A Perfect Day in Cape May

There’s always something new to discover in our beautiful city by the sea. The boutiques, the restaurants, the beaches—everyone has their favorites, those places they return to time and time again.

In this story, we’ll talk to some familiar Cape Resorts faces to learn about their favorite island haunts & hideaways.

Jackson Von Savage

GENERAL MANAGER—THE VIRGINIA HOTEL

Favorite time in Cape May? Someone wisely told me to appreciate each season because it all goes by so quickly. Each year, I believe that more and more. There’s a lot to be said about the seasons in Cape May when you can drive down Beach Drive and see nothing but yellow blinking traffic lights ahead. It’s calming. Perfect place to start the day? Without a doubt, the front porch of The Virginia Hotel. One of Cape May’s many claims to fame is the fact that it is one of the few places left where people can experience the simple pleasure of sitting on a quiet porch, taking in the fresh sea air.

You’d spend the morning doing what? If I was on my own time, I’d be relaxing with a cup of our cold brew, some overnight oats, a slice of avocado toast and just enjoying the Jackson Street neighborhood waking up to the day. No doubt, I’d also be catching up on news and checking out the markets.

A favorite afternoon treat? Work day: Iced oat latte from Magic Brain Café. Off day: Orange Crush somewhere on the water.

Favorite exercise place? Running the boardwalk early morning… love the quiet energy.

You’re going off the island for the day—where would it

be? I do like to get out of Dodge. With a few days off, I would head out to Sag Harbor in the Hamptons and visit friends at Baron’s Cove.

Is there a boat trip in this perfect day? If I’m looking for some action, I would find the craziest sailor in the area— that would be my father David on his Hobie catamaran— and sail out the harbor with him, go along the Cape May beaches and then around the Point and back. If you can manage to hang on, the views of the Cape May shoreline are incredible. Favorite retail therapy in town? Checking out Cape May Surf and Bella, both in the Washington Street Commons. Preferred dinner spot? Ebbitt Room garden on a cool summer night. With Chef Jason’s menu, the great wine list, and the twinkling lights, it’s the best seat in town. If I go “off campus”, there is a good chance you would find me at Peter Shields Inn, enjoying a great meal and a nice bottle of Kistler.

But, before that, where are you having an aperitif? On the Congress Hall Grand Lawn. I would be relaxing on one of the Adirondack chairs, looking at the ocean and drinking a Hendrick’s and tonic. Best-kept secret in Cape May? Can’t really say—we locals have to have some secret spots! However, if you stop by for a cocktail at the Ebbitt Room, bartender Leo has been known to share some insider tips.

If you could change one thing about Cape May to make

it even MORE perfect, what would it be? Everyone in town has stepped up their game—between all the improvements in the mall area, especially what the Fund for Cape May was able to accomplish with Rotary Park and all the business owners and homeowners rehabbing everywhere, Cape May is more attractive than ever. I would love to see this same attention devoted to the promenade to really make that area as charming and authentic as the rest of town.

How would you end this perfect day? Sunset cruise on Cape May Harbor with a glass of rosé or two.

Jeanni Seetoo

VICE PRESIDENT OF REVENUE—CAPE RESORTS

Favorite time in Cape May? The fall—some shops and restaurants are still open, it’s not too cold and the evening sunsets are spectacular. In September, flocks of skimmers swoop down on the water which is so cool to see—it marks the beginning of fall. Perfect place to start the day? I get up early, meet up with friends and head out on a 30-mile bike ride starting at Wildwood Crest all the way up through Stone Harbor. We’ll stop at a shop to grab some tea and sometimes a sandwich before we start heading back south. You’d spend the morning doing what? My daughter is a server at Beach Plum Farm, and when I’m not biking, I love to get a breakfast sandwich there and see her for a little while.

A favorite afternoon treat? Pretty Tasty Cupcakes on Carpenter’s Square Mall is the best. I’ll pick up a chocolate salted caramel or lemon cupcake—always delicious and beautifully wrapped. I’m not even a big cake person, but they are fantastic. Favorite exercise spot? I typically exercise at home or when I’m biking, so outside is my place to work out.

You’re going off the island for the day—where would it

be? A few friends and I would bike to the ferry and ride over to Delaware. Once we dock, we’ll ride to Henlopen State Park, then down through Rehoboth all the way to Bethany Beach. We’ll always try to stop by Big Oyster Brewery before catching the ferry back to Cape May. Favorite retail therapy in town? Givens on the Washington Street Mall is one of my favorite little shops. They have a great variety of really cute items like cards and gifts along with their clothes. It’s a great place to check out.

