gyppielou

Mama has this in her headlights. Any thoughts on lodging, restaurants, things to see and do. I know nothing about the jersey shore and where is really nice. I have only visited places that never call me back.

What is your favourite jersey shore place to visit early June?

Thanks !!!!

SAnParis2

As far as lodging goes, B & B's are probably the way to go. We used to visit Cape May frequently in the 80's & 90's & our last trip (about 6 or 7 years ago) was likely our last. It has become so over-built & so crowded that it has become (to us) the anti-thesis of a beach vacation. Keep in mind my recs are dated & who knows if the places are even there anymore. By all means go to the Ugly Mug, a fine place for lunch & a brew. Also the Shields Inn & Merion Inn (for dining). You'll also want to visit the Lighthouse. If you like architecture I can't think of a better place to view the Victorian-style. Certainly allow yourself some time to meander. That is the extent of my Cape May memories except for miles of traffic. I seem to recall a pretty good seafood joint as you cross the bridge to the left, but the name escapes me. Best of luck, enjoy.

Birdie

We have a house in Stone Harbor which is 20 min north of Cape May. It's a very nice town but I think Mama would really enjoy Cape May. The seafood restaurant mentioned is called the Lobster House. It is always packed. There can be an hour wait on weekends. I prefer to go around to the back or into the fish market where they have takeout windows. Then I go and eat at a table on the pier in the back.

The only place I have eaten recently in Cape May was Peter Shield's. Its in a gorgeous Victorian facing the ocean. A good choice if you are looking for an upscale meal. I have also heard good things about Tisha's.
I'm sorry I can't help you with B&B's.

SAnParis2

Thanks for reviving my memory Birdie - The Lobster House indeed.

SusieQQ

Cape May in the summer is just too, too crowded IMHO. I guess it depends on what you are wanting. For a beautiful town with a lovely, non-commercial boardwalk try Spring Lake:
http://www.springlake.org/
Want an unusual small town with the Victorian Houses seen in Cape May? Then look at historical Ocean Grove:
http://www.oceangrovenj.com/

cfc

If you want an olde tyme Cape May experience, try the Chalfonte http://www.chalfonte.com/

Birdie

We usually go to the shore the second or third week in June and find it far less crowded than in Jully or August. I don't think your mother will have a problem in early June.

Rich2000ac

Cape May is a great choice for early June, especially if money is no object. There are many fine restaurants, hotels and B&Bs.

Congress Hall is a fabulous old hotel with a great restaurant and there are many others.

For entertainment there's everything from boat rides to the Wildwood boardwalk to the Atlantic City casinos. And don't forget the Cape May Zoo.

For more information go to www.MyJerseyShore.com. There is a Cape May story at the bottom of the home page.

Please give us a trip report when you return.

MomDDTravel

I just had to visit this thread as I grew up going to the shore. Now a California girl but up until I was 9 all my summers where spent in Margate...and then later I went for a summer as a teen and spent it in Cape May with my Grandfather and his wife. It was a wonderful memory that I will always cherish. I cannot weigh in on where to go as it has certainly been too long. My most recent stay on the shore was a good 8 years or so ago when we went to Long Beach Island and rented a house with my husband's family.
Anyway - enjoy "the shore".

djkbooks

A few years ago, we stayed at the Carroll Villa and just loved it. I can still remember breakfasts on the porch (with a glimpse of the beach/ocean at the end of the street) and dinners at their Mad Batter restaurant. We had booked only three nights and stayed four more.

JerseyGirlinAZ

I agree with the Cape May Zoo. Definitely something nice to do.

The Ugly Mug is fun, and there are lots of little shops around. Check out the lighthouse and concrete ship.

Most shore towns will be crowded in the summer, especially during the weekends. Cape May is tamer than some other towns and there seems to be more touristy things to do there.

Wayne

My daughter has visited Cape May every summer for many years. She always plans ahead and finds a cottage or a house to rent. Maybe you could check with the local C of C to find out more.

redc

We've visited Cape May every year since 1990. Either renting a house in the Summer or staying at one of the wonderful B&Bs off-season.
Cape May is not toooo crowded in the summer, it's bustling with energy (it's the Jersey Shore for goodness sakes). We have used local realtors to help us find the weekly rentals. For a classic Jersey boardwalk with rides and salt-water taffy, drive north about 20 minutes to Wildwood...It's a trip!

Off-season without the kids, Cape May is something altogether different. Romantic, friendly and quaint with incredible restaurants. The Bedmister B&B and The Manor House are two of our favorites.

And you can walk everywhere.

SusieQQ

My point was that there are other places at the Shore which do not get the mobs of people that Cape May does. I was there once on a Saturday night in July and you could hardly make your way on the sidewalks. IMHO why put up with those crowds when it isn't necessary. And, by the way, I am a year-round resident in a ocean front town.

Judy24

We've stayed at the Peter Shields Inn, and it was lovely. Can also recommend their restaurant. I seem to recall we had some sort of restaurant discount due to being overnight guests, but can't remember all the details.

As for the Lobster House, we also enjoyed that (totally different atmosphere & price point from PS) and by having the owner/manager of the PS Inn call ahead for us, we were put on some type of priorty seating list which got us in faster.

redc

Hey Susie: My point was if your willing to go to the "real" Jersey Shore in June (re: OPs question) and experience going "down the shore," don't avoid the crowds. Go have some fun! Embrace the crowds and the atmoshpere.

phitnessphan

My husband and I love The Virginia- and try to stay for a few days late summer, early fall. We wanted to book for Octoberfest, but they were full- so booked at one of their other properties, the Star Inn.

Gotta go to the Ugly Mug- great food and cold brew!

And we always stop at Sea Gea Marine on the way "down the shore" for great deals on Woolrich, Columbia, Sperry, etc.

-Betsy

gyppielou

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I got what you were saying about springlake and ocean grove. i really wasn't a fan of Long Beach Island a few years ago, but want to find a someplace to have mini reunions with family in NYC and Pennsylvania. Thanks one and all for your varying ideas.

SusieQQ

Hey redc, are you trying to tell me that I don't live at the "real" Jersey Shore? Our Coastline is over 120 miles long and there are many different towns along it, all unique and "down the Shore". Have you ever been to Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Spring Lake, Pt. Pleasant? They are the "real" shore, IMHO.

gyppielou, wherever you go, have a great time!

redc

No SueQQ: I am not saying that you don't live in the real Jersey shore. Further, I have lived in Seaside Heights and worked at Jenkinsons, went to the Casino and the Pony in Asbury, stayed in a tent overnight and attended a Peter paul and Mary concert in Ocean Grove, B&B'd in Spring Lake and ridden a bike around town, and strolled the boardwalke in Pt Pleasant, Wildwood and Seaside Park, besides my summers and romantic escapades in Cape May. I know all about Down the Shore since I was 3 years old. I'm just saying, crowds are ubiquitious at times, you've got to go with the flow.