Family Roadtrip

There are many wonderful things about owning a house at the shore.  For one, there is no great need to hit the beach each and every day.  Sometimes, it’s nice to take a break and explore the other shore towns and experience their unique vibes.
A few years ago we started day tripping driving the NJ shore coast from Margate City to Cape May and every town in between.

Unlike the Pacific Coast highway roadtrip we did in December, it’s a quick and easy drive that gives us a chance to bond and discover new spots along the way.
Our first stop on Sunday was Hot Bagels in Margate…yes, right in our own backyard but a worthy breakfast stop before hitting the road.  Bacon, egg and cheese bagels all around and we were ready to hit the road.

We headed south over the Long Port bridge and, with a start to end distance of 39 miles or 50 min., took our time cruising and pausing for selfies along the way.

Just as Jacob was ready to lose it, we pulled into Avalon for…you guessed it, an ice cream break at Avalon Freeze.
The boys shared a sundae while I quenched my thirst with a black raspberry milk shake.  Delicious and highly recommended by this kid!

We walked around the cute little town, checked out a friend’s beach pad and headed back on the road towards Cape May.
Jacob wanted to swim, I wanted to shop and Phil just wanted to make us happy so we pulled into the Victorian seaside town and made our way to the beach.
The weather was fantastic, the water refreshing, the sand a bit more corse than Margate, and the umbrellas.  Yes, there were umbrellas AND lounge chairs…hello Margate, get with the program!

It was so fun to swim and play on a new beach…change is good, that’s my motto!

All the fun left us tired and hungry so we dried off and headed into the center of town and if you haven’t been to Cape May, you must go.
The Victorian homes alone are worth the visit.  The horse drawn carriages can be seen and heard all throughout town and the center is lively and full of cute little souvenir shops.  None worth mentioning but a great way to pass the evening in between meals and cocktails.
Speaking of meals, we had one of the best EVER at Key West Tacos and all by accident.
As we were making our way into the center of town we stumbled upon a lively and colorful spot reminiscent of one we loved in Malibu, CA and immediately decided to stay.  Jimmy Buffett was coming over the speakers, citronella candles were lit throughout the brightly painted patio, the crowds looked happy, and the food smelled amazing.
We stepped into Key West and ordered J.B.’s Famous Fish; catch of the day, blackened and served with a smoked jalapeño tartar sauce, the Crab Crab Crab; fresh lump crab seasoned and topped with guacamole, and the Lots of Nachos.

All so fresh, soo pretty, and sooo delicious that Jacob just kept saying, “this is ridiculous!”
Don’t remember the last time we were left speechless after a meal and if this picture doesn’t make you hungry then I don’t know what will.

We wabbled into town to walk off our meal, did a little window shopping and made it back to the car just as it was getting dark.
Another awesome family roadtrip in the books only this time, without incident (recall last year’s seafood allergy attack) and with a new favorite spot to return to.

Do let me know if you go AND if you have a favorite family roadtrip that you want to share!?

Alya