Activities in Cape May, NJ
September 6, 2011 1:02 PM Subscribe
Cape May, NJ filter: We're visiting Cape May for the first time this Thurs-Sun for our fifth wedding anniversary. We were hoping to make this a beach/pool trip, but unfortunately, the weather looks pretty miserable. Any suggestions on activities/locations in the area that we can enjoy despite the rain? Restaurant suggestions also appreciated.
In case it helps: We're a couple in our mid-30s, no kids. Open to pretty much anything that keeps us out of the rain. We're staying at the Virginia Hotel.
In case it helps: We're a couple in our mid-30s, no kids. Open to pretty much anything that keeps us out of the rain. We're staying at the Virginia Hotel.
Yes to Mad Batter for brunch!
posted by troublewithwolves at 1:38 PM on September 6, 2011
posted by troublewithwolves at 1:38 PM on September 6, 2011
I'd like to humbly disagree with willpie (hi, hubby!) on two points.
1.) While the Mad Batter is excellent for brunch, it's the Magnolia Room that is famous for its fried chicken.
2.) I don't think rain in Cape May necessitates driving to AC to gamble. Head over to Congress Hall for a bit (sister hotel to the Virginia) and shop the indoor shops there, then have lunch at the Blue Pig. If it's just drizzling, you can proceed to the outdoor mall area and duck in and out of shops - I think it will be perfectly pleasant as long as it isn't pouring.
In the evenings, there is tons of fine dining and then some nice bars and lounges. I always liked sitting for a drink in Congress Hall's Brown Room. The Merion Inn also has a nice bar area with live piano music.
During the daytime, it's worth a visit to the Physick Estate for a tour, and a trolley ride would be a good way to look around and stay fairly dry. Check out this website for tons of tour info, including the annual Designer Show House, which is always fun to see if you're interested in interior design.
Another potential daytime activity would be the Wetlands Institute. I know parts of it are outdoors, but I think there is still plenty to see inside as well.
Cold Spring Village is another interesting spot. Again, you'd be sort of ducking in and out of buildings, so it might not be ideal in driving rain, but if it's just drizzly it would be worthwhile.
You can also always do a spa treatment together - I believe there is a spa at Congress Hall, and this spa is also quite nice.
Don't worry about the weather. I am sure you two will still enjoy your visit! Don't be shy about asking the folks at the Virginia for suggestions, too. They really want guests to be happy even if the weather isn't cooperating.
posted by katie at 2:35 PM on September 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
1.) While the Mad Batter is excellent for brunch, it's the Magnolia Room that is famous for its fried chicken.
2.) I don't think rain in Cape May necessitates driving to AC to gamble. Head over to Congress Hall for a bit (sister hotel to the Virginia) and shop the indoor shops there, then have lunch at the Blue Pig. If it's just drizzling, you can proceed to the outdoor mall area and duck in and out of shops - I think it will be perfectly pleasant as long as it isn't pouring.
In the evenings, there is tons of fine dining and then some nice bars and lounges. I always liked sitting for a drink in Congress Hall's Brown Room. The Merion Inn also has a nice bar area with live piano music.
During the daytime, it's worth a visit to the Physick Estate for a tour, and a trolley ride would be a good way to look around and stay fairly dry. Check out this website for tons of tour info, including the annual Designer Show House, which is always fun to see if you're interested in interior design.
Another potential daytime activity would be the Wetlands Institute. I know parts of it are outdoors, but I think there is still plenty to see inside as well.
Cold Spring Village is another interesting spot. Again, you'd be sort of ducking in and out of buildings, so it might not be ideal in driving rain, but if it's just drizzly it would be worthwhile.
You can also always do a spa treatment together - I believe there is a spa at Congress Hall, and this spa is also quite nice.
Don't worry about the weather. I am sure you two will still enjoy your visit! Don't be shy about asking the folks at the Virginia for suggestions, too. They really want guests to be happy even if the weather isn't cooperating.
posted by katie at 2:35 PM on September 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks so much for the help, everyone! The weather turned out to be pretty cooperative while we were there (mostly sunny and pretty hot), so it was pretty much beach & pool for us, plus the outdoor mall. Of the suggestions above, we ate at the Blue Pig (thought it was alright, was not super-impressed though, given the price) and Mad Batter (very good). We also did a couple's massage at the Cape May Day Spa suggested by katie.
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 6:33 PM on October 28, 2011
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 6:33 PM on October 28, 2011
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Good, Expensive, Fancy:
The Ebbitt Room (it's in your hotel; it's famous)
The Blue Pig (in Congress Hall)
The Washington Inn (IMHO the best fine dining experience in Cape May)
Peter Shields Inn (probably my second fave)
The Mad Batter (legendary breakfast/brunch; I seem to recall famous fried chicken)
The Merion Inn
Still Good, Less Fancy, Still Not Cheap:
The Lobster House
The Crab House (IIRC, this is actually in Wildwood Crest)
Locals' Joints You Shouldn't Miss:
McGlade's Back Street Cafe (go for breakfast)
Restaurants That Didn't Exist When I Lived There, But Are Owned By A Friend--Who Is a Hell of a Chef--And So I'll Recommend Them Anyway:
Jay's On Third in Stone Harbor
Wherever you go, eat as much crab as possible. Crab cakes, entire crabs, whatever. Just eat them.
The bad news is that there's not that much to do when the weather sucks. You could drive up to AC and gamble.
posted by willpie at 1:23 PM on September 6, 2011