Travel Ideas Archives

Sweets, Candy, and Ice Cream in Lewes & Rehoboth DE

April 16, 2019 by administrator

Sussex County Sweets & Treats

Some would argue that it’s never a true beach vacation without some sweet treats, especially ice cream. Here are some of our passenger’s favorite sweet stops in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.

Candy Kitchen

Whether you prefer saltwater taffy, homemade fudge (try the King Tut or Holy Hash varieties) or hand-dipped chocolate candy, this Rehoboth mainstay has it all.

1 South Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach (302)227-9200; 102 Rehoboth Ave. Rehoboth Beach (302) 227-7195; Midway Shopping Center, 18627 Route 1, Rehoboth Beach (302)645-4769; www.candykitchen.com

People walking on Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

Dolle’s Candyland and Ibachs Candy By the Sea

Since 1927, saltwater taffy and fudge have been made here from family recipes in small-batch copper kettles. Chocolate are handmade and hand-coated.

Dolle’s Candyland, 1 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach (302) 227-0757; Ibach’s Candy by the Sea, 9 Rehoboth Ave. (302)227-2870 dolles-ibachs.com

Fischer’s Popcorn

Caramel popcorn dusted with crab spice? Don’t knock this sweet and savory combination until you’ve tried it. And be sure to buy the XL 2.5-gallon bucket, because everybody’s going to want some.

48 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach www.fishers-popcorn.com

Hopkins Farm Creamery

More than 20 year-round and seasonal flavors – including those with local summer fruit – are made on this family-owned farm. They also have hand-spun milkshakes and ice cream cakes and pies.

1818 Dairy Farm Road, Lewes (302) 645-7163 www.hopkinsfarmcreamery.com

The Ice Cream Store

Unless you’re a diehard purist, you’ll want to sample the Crabula, Sharkenstein, Zombie and other offbeat flavors – or the ones made with eccentric ingredients like ghost peppers, beer, Japanese shiso leaf and sweet corn. Over 100 combinations come together at the nearby Woodside Farm Creamery.

6 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach (302) 227-4609 www.rehobothbeachicecream.com

Kaisy’s Delights

The kaiserschmarm (or kaisy for short) is a specialty of the Tyrol region in the Alps. It’s a light and airy, griddle-baked, shredded pancake flavored with vanilla and rum. Top it with powdered sugar or homemade fruit sauce, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, applesauce or ice cream.

70 Rehoboth Ave., A-2, Rehoboth Beach (302) 212-5360; 1548 Savannah Rd., Lewes (302) 313-4241 www.kaisysdelights.com

Kilwin’s

Watch the candy-makers hand-paddle fudge, turn nuts into brittles, dip apples into caramel and dunk other goodies -from pretzels to rice cereal treats- into chocolate. Kilwin’s also has its own ice cream in 27 flavors.

140 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach (302)227-3611 www.kilwins.com

King’s Homemade Ice Cream Shops

With recipes from the early 1970s as its foundation, Kings has expanded its lineup to include fancy flavors like Salted Caramel Crunch and fanciful ones like Galaxy.

201 Second St., Lewes (302) 645-9425 www.kingshomemadeicecream.com

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This listing originally appeared in the Spring/Summer 2018 edition of Twin Capes Traveler, a travel digest produced jointly by Today Media, Today Media Custom Communications and The Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Listings were accurate at the time of publication and may be subject to change. When on board or at any of our terminals, make sure to pick up the latest edition to see more ideas of places to go and things to do while in the Delaware Bay region.

Get Me to the Treats!

Sweets, Treats & Homemade Ice Cream in Cape May County

April 12, 2019 by administrator

Cape May County Sweet Finds

There’s a lot to love about Cape May County, but it never hurts to top off a great day with a sweet treat. Here are some places to savor well-known and homegrown desserts loved by many travelers.

Cape May Popcorn Factory

Their “secret recipe” caramel popcorn has been a seashore staple for over 30 years.

9 Gurney St. (at Beach Drive), Cape May (609) 780-0503

Fine Fellows Creamery

The fine folks at Fine Fellows have created an array of ice cream sundaes, naming them all after ’80s music acts. The Cure is a caramel lover’s dream, while Depeche a la Mode includes a slice of seasonal pie topped with fruity syrup. Oh, and the banana split? It’s appropriately named Bananarama.

