety of dishes ranging from an American Breakfast which consists of two eggs made in any style, potatoes and toast with your choice of either bacon or sausage to buttermilk pancakes and lemon mascarpone stuffed french toast.
There are also Blue Pig Tavern specialties you can try out. Some of their signature dishes include a quinoa berry bowl, bagels and lox and a Sunrise Sandwich which consists of scrambled eggs, sharp cheddar cheese, with your choice of bacon or Taylor ham on a toasted croissant with potatoes.
Shop Along Washington Street Mall
After grabbing a bite to eat, shopping is a great way to spend the next part of your day. Washington Street Mall is home to over 75 establishments that will satisfy even the pickiest of shoppers. The Washington Street Mall was constructed as part of the City of Cape May’s Urban Renewal Program between 1965 and 1971.
Some popular stores include A Place on Earth, which sells a number of unique bath bombs and handmade soaps. Also, you can check out Beef Jerky Experience, where you can find beef jerky in an array of custom flavors. To satisfy your sweet cravings, Madison’s Bakery has a number of classic baked goods for you to purchase. There are also a number of stores that sell Cape May attire as well as jewelry and artwork.
Explore Cape May’s History
When taking a trip to Cape May, one cannot pass up an opportunity to bask in the history of the area. Surrounding the town, which is a National Historic Landmark, it features a massive amount of 19th-century Victorian homes. If you do not feel like taking your history tour on foot, you can book a trolley ride instead! Each trolley will provide guests with a narrated tour as it takes them through Cape May, which is the oldest seaside resort in the country. Tour guides on each trolley will educate guests about Victorian architecture and all the history within the vacation destination.
Other popular spots to check out are the Cape May Point State Park and the Cape May Lighthouse. At the state park, you can observe a number of wildlife, dunes and marshes. As for the Cape May Lighthouse, visitors can enjoy extensive views of the Cape May peninsula. To see this must-see sight, all you have to do is climb 199 steps to the top.
Drink in the Picturesque NJ Beach Town Views
Having a drink from a local winery or brewery is the best company when it comes time to soak in the views of the area. Cape May Winery & Vineyard is a 150-acre farm with 26 acres of harvest vineyards. This farm offers guided tours, wine tastings and live music on Sundays. They also offer Sunday brunch and Wednesday grilling nights. Another popular spot to check out in Cape May is Willow Creek Farm and Winery. This winery offers tours of the ground, wine tastings and a tapas menu. There are a number of farm festivals as well as fire pit Fridays held at the location.
End the Day With a Cape May Dinner
No matter where you choose to grab dinner in Cape May, you will not be disappointed. One popular spot to grab dinner at is The Ebbitt Room. It’s located in the heart of historic Cape May which is known for its farm-to-table and farm-to-drink philosophies. Some of the main course dishes include Cape May scallops, Peking duck breast and jail island salmon.
Another dinner spot you cannot pass up is the Iccara Italian Bistro, which serves authentic Italian food. This eatery prides itself in bringing dishes that could be found in restaurants located in Italy. The menu is extensive, with dishes including seafood scampi, shrimp puttanesca, crab cakes, swordfish, and a variety of other items. The restaurant is also BYOB.
Thinking of heading to Cape May for a day trip? Let us know what you think of these places!
About the Author/s
Nicole is a tea lover and aspiring journalist studying Journalism, Creative Writing, and Digital Video Production at Marist College.
