For a few months, things were looking a little iffy on whether or not we’d still be able to go on our annual family vacation to Wildwood. We said all along that, as long as nothing started spiking in New Jersey and that the owners were still able to rent out their place, we’d plan on making the trip. And I am SO thrilled that we made it!
This year’s trip did look a little different from years past; although it was open, we avoided the boardwalk and the piers with rides, and we kept additional outings to a minimum. But honestly, I really didn’t even miss any of that because we still managed to have a great time.
Most of our days started off with lounging and/or breakfast out on the balcony. Lucas was very much into helping my dad cook breakfast during the week, and they even “opened up B&L’s Cafe” (Bob & Lucas). Pancakes were, by far, their favorite specialty.
We’d make our way down to the beach everyday around 10am or so, and that’s when the day of fun in the sun and sand would begin.
An added bonus for this year’s trip was the fact that our neighbors, John & Tal, and their two kids, also went down with some of their family on the same week, in the same condos.
So our boys had other kids to play with on the beach for the first time, which made SUCH a world of difference for us on the parent front. They were actually able to keep themselves entertained so we could enjoy our time, too!
We’d pack up lunches for the whole crew most days, so when the kids were finally ready to take a break from playing, we’d sit under the tent and relax for a bit.
I’m telling you, those Bentgo Boxes are seriously the BEST. We get so much use out of them, year-round!
After spending a good chunk of the day at the beach, we’d head back to the pool at the condos and swim for a bit before heading back to the room to get showered up and have some dinner. And, occasionally, we’d scoot out for a little after-dinner ice cream down the road.
Jay and I did get out for one “kid-free” dinner with John & Tal at MudHen, which is one of my newly favorite Wildwood spots. We hit them up last year, and you can see from that post just how insanely good the food is! The restaurant had a really excellent setup going, with masks required upon entry/while walking to your table, and both the food and service continued to be amazing, despite many of the additional requirements needed these days.
We had a special treat later on in the week, when two other families from the neighborhood came down to join us for a beach day! They were staying up in Ocean City, NJ for the same week, and we figured that if we could make it work, we should all get together to let the kids play.
Both the kids AND adults had such a great time, and I swear, that day flew by faster than any of ’em.
They’re all awesome, and I just adore these girls. Love ya, Kate, Ash, & Tal! <3
By the end of the week, I could tell that the boys were getting a little “beached out,” so I figured it wouldn’t hurt to switch things up a bit and we drove into nearby Cape May to check out their downtown/shops. In all of the years I’ve been coming to Wildwood, I don’t think I’ve ever visited Cape May. And man, I had really been missing out, because it is such a cute area!
We picked up some fudge from The Original Fudge Kitchen, and I’m not even kidding when I tell you that this is THE BEST fudge I’ve ever tasted. We’ve always gotten our fudge from Douglas Fudge on the boardwalk, but this stuff takes the cake. WOW.
I had also really been craving some Kohr Bros, and knowing that this was likely our last opportunity to grab some, we stopped in for a little pre-lunch treat. Hey, when on vacation, right?
Vanilla & orange twist with allllll the rainbow sprinkles.
We made our way through a few of the different gift shops and snagged some cute shirts for all of us, along with these super cute trucker hats for the boys. I’m obsessed with them. And by them, I mean both the hats AND the kids.
I had many people reach out asking “how things were” while walking around Cape May, and I would say that it was great. I honestly wasn’t concerned about going anyway, but everyone I saw was wearing a mask while inside any of the stores/shops. The majority of people were wearing them outdoors, and some would remove them if they were spaced far enough apart (hence, why we have them in some pictures and not others).
Jay and I said we’d definitely like to go back again without the kids so we could check out more of the shops next time. Those little hands just like to get into anything and everything…
The only other outing we did during the week was for a family dinner at Two Mile Landing. Again, another spot that I cannot believe I’ve never gone to in all of my years of visiting Wildwood. What a great spot! They had tons of outdoor seating, and we were lucky enough to snag a large table under a tent, making it much cooler and less windy.
Also, if you happen to find yourself there, grab a Watermelon Crush. It. Was. Awesome.
The boys loved being out, and it later dawned on me that this was really the first time they’ve actually been out anywhere like a restaurant or public place since, well, March.
Our whole meal was excellent, and the time spent with family both at dinner and at the beach for the week was just incredible. I don’t think I realized just how much I needed this little break and escape from our everyday (at home) routine, but man. It did wonders for my soul.
So, until we meet again, Wildwood!
And, note to self…don’t attempt to get a family picture outside without sunglasses for the whole family. Ha! <3
Lindsay says
Coming from Minnesota … I would love a recommendation on where to rent when visiting. I am in need of a getaway and I am not really thinking heading south sounds so “hot” right now but some beach time would be incredible with a few weeks of summer left. :)
So glad you were able to get away for a bit. Do you think schools will go back for you guys after labor day?
Courtney says
Hey Lindsay! We love to stay in Wildwood Crest when we go. It’s the most southern part of Wildwood, away from the boardwalk, and a bit quieter/more family friendly. It’s such a great spot, and there are plenty of hotels and condos to choose from. As for schools…that is the million dollar question right now! There have been plenty of rumblings, but still no solid answers. School districts have to provide their reopening plans/goals by the end of July, and then the governor will be announcing plans the first week of August. Either way, it’s likely going to be a disaster. :(
Kati says
So happy to see you made your annual trip! I’ve followed your blog for years and we are also annual-Wildwood-goers! We live in NJ but way up North, so even trekking down there has us a little on edge this year. We pushed our original beach week to September and now your post has put me at ease and I can’t wait to get down there! If you haven’t, you guys should check our the Cape May Zoo on one of your trips (not sure if it is open right now). It’s one of the best zoos!