313 Beach Ave., Cape May, (609) 854-4934, www.finefellowsicecream.com

Fralinger’s Original Salt Water Taffy and James Candy Company

Two brands and one company with a long history of being synonymous with seaside sweets. The original tried-and-true flavors are still popular, but there’s also a growing list of over 50 new types of taffy and fudge,

324 Washington St,

Mall, Cape May, (609) 884-5695; 2714 Boardwalk and 3400 Boardwalk Ave., Wildwood, (609) 729-3318

Kohr Bros. Frozen Custard

Made from an original 1919 family recipe, this swirly, frosty treat is available at stands in Cape May County.

512 Washington St., Cape May, NJ and other locations; www.kohrbros.com

Laura’s Fudge

You’ll find vanilla and chocolate-but feel free to broaden your flavor horizons.

357 E. Wildwood Ave., Wildwood, (609) 729-1555, www.laurasfudge.com

Original Fudge Kitchen

Savor almost two-dozen varieties, from old-fashioned to a contemporary version sprinkled with sea salt.

513 Washington St., 738 Beach Drive (on the Boardwalk) and 513 Washington Mall, Cape May; 4120 Boardwalk, Wildwood ;Boardwalk and 22nd Street, North Wildwood; (800) 23-FUDGE, www.fudgekitchens.com

Peace Pie

Delicious original flavors include key lime, pecan, banana cream and strawberry shortcake. But you must try the cinnamon mocha latte, peanut butter chiffon and the one they call Elvis.

326 Carpenters Lane, Cape May, (609) 435-5321, www.peacepieworld.com

Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream

On summer nights, the line can be epic outside this Seven Mile Island institution. But your rich and creamy reward is well worth the wait.

9420 3rd Ave., Stone Harbor, (609) 368-4631, www.springersstoneharbor.com

Uncle Charley’s Ice Cream

Homemade since 1976. One of more of the over 48 flavors make the perfect foundation for a stellar sundae.

310 Washington St., Cape May, (609) 408-4751

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This listing originally appeared in the Spring/Summer 2018 edition of Twin Capes Traveler, a joint travel digest produced by Today Media, Today Media Custom Communications and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Items can change year over year, and items noted were available at time of print publication. When on board or at any of our terminals, make sure to pick up the latest edition to see more ideas of places to go and things to do while in the Delaware Bay region.

Get Me To The Treats!

Spring Break Spots Just A Day Away From NJ

April 5, 2019 by administrator

Spring (Break) It On

Spring break can mean a time for families to take a much-needed break from the daily grind of school, sports practices, chores, and errands and spend time relaxing in a family-friendly and slightly warmer destination before closing out the school year. Depending on whether spring break falls in March or April, families may head farther south or stay closer to home when spring weather is already in full bloom. Regardless of the month, plenty of East Coast spring break destinations lie within driving distance from New Jersey that meet the warmer weather requirement or just provide a more relaxed state of mind.

Planning The Spring Break Trip

Many families find excitement in preparing for spring break because it often means a road trip is on the horizon. Beyond stocking up on snacks and games, be sure to consider an alternative route that avoids busy highways and traffic jams. For example, heading across the Delaware Bay via the Cape May-Lewes Ferry will give you a chance to stretch your legs and unwind while you cruise past scenic views nowhere near busy roads. And, it’s not every day you can say you spotted a dolphin or an exotic bird during your road trip!

Here are some spring break-worthy southbound destinations within driving distance from our Terminals:

Photo Credit

Johnny Silvercloud, Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0

Maryland / D.C.

Ocean City, Maryland is one of the top beach destinations on the East Coast. With free beach access and a three-mile-long boardwalk, the area offers affordable and family-friendly activities ranging from waterside amusement parks and arcades to dozens of sweet and salty treat shops. If four-legged family members are traveling with you, the boardwalk is dog-friendly until April 30.

Spring weather can still be a bit cool, especially by the ocean. Consider heading inland and experiencing Washington D.C. There are plenty of monuments and museums to experience. A popular family-friendly museum is the International Spy Museum that features the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display. And be sure to experience new areas like nearby National Harbor, a new waterfront district that features the Capital Wheel (an iconic Ferris wheel), MGM National Harbor, waterfront dining, cruises on the Potomac River and over 160 shops.

Photo Credit

Mobilus in Mobili, Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0

Virginia

Head south through the Eastern Shore of Virginia and cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to arrive at Williamsburg, one of the oldest and most historical towns in the country. Home to Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum, you’ll experience what a town was like in the 18th Century. The kids will not want to miss out on Busch Gardens, a theme park well-known for its heart-pumping roller coasters, animal encounters, special events, and performances.

An hour southeast of Williamsburg lies Virginia Beach with a sprawling 28 miles of beaches to explore, some of which are home to playgrounds like Grommet Island, which is also handicap accessible. There are tons of accommodations and campgrounds for those traveling in an RV or who prefer outdoor camping.

