Sandpiper's Palace - Your Guide to Amazing Cape May

Jim
Sandpiper's Palace - Your Guide to Amazing Cape May

Neighborhoods

West Cape May is a great town. It borders between the world of South Jersey Farmland and the beach destination of Cape May proper so it has a great balance of beach, small-town, nature and farm. It's a wonderful town for biking. We often find ourselves riding all over; along the beach, the back bay, south cape may meadows and bird sanctuary, Willow Creek Winery or even the light house. We love to park our cars for the week and ride around. We walk to dinners, lunches, breakfasts, coffee and even some groceries. We're about a 1/2 mile to Washington Street and all the shopping and dining that that has to offer and less than a mile to some of the less crowded beaches of Cape May. Our street is a blend of residential and rentals but it really speaks to the charm and quaintness of West Cape May. Its a very tight knit community and everyone is always helpful. If you head west from our neighborhood, you're likely to run into farmers markets with amazing, local seasonal produce and groceries, wineries, and Beach Plum Farm. North across the bridge and a quick left will take you over to Nauti Distillery and the Cape May Winery and for the truly brave, you can ride out to the Ferry and do a Cape May - Lewes day.
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West Cape May
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West Cape May is a great town. It borders between the world of South Jersey Farmland and the beach destination of Cape May proper so it has a great balance of beach, small-town, nature and farm. It's a wonderful town for biking. We often find ourselves riding all over; along the beach, the back bay, south cape may meadows and bird sanctuary, Willow Creek Winery or even the light house. We love to park our cars for the week and ride around. We walk to dinners, lunches, breakfasts, coffee and even some groceries. We're about a 1/2 mile to Washington Street and all the shopping and dining that that has to offer and less than a mile to some of the less crowded beaches of Cape May. Our street is a blend of residential and rentals but it really speaks to the charm and quaintness of West Cape May. Its a very tight knit community and everyone is always helpful. If you head west from our neighborhood, you're likely to run into farmers markets with amazing, local seasonal produce and groceries, wineries, and Beach Plum Farm. North across the bridge and a quick left will take you over to Nauti Distillery and the Cape May Winery and for the truly brave, you can ride out to the Ferry and do a Cape May - Lewes day.
Cape May Proper is what most people think of when they hear the words "Cape May". It extends South from exit 0 off the Garden State Parkway down to the beach, East to the Coast Guard Base & Cape May Inlet and West until Cape Island Creek. It's the creek that really separate's Cape May from our home in West Cape May though. Cape May is unlike most of the other New Jersey Shore Points. The vast majority of homes were built long ago during the late Victorian Age around the 1890's. There were two very large fires that burnt down most of the properties, which were all rebuilt during the same period. The homes were built by the wealthy and built to last during a period when gardening and tree lined streets were in vogue and contemporary Cape May reflects this. The Cape May we see today is much the same as the Cape May that was rebuilt 120 years ago. You may find yourself just taking an evening stroll down Washington Street, bike riding down adorable side streets, playing at the arcade with the kids or watching the sunset from your favorite restaurant. Cape May is really a totally different vibe than much of the Jersey Shore and it's why we love it here. If you are foodie, you're in the best food town in South Jersey. Period. If you love nature, Cape May is a bird watchers paradise. Kids? beaches, dolphins, boat tours, paddle boarding and more. It really does have something for everyone. Every time we visit, we learn more and more about this great town and we're happy to share it with you. What follows are our experiences with some of our favorite places but there's always more. If you find something you absolutely loved, let us know (but don't tell too many others, we're trying to keep Cape May a secret still). Enjoy
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Cape May
227 Beach Ave
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Cape May Proper is what most people think of when they hear the words "Cape May". It extends South from exit 0 off the Garden State Parkway down to the beach, East to the Coast Guard Base & Cape May Inlet and West until Cape Island Creek. It's the creek that really separate's Cape May from our home in West Cape May though. Cape May is unlike most of the other New Jersey Shore Points. The vast majority of homes were built long ago during the late Victorian Age around the 1890's. There were two very large fires that burnt down most of the properties, which were all rebuilt during the same period. The homes were built by the wealthy and built to last during a period when gardening and tree lined streets were in vogue and contemporary Cape May reflects this. The Cape May we see today is much the same as the Cape May that was rebuilt 120 years ago. You may find yourself just taking an evening stroll down Washington Street, bike riding down adorable side streets, playing at the arcade with the kids or watching the sunset from your favorite restaurant. Cape May is really a totally different vibe than much of the Jersey Shore and it's why we love it here. If you are foodie, you're in the best food town in South Jersey. Period. If you love nature, Cape May is a bird watchers paradise. Kids? beaches, dolphins, boat tours, paddle boarding and more. It really does have something for everyone. Every time we visit, we learn more and more about this great town and we're happy to share it with you. What follows are our experiences with some of our favorite places but there's always more. If you find something you absolutely loved, let us know (but don't tell too many others, we're trying to keep Cape May a secret still). Enjoy
Just a short trip across Ocean Drive (621) and up a few miles you'll find the town of Wildwood. Wildwood is broken into 3 parts, North Wildwood, Wildwood & Wildwood Crest. Wildwood Proper is home to the "Doo Wop" architectural style and it's really a lot of fun to drive along the beach and check out the hotels and hangouts. Wildwood has both some of the longest walks to the beach but the best waves on the Jersey Shore. And, it's also got one thing that Cape May does not: The Boardwalk. If you have kids and are looking for something to do with the kids, we'd recommend Mariner's landing. It's can get a bit crowded during the summer but it's a lot of fun for the very not so little kids. Also, Wildwood has 3 Piers that have a host of rides and amusements called "Morey's Piers". Mariner's landing is part of this but separate. You can ride roller coasters, throw darts at balloons, pick up some fudge from Laura's or Pizza from Mac's. It's a nice place to get away to when you're looking for something fun to do with the kids.
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Wildwood
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Just a short trip across Ocean Drive (621) and up a few miles you'll find the town of Wildwood. Wildwood is broken into 3 parts, North Wildwood, Wildwood & Wildwood Crest. Wildwood Proper is home to the "Doo Wop" architectural style and it's really a lot of fun to drive along the beach and check out the hotels and hangouts. Wildwood has both some of the longest walks to the beach but the best waves on the Jersey Shore. And, it's also got one thing that Cape May does not: The Boardwalk. If you have kids and are looking for something to do with the kids, we'd recommend Mariner's landing. It's can get a bit crowded during the summer but it's a lot of fun for the very not so little kids. Also, Wildwood has 3 Piers that have a host of rides and amusements called "Morey's Piers". Mariner's landing is part of this but separate. You can ride roller coasters, throw darts at balloons, pick up some fudge from Laura's or Pizza from Mac's. It's a nice place to get away to when you're looking for something fun to do with the kids.

