Driving trip from Cape May -Wilmington - we are curious about the area on the way for good food (not fancy) casual dress, and perhaps a B&B near the Pine Barrens - any help is very appreciated

The Pine Barrens is a large, large, rural area of New Jersey. This web site may help you:

www.pineypower.com

I've driven through the Pine Barrens a few times. It's pretty barren -- just scrub trees as far as you can see, with an occasional intersection with gas station + a few homes.

I don't understand how traveling from Cape May to Wilmington (DE?) takes you through the Pine Barrens, though: isn't that out of your way?

It's only going to take you 1 1/2 hours to drive from Cape May to Wilmington and the drive isn't very interesting unless you want to stop at the Cowtown Rodeo. I did the drive myself today and there isn't a spot along the way that I'd want to stop.

There was an episode of The Sopranos called "The Pine Barrens". Christopher and Pauly got stranded there overnight in the woods.

Just to add to the irrelevancies, some great canoe camping in the Barrens.

If you want to see the Pine Barrens you could stop at Wharton State forest or take a stroll on the Batona trail. There are acres of pygmy pines that grow no higher than like 4 feet.

If you want to see the Pine Barrens you could stop at Wharton State forest or take a stroll on the Batona trail. There are acres of pygmy pines that grow no higher than like 4 feet.

Thanks everyone - we decided to take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry on Memorial Day - drove to Stone Harbor (good lunch & small but lovely parade) through the Wildwoods - then all afternoon in Cape May - trolley tour was great ($10)-finally Sunset Beach - We will do Brandywine Valley on a separate trip.

Sounds like you had a nice weekend!