Travelers can experience amusements at the Atlantic Fun Park, aquatic life at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and an array of animals at the Virginia Zoo in nearby Norfolk. Looking for a water activity? The ocean can still be a bit cold, so instead, go for a guided kayak tour or dolphin trip.

North Carolina

The Northern Outer Banks experiences warmer temperatures in early spring. Book a roomy beach house in Nags Head and experience the towering sand dunes in Jockey Ridge State Park. Check out the wild horses in nearby Corolla, and rent an off-road vehicle to drive right on the beach. Take a hang gliding or parasailing lesson in Kitty Hawk, and explore aviation history at nearby Kill Devil Hills, home to the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

No matter your spring break travel destination plans, the East Coast has plenty of great options that are just a car (and Ferry) ride away.

Book Your Break!

Vacation Tips: Hilton Head Island

March 15, 2019 by administrator

Ferry Tip: Get in a Hilton Head-space While En Route

Hilton Head, South Carolina is not only an ideal spring break destination but a go-to location for year-round vacations especially for those living in the Mid-Atlantic region. Before heading out of town, consider these tips for enjoying all that Hilton Head has to offer, and how to maximize your journey along the way.

There is no better or more scenic road trip destination than Hilton Head Island. Approximately a 10-hour drive from the Mid-Atlantic, Hilton Head is located about 100 miles south of Charleston. For those traveling from New Jersey and areas north, leave part of the trip up to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which accommodates vehicles of all sizes (and four-legged friends). Onboard, guests have the opportunity to stretch their legs, grab a drink, and enjoy the views of the beautiful Delaware Bay. For families traveling with children, the ferry ride becomes a memorable, fun part of the vacation and helps break up the trip for backseat commentators who can’t stop asking if you’re there yet.

As you head south, experience another unique transportation opportunity by taking the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. The 23-mile bridge–tunnel crosses over and under open waters at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia providing a direct link between Southeastern Virginia and the Delmarva Peninsula.

Photo Credit

Going Biking , Jon Dawson, CC BY-ND 2.0

Biking

It’s no secret that Hilton Head Island is currently the highest ranked Bicycle Friendly Community in South Carolina, which means the best way to get around is on two wheels. You can find printed maps of the more than 50 miles of public bike trails at multiple locations including Town Hall. For the adventurous types, rent a beach bike and explore the 12 miles of hard-packed beaches around the island. Even better, strap your own bikes on the back of your car. Depending on the length of your vehicle with the bike racks, the bikes are generally included free in your standard vehicle fare.

Golf course with lighthouse in background

Photo Credit

Harbour Town Golf, Hilton Head, Dan Perry,CC BY 2.0

Golfing

If you like golf, you’ll love Hilton Head. The island is home to over 30 world-class golf courses, so you’ll find what you’re looking for no matter your skill level. Want to kick the golf rust off before you arrive? Get to the Ferry early and play free mini golf. It won’t help you on the larger golf courses at Hilton Head but will put you in the spirit. Here are a few of the best public courses at beautiful locations in the Hilton Head region.

Harbour Town Golf Links: Places a premium on finesse, imagination, and shot-making rather than strength; home of a PGA event, the RBC Heritage Classic and is a bucket list course for most golfers

Hilton Head National: Located in Bluffton, just one mile from the bridges to Hilton Head Island, this course is consistently rated among the Best of Golf Advisor’s Top Courses in South Carolina. Hilton Head National is a unique 18-hole course that allows the weekend golfer to enjoy themselves while testing more skilled players.

Old South Golf Links: Another Bluffton course, dubbed “Low country Golf at its Finest,” the Old South’s rolling terrain and Intracoastal marshes allow for impressive views from the greens and greetings from a variety of wildlife–from wood storks to hawks and alligators.

Photo Credit

Quinn Dombrowski, CC BY-SA 2.0

Eats

If you’re traveling from May–October, as you begin your journey be sure to arrive at the Ferry terminal early to experience Dockside eating while enjoying the Ferry’s boardwalk and fantastic view. Nothing gets everyone relaxed well before reaching Hilton Head Island as enjoying a leisurely, casual meal while staring out at the water.

Located between Charleston and Savannah, two of the south’s best foodie towns, Hilton Head has a well-rounded mix of restaurants that are local favorites ranging from family-friendly and affordable to more sophisticated fare.

Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch

Lowcountry Backyard:

Named the #1 restaurant in South Carolina for shrimp and grits. Also, the locals eat here (so you know it’s good).

Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe:

A casual neighborhood cafe serving American breakfast all day long, as well as lunch classics. Outdoor seating allows for furry friends to tag along too.

