0
0
My dad gave me a call and asked me to put together some Cape May suggestions for his friend Bob who is headed down there with his wife this weekend. First of all, “Hi, Bob! I don’t think I’ve seen you since that time that we bumped into each other changing planes in Atlanta! Big hugs and lots of love!” Okay… now let’s get to the subject matter of Cape May!
Last month, several of my family members, including myself and my daughter, headed to Cape May. We’ve been vacationing there for more than 20 years. (You can read a bit about that here.) Some things that are traditions, and there are always a few new places and experiences that work their way onto to the “Must Do Next Year” list. A quick recap of some favorites.
Pancakes at Uncle Bills.
We typically drive at night, so the very first thing that my daughter wants to do when she wakes up that first morning in Cape May: eat pancakes at Uncle Bills. Please don’t throw daggers my way, BUT, I’m not a terribly huge fan of pancakes. With that said, Uncle Bill’s pancakes are a tradition; a staple to any of our Cape May family vacations.
Red Store at Cape May Point General Store:
I swear, as I type this, my mouth is watering just even thinking about their Avocado Toast. No joke. I’ve sampled other things on the menu, which have all been amazing, but the avocado toast leaves me craving it all year long. If it the weather is cooperative, sit outside on their deck and it is scientifically proven to tastes even better… okay well, maybe not, but that’s only because there have not been studies conducted yet. Yet, I say.
Lobster House: The Schooner American
This is a new favorite of mine. It’s a great spot to sit and have a drink. No photos taken because… well, I made the decision that adult beverages on a boat is not a safe place for my camera.
From my post earlier this week, you know that I am not a fan of shopping, but there are a few places where I know to find pieces that are useful, beautiful and hold beautiful memories…
Madd Potters Studio:
Their mugs, with warm coffee on a cold winter morning make me smile. Handmade by some of the most lovely ladies. (I think there are a few men that are represented there are well, but I’ve only had the pleasure of meeting the women.) Their studio is small but full of beautiful pieces. You can also find a large selection of their work at the West End Garage, and a few other places.
West End Garage:
Oh my. The size is quite deceiving, but like Alice falling into the Rabbit hole, you will find yourself in a wonderland of beautifully unique pieces by artist, vintage, repurposed antiques and odds and ends. I challenge you to walk through the store, regardless of taste, and NOT fall in love with at least one thing there. Go ahead… I dare you. Oh, and go next door and have a Russian Tea Cookie for me. Please. I think they are delicious.
Blue Pig Tavern at Congress Hall:
Dinner here is fantastic, but I’ve been told that any meal is equally as yummy.
The bottom line: whatever you do in Cape May, it doesn’t matter. Don’t get me wrong, Cape May is beautiful, yes, but it is the company that you are with and the energy that exists there that makes it one of my favorite places. Sometimes orders get messed up, sometimes someone fractures a rib while on vacation, and occasionally a bit too much together time causes “the crank” as we call it in our house- but they are just little moments of time. Soak up the sun, breath the fresh seaside air and just enjoy the many wonderful moments in Cape May.
Wander the streets and admire the gorgeous Victorian homes, watch the kids running around dripping with ice cream, or the couples riding those tandem bikes. Admire sandcastles, watch seagulls stealing snacks on the beach, and you must, MUST watch the sunset at the cove. If you walk down far enough, you will feel as if the beach is yours and yours alone. This year, the most enjoyable moment was letting my daughter loose on the beach there, and watching her dance and play in the waves without a care in the world. If I knew how to bottle that feeling of freedom and joy that she was exhibiting, I would be passing it out on the street to every person I saw, of course only after stuffing my own pockets full of it! In that moment though, I had a tiny taste of it; getting soaked right along side of her. And though I probably should’ve worried a bit more about the camera getting wet, which fortunately it didn’t, it was more important for me to capture that moment.
So, whether you have pancakes at every meal, or decide not to step foot into a single shop, just look enjoy the small moments of beauty that are so abundant there.
*Additional places that we love:
Nature Center of Cape May
South Cape May Meadows
Cape May Peanut Butter Co.
Splash (gifts)
Oyster Bay Restaurant
Exit Zero
Butterfly Tea Room
Cooke Cape May Blog
*Suggestions sent to me:
Peter Shields Inn for dinner
Cape May Day Spa
Cape May Light House
Sunset Beach
And if you love Cape May SO much that you want to rent or buy a place for yourself, then swing by Jersey Cape Realty and give Dee a hug for me. (She is one of my favorite people!)
**This is not a sponsored post; all businesses and locations mentioned are only linked because I love them so, and want to share them with you! Enjoy!
Your Cape May posts always make me want to go visit – especially those beach pictures. So absolutely quietly lovely, I can just hear the rush of the ocean. And I’m in love with lighthouses, so, bonus!