At the southern tip of the Garden State Parkway and what is known to locals as “exit 0” is the gem of the Jersey shore, Cape May. This beautifully preserved Victorian beach resort (the oldest in the country) is popular with romance-seeking couples and families that are drawn to the impeccably restored inns and the town's easygoing nature. Visiting Cape May is like taking a step back in time to days gone by and there are some wonderful things to do for those with wanderlust. Here are our suggestions.

View Full Album

Take a ride up Seashore Road, heading north from Cape May (Seashore Road turns into Railroad Avenue, just minutes from the Cape May bridge.) Before you know it, you’re there: Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery. Situated on the Wuerker  Family’s 100 acre farm, an oasis has been preserved! Owner’s Todd & Kenna Wuerker will greet you with a warm welcome. TASTE their spectacular local wines and SMELL the enticing aromas. Sit, relax and FEEL the warmth of the sun on your face in the courtyard. HEAR the history of the three generations on the farm. SEE the amazing sunset over the vineyard. A visit to Hawk Haven is an experience you don’t want to miss. They offer daily wine & food tastings 11am to 7 pm ($5, includes imprinted tasting glass.) Wines are also sold by the glass ($5-6) and by the bottle ($14-17.) White wines chilled for consumption on premises. There is a 10% case discount (on mixed cases too.) Join them for Sangria Sundays: White Sangria sold by the glass ($5.) Music, Food and Fun starts Every Sunday at 4pm. 600 S. Railroad Ave/Seashore Road, Rio Grande. 609-846-7347. Accept VISA/Mastercard and American Express.

Love to shop? So does Mary Colleen Thomasson. Owner of the Cape May Sandal Shoppe, Mary never stops looking for the trendiest items and the best deals to pass onto her customers. One of our favorite picks for beautiful jewelry, hot handbags, Vfish dresses (very comfortable), trendy shoes and fun flip flops – she’s got your back covered, literally. Scheduled special events including trunk shows featuring Spartina Handbags and Vfish clothing will be coming up in July, check out her ad for the details! Cape May Sandal Shoppe is located at 108 Jackson Street off the Washington Street Mall.

The Cape May Film Festival has a series of great movies coming every Monday night starting at the West Cape May Borough Hall at 7pm. Each week there will be a guest host discussing their favorite movie. This is a cool thing to do on a hot summer night – join them for the Great Guest Hosts nights! For more information call 609-884-6700 or check out their website www.capemayfilm.org

The East Lynne Theater Company (ELTC,) recently voted one of the Top Two Equity Professional Theaters in NJ in “The People’s Choice Awards” sponsored by Discover Jersey Arts, has been delighting audiences for three decades with its unique blend of world premieres and American Stage classics not seen anywhere else. Programs include a mainstage season from June-December, shows on the road, and educational outreach for all ages. Group rates, season tickets, dinner or B&B-and-show packages available. Most performances are Wednesday-Saturday at the ADA- accessible First Presbyterian Church. 500 Hughes St., Cape May (609) 884-5898, www.eastlynnetheater.org., credit card reservations: 866-280-9211.

Spirit Catcher Photography has a showroom in the Carpenter Street Mall filled to the brim with beautiful original photographic work. Owned by the husband and wife team – Don Merwin and Tina Giaimo we causally classified them as “hunter, gathers and farmers.” Hunting and gathering, meaning they are always on the look out for that one “killer” photograph, and farmers meaning they return to the same spot and see it through a different point of view each time. Their photography no doubt is beautiful, spiritual, serene and electrifying. If you are looking to bring a piece of Cape May and the surrounding area home with you, be sure to stop by their shop located at Carpenter Square Mall 31 Perry Street 609.884.5144.

Higher Ground Coffee House, Café and Natural Market in West Cape May is should be noted and known for much more than just a caffeine fix. This sweet venue owned by Katie Panamarenko is up and ready to serve you coffee, teas (cold and hot) treats and lots of healthy items. Try Katie’s quiche – it’s delicious and so is the coffee –organic and free-trade, Panamarenko has put together all the great elements that will keep this amazing little spot hot for any time of the day. Be sure to check out her side garden where soon you’ll be able to listen to local singer/song writers. Looking to meet new people and make friends, a local coffee spot like this is sure to help you – the karma is all good! Located on the corner of West Perry and Park Blvd heading towards Sunset Gifts in West Cape May. Hours are 6am to 10pm everyday.

There are few things in life more rewarding than watching the emergence of a new life into this world. That world can be right in your back yard if you are a backyard birder. And if you are lucky enough to be in Cape May, you should take the time to visit the Birdhouse of Cape May for one of the best collections of everything you need for your own back yard birding adventures. Ken Low and Sharon Flanagan opened their doors1995 and have been wowing customers with their unique products and knowledgeable customer service. Celebrate your backyard wildlife with their extensive assortment of quality crafted products, from bird houses to feeders to unusual bird baths. Make sure to take a look at their “Jingle Birds™.” Wonderfully hand painted folk art chimes, that look great in any room or outside on the porch. Located at 109 Sunset Boulevard West Cape May, 609 898-8871. They’re open every day 10am to 5pm. You can also check them out online at www.birdhouseofcapemay.com

Kiddie Kloset in the Villas is only a short drive over the Cape May bridges, but here you’ll find new and nearly new children’s wear. Owner, Sheri Hemingway spent a good part of the winter creating a new and adorable shop with all the right elements. Her excellent eye for fine used clothing and beautiful new items has kept this little gem of a store going strong for 10 years. July is a big month for baby parades so before you pay too much somewhere else, go to Kiddie Kloset first; it’s a little secret that is sure to get out now. Kiddie Kloset also has a vast selection of dancewear and sports wear items just in time for dance camps, and after school activities. Located at 1703 Bayshore Rd
Villas, NJ (609) 886-6633. Stop by this weekend for their open house – give Sheri a call for more details.

For some refreshing excitement, take a ride with Hell Yeah Watersports! They drive, you ride! Coast Guard approved Captain, Mario Bove and his wife Kim will take you on a thrilling ride aboard the Supra Launch 21V. Enjoy wakeboarding, wakeskate, kneeboarding, waterskiing, tubing and boogie boarding. Don’t forget to ask about their Dolphin Quests! Located at Utsch’s Marina, 1121 Route 109 at Schellenger’s Landing in Cape May. Open 7 days per week, 8am-sunset; reservations required, so call 609-827-6193.

Craving the succulent taste of Sushi? Then you must try Simply Sushi. The Sushi you loved at the Moonfish Grill is now available for takeout! Award-winning Sushi chef, Jeff Nace uses only the finest and freshest ingredients to prepare his delicious Sushi and Sashimi meals. This is truly the best portable meal you will ever take a chopstick to! Simply Sushi serves both lunch and dinner, as well as offering takeout, catering and party platters. All meals are freshly prepared to order, so call early for best service. Located at 479-A, West Perry Street in West Cape May. Call 609-884-7874.

Like to knit and crochet? Fiber Arts located in the Washington Commons section of Cape May (across the street from the Washington Street Mall) has the best selection of fashion yarns, patterns, accessories – everything to get you started on your knitting project, (start thinking holiday season now!) The sales people are friendly and the service is second to none, have a question about anything knitting related and these folks will show you the way with their valuable experience. Every day they have knitting classes so be sure to check them out –just walking in and looking around is inspiration even for a novice!

Our suggestion, put on the walking shoes and stop into these shops, recreational establishments and restaurants to say hi! Make sure you tell them you read about it here!