One of my fondest memories of the Jersey Shore was driving along the coastal highway known as Ocean Drive. I would Follow the Gull and take Scenic Route from Cape May to Ocean City taking in the sights and sounds of each town along the way. Of course it can get a little hectic in the summertime when traffic makes the journey a little slower, but all in all it’s a great way to see the shore towns of Strathmere, Sea Isle, Avalon and Stone Harbor enjoying all they have to offer.
“The Ocean Drive, was created by the Cape May County Bridge Commission starting in 1934 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. Four main bridges were built along with some smaller ones to link the barrier islands. The three most southern of these, linking Cape May through the intermediary islands to Sea Isle City, are part of the Intercoastal Waterway System”
My favorite town on the way to Cape May is Stone Harbor, there are lots of fun places to eat, shop and the seven mile spotless beach they share with Avalon. (a beach tag for either is Avalon or Stone Harbor is good at both beaches).
You can shop along the 96th street between 2nd and 3rd avenues where you’ll find everything from fudge to stylish clothing for both men and women.
I love some of the store fronts on the avenue, they reflect the flavor of the this lovely shore town.
I love the Nick-nack shops selling their seashore arts and crafts.
And all of the delicious signs to decorate your home with, great souvenirs and reminders of your vacation!
After a bit of shopping you may want to walk a block up third avenue to a Stone Harbor Landmark Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream. They’ve been making Ice Cream since Prohibition and proudly display that fact at the counter. Of course you’re going to be more interested in the more than 50 flavors they have to choose from. I can personally recommend the Butterscotch Brickle and Cease and Desist ( Coffee and Heath Bar), they were amazing!
After your ice cream it’s time for more shopping and one of my favorite shops on the avenue is Murdough’s Christmas Shop, I do love Christmas!
The Walk at Harbor Square has shops, restaurants and a coffee shop. Plenty of places to grab a meal, or to get a drink and people watch.
There are plenty of places on the avenue to stop and relax and enjoy a bit of shade.
But the reason we come to the Stone Harbor are the miles of white sand beaches.
You can set up your chairs by the water and enjoy the sound of the surf and the cool ocean breezes.
There’s always lots to do at the beach if you enjoy the water. My wife enjoyed watching the surfers, which is only fair since I was occupied with all the beach bunnies.
Walking on the beach has become a daily ritual with us, looking for shells to add to our collection. Colorful memories of all the beaches we’ve enjoyed.
The houses along the beach are magnificent! I guess I better start buying lottery tickets and keep the dream of owning a home on the beach alive.
Thanks for joining me on my trip to Stone Harbor, next time you’re at the Jersey Shore remember to Follow the Gull.
Sonja
We loved our “day” road trip down Ocean Drive from Atlantic City to Cape May. Our only beef (if I can use that expression) is that with the miles upon miles upon miles of beach we never once encountered a pet friendly beach open to dogs in the summer. AS “with a small dog” travel bloggers this was for us a major downside. That and not being able to dine even on the patio’s with Montecristo. We had a good time all the same and our walking tour of Cape May was wonderful. My reviews will be out in October.
Chef Dennis Littley
I hadn’t thought of that Sonja. We did see one area of beach that had dogs out running and I think it was the south end of Ocean City on the bridge side of the park beach.
Sharon Littley
Yum…butterscotch brickle! I haven’t been to Stone Harbour since I was in the 8th grade! Always loved the beach there!
Chef Dennis Littley
The butterscotch brickle was delicious and the beach is probably one of the best on the coast.