#Adulting

We love this place! It's a few minute drive or bike ride and a great place for live music, excellent light appetizers and a nice selection of wine.
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Willow Creek Winery & Farm
168 Stevens St
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We love this place! It's a few minute drive or bike ride and a great place for live music, excellent light appetizers and a nice selection of wine.
Best wine in Cape May, hands down. If you like good wine, it's worth a stop. You don't necessarily have to hit the vineyard in Rio Grande, but if you're looking for South Jersey's best wine, this could be it.
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Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery
600 S Railroad Ave
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Best wine in Cape May, hands down. If you like good wine, it's worth a stop. You don't necessarily have to hit the vineyard in Rio Grande, but if you're looking for South Jersey's best wine, this could be it.
A little far out from downtown but definitely worth the trip. Great ambience, very good wine and lots of events.
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Cape May Winery & Vineyard
711 Town Bank Rd
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A little far out from downtown but definitely worth the trip. Great ambience, very good wine and lots of events.
A local favorite and off the beaten path. When you want to play a game of corn hole, eat tacos (or whatever food tuck they're hosting that day) and have some amazing cocktails, look to Nauti. Highly recommended.
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Nauti Spirits Distillery
916 Shunpike Rd
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A local favorite and off the beaten path. When you want to play a game of corn hole, eat tacos (or whatever food tuck they're hosting that day) and have some amazing cocktails, look to Nauti. Highly recommended.
Near the airport but worth the ride. If you're a beer snob but hate commuter airports, try the IPA and the summer seasonal, always a solid beer.
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Cape May Brewing Co. Tasting Room & Brewtique
1250 Hornet Rd
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Near the airport but worth the ride. If you're a beer snob but hate commuter airports, try the IPA and the summer seasonal, always a solid beer.

Nature

Great place for catching all sorts of rare and amazing birds. Right down the road a bit.
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Cape May Bird Observatory - Northwood Center
701 E Lake Dr
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Great place for catching all sorts of rare and amazing birds. Right down the road a bit.
A truly great place to enjoy untarnished beaches and experience what nature at the beach could be. You can walk here along the beach from the point or ride to it with your bike and binoculars. Another great place to get away.
Cape May Wetlands State Natural Area
A truly great place to enjoy untarnished beaches and experience what nature at the beach could be. You can walk here along the beach from the point or ride to it with your bike and binoculars. Another great place to get away.
A little close to our place, but another amazing birding location. Lots to do from the meadows entrance, always enjoyable.
South Cape May Meadows Path
South Cape May Meadows Path
A little close to our place, but another amazing birding location. Lots to do from the meadows entrance, always enjoyable.
Off the beaten path location for catching good vibes on the bay side. Nice quiet beaches, great place to find some sea glass and take a hike, catch a ghost or watch the ferrey.
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Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area
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Off the beaten path location for catching good vibes on the bay side. Nice quiet beaches, great place to find some sea glass and take a hike, catch a ghost or watch the ferrey.

