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Strings
Supporter
Username: Blue_eyes
Post Number: 832
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 9:10 pm: | 
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Going to Cape May for a weekend getaway March 31 - April 2nd. As far as dining and what to do during the "off season", Peter Shields restaurant was suggested and I think we'll check out the Cape May Winery for the fun of it (plus they have a local artist show opening on that Saturday which could be cool). Anything else we shouldn't miss that will be open? |
WendyP
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 3265
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 9:04 am: |
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Strings, we just spent a few days in Cape May last month, and even though a majority of places are closed, we had a wonderful time. We stayed at Congress Hall, a hotel that was recently renovated and is really nice inside. They have a lounge called the Brown Room that is simply stunning, has a bar and a fireplace and apparently has live entertainment on Thursday and Friday nights. The adjacent restaurant, The Blue Pig Tavern is also worth a visit, but I would call ahead on that for a reservation, as they are one of the few places open, the food is great, and I think hotel guests might get priority. There is a place called The Boiler Room that is in the basement (on Perry Street) that has live jazz (?) on the weekends. It's a really cool space and I think it actually was the original boiler room at one time. Now it's a funky, lounge lizard kind of place. Visit their website for pictures, and check out the virtual tour of the Brown Room.
http://www.congresshallhotel.com/
If you're looking to get out and enjoy nature, there's always the lighthouse and the wildlife preserve at The Point. On the way to The Point, on Sunset Boulevard, is a NJ Audubon preserve called The Meadows. Very pretty, lots of swans and other kinds of birds (if you're in to that) with trials that lead to the beach.
The pedestrian mall at the end of Washington street has some great shops, but only a few were open when we were there. However, every place that was open was having a 50% off sale.
I think by the end of March, beginning of April, some more places might be opening up.
Other places I love to eat (but were closed when we were there) are 410 Bank Street and Fresco's, which are owned by the same people. For basic, good, Jersey Shore seafood, there's Lobster house. You'll see it on your way in to town. It's huge and it's a bit of a tradition. They recently had a fire, but were furiously rebuilding when we were down there. I had heard the Raw Bar was still operating, and they do serve pub like food there. But I would call and find out if the restaurant is open.
I honestly know nothing about Peter Shields and in all the time I've spent in Cape May, it's never been recommended to me. I have a good friend who lives locally down there, and is in the restaurant biz, and she's never suggested it. The Washington Inn is one that's always recommended. We went once many years ago, and I wasn't really that impressed, but that's just me.
Have fun. I'm really jealous. We're renting a place there in August, and I can't wait to go back! |
WendyP
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 3266
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 9:10 am: |
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View of the beach from our hotel room.
Congress Hall Hotel from our balcony.
Swan in the pond at The Meadows with Cape May Lighthouse in the background.
The path through The Meadows to the beach. |
Ms. Cooper
Citizen
Username: Ms_cooper
Post Number: 60
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 10:06 am: |
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Cape May is my favorite place on Earth (except Maplewood, of course), so I am biased--however:
The Ebbit Room at the Virginia Hotel is a fantastic dining experience! Can't say enough about how great the food is.
Congress Hall is amazing--I remember when it was this really broken-down, creepy hotel. Now, it is completely luxurious. The last time I was there with my husband, we couldn't get over how relaxing it was. The people who work at the hotel have a great manner about them whereby they know what you need without having to ask and quietly bring it to you. Usually a drink or an extra towel.
I am thinking about moving into Congress Hall for the whole summer. (wishful thinking!)
I have never been to the Cape May winery but had some of the "Victorian White Table Wine" at one of the restaurants last summer and thought it was really good (I don't generally like white wine). In fact, I tried to order a case of it for this past holiday season but alas, they couldn't ship it to me.
Enjoy! |
WendyP
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 3268
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 10:13 am: |
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Ah yes, The Ebbit Room. And don't forget The Mad Batter for breakfast.
Ms. Cooper, I've decided I'm retiring to Cape May. It is my favorite place on earth too (or at the very least on the northeast coast of the United States)! |
Strings
Supporter
Username: Blue_eyes
Post Number: 833
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 2:52 pm: |
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Wow - thanks so much for all the info, extremely helpful! I'm really looking forward to getting away even if it's only for the weekend. The Boiler Room sounds perfect for Friday night (if they're open!) and I'll check out some of the other suggestions if they're open for a nice dinner on Saturday.
Thanks again! |
WendyP
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 3282
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 4:04 pm: |
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Strings, not sure if they serve meals at The Boiler Room, if that's what you're thinking. I'd call and ask. And they're definately open on Friday. They were open in February! |
oots
Citizen
Username: Oots
Post Number: 368
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 6:04 pm: |
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A few more restaurants are open these days-they start after valentines day. The best (imho) restaurant in CM is the Washington Inn-and they are probably open on weekends these days-definately check out uncle bills for breakfast-next to congress hall on beach dr & perry st. Godmothers Restaurant may also be open and is less expensive than Wash Inn, Ebbit & Peter Shields. Have fun!
oots |
oots
Citizen
Username: Oots
Post Number: 369
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 6:06 pm: |
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Also, check out CapeMAy.com for a calendar of events.
oots |
WendyP
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 3286
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 6:33 pm: |
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Just thought of another really yummy restuarant: Frieda's, Ocean Street and Carpenter Lane. |
WendyP
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 3318
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 11:47 am: |
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So, Strings. How was it? Where'd you eat? What did you do? |
Strings
Supporter
Username: Blue_eyes
Post Number: 835
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 7:02 pm: |
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Wendy - I'm not going until the end of the month... my computer's broken, that's where I've been! Currently at the Montclair State University library computer lab wishing that I was already in Cape May! Still gonna look into the Boiler Room (who needs food if they serve drinks, right?!) and Frieda's, since that was my grandmother's name, so I feel I should at least check it out!
And oots, thanks for your suggestions, too. I'm printing this thread as we speak just in case I'm computer deprived for much longer... |
phyllis
Citizen
Username: Phyllis
Post Number: 485
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 10:30 pm: |
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We went several years ago off-season. One day we rented bikes and biked down to the lighthouse and one evening we went to the movies right along the boardwalk. If I recall, they were playing some import/artsy stuff although I'm not sure what kind of fare you find there now. |
WendyP
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 3338
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 7:01 am: |
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Couldn't have been too "off season" phyllis. When we were there last month, the movie theater was closed and the marquee said something like "Go to Wildwood!" |
phyllis
Citizen
Username: Phyllis
Post Number: 487
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 4:31 pm: |
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It was in April. |
Strings
Supporter
Username: Blue_eyes
Post Number: 843
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 7:07 pm: |
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So we ended up grabbing a quick Friday night dinner at The Ugly Mug, which was surprisingly good considering it was bar food - the shrimp poppers came with this interesting rasperry jalepeno dip that I want to try to make my own version of, and the grilled crab cakes were quite good. Breakfast at the Mad Batter was very good, the winery was nice, the "tour" wasn't quite what I thought it would be, but the tasting was great - they were very informative without being obnoxious about it. It was perfect for someone who knows very little about wine, but is learning to appreciate it (like me). Dinner was at the Black Duck by suggestion of a friend whose family owns a house down there and it was fantastic. It was a relatively casual atmosphere considering the menu and prices (think American seafood with an Asian flare), I would definitely go back there again.
Overall, it was a great weekend. The rain hit when we were at the winery waiting for the tour, so it wasn't a problem. Much more open during the "off season" than LBI. The theater still said "Go to Stone Harbor", but most of the shops were open on Saturday. I'd never stayed in Cape May before, I've been there for a few day visits during the summer, but I really would like to go back again. |
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