Dinner

The Sea Shack:

One of the Island’s top informal “made to order” seafood stops that was recently featured by Rachael Ray on her Top Places to Eat. In the peak summer season, arrive before the 5:00 p.m. opening because there will be a line, and be sure to check the Catch of the Day specials!

Truffles Cafe:

Located in the Sea Pines center, offers a more refined yet approachable dining experience and is well known for its grilled pimento cheese sandwich and tomato dill soup.

Shopping

For retail therapy with a view, here are a few suggestions …

Harbourtown Sea Pines:

One of the best shopping destinations in the area with a marina for you to soak up the scenery. Browse the quaint boutiques and gift shops at your leisure or rest and enjoy the fantastic views of the sea.

Shelter Cove Towne Center:

A must-see waterside destination along Broad Creek that is not only a shopping haven but a complete experience with a variety of dining options and year-round events.

Coligny Plaza:

Considered “the downtown of Hilton Head,” and with over 60 shops, you’re bound to find something for everyone.

Hilton Head offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, world-class golfing and exceptional dining while allowing travelers to avoid the massive crowds that invade other larger beach towns. When traveling from points north, don’t forget to add in the Cape May-Lewes Ferry in your travel plans both to start the vacation early and extend it on the ride home.

Ready To Sail?

Wildlife Seen From the Ferry

January 3, 2019 by administrator

Spot Whales, Dolphins, Birds and More from the Cape May – Lewes Ferry

One of the great things about a Ferry trip is the ability to see Delaware Bay wildlife from a new vantage point. On any journey, it’s not unusual to spot Shore Birds such as Osprey, Red Knots, Gannets, and Egrets, and the ferry is a favorite among Birders for spotting many of the East Coast migrating birds. In addition, the Ferry is a great way to spot whales and dolphins. Here a just a few you might frequently see:

Osprey

When You See Them: Spring & Summer
Where You See Them: Close to shore along the Delaware Bay
Color: Brown and White
Favorite Food: Fish
Fun Fact: A family of ospreys builds their nest by the Lewes Terminal every year, and you can say hi to them as you sail by!

Bald Eagle

When You See Them: Year round!
Where You See Them: Nests in trees near the bay
Color: Brown, with a white head
Favorite Food: Fish
Fun Fact: Bald Eagles can sometimes be seen swooping down by the bay and catching fish with their powerful talons.

Dolphin

When You See Them: Spring & Summer
Where You See Them: In the bay, alongside the ferry
Color: Grey
Favorite Food: Small fish & crustaceans
Fun Fact: Dolphins can sometimes be spotted swimming alongside the ferry, and they are excellent synchronized swimmers!

Egret

When You See Them: Summer
Where You See Them: In the marshes near the ferry
Color: White
Favorite Food: Fish, insects, and shrimp
Fun Fact: To look for food, Egrets stir the water up with their long skinny legs!

Gannet

When You See Them: Spring
Where You See Them: All Around the Boat!
Color: White, with Orange and Black
Favorite Food: Small fish and squid
Fun Fact: Gannets love following behind the Ferry, and diving in to eat up the small fish in our wake!

Horseshoe Crab

When You See Them: Late Spring & Summer
Where You See Them: Along the shoreline
Color: Brown
Favorite Food: Clams and Mussels
Fun Fact: Horseshoe crabs aren’t actually crabs! In fact, they are more closely related to spiders than they are to actual crabs.

Piping Plover

When You See Them: Summer
Where You See Them: Scurrying along the shoreline
Color: Light brown & White
Favorite Food: Small insects
Fun Fact: If a predator comes near their nest, adult plovers pretend to have a broken wing in order to distract the intruder away from their young.

Red Knot

When You See Them: Spring & Summer
Where You See Them: On the shore and beaches
Color: Red and light brown
Favorite Food: Insects and horseshoe crab eggs
Fun Fact: Red Knots take a very long trip every year, migrating from Northern Canada to the southern tip of South America.

Seal

When You See Them: Spring
Where You See Them: In the bay and by the rocks
Color: Grey or Tan
Favorite Food: Fish & Squid
Fun Fact: There are three different types of seal in the Delaware Bay: Grey Seals, Harp Seals, and Harbor Seals.

Whale

When You See Them: Year Round!
Where You See Them: In the bay, alongside the ferry
Color: Black or Dark Grey
Favorite Food: Krill & small fish

Take a Ride on The Wild Side!

Wildflowers Near the Ferry

October 17, 2018 by administrator

NJ Wildflowers Welcome Ferry Visitors

If you think flower season is limited to just the spring and summer, then you haven’t treated yourself to a fall ride down the Garden State Parkway. Whether you’re arriving at the Ferry from parts north, or leaving after traveling from the South, you’ll be welcomed by fields of purple and pink wildflowers throughout Cape May County on the Parkway.

