top of page

Cape May's Local Hangouts: 

 Local hangouts  |  Cape mYa Farmer's Markets  |  Artists  | Distilleries & Craft Beer...

Local Top of Page
  1. Locally Made

    Edibles | Home | Face/Body

  2. Locally Caught
  3. Cape May's Creative Side

    Local Artisans

  4. Farm Stands & Farmer's Markets

    Cape May Local Produce

  5. Spirits of Cape May

    Breweries | Distilleries | Wineries

  6. Local Hangouts

    Where the locals go in Cape May

  7. Accomodations

    Bed and Breakfast in Cape May

 Cape May Locally Made: Edibles | Bath & Body | Yarns 

Local Edibles
The "Bread Stand' AKA the 'Bread Lady' From Enfin Farms

Farm-Stand Address: 

609 Sunset Blvd.

West Cape May, NJ

Phone: 

609-884-1277

Website:

Sorry, no official website

Cape May local, Elizabeth Degener, starts her day at 3 AM baking about 100 loaves of fresh bread in her wood-fired, clay oven and then bringing the loaves down to her road-side stand.  The line starts forming as early at 8:30 AM

 

  • The day’s bread selection usually consist of about 10 - 20 types of loaves, such as classic French,  chocolate candied ginger & lavender, sweet potato thyme, oatmeal molasses, beet & dill, pumpernickel, smoked paprika & oregano, rosemary & thyme...

  • They also sell freshly made biscuits & muffins and locally-grown, organic produce & flowers. 

 

Hours: Spring thru November - Fridays & Saturdays Only, 10 AM until they sell out

Cape May Honey Farm

Address: 

135 Sunset Blvd

Cape May, NJ

Phone: 

609-425-6434

Website:

capemayhoneyfarm.com

While Cape May Honey Farm does offer a large selection of products from around the world (honey, beeswax candles and bath & beauty products), what we are loving is their local sourced honey, specifically:
 

  • Cape May Wildflower Honey produced from the nectar of different wildflowers and plants, blooming during the summer and fall throughout Cape May.

  • Honey Sourced throughout New Jersey:  New Jersey Blueberry, New Jersey Cranberry & New Jersey Butterbean.

Cape May Soap Co.

Bath Time Address: 

318 Washington St. Mall

Cape May, NJ

Bath Time Phone: 

609-884-9234

Website:

capemaysoapcompany.com

The Cape May Soap Co. sells premium, all-natural handmade soaps made in Cape May County.  Since they use honey in many of their soaps, they decided to keep their own honey bees, hence Cape May Honey Company was born. 

 

While Cape May Soap Co. does not have an actual storefront, you can buy Cape May Soap Co. products online, as well as at Bath Time in Cape May (see address & phone listed)

  • Soaps to try:  Beach Plum, Sea breeze, Jersey Tomato, Sea Salt, Dead Sea Mud to name a few

Bay Springs Alpaca Farm

Address: 

542 New England Rd

Cape May, NJ

Phone: 

609-884-0563

Website:

bayspringsalpacas.com

Oldest and largest alpaca breeder in Cape May County, since 1999

 

  • Breeder of Show Quality Peruvian & Chilean Huacayas

  • Buy Alpaca fleece & yarns from our own herd - the animals are sheared in May

  • The Bay Spring Alpaca Farm Store also sells a variety of alpaca garments and household items including: scarves, stoles, mittens, gloves, sweaters, handwoven bags and blankets

Alpaca Store Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PM | Looking to buy an alpaca? Call for appt.

Please note:  These hours are subject to change. It is always best to further research on your own or call them to confirm.

BACK TO TOP OF PAGE

Local Seafood

 Cape May Local Seafood Companies  

Cape May Salt Oyster Company

Address: 

8789 Berry Ave, Port Norris, NJ

 

Phone: 

609-884-3000
 

Website:

capemaysalts.com

The Cape May Salt Company produces wholesome, sustainable, cultivated premium oysters.  These Atlantic oysters are grown in the Delaware Bay along the shores of Cape May County, New Jersey. The salty, succulent flavor of the Cape May Salt has made it a favorite of oyster lovers for centuries. 

  • While the Cape May Salt Oyster Company does not have an actual storefront, you can purchase Cape May Salt Oysters in most of the restaurants in Cape May i.e. Lobster House, the Washington Inn, Peter Shields etc. 