Local Eats (WCM)

Awesome Coffee, adorable knick knacks, large and piping hot Bacon, Egg & Cheese Bagels (BEC's). We love these guys.
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Ostara’s Coffee House
600 Park Blvd
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Awesome Coffee, adorable knick knacks, large and piping hot Bacon, Egg & Cheese Bagels (BEC's). We love these guys.
Lines out the doors for a small bakery cafe in west cape may? #Truth. Each week something new and unexpected. Great selection of gluten-free pastries as well. When you order, ask what's in season first.
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Chez Michel
600 Park Blvd
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Lines out the doors for a small bakery cafe in west cape may? #Truth. Each week something new and unexpected. Great selection of gluten-free pastries as well. When you order, ask what's in season first.
Want something quick and easy? Philly Cheesesteak without the drive? Checkout West side. They make great egg sandwiches and you can usually buy enough at the market for a cookout or to make your own sandwiches. Just opened post covid for inside sales so selection may be limited. LPT: Get your Potato Salad here.
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Westside Market
517 Broadway
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Want something quick and easy? Philly Cheesesteak without the drive? Checkout West side. They make great egg sandwiches and you can usually buy enough at the market for a cookout or to make your own sandwiches. Just opened post covid for inside sales so selection may be limited. LPT: Get your Potato Salad here.
Walkable from the house. Great brunches and breakfasts and you can almost always get a table for dinner, if not for breakfast. They do a great job for folks with Allergen's and the food is great. It's our kids favorite. Heads Up: Closed for like 3 hours between 2 & 5 so no lunches.
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Bella Vida Garden Cafe
406 Broadway
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Walkable from the house. Great brunches and breakfasts and you can almost always get a table for dinner, if not for breakfast. They do a great job for folks with Allergen's and the food is great. It's our kids favorite. Heads Up: Closed for like 3 hours between 2 & 5 so no lunches.
Another surprisingly delicious option at the business park. Backstreet usually doesn't make the normal Cape May line-up but it should. The specials menu is great. We can definitely stand by the Lamb Chops, all the seafood and bananas foster. Note: Small Place so it may not be appropriate for large groups, also they will accommodate kids but no special kids menu.
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Backstreet Simply Delicious
600 Park Blvd
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Another surprisingly delicious option at the business park. Backstreet usually doesn't make the normal Cape May line-up but it should. The specials menu is great. We can definitely stand by the Lamb Chops, all the seafood and bananas foster. Note: Small Place so it may not be appropriate for large groups, also they will accommodate kids but no special kids menu.
What we would probably consider WCM's most eclectic eating experience. Love the outdoor dining, tic-tac-toe, pop-up shops on the weekends and lots of fun accoutrement. But don't let the kitsch fool you, this place has great food. Burgers, Chicken Sandwiches, Salads, Salmon, Curries, Pies, Milkshakes and outstanding cocktails can be found. Recommended for a heavy, casual lunch.
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Exit Zero Filling Station
110 Sunset Blvd
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What we would probably consider WCM's most eclectic eating experience. Love the outdoor dining, tic-tac-toe, pop-up shops on the weekends and lots of fun accoutrement. But don't let the kitsch fool you, this place has great food. Burgers, Chicken Sandwiches, Salads, Salmon, Curries, Pies, Milkshakes and outstanding cocktails can be found. Recommended for a heavy, casual lunch.
Fairly good gastro-pub with a cool beach vibe and plenty of great live music. Bring your pets, dip your feet in the sand and listen to covers of your favorite bands. Excellent Orange Crushes and a great place to bring the kids for a post sunset meal. Food won't knock your socks off and can get hot in the afternoon BUT a great option for by the sea dining with large groups and mixed parties.
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Rusty Nail
205 Beach Ave
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Fairly good gastro-pub with a cool beach vibe and plenty of great live music. Bring your pets, dip your feet in the sand and listen to covers of your favorite bands. Excellent Orange Crushes and a great place to bring the kids for a post sunset meal. Food won't knock your socks off and can get hot in the afternoon BUT a great option for by the sea dining with large groups and mixed parties.
We haven't tried them all but I'd say this is our go to pizza place so far down the shore. Right down the street, delivery is fast and pizza is surprisingly good especially for this pizza snob. Just the pizza though. Gluten Free Pizza Options for the Gluteny.
Brother's Pizza II Cape May
102 Sunset Blvd
We haven't tried them all but I'd say this is our go to pizza place so far down the shore. Right down the street, delivery is fast and pizza is surprisingly good especially for this pizza snob. Just the pizza though. Gluten Free Pizza Options for the Gluteny.