In October, when many states farther north are deep into leaves changing, South Jersey is still treating visitors to the joys of blooming flowers. Here are a 5 things you may not know about wildflowers on the Parkway:

The nation has Lady Bird Johnson to thank for the proliferation of wildflowers throughout the country. Lady Bird, who served as the country’s first lady from November 1963 – January 1969, made beautification of cities and highways one of her key initiatives. The Highway Beautification Act of 1965 was nicknamed Lady Bird’s bill.
The Garden State Parkway is so called because unlike many highways it was designed as a landscaped thoroughfare. Even as one of the busiest toll roads in the country, it is known for its wide green spaces particularly in South Jersey and robust assortment of deciduous and evergreen trees.
The wildflowers displayed on the Parkway in the spring and fall can be purchased at gspwildflowers.com/shop in 1/4 pound bags for personal plantings around homes and offices.
Wildflowers are not only easy on the eyes, but provide havens for birds, butterflies and pollinating insects.
Fall wildflowers on the GSP are pink, but if you come in the spring, the assortment tends toward yellow and orange. In fact, Hammond’s yellow spring beauties are a type of wildflower only found in New Jersey!

Ready To Sail?

Pints & Pedals: Bicyclist Beer Tours in Sussex County

September 20, 2018 by administrator

Reach the Beach: A Two-Wheeled Brewery Tour

Looking for a way to sample some of Sussex County’s best beers, and get some exercise at the same time? Then grab a friend, your bikes and helmets and check out our recommendations below for short, medium and long-length bike tours centered around a few of the area’s best breweries. And if you happen to be heading the other way- across the Bay, we’ve got a suggested tour of Cape May County as well!

Cyclist short tour

Distance: Up to 6.8 miles round-trip
View Route on Google Maps

Breweries:

Big Oyster Brewery: 1007 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958
Crooked Hammock Brewery: 36707 Crooked Hammock way, Lewes, DE 19958

Details: Easy on the legs, big on the beers! From the Lewes terminal, make your way out to the Lewes bike path and pedal over to Big Oyster Brewery. You’ll find a wide variety of beers to choose from, as well as lunch and dinner menus featuring seafood and barbeque options that will be sure to have your mouth watering. If you need to cut your tour really short, go ahead and turn around here and head back to the terminal. If you’ve got the time to pedal on, jump back on the bikes and continue along the bike path to Crooked Hammock Brewery, where you’ll find a great selection of beers, a huge menu of lunch and dinner options, as well as a backyard area complete with cornhole, ping pong, kids play area, and of course, hammocks!

medium distance bicycle tour of sussex county breweries

Cyclist medium tour

Distance: 15.4 miles round-trip
View Route on Google Maps

Breweries:

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant: 19815 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Revelation Craft Brewing Co.: 19841 Central St. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Big Oyster Brewery: 1007 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958

Details: Looking to get a decent ride in first before whetting your whistle? Check out our medium tour, which takes you out to Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach. With locations throughout eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, Iron Hill has a reputation for great food and great beer. Pedal on over and check out what they’ve got on offer, or just grab a beer and check out the numerous other eateries in the area. After that, make sure to head over to Revelation Craft Brewing, which sits right along the Junction/Breakwater Trail. With food available from DaNizza Wood Fired Pizza along with an extensive beer list, it’s an inviting place for all and a perfect place to stop on your ride. Then when you’re done, pedal on back to the terminal, making sure to stop by Big Oyster Brewery on your way back if you’re looking for some additional refreshment!

Extra Credit: Though it can be a bit tricky to get to on a bicycle – especially if you have to cross the highway, Thompson Island Brewing Company is well worth the trip if you can fit it in. Opened in 2019, they’ve got a full menu of mouth-watering options and a line-up of beers that will make you want to plan another trip asap!

Cyclist long tour of Sussex County from the Cape May - Lewes Ferry

Cyclists Long Tour

Distance: 16.6 miles round-trip
View Route on Google Maps

Breweries:

Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats: 320 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Details: From the terminal, head out through Cape Henlopen State Park and make your way down the beach along the path, until you reach Rehoboth Beach roughly 8 miles down the road. This is a longer ride, but when the destination is Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats, you know it’s going to be worth it. Beers? You know Dogfish Head has them. From signature IPA’s to mouthwatering sours to creative concoctions, Dogfish Head has beers covered. And with food available at Brewing & Eats as well as their seafood restaurant Chesapeake & Maine (located right next door), there are plenty of options to refuel for your ride back to the terminal!