  • You can also purchase their products on their website

H&H SEAFOOD

Address: 

956A Ocean Drive  Cape May, NJ

 

Phone: 

609-884-4555
 

Website:

hhseafoodnj.com

H&H Seafood was established in 2006 as an outlet for their commercial boat operation, H&H Fisheries, to unload fresh-caught product and sell to the public. They started with live crabs and local lobsters and have recently added more locally-caught fish and shellfish.

 

  • Offers dock-side dining, on picnic tables, Seating on first come, first serve basis

  • All-you-can-eat crabs

  • Open May thru Mid-October

The Fish Market @ the Lobster House

Address: 

906 Schellengers Landing Rd

Cape May, NJ

 

Phone: 

609-884-3064
 

Website:

thelobsterhouse.com

Fisherman's Wharf in Cape May Harbor, AKA the Docks at the Lobster House, receives about 11 million pounds of seafood every year - making it the second busiest seaport on the East Coast, for off-loading seafood (the first being Bedford, Massachusetts).

  • Open Daily, Year Round 8 AM - 9 PM (Off-Season, closes at 7 PM)

  • Come to the Fish Market for freshly caught seafood caught from their own commercial boats 

  • Fresh fish, lobster, clams, crabs, oysters, shrimp, as well as

  • Freshly prepared foods such as their famous 'Lobster House Bread', desserts, crab cakes, stuffed flounder etc.

Please note:  These hours are subject to change. It is always best to further research on your own or call them to confirm.

BACK TO TOP OF PAGE

Spirits of Cape May

 Spirits of Cape May:  Breweries | Distilleries | Wineries  

Cape May Brewery

Address: 

1288 Hornet Rd

Cape May, NJ

 

Phone: 

609-849-9933
 

Website:

capemaybrewery.com

Cape May Brewery is a microbrewery & taproom offering German-style brews & light ales.  They offer free guided & self-guided tours daily.   They don't offer food, but there is taco shop next door, surprisingly called 'The Taco Shop' open seasonally.

  • Cape May Brewery is Open Year Round, 12 PM - 8 PM

  • Cape May Brewing Co.'s barrel-aged series, ranked No. 1 on The Beer Connoisseur magazine's recently released list of the top 100 beers of 2017.

Please note:  These hours are subject to change. It is always best to further research on your own or call them to confirm.

Cold Spring Brewery

Address: 

733 Seashore Rd

Cape May, NJ

 

Phone: 

609-854-3077

Website:

coldspringbrewery.org

Newest Micro-brewery providing fresh, local craft-beer. We love drinking beer for a cause. Every Thursday, Cold Spring Brewery hosts their event where the proceeds go to a different cause.  It is worth a visit to Cold Spring Brewery just to see the beautiful 1804 English-style Cape May County barn.  It was purchased from Upper Township, painstakingly disassembled and then reconstructed, board-by-board.

  • Cold Spring Brewery is Open Year Round Thursday - Sunday 12 PM - 8 PM

  • BYOF - Bring Your Own Food - picnic tables and games

  • Dogs are welcome

Please note:  These hours are subject to change. It is always best to further research on your own or call them to confirm.

Cape May Distillery

Address: 

371 Rt. 47 S.

Cape May Court House

 

Phone: 

609-305-4853

Website:

capemay-distillery.com

Cape May County’s first craft distillery!  Cape May Distillery uses locally grown raw ingredients sourced in the state of New Jersey.  They currently offer Barrel & Beach Rums, Blueberry & Toasted Coconut Rum along with a unique small batch distilled double barrel and Honey Spirits.  Everything is made on the premises

 

  • Open Fridays - Sundays 12-6 PM in the off-season & Daily In-Season

  • Offering tours, tastings, bar and signature drinks

Please note:  These hours are subject to change. It is always best to further research on your own or call them to confirm.

Nauti Spirits

Address: 

916 Shunpike Rd.

Cape May, NJ

 

Phone: 

609-770-3381

Website:

capemay-distillery.com

Nauti Spirits Distillery produces handcrafted farm spirits: Vodka, Gin, & Rum. Using ingredients grown mainly on their 60-acre preserved coastal farm.  Spirits are mashed, fermented, distilled, and bottled on site.

 

  • Offering tours, tastings, bar and signature drinks

  • Open Thursday's & Friday's, 3:30 - 9 PM;

  • Saturdays, Noon to 9 PM; and

  • Sunday's & Monday's, Noon to 7 PM

Good to Know:  Looking to hit a few of the breweries and distilleries in one day, but don't want to drive?  Check out Tastings & Tours Cape May Brewery & Distillery Tours

Please note:  These hours are subject to change. It is always best to further research on your own or call them to confirm.

