Under $100: Cape May, N.J., the Winter Edition

Don’t wait until summertime to see and hear the crash of the Atlantic Ocean; ditch the sandals and sunscreen and head to Cape May, N.J., for a winter getaway packed with budget-friendly activities. With only a handful of visitors sharing the beach and low rates for overnight accommodations, the Jersey Shore is an excellent destination to enjoy the relaxing wintry perks of the off-season and solitude of the sea.

Most shops and restaurants in this seaside resort town are fully open right around Christmas, though many close after New Year’s Day for a few months. Still, there are plenty of spots open year-round to enjoy. Blue Pig Tavern at Congress Hall serves breakfast every day of the week, featuring specialties like an omelet made with the restaurant’s own free-range eggs for $12 and buttermilk pancakes starting from $8.

Blue Pig Tavern © Kathryn Yengel | Flickr

Bundle up and stroll through Cape May’s outdoor walking mall in the morning for some shopping. The space spans three blocks with brick pathways, decorative fountains and wooden benches. All shops are independently owned and operated, so they open and close at their discretion. In the winter, most are open only on weekends.

Cape May Lighthouse is open at select times throughout the winter season, offering visitors the chance to climb to the top and enjoy a picturesque view of the sea, bay and surrounding area. Admission costs $8.

Visit Bella Vida Garden Café for some delicious home cooking at lunchtime. Here you’ll find a small town atmosphere and yummy creations like veggie burger wraps and quesadillas starting from about $9.

© James Tarabocchia | Dreamstime

In the afternoon, after the sun warms the weather a bit, head to the beach. In the winter, visitors don’t have to step over dozens of sunbathing bodies and carefully weave their huge crowds on the boardwalk. Instead, enjoy the peace and quiet of this seaside community while taking a long walk on the scarcely populated beach.

No trip is complete without a stop at Cape May Brewery, open year-round and bustling with locals and tourists even in the cold winter months. With several unique brews on tap and a friendly staff, the brewery is the perfect spot to ward off the winter chill. Patrons can receive four samples and a pint glass for $10 and bring in outside food to enjoy. Pair your brews with a hoagie for dinner from Erma Deli, featuring sandwiches, salads, pizza, hoagies, wraps and burgers starting from about $7.50.