Ready To Sail?

Pints and Pedals: A Cyclist’s Beer Tour of Cape May County

August 14, 2018 by administrator

Explore the Shore: A Two-Wheeled Brewery Tour

Looking for a way to sample some of Cape May County’s best beers, and get some exercise at the same time? Then grab a friend, your bikes and helmets and check out our recommendations below for short, medium and long-length bike tours centered around a few of the area’s best breweries. You can certainly mix and match between the tours, but we’ve listed only three per loop so you don’t get loopy while riding through the County.

Map of Bicycle Tour from Cape May Terminal to Cape May Brewing Company

Cyclist Short Tour

Distance: 10.6-mile loop
View Route on Google Maps

Breweries:

Gusto Brewery. Address: 3860 Bayshore Road, Cape May, NJ 08204
Cape May Brewing Co. Address: 1200 Hornet Road, Rio Grande, NJ 08242.
Cold Spring Brewery. Address: 733 Seashore Road, Cape May, NJ 08204.

Details: This loop might be short on distance, but it’s big on great beers! Head out from the terminal and make your way to Cape May’s newly opened brewery, Gusto Brewing Company, located just up the road from the Ferry terminal on the corner of Lincoln Blvd and Bayshore Road. They’ve got a great local vibe to go along with a bunch of tasty beers on tap.

Next, you can head to one of New Jersey’s premier independent craft breweries, Cape May Brewing Co., located at the Cape May County Airport. Tour the facility and sample a wide range of options from Belgians to Stouts to their famous IPA’s. If you’re hungry, grab a seat at the Flight Deck Diner located near the Naval Air Station Wildwood museum also at the Airport.

From there, head back towards the terminal and turn back the clock with a visit to Cold Spring Brewery, located in historic Cold Spring Village. The Brewery is located in a fully restored barn built in Cape May County in the early 1800’s, and features a number of great beers to choose from.

When you get back to the terminal, be sure to stop in at Exit Zero’s Boat Drinks for a hard earned meal and a cold beverage!

Map of Bicycle Tour from Cape May Terminal to 7 Mile Brewery

Cyclist Medium Tour

Distance: 7.7 miles one-way, 14.7 mile loop
View Route on Google Maps

Breweries:

Gusto Brewery. Address: 3860 Bayshore Road, Cape May, NJ 08204
7 Mile Brewery. Address: 1200 Hornet Road, Rio Grande, NJ 08242.
Behr Brewing, 513 Seashore Road, Erma NJ, 08204

Details: If you’re looking to stretch your legs a bit more, this one’s for you. From the Ferry, you can make a quick stop a Gusto Brewery which is right on the corner of Lincoln Blvd and Bayshore Rd. After leaving Gusto, pedal your way along the route (mostly bike path), until you reach 7 Mile Brewery, located in Rio Grande. 7 Mile offers a wide variety of beers, and the largest indoor tasting room in the state. There are several options for food nearby, including a few places that will deliver to you at the brewery!

From there, head back towards the terminal, taking time for a stop at Behr Brewing, the newest Craft Brewery in the area that had its opening in early 2022.

When you get back to the terminal, be sure to stop in at Exit Zero’s Boat Drinks for a hard earned meal and a cold beverage!

Map of Bike Tour from Cape May Terminal to Bucket Brigade Brewery

Cyclist Long Tour

Distance: 12.9 miles one-way, 27.9 mile loop
View Route on Google Maps

Breweries:

Bucket Brigade Brewery. Address: 205 N Main Street, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Coho Brewing Co. Address: 28 Indian Trail Rd. #103, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Cold Spring Brewery. Address: 733 Seashore Road, Cape May, NJ 08204

Details: Up for a challenge? More interested in pedaling than sipping? Then this one’s for you. From the terminal, head north nearly 13 miles into Cape May Court House. Once there, head to Bucket Brigade Brewery, a new brewery founded by two firefighter brothers with deep ties to Cape May County. Choose from a variety of beers, and enjoy the firehouse atmosphere. If you’re in need of something to eat, there are plenty of restaurants in the area, including the Court House Diner.

From there, take the bike path down to Coho Brewing Co. Coho Brewing is a newly added brewery that has a law and order theme for its beer choices, such as their “Hazeus Corpus”, which is a New-England style IPA, and plenty of other delicious brews!

After stopping at Coho Brewing, take the bike path back to the terminal, and if you’re up for it you can make a third stop at Cold Spring Brewery on your way back (see short tour for more info on Cold Spring).