Cape May Winery & Vineyard

Address: 

711 Town Bank Road

Cape May, NJ

 

Phone: 

609-884-1169

Website:

capemaywinery.com

Cape May Winery has grown over the past two decades to produce some of South Jersey's most distinguished wines. Visitors can visit one of their three tasting rooms, enjoy a bottle of wine on the outdoor deck, take a tour of the winery or simply take in the breathtaking views of the oldest vines in Cape May County.   Cape May Winery's production includes a variety of whites and reds, ranging from dry to sweet, with their main focus on the viniferous grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, and Chardonnay.

  • Open Daily, Year Round 12 - 5 PM (Friday Happy Hour, tasting room open until 8 PM)

Please note:  These hours are subject to change. It is always best to further research on your own or call them to confirm.

Willow Creek Winery & Farm

Address: 

168 Stevens Street

West Cape May, NJ

 

Phone: 

609-770-8782

Website:

willowcreekwinerycapemay.com

Willow Creek Winery produces premium sustainable wines that are grown and bottled on site on their 50 acre farm in Cape May, NJ- a combination of preserved and unpreserved farmland. With thousands of vines planted within the last seven years, the unique South Jersey climate allows them to produce some of the finest hand-crafted wines found this side of Europe.

  • Open Daily, Year Round, Mon - Thurs 11 AM - 5 PM, Fri 11 AM - 9:30 PM, Sat 11 AM - 7:30 PM & Sun 11 AM - 6 PM

  • Willow Creek is open to the public for daily farm and vineyard tours & wine and sangria tastings. They also offer a light tapas menu daily.

  • Be sure to check out our Off-Beat things to do in Cape May for all of Willow Creek's Events  

Please note:  These hours are subject to change. It is always best to further research on your own or call them to confirm.

Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery

Address: 

600 S. Railroad Ave

Rio Grande, NJ

 

Phone: 

609-846-7347

Website:

hawkhavenvineyard.com

Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery is located on a sprawling 100+ acre farm in the Rio Grande section of Lower Township in Cape May County, New Jersey. A family dairy and produce farm since 1940, the vineyard was first planted in 1997, beginning with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Please note:  These hours are subject to change. It is always best to further research on your own or call them to confirm.

More Cape May Vineyards & Wineries

Don't Miss our 'Offbeat Things to do in Cape May' - Not the 'typical' things to do, PLUS, bonus, they all involve a cocktail, spirits or beer

In addition to the three wineries & vineyards mentioned above, here are three more worth checking out:

  • Natali Vineyards:  609-465-0075 - Located at 221 N Delsea Dr, Cape May Court House, NJ

  • Turdo Vineyards & Winery:  609-884-5591 - Located at 3911 Bayshore Rd, Cape May, NJ

  • Jessie Creek Winery:  609-536-2023 -Located at 1 Route 47 North, Cape May Court House, NJ

Good to Know:  Looking to hit a few of the vineyards & wineries in a day, but don't want to drive?  Check out Tastings & Tours Cape May Wine Tours

BACK TO TOP OF PAGE

Artists

 Cape May's Creative Side:  Local Artisans  

Soma NewArt Gallery

Address: 

31 Perry St.
Cape May, NJ

 

Phone: 

609-898-7488
 

Website:

somagallery.net

SOMA NewArt Gallery is dedicated to promoting and showcasing exciting regional talent as well
as emerging and mid-career artists from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York.

  • Located on Perry Street, in the Carpenter Street Mall

  • Opens April 1st thru...

Patricia Rainey Studios

Address: 

NA

 

Phone: 

609-886-4863
 

Website:

patriciaraineystudios.com/

Basically self-taught, Patricia Rainey’s love of the landscape and the rugged coastline of New England is reflected in her realistic oil and watercolor paintings. The quaintness and character of the rural settings, the villages along the Atlantic coastline and now Cape May are the focal points of her latest works. 

  • Patricia's work is represented by many galleries and shops in Cape May, as well,

  • She specializes in commissioned works of public buildings, private residences and landscapes.