Courtney says
YES! We didn’t make it to the zoo this year, but we have the past few years and it’s an awesome spot to visit! The only downfall is that everytime we go, it seems to be almost 100 degrees and all of the animals are hiding out in the shade lol!
Jim Cashner says
Hi!! We stayed at The Waters Edge!! Had a BLAST!!! Dinner at Alfies. Best Italion food in Wildwood even as Take out!! Wildwood still rocks even though they took the famous beach ball picture pier away. Thanks for letting me share. Going to Wildwood for 50 yrs now and never had a bad stay!! Thanks again!!!
Courtney says
They took the beach ball picture pier away?! For good? Or just for now?? What a bummer!
Erin says
I love reading your Wildwood posts! I grew up in South Jersey but have lived in Boston for the past 10 years, so this post makes me super nostalgic! When the “kids” are all home for the holidays we go down to Cape May to see all the Victorian houses lit up with Christmas lights. I could realllyyyy go for some Kohr Bros right now though!
Courtney says
Thanks, Erin! I bet those houses must look so beautiful all lit up! <3
Tabitha Cain says
I always love to see where you go on your Wildwood trips! You always end up at places we love! I thought of you when we ordered take out from Bandanas on Monday, I know how much you like it there! Glad you had a great vacation! and I can’t believe you have never been to Cape May! So many great food places there but next time give Oyster Bay a try for dinner, fabulous food!!!
Courtney says
OMG, Bandanas!! We had been planning on ordering takeout from there one night and just never got the chance. I was so bummed!! We DID get some subs from Primo Hoagies though, and WOW, they were good!!
Tabitha Cain says
Primos is one of our favorites! We just had it on Saturday actually! I have to tell you, on your next trip you must go to Willow Creek Winery, beautiful place, great food, and amazing wine! We went for the first time last week and their sangria topped with Dole Whip is so refreshing and delicious!
Courtney says
OMG that sounds amazing. Thanks for the tip, I will definitely keep that in mind!
Gina says
Does not look like a lot of social distancing is taking place
Brynn says
This sort of unapologetic selfishness is depressing. People are dying because others refuse to be safe and stop spreading the virus unnecessarily. I definitely see why schools opening is necessary for a lot of families. I do not understand why people can’t give up their parties, vacations, etc.
Nicole says
Yay! Glad you were able to get in your beach trip. My family has a house in Cape May and I love it there. I agree the Washington Street Mall has done a great job with mask wearing and moving most of the restaurants on the streets. If you ever get a chance to go back (adults only) I highly recommend Fins for some fun cocktails or the semi new Gusto Brewery out by the bay.
Courtney says
Thanks for the tips, I’ll definitely keep those in mind!
Jim & Kathy says
2 mile island /Inn is a Great restaurant, and it was our 1st there also, probably because it generates long waits.
The ice cream king is Hassels in No. Wildwood, which also rents bike and has a nicely furnished mini golf course.
We like W Wildwood, as it is much quieter & away from the Boards. It also now has several nice good restaurants, primarily the Crows Nest on the Bay 4 breakfast.
The condo there also has a good size pool with covered parking.
Pam Diaz says
I see you are from upstate NY?? I’m in Buffalo, bot born and raised in South Jersey. I JUST cancelled our annual trip to Wildwood because my family (who still live in NJ) said it was getting bad again. We haven’t missed a single year in 11 years. I am so very bummed. My kids are most bummed about missing out on Polish Water Ice on the boardwalk. :( I’m glad you got to go and had a great time! I will (very impatiently) wait until next August for our next trip down the shore.
Michelle says
We just got home from Cape May on Sunday. It was a fantastic trip. So much fun and nice to get a break from reality. Glad you had a blast. I live in the Hudson Valley so not too far from you.
Courtney says
How fun! So glad you were able to get away, too! We lucked out with some great weather! :)
Leslie says
I can’t get over how great your Mom looks! You look amazing as well. Where did you get your sunglasses?! They’re adorable!
Courtney says
Thank you!! She’s done SO well!!! And my sunglasses are from Target! :)
nicole says
Hi! So glad you had fun! We are heading to Wildwood this week! We cannot wait. You have inspired me to take a ride to Cape May :). Sounds like a fun thing to break the trip up! Also, your mom looks AMAZING!!!
Courtney says
Have a GREAT time!!
Marcie says
As a lifelong New Jersey resident, is highly suggest Cape May brewing and Cape May winery. Both are fantastic, give great tours and I think you and Jay would enjoy!
Courtney says
Yes!!! We’ve heard that, and would love to check them out next time we’re there!!
Lauren says
We just got back from Cape May last week too! Spent a week hanging at the beach and it was amazing! Coming from RI, the water is much warmer, my son was thrilled I actually went in!
We also skipped the big boardwalk and basically went to one outdoor restaurant most days, but it was a great time and I felt good about how the town and visitors were handling things.
Check out Harry’s and the Cape May Winery next time you go. Both have great outdoor seating and usually live music!
Courtney says
Aww, that sounds like you guys had a great time, too!! I’ll definitely put those on my list for next year :)
Cristal says
Do you know where your friend with the black and leopard print bathing suit bought it???
Courtney says
I’m pretty sure it was an Amazon find!!
Luminarc says
Great. Thank you.
Link