Preferred dinner spot? Louisa’s—everything on their menu is fresh and fantastic. You can’t go wrong. I love their sea scallops! But, before that, where are you having an aperitif? I don’t drink, but I’ll enjoy a mocktail with my friends with some apps out on the porch. I’ll usually be sipping on a cranberry juice and a splash of Sprite with a slice of lime. Best-kept secret in Cape May? Ghost crabbing at the Cove. Head down to the beach when it’s dark with a flashlight or headlamp and you’ll be able to see the little white crabs—about the size of your thumb—everywhere on the beach. When it’s nice and quiet with not too many people around, it’s a great family activity to take a walk down and explore.

If you could change one thing about Cape May to make

it even MORE perfect, what would it be? Off-island parking would be wonderful. People already walk around the island as if there aren’t any cars! So if something could be figured out to have less of them on the island, it would open up a lot of pathways. I’d also love to see the power lines run underground instead of hanging in front of all the beautiful homes.

How would you end this perfect day?

Always at Steger Beach with an evening picnic and watching the sunset. It’s my favorite time to be there—it’s so beautiful and peaceful.

Charity Clark

CAPE RESORTS REALTY OWNER

Favorite time in Cape May? Spring. The anticipated exciting summer is around the corner. New memories will be made!

Perfect place to start the day? Walking on one of the many trails or the promenade. Except for Sunday— that’s when it’s breakfast out with a stack of corn pancakes.

A favorite afternoon treat? Boat ride and fishing.

Favorite exercise spot? Bakery. I jest. Living room floor with weights and yoga mat.

You’re going off the island for the day—where would

it be? Naples, Florida.

So, the boat trip in this perfect day, where would

it be? Lobster House to Harbor View to Champagne Island then back to the Delaware Bay coastline during sunset. Ugh, is this day over already?! Favorite retail therapy in town? Tommy’s Folly, just across from Congress Hall—great outfits for day and night, plus cool baby stuff, too.

Preferred dinner spot? Secondo’s, Ebbitt Room and Elaine’s Porch.

But, before that, where are you having an aperitif?

Brown Room, or the Washington Inn—and you can’t beat the margaritas at the Rusty Nail.

Best-kept secret in Cape May? The back trails around Higbee Beach. I love going there with my children, finding shells and exploring.

How would you end this perfect day? Sitting in the lifeguard stand watching the moon reflect off the water. If this is illegal, I have never done it!

If you could change one thing about Cape May to

make it even MORE perfect, what would it be? More Sundays off to do that boat ride mentioned above!

Courtney Bryant

CONCIERGE MANAGER—CAPE RESORTS

Favorite time in Cape May? Late summer. The weather is the best and all of my favorite restaurants are still open for outdoor dining! Perfect place to start the day? A bike ride down to breakfast at the Mad Batter for corned beef hash. You’d spend the morning doing what? Biking around town, stopping to get a coffee at Out There Coffee, then off to Beach Plum Farm to walk around and stock up on some fresh fruit and veggies (and the best bacon!). A favorite afternoon treat? For an afternoon snack- Hot Dog Tommy’s fries + secret sauce! For a sweet treat, a blueberry lemon Peace Pie. Favorite exercise spot? A stroll on the sand from the Cove to Poverty Beach and back.

You’re going off the island for the day—where would

it be? To the beer garden at Cape May Brewing Company for a cranberry bog slushie or tasting flight and game of giant jenga. Is there a boat trip in this perfect day? Absolutely! Kayaking with Aqua Trails by the Lobster House and through Cape Island Creek. Favorite retail therapy in town? A few good hours spent walking through the dozens of vendors at the West End Garage. Preferred dinner spot? Blue Pig Tavern, on the patio. The oysters are to die for!

But, before that, where are you having an aperitif?

Brown Room for a French 75 and some live music! Best-kept secret in Cape May? The Flower Lady on Madison Avenue across from the Kiwanis park. She grows the most beautiful summer blooms and I have to stop every time I ride by.

If you could change one thing about Cape May to

make it even MORE perfect, what would it be? I’d take the weather in September and keep it going yearround! How would you end this perfect day? By bringing a bottle of our favorite wine to Sunset Beach for the best sunset views around. Getting there early is a must for a good spot.