Beachin'

If you google Sunset Beach you'll find photos of the sunken Concrete Ship but if you're looking for a great way to spend a sunset with the kids, this place can't be beat. Ice Cream, a small beach on the bay and a little putt-putt course just a short drive down the road make it a fun pitt stop.
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Strand bei Sonnenuntergang
Sunset Blvd
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If you google Sunset Beach you'll find photos of the sunken Concrete Ship but if you're looking for a great way to spend a sunset with the kids, this place can't be beat. Ice Cream, a small beach on the bay and a little putt-putt course just a short drive down the road make it a fun pitt stop.
If you google this spot, you'll find our favorite beach. It's a few feet away from the Rusty nail, it's close to the bathrooms and showers and there's plenty of parking for your bikes. It's a little bit north of the Orange and Blue umbrella's from the Rusty Nail (which has decent food, great live music and more). The entrance is across the street from Capers Condos.
227 County Hwy 604
227 County Highway 604
If you google this spot, you'll find our favorite beach. It's a few feet away from the Rusty nail, it's close to the bathrooms and showers and there's plenty of parking for your bikes. It's a little bit north of the Orange and Blue umbrella's from the Rusty Nail (which has decent food, great live music and more). The entrance is across the street from Capers Condos.
Breathtaking sunset views and hashtaggable sunset photos of dolphins and light houses. They also have a flag lowering ceremony each evening. It really is a great place to watch the sunset each night.
Sunset Pavilion
62 Beach Ave
Breathtaking sunset views and hashtaggable sunset photos of dolphins and light houses. They also have a flag lowering ceremony each evening. It really is a great place to watch the sunset each night.

#Kiddin

Looking for something fun to do with your little ones? Lots of fun, kid friendly games at the Cape May Arcades. There's actually two of them and the tickets can be interchanged and exchanged for gifts. Also, next to the Original Fudge Kitchen which has a lot of fun candy and snacks for the kids.
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Cape May Arcade
406 Beach Ave
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Looking for something fun to do with your little ones? Lots of fun, kid friendly games at the Cape May Arcades. There's actually two of them and the tickets can be interchanged and exchanged for gifts. Also, next to the Original Fudge Kitchen which has a lot of fun candy and snacks for the kids.
A great place to take the family. Washington Street Mall has something for everyone. Toys, Ice Cream, Restaurants, Peanut Butter, Sticky Buns, Waffles, Bike Rentals, Beach Garb and People Watching. This is an absolute must do when coming to Cape May. Great way to spend a couple of hours #lollygaggin
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Washington Street Mall
401 Washington St
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A great place to take the family. Washington Street Mall has something for everyone. Toys, Ice Cream, Restaurants, Peanut Butter, Sticky Buns, Waffles, Bike Rentals, Beach Garb and People Watching. This is an absolute must do when coming to Cape May. Great way to spend a couple of hours #lollygaggin
Such a cute little place to go to with your little kids. It's on the bay side and there's a paddleboat rental place across the street. Great place to watch boats come in and out as well as to discover some of the excellent ecosystem and natural wonders that are part of the South Jersey coast. Great way to spend some QT with the kiddos.
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Nature Center of Cape May
1600 Delaware Ave
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Such a cute little place to go to with your little kids. It's on the bay side and there's a paddleboat rental place across the street. Great place to watch boats come in and out as well as to discover some of the excellent ecosystem and natural wonders that are part of the South Jersey coast. Great way to spend some QT with the kiddos.
It's across the street from the Arcade and we usually add this onto the arcade trip for the kiddo's. It's a Rita's, just like the one you have at home unless you don't have one, then you should take the kids here.
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Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
765 DE-26
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It's across the street from the Arcade and we usually add this onto the arcade trip for the kiddo's. It's a Rita's, just like the one you have at home unless you don't have one, then you should take the kids here.
Kids love it. Small and walkable and great for non-beach days. Sometimes it's free too.
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Cape May County Park & Zoo
707 U.S. 9
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Kids love it. Small and walkable and great for non-beach days. Sometimes it's free too.
Way less crowded than the original and next to the arcade. Give your children the power to chose: Candy or Water Ice.
The Original Fudge Kitchen
4120 Boardwalk
Way less crowded than the original and next to the arcade. Give your children the power to chose: Candy or Water Ice.
Some say Stockton Miniature Golf Course is better. Those people are wrong. #CapeMayMini for life!
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Cape May Miniature Golf
315 Jackson St
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Some say Stockton Miniature Golf Course is better. Those people are wrong. #CapeMayMini for life!