Create Your Own Tour

There are several other craft breweries in Cape May County if you want to stretch your legs and your distance – just remember to leave yourself enough time to make it back! They include:

Mudhen Brewing Co., located at 127 W Rio Grande Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260 (9.5 miles from the Terminal)
Slack Tide Brewing Company, located at 1072 Route 83, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 (21.3 miles from the Terminal)
Ludlam Island Brewery, located at 9 Stoney Ct, Ocean View, NJ 08230 (25.2 miles from the Terminal)

Ready To Sail?

Back to School Shopping with the Ferry

August 2, 2018 by administrator

Get the most out of Back-to-School Shopping

It’s almost that time of year again. Teachers are finalizing lesson plans and schools, if not already in session, are clearing the cobwebs out of the hallways in preparation. And for many parents, going back to school, also means back to school shopping.

We know. Back to school shopping invokes memories of fighting crowds, tons of traffic, and generally, lots of frustration. Howver, if you’re looking for a way to change things up this year and make back to school shopping a fun and relaxing experience, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry can help!

Cape May to Lewes

When you board the Ferry in Cape May, there are plenty of options for back to school shopping in Lewes. For those who prefer the flexibility of driving their own car, vehicle passengers are just a quick fifteen minute drive to Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach. There, you’ll find all the stores you could possibly need, from Nike to Banana Republic to Tommy Hilfiger to Under Armour. Or, for those who prefer to save the mileage on the car, there are several transportation options available from the Lewes terminal. You can rent an ebike from Pedego Electric Bikes. You can take the DART Route 204 bus, which picks up in front of the terminal every 1/2 hour, or – as of Monday, 8/30/21 – you can rent a car from Avis right at the terminal! And remember, aside from the great deals available at the Outlets, Delaware has no sales tax so you’ll get more bang for your buck!

Busy summer scene of Washington Street Mall Cape May

Lewes to Cape May

Looking for something unique to head back to school with this year? The Washington Street Mall, only a 12 minute drive from the Cape May Ferry Terminal, is the place to shop for handcrafted and specialty goods. The Washington Street Mall is located in downtown Cape May and offers more than 80 stores and shops. You’ll find clothes for all ages, as well as local products ranging from peanut butter to jewelry, honey, and home décor. And if you happen to work up an appetite while shopping, the mall has over 25 restaurants and sweet shops to satisfy your cravings. Pro-tip: if you’re traveling on a weekend through October 10th, the Ferry shuttle runs from the terminal to the Cape May Welcome Center at 609 Lafayette Street, which is a short 1/4 mile walk from the Washington Street Mall, so you can walk aboard as a foot passenger and take the shuttle over to Cape May.

Please note: The shuttle runs weekends only (Sat, Sun) through 10/10/21, and reservations are required, so make sure to call (800.643.3779) in advance to save your spot if you plan to do this.

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Lighthouses in New Jersey

August 2, 2018 by administrator

A Light(House) to Guide You: Historic Lighthouses in NJ

Lighthouses have guarded the New Jersey coast for centuries, lining the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay to warn vessels traveling the coast. While exact numbers vary depending on who you ask, the United States Coast Guard has identified 23 lighthouses in New Jersey. Here are a few of the most historic, beginning with the southernmost near our terminal in Cape May and heading up the coast to Sandy Hook, and dating as far back as the Revolutionary War.

Cape May Lighthouse

Location: Cape May
Year built: 1859

With 199 steps to the top, the Cape May Lighthouse is one that is extremely special to us here at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Now maintained by the Mid Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC), the lighthouse has been open to the public to climb for over 30 years. It is the third documented lighthouse to be built in Cape May, the other two now underwater due to erosion. The lighthouse was automated in 1946 and still is operational to this day. Approximately 2.1 million people have paid to climb the lighthouse since it was opened it to the public! Interested in exploring this Cape May landmark for yourself?

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse

Location: North Wildwood
Year built: 1874

Designed by Paul Pelz, who would later go on to design the Library of Congress in Washington DC, the Hereford Lighthouse was built on the coast of the Hereford Inlet upon the recommendation of the United Sates Life-Saving Service, due to shifting sandbars and strong currents in the inlet. It only took the United States Life-Saving Service one year on the Hereford Inlet before recognizing the need for a lighthouse in the area and making the recommendation. Now, over 140 years later and officially listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, it offers a beautiful museum, information center and amazing gardens.

Absecon Lighthouse

Location: Atlantic City
Year built: 1857

While the Absecon lighthouse is still lit, it is no longer considered a functional navigation aid. However, it is still NJ’s tallest lighthouse, and the third tallest in the US. With 228 steps open for climbing, this historic ascent brings you to the lighthouse’s original first-order Fresnel lens, as well as a view of the Atlantic City skyline. The Absecon Lighthouse is on both the New Jersey and the National Registry of Historic Places.

