Cape May has long been one of my favorite places—charming, timeless, and relaxing. We started our Cape May escape in a downpour—driving through sheets of rain on our way to Beach Plum Farm for a scheduled tour. The weather looked grim, but as if on cue, the rain lifted just as we pulled into the farm.
There, we were warmly greeted by Christina Albert, Director of Agriculture and one of the farm’s knowledgeable and passionate farmers, who led us on a guided tour of the grounds. From the heritage pigs and chickens to the seasonal produce just beginning to show signs of the summer to come, Beach Plum Farm is a special place with a deep connection to the local food scene.
There’s so much to share about the experience—more than I can fit here—so stay tuned for a follow-up, in-depth article about this Cape May gem.
Checking In: Classic Shore Motel Vibes, Reimagined
Our lodging for the weekend was The Beach Shack, a charming oceanfront hotel that combines classic Jersey Shore vibes with modern-day comfort. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with a direct view of the Atlantic from our room—an instant reminder that we had officially checked into vacation mode.
The Beach Shack is a quintessential shore motel—the kind you’d expect to see in nearby Wildwood—but with elevated details that reflect its recent 2023 renovation. Bright, airy, and comfortable, our room struck the perfect balance between laid-back beach town nostalgia and thoughtful, modern touches. A convenient kitchen nook allowed us to enjoy light bites and morning coffee without having to leave the room. Just outside, a spacious, beautifully maintained pool, which I’m sure during the summer months is a welcome retreat after a day on the sand.
Fireside Cocktails at the Brown Room
Before dinner, we made a little detour to the Brown Room at Congress Hall, one of Cape May’s most iconic and inviting cocktail lounges. With a light rain falling outside and a wood fire crackling in the hearth, the atmosphere was warm, elegant, and just what we needed. A solo guitarist played softly in the background, setting the tone for what was shaping up to be the perfect Sunday afternoon. I sipped on a beautifully balanced Paper Plane—slightly bitter, citrusy, and just the right amount of boozy—while my dining companion indulged in their Perfect Made Manhattan, smooth and spirit-forward with just the right touch of sweetness. It was the kind of moment that reminds you how special Cape May can be, even on a rainy afternoon.
Dinner at The Nail: Local Flavor Meets Laid-Back Charm
Next door to the Beach Shack, we found ourselves at The Rusty Nail—affectionately known by locals as “the Nail.” This iconic spot is more than just a beach bar. It’s a culinary extension of Cape May’s farm-to-table ethos, thanks to its partnership with nearby Beach Plum Farm, which supplies much of the produce, eggs, and pork featured on the menu.
We made it a point to order items showcasing the farm’s bounty. First up were the Strawberry Hot Wings—a visual knockout with bright red glaze and perfect plating. While the flavor was fruit-forward and fun, spice lovers may want to request a bit more heat. Next came the Farm House Salad, a celebration of seasonal greens, house-pickled veggies, and a tangy strawberry vinaigrette. It was vibrant, crisp, and full of flavor—the kind of salad that reminds you how much better fresh really is.
For entrées, we dove into the BBQ Chicken Thighs, served with a smoky, citrus-kissed sauce, mac & cheese, cornbread, and a surprise hit: Brussels sprouts that were so tender and flavorful, we nearly forgot what we were eating. But the undeniable standout of the night? The Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes.
Broiled to perfection, the crab cakes were impossibly tender, creamy, and rich with flavor—hands down some of the best I’ve ever tasted. When the General Manager stopped by to check on our meal, we couldn’t help but gush. That’s when we learned their chef, Jimmy Burton, is affectionately dubbed the Crab Cake King—a title well deserved.
One of the things that sets the Rusty Nail apart, beyond the town’s “longest bar” and laid-back interior, is its effortlessly cool, beachy outdoor setup. The space is lined with sand, Adirondack chairs, and cozy fire pits that invite you to kick back with a drink in hand and your toes in the sand. Whether you’re pre-gaming or lingering after dinner with a cocktail, the atmosphere is pure coastal relaxation. It’s no wonder both locals and visitors return time and again to hang out around the flames and soak in that Cape May vibe.
Porch Perfection at The Virginia Hotel
To cap off the evening, we made our way to the front porch of The Virginia Hotel—a ritual we never skip when visiting Cape May. There’s something timeless and restorative about sipping expertly mixed Old Fashioneds under the glow of porch lanterns as the piano plays in the background and the evening settles in. With comfortable, cushioned loveseats, friendly, attentive service, and the faint murmur of conversations all around us, it was the perfect nightcap and a fitting end to a truly special day.
From the oceanfront views to the poolside serenity, a cozy cocktail by the fire, after-dinner drinks on a historic porch, and exceptional dining next door, our stay at the Beach Shack was everything a Cape May escape should be—relaxed, delicious, and memorable.
One Last Bite: Breakfast at The Nail
The following day, before heading out, we returned to the Rusty Nail one last time for breakfast. It was the perfect way to cap off our stay. We enjoyed a hearty Breakfast Burrito packed with eggs, cheese, and fresh veggies, and a perfectly prepared Eggs Benedict—rich, silky hollandaise and Beach Plum Farm Canadian Bacon. Just one more reminder that in Cape May, even a simple breakfast can feel like something special.
Check out the video recap on Instagram.
The Beach Shack Rusty Nail
205 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ
The Virginia Hotel
25 Jackson Street
Cape May, NJ
Congress Hall
200 Congress Place
Cape May, NJ
