Ocean City and Cape May

  Is it still technically a quarantine?  According to my life, all the jobs I’ve held are still not back and if I want to travel to certain places I either can't, or I have to stay home before and after for days and days.  So I’m going to go ahead and say that yes, I’m still very much quarantined.  Since March.  Luckily a friend in Maryland invited me to stay with her for a couple of days so I made a trip out of it and visited Ocean City and Cape May, New Jersey.    
  If you’re irritable, grumpy or lacking motivation because of all this, a little change of scenery can really do a lot of good. 
Either of these places can be a fun easy 1-2 day excursion.  If you decide to do Cape May, you can really do it in one day.  It’s 3 hours away from New York city and it sounds like a lot, but if you wake up early, grab a coffee and a friend that you can stand to be around for 12 hours then you’ve got a fun road trip! Almost everything we did in Cape May followed social distancing and felt very safe.  Here are some of my recommendations of places to hit up!

Ocean City

The beaches here are clean and beautiful, and the boardwalk brings you back to the days of funnel cakes and begging parents for a fake tattoo.  You can shop and eat before, after or during your beach day.  We left our umbrella and towel set up when we hit the boardwalk and only took our valuables. As usual, my stomach was rumbling the minute we parked on the sand so we made a beeline for the goods.

Thrasher’s

Who doesn’t love french fries? Thrasher’s fries has been in business in Ocean City, Maryland for over 80 years, since 1929! The recipe has never been altered and they pride themselves on getting potatoes from different regions to ensure the best fries throughout the seasons.  Don’t ask for ketchup!  It won’t be there anyway. They douse their fries in vinegar and I’m not lying when I say my mouth just watered writing this.  I don’t particularly love vinegar but it WORKS. 
They have a pump outside the concession window to step on so you can add more vinegar.  
It was there pre-covid but it’s pretty convenient now!

Dumser’s Ice cream

One of the oldest ice cream places around, Dumser’s has been making homemade ice cream since 1939.  They have so many unique flavors like black raspberry, coconut chocolate chip and Hawaiian Delight. (Cherries, pineapples and bananas in vanilla ice cream).  Their milkshakes cannot be missed! They are so creamy and delicious and you might need to take a nap when you get back to your blanket, but it will be worth it.  

Fisher’s Popcorn

This popcornerie, maybe it’s a word maybe it’s not, sells different flavors of popcorn.  But since 1937, they have been famous for their sweet caramel coated popcorn.  Do yourself a favor and buy a large bucket you can take home for $16.75. They also ship nationwide!

Cape May 

Ferry

It would be about 3 plus hours to drive from Ocean City Maryland to Cape May New Jersey so we decided to take a ferry which saved us an hour and a half of driving. Plus, we got to kick our feet up and enjoy the open air, sun and views for a beautiful morning commute.  We took the Cape May- Lewes Ferry. A one way ticket for two adults and 1 vehicle is $55.
Here’s the link for more info: https://www.cmlf.com

Good morning!

East Coast Water Sports 

One of my favorite things I’ve done all summer was taking a ride on this jetboat! The captain takes you out at 35 mph to ride the wild waves and do 360 degree spins. On a hot sunny day it feels great to get splashed and the best part is the dolphin sightings! When we stopped in the middle of the water we were surrounded by jumping dolphins.  There were so many and they were so close to us. It was an awesome experience.
It’s $35 a person for a 1 hour ride.  They also have stand up paddle boarding, parasailing and jet skis.

Grab a bagel at Bagel Time

This cute bagel shop is centrally located and in walking distance to everything so if you want to grab a quick breakfast and an iced coffee this is the perfect spot.

Indulge in delicious seafood at the Cape May Fish Market
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Let me tell you, when in a famed fish market, do NOT miss the luscious crab cakes.  They are so meaty and full of fresh crabmeat.  You can get one as an entree or get four mini ones for an appetizer so you can also revel in the buttery lobster roll.

Visit the Cape May Peanut Butter Company

This is true peanut butter heaven for those of us raised on PB and J’s.  There are 9 nut butters to choose from including, chocolate (choc choc), butterscotch and Capu Cino.  There’s also over 40 flavors of jams, local honey, and even peanut butter dog treats.  They are proud donors to the Animal Outreach of Cape May County.  So they indeed, as they say, spread the love. Also available online!

Pick up goodies at the Spice Cellar of Cape May

The shelves are decked with different kinds of olives, tons of spices and so much olive oil it is alphabetized! Stock up and get to cooking a fancy meal when you get home.

Treat yourself to Peace Pie

If you want a a world class ice cream sandwich, definitely hit up the window at peace pie. At $6 a pop these sandwiches are huge, and there are so many flavors to choose from. Key lime pie, chocolate brownie, salted caramel apple and more. You can order online too, and stuff yourself with more ice cream sandwiches when you get back home.

Shopping and other activities

Theres a bunch of small malls and stands where you can buy handmade jewelry, clothes and bags and activities like mini golf.

Head to Harry’s

Talk about quintessential summer.  This specialty cocktail only served here is summer in a glass.  It’s called an Orange Crush and it’s absolutely refreshing and delicious, not to mention dangerous. You don’t realize how many you’ve had until someone points out that you’ve started to slur. Have one or five while you  down fish tacos and enjoy live music from local bands.

Enjoy these tips and those drinks from this Starving Actress! Happy end of Summer!