Victor Grasso

Address: 

NA

 

Phone: 

NA
 

Website:

victorgrasso.com

Born and raised in Cape May, Victor Grasso's work grabs your mind, spirit, senses and childhood simultaneously and immediately. It's all of Jules Verne, Tim Burton and Lucian Freud at once. It's dark and it's whimsy. It's sensual and childlike. Andrew Wyeth with fisherman's muscles. It's a jocular and hallowed family. It's based in reality, but vivid with alternate universes suffused with reverence for the body.  

  • A truly gifted artist, Grasso's work can been seen at Soma NewArt Gallery in Cape May

Peter Henderer (Pictured Above)

Address: 

NA

 

Phone: 

NA
 

Website:

peterhenderer.com

Peter Henderer, a local Cape May artist, dumpster dives for salvage recycled wood for his projects.  Henderer checks recently remodeled homes, county dumpsters and large dumps throughout Cape May County to find the perfect canvases for his art, which ranges from ocean-themed pieces such as starfish and mermaids to outlines of the state of New Jersey.

  • Check out Peter's website for a truly one-of-a- kind, Cape May work of art.

BACK TO TOP OF PAGE

 

Farm Markets

 Cape May Farmer's Markets & Farm Stands  

West Cape May Farmers Market

Address: 

732 Broadway

West Cape May, NJ

Phone: 

609-884-0780
 

Website:

westcapemay.us

Come and visit your favorite vendors and grab some delicious food at the West Cape May Farmer's Market, located behind West Cape May Borough Hall.  Enjoy farm direct produce, fresh cut flowers, vintage & antiques, popcorn, local crafts & art exhibits, fresh cheese, pulled pork, crab cakes, ice cream...

  • Every Tuesday, starting last week in June thru August, from 3 PM - 7:30 PM

  • Live Music starts at 5 PM

Cape May Area Farm Stands and markets

Top Crops Grown in New Jersey

10.  Squash

9.  Herbs

8.  Cucumbers

7.  Sweet Corn

6. Cranberries

5.  Peaches

4.  Bell Peppers

3.  Apples

2.  Tomatoes

And the #1 Spot Goes to....

1.  Blueberries

Fun Fact: 

The Blueberry is the official state fruit of New Jersey.

Beach Plum Farm, Market & Kitchen - In addition to raising chickens/eggs and Berkshire Hogs, a heritage breed, the farm grows and harvests more than 100 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers for their Cape May restaurants' kitchens. Three mornings a week, fruit and vegetables are hand-picked at the farm and delivered so the chefs can develop daily menu specials around them. 

  • 140 Stevens St, Cape May, NJ

  • Off-season, Open Saturday & Sunday 8 AM to 5 PM.  In-season, open daily

  • Be sure to check out one of these Cape May restaurants where you can try their locally grown products:  Ebbitt Rooms, Blue Pig, Rusty Nail, Boiler Room, Louisa's Cafe & Exit Zero Cookhouse

  • Don't miss Beach Plums Farm-to-Table dinner series that are offered throughout the year.

Duckies Farm Market - Roadside Market selling a variety of fresh fruits & vegetables including: tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers, green beans, cantaloupes, eggplant, okra, basil, as well as Jams, dressings, salsa's, sauces, milk, bread and  eggs.

  • 736 Broadway, West Cape May, NJ

  • Open May thru October,  Daily, 9 AM - 7 PM, After Labor Day 9am-5:30pm

LeGates Farm - This farm in North Cape May seems to kick into high gear just when everyone else is giving up and closing down for the season. They grow  all the fall favorites. Anything they grow is labeled as their own, so there’s no doubt you’re buying locally grown produce.

  • 3400 Bayshore Road, North Cape May, NJ

  • Open Mid April thru December

No Frills Farm - Roadside stand selling fresh corn; cantaloupes; tomatoes; peaches; pumpkins; herbs

  • 1028 seashore Rd., Cape May, NJ

  • Open April thru October

Rea's Farm Market - Roadside market selling farm fresh vegetables and fruit, home-made breads, pies, etc; home-canned items; home-made jelly & jams; bedding plants etc.

  400 Stevens St, West Cape May, NJ

 

  • Open May thru Oct,  Daily 9 AM to 5 PM & Friday's & Saturdays 8 AM to 6 PM

  • Pick your own strawberries & pumpkins

  • Also available in the fall: Hayrides to the pumpkin patch!

BACK TO TOP OF PAGE

 

Local Hangouts

 Cape May Local Hangouts  

Sunday's Open Mic Night at the Mad Batter

Address: 

19 Jackson St.

Cape May, NJ

Phone: 

609-884-5970
 

Website:

madbatter.com

The Mad Batter's Open Mic Night is the place for locals to hang out on Sunday nights - It is usually packed (especially in the off-season), so get there early if you want a seat at the bar.

