In anticipation of a busy summer, fresh boutiques, eateries and activities are popping up all over Cape May County. Still just as appealing are some of the region's perennial favorites. Here's a look at some of the newest, along with some of the most venerated favorites of southern New Jersey's coast.
What's new at N.J. beach resorts
The century-old marina district Fish Alley, in Sea Isle City,… (Sea Isle City Photo, Baltimore…)
Cape May
Cape May, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay on New Jersey's southernmost tip, is the nation's oldest seaside resort. This storybook Victorian town is laden with beautiful beaches, paving stone alleyways and quaint shops and restaurants. Info: Go to capemay.com and capemaymac.org.
What's new
YB Restaurant, 314 Beach Ave., 609-898-2009. The new eatery serves up creative American fare, including innovative vegan options. Entrees start at $15. YB stands for "younger brother"… of John Karapanagiotis, of George's Place, featured on Food Network's TV show "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives."
What's tried and true
The Virginia, 25 Jackson St., 800-732-4236, virginiahotel.com. This grand 1879 landmark mansion, a half-block from the ocean, includes breakfast and valet parking. Rates start at $209.
Washington Street Mall, a charming, outdoor concourse of multi-generational shops and cafes. Info: washingtonstreetmall.com
Summer Concert Series. Pull out your tie-dyes and love beads. These weekly concerts feature retro-1960s bands like Dave Mason and Jay and The Americans at Cape May's new oceanfront Convention Hall, 8 p.m., Fridays, July 9 to Aug. 20. Tickets: $30. Info: capemayconventionhall.org
The Wildwoods
Generations have long-flocked to Wildwood's tag-free beaches and family-friendly boardwalk, filled with nostalgic confections, sundry shops and amusement parks. Bike trails crisscross everywhere. Remember to check out that glitzy Doo-Wop architecture. Info: wildwoodsnj.com
What's new
Downtown Wildwood, 26th Street to Cresse Avenue, dowildwood.com. This downtown district is a mix of boutiques. nightclubs and restaurants, including the delish new Irish steakhouse, Cattle and Clover (3817 Pacific Ave., 609-522-3800, cattlenclover.com). Don't miss free downtown tours on Dolly The Trolly.
Boardwalk Central, between Schellenger and Cedar Avenues, is home to a collection of new eateries, attractions and shops. Daredevils can ride the mechanical Super Bull. Also new is Five-Mile Marketplace, Philly's famous Chickie's and Pete's and Potitos Italian American Pastries.
Water park deals: Early-bird thrill-seekers can head to Morey's Piers water parks, mornings until 12:30 p.m., where unlimited passes are just $20-$26 and $88 for a family of four. Info: moreyspiers.com
What's tried and true
Reges Oceanfront Resort, 9201 Atlantic Ave., 609-729-9300, regesresort.com. An award-winning family resort with rates starting at $199 per night.
The Insectarium, 216 Boardwalk, 609-488-6939, wildwoodinsectarium.com. Bugged? Check out creepy-crawlies on display at this branch of the Philadelphia original.
Good Night Irene's, 2708 Pacific Ave., 609-729-3861, goodnightirenes.com. This bar has dozens of popular, craft and imports on tap, and scores more in the cooler. Don't miss Beer Geek Thursdays for Video Quizzo, with 35-cent wings and steamed clams.
Stone Harbor
Known as "the Hamptons for the Princeton set," highbrow and artsy Stone Harbor has frou-frou shops, a hip Friday night vibe and stunning Seven Mile Beach. Locals glide around town on bicycle or on foot, a la Bridgehampton. Info: stoneharborbeach.com
What's new
Yvettes Cafe, 221 96th St., 609-368-1855, yvettescaffe.com. This new eatery serves up European-inspired sandwiches and salads, starting from $11.
Bradley's Steaks, 10725 3rd Ave., 609-368-2039, bradleyssteaks.com. Home of the 2011 Guy-Fieri Food Network award-winning cheesesteak.
Jessie Creek Winery, 1 North Delsea Drive, 609-536-2092, jessiecreekwinery.com. Sipping savory samples at the new Jessie Creek Winery is worth the eight-mile trek from town. Learn how this area's unique "micro-mini-climate" extends the grape growing season. Tastings are $5.
What's tried and true
Windrift, 125 80th St., 609-368-5175, windrifthotel.com. The sleekly renovated Winddrift has dreamy ocean views, elegant rooms and a picturesque two-story restaurant. Rates start at $125 per night.
Springer's, 9420 3rd Ave., 609-368-4631. Stop in this homemade ice-cream shop for a dip of Springer Chip, chocolate-chip coffee ice cream.
Avalon
The purest ocean breezes are inhaled on Avalon's beach, which extends a mile farther into the Atlantic than other Jersey beaches. It is also one of the last remaining high dune systems on the East Coast. The tiny town is legendary for its tony mansions bordering the beach. While its quaint boardwalk lacks kitschy amusements, there are tasteful family activities and entertainment all summer. Avalon is on the northern portion of Seven Mile Island, which it shares with Stone Harbor. Info: indulgeinavalon.com
What's new
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