Tucker’s Beach Lighthouse

Location: Tucker’s Island
Year built: 1848

This is the only lighthouse on the list that is actually a replica. Built to guide vessels toward Little Egg Harbor, the lighthouse was built with very poor workmanship, leading many mariners of the time to say that the light it gave off was next to nothing. In 1855, the Tucker’s Beach Lighthouse, also then called the Egg Harbor Light, was fitted for a better light, only for it to be decided the lighthouse was not worth continuing to fund. Little Egg Harbor was not a safe trip at night anyway, and the Absecon Lighthouse had just been approved. Eventually, it collapsed into the Atlantic. Today, tourists can visit a replica of the lighthouse about six miles from the original location at the Tuckerton Seaport Experience, a model town designed to preserve the maritime heritage at the Jersey Shore.

Barnegat Lighthouse

Location: Long Beach Island
Year built: 1835

Recently relit 150 years after its original lighting date, the Barnegat Lighthouse was considered crucial for mariners to avoid sandbars along the coast of Long Beach Island. The original eventually collapsed in 1957, but had not been functioning for nearly 100 years at that point. The beam on the new light, replaced in 2009, can reach up to 22 nautical miles. Actually the second Barnegat lighthouse, “Old Barney” was built taller and with a better light after the first one was deteriorating and being crept in on by erosion.

Twin Lights Lighthouse

Location: Highlands
Year built: 1862

Initially named Navesink Light Station, this lighthouse 200 feet above sea level was dubbed “Twin Lights of Highlands” by mariners who used it to mark their entrance into the New York Harbor. It has one flashing and one fixed light, hence the name. In 1893, Twin Lights was the site for the first official reading of the Pledge of Allegiance, and in 1899, the first wireless telegraph. Like us, the Highlands also has a ferry terminal, with their ferry, the Seastreak, taking commuters into NYC.

A ground level view of the light house in Sandy Hook, NJ

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Location: Middletown
Year built: 1764

The Sandy Hook Lighthouse is actually a mile and a half from the Sandy Hook beach, located at Fort Hancock. It is the oldest working lighthouse not only in NJ, but also the United States! Predating the Constitution, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse is over 250 years old and played a role in the Revolutionary War. It was then called the New York Lighthouse, guiding boats to the harbor, and was guarded by the British Army, the navy, and the loyalists at what was then called Fort Sandy Hook. Despite many attempted attacks from American troops, the British help control over Sandy Hook for longer than any other location during the Revolutionary War.

Sussex County Sweets & Treats

Candy Kitchen

Dolle’s Candyland and Ibachs Candy By the Sea

Fischer’s Popcorn

Hopkins Farm Creamery

The Ice Cream Store

Kaisy’s Delights

Kilwin’s

King’s Homemade Ice Cream Shops

Get Me to the Treats!

Cape May County Sweet Finds

Cape May Popcorn Factory

Fine Fellows Creamery

Fralinger’s Original Salt Water Taffy and James Candy Company

Kohr Bros. Frozen Custard

Laura’s Fudge

Original Fudge Kitchen

Peace Pie

Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream

Uncle Charley’s Ice Cream

Get Me To The Treats!

Spring (Break) It On

Planning The Spring Break Trip

Maryland / D.C.

Virginia

North Carolina

Book Your Break!

Ferry Tip: Get in a Hilton Head-space While En Route

Biking

Golfing

Eats

Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch

Dinner

Shopping

For retail therapy with a view, here are a few suggestions …

Harbourtown Sea Pines:

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Spot Whales, Dolphins, Birds and More from the Cape May – Lewes Ferry

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Dolphin

Egret

Gannet

Horseshoe Crab

Piping Plover

Red Knot

Seal

Whale

Take a Ride on The Wild Side!

NJ Wildflowers Welcome Ferry Visitors

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Reach the Beach: A Two-Wheeled Brewery Tour

Cyclist short tour

Cyclist medium tour

Cyclists Long Tour

Breweries:

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Explore the Shore: A Two-Wheeled Brewery Tour

Cyclist Short Tour

Cyclist Medium Tour

Cyclist Long Tour

Breweries:

Create Your Own Tour

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Get the most out of Back-to-School Shopping

Cape May to Lewes

Lewes to Cape May

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A Light(House) to Guide You: Historic Lighthouses in NJ

Cape May Lighthouse

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse

Absecon Lighthouse

Tucker’s Beach Lighthouse

Barnegat Lighthouse

Twin Lights Lighthouse

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Check Out The Latest Edition of the Twin Capes Traveller!

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