HOTEL BOARDING HOUSE, CAPE MAY, NJ
A hidden gem on the Jersey Shore
The thing about the feted Jersey Shore is, some may ponder that it’s one monolithic place. Well, guess again, Cape May is the hush-hush to end that judgy face, once and for all. It is, in fact, the bounty right at the bottom tip of the Garden State — with gorgeous white beaches, a quaint historic downtown and some lovely organic farm supplied eateries like Good Earth. And now there is somewhere fresh and delightful to stay too: Boarding House.
The motel turned casual surf lodge has just 11 meticulously designed rooms (think groovy surf boards, local artists’ work you may actually want to buy, plus big sofas to plop on). But, no worries, there is plenty of space to hang out. So this is what I suggest — rent bikes right down the street, grab a basket from reception at the Boarding House and pop over to the organic farms a few minutes riding away. Here they sell handmade cheeses and pickles, hard ciders, and even the finest New Jersey wines (I know, who knew?). Bike back and take over the entire roof deck at the hotel as the sun is coming down. You’ll probably need to wear a sweater, because it’s fall now, fast tumbling towards winter. But, on the plus side, you might have the deck to yourself. Carmela Soprano wishes she knew about this place.
It’s the Jersey Shore vacation you didn’t know you needed.
And to know what else is going on in the area, check this awesome local publication, Exit Zero. They know everything…
Footnotes: 3 great places to eat and drink in Cape May:
For an upscale dinner (and great cocktails), the Ebbitt Room at the Virginia hotel is excellent. Award-winning chef etc. caperesorts.com
For an authentic version of New York’s Grand Central Oyster Bar — actually more authentic, in that it is near the ocean, and the Oyster Bar is in the bowels of a railway station — go to the Lobster House (hell in August, so busy, but charmingly manageable in the winter). Great little Cape May Salts oysters, seafood they catch themselves, plaid carpets, and just a very old school oyster bar feel. And 100% hipster free — what’ll you pay for that? thelobsterhouse.com
Have an amazing curry and great cocktails at Exit Zero Filling Station, a restaurant attached to a gas station. exitzero.us
Boarding House
810 Lafayette Street
Cape May, NJ 08204
609 884 4884