  • Sunday Night 7 PM - 10 PM

  • Never a cover charge

  • Happy Hour Daily from 3 PM - 6 PM

Please note:  These hours are subject to change. It is always best to further research on your own or call them to confirm.

The Coffee Shop at the Lobster House

Address: 

906 Schellengers Landing Rd

Cape May, NJ

Phone: 

609-884-8296
 

Website:

thelobsterhouse.com

A little secret only the locals know about (it's not even mentioned on the official Lobster House website as a dining option).  So when others are waiting up to 2 hours for a table in the main dining room, the locals just stroll into the coffee shop, take a seat at the counter and order.   Filled with local fisherman, just off the boat in the A.M

 

  • Open Daily, Year Round, 8 AM - 9 PM

  • Serves breakfast, lunch & dinner

  • You can order an alcoholic drink and your server will bring it to you at the counter

  • While there is an official  'Coffee House' menu, you can still get the main dining room menu, if you ask

Please note:  These hours are subject to change. It is always best to further research on your own or call them to confirm.

The Rusty Nail, AKA 'The Nail'

Address: 

205 Beach Ave

Cape May, NJ

Phone: 

609-884-0017
 

Website:

caperesorts.com/restaurants/capemay/rustynail

Popular with tourists, as well as the locals , Cape May's Iconic surfer bar, less formally known as 'the Nail', serves casual fare in a relaxed beach environment.  Listen to live music (in-season) around the fit-pit.

 

  • Open Seasonally, May thru December

  • Serves breakfast, lunch & dinner

  • Travel & Leisure's Pick for One of America's Top 10 Beach Bars

Please note:  These times are subject to change. It is always best to further research on your own or call them to confirm.

Lucky Bones Bar & Restaurant

Address: 

1200 NJ-109, Cape May, NJ

 

Phone: 

609-884-2663
 

Website:

luckybones.com

If you're looking for a place that always has a good crowd (even on a Tuesday night in January), then look no further than Lucky Bones.  Expect long wait times in Season.  They specialize in brick-oven pizza, as well, they have a large menu with seafood, ribs, hamburgers, sandwiches, etc.

 

  • Open Daily, Year Round, 11:30 - 10 PM

  • Lucky 13 Menu $13 All Day...Before 5 PM (Except Saturdays) - Changes daily, ie. Sunday is Half Roast Turkey, Monday is Fish Tacos, Tuesday is Shrimp Creole etc. 

  • If you have a gluten allergy, they have a entire menu dedicated to Gluten-free.  For a great list of Cape May Restaurants that offer gluten-free, vegetarian & Vegan dining options, check out our Places to Eat in Cape May Guide

Please note:  These times are subject to change. It is always best to further research on your own or call them to confirm.

C-View

Address: 

1380 Washington St

Cape May, NJ

Phone: 

609-884-4712
 

Website:

No Website

This is about as local as you get!  Don't bring any drama or attitude into the C-View - it will not be tolerated.   About 99% of the patrons in this establishment are the regular, local crowd.   

 

  • Open Daily, Year Round, 11 AM - 12 AM

  • Serves lunch & dinner, very casual

  • Their Wednesday Wing Night is very popular!

Please note:  These times are subject to change. It is always best to further research on your own or call them to confirm.

BACK TO TOP OF PAGE

Accomodations

 Cape May Local Accommodations - Inn the Know   

Accommodations in Downtown Cape May, NJ

Address: 

623 Columbia Ave

Cape May, NJ

Phone: 

609-884-3358
 

Website:

www.themasoncottage.com

If you are planning a visit to Cape May and want to be in the center of the downtown historic district, which allows for exploring the beach, as well as these great local spots, the Mason Cottage (a Bed & Breakfast in Cape May) is the perfect spot.  With its Columbia Avenue address, the Mason Cottage is well placed for exploring one of New Jersey's most exclusive and historic towns.  Enjoy a full gourmet breakfast each morning, either in the dining room or outside, on the veranda (a great place to people watch).  As well, guests can:

  • Explore the coastal town of Cape May on complimentary beach bicycles (available to all guests)

  • Relax on the beach (only one block away), complimentary beach chairs and towels for all guests of the inn.

  • The Inn is Open Year Round

  • Reserve Now! 

BACK TO TOP OF PAGE

bottom of page