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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Must do's- Cape May and/or Wildwood?
Going to Diamond Beach next week (it's right between Cape May and Wildwood) and have never been.
Anyone have any suggestions on good things to do in the area- obviously the Wildwood boardwalk and pier, etc, but what about in Cape May?
Anything good there? Travelling with a 5 year old.
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Posted 7/29/15 10:21 AM  |
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Bridex100
Two Under Two Mommy
Member since 3/08 10420 total posts
Name:
Momx100
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Re: Must do's- Cape May and/or Wildwood?
I don't have any suggestions but will await your update. We plan to go to Hotel Icona Labor Day weekend per your recommendation.
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| Posted 7/29/15 10:35 AM |
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Eireann
Two ladies and a gentleman!
Member since 5/05 12165 total posts
Name:
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Re: Must do's- Cape May and/or Wildwood?
Literally just got back from a 5 night stay at Icona (also decided on bc of your post, so thanks!) an hour ago. Feel free to ask me anything about it...
As for what we did with our 9, 8, and 4 (almost 5) yr olds...
Day 1 Cape May:
Emlen Physick house tour and historic trolley tour of Cape May. Had lunch at Stewarts in Cape May. Back to hotel for pool and dinner.
Day 2:
Beach day at Icona. Lunch at Bungalow 1 on the beach. Wildwood boardwalk at night. Dinner there.
Day 3:
Boardwalk & pool day. Dinner at Ugly Mugs in Cape May (pub-type place). Ghost trolley tour of Cape May at 8:30-9:10p. Ice cream after.
Day 4:
Raging Waters water park on the boardwalk. Dinner at Italian place in the Crest.
We've never been before, but we'll totally be back. Everyone loved it! My favorite were the Cape May activities...SO nice there!
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| Posted 7/29/15 4:15 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
|
Re: Must do's- Cape May and/or Wildwood?
Posted by Eireann
Literally just got back from a 5 night stay at Icona (also decided on bc of your post, so thanks!) an hour ago. Feel free to ask me anything about it...
As for what we did with our 9, 8, and 4 (almost 5) yr olds...
Day 1 Cape May:
Emlen Physick house tour and historic trolley tour of Cape May. Had lunch at Stewarts in Cape May. Back to hotel for pool and dinner.
Day 2:
Beach day at Icona. Lunch at Bungalow 1 on the beach. Wildwood boardwalk at night. Dinner there.
Day 3:
Boardwalk & pool day. Dinner at Ugly Mugs in Cape May (pub-type place). Ghost trolley tour of Cape May at 8:30-9:10p. Ice cream after.
Day 4:
Raging Waters water park on the boardwalk. Dinner at Italian place in the Crest.
We've never been before, but we'll totally be back. Everyone loved it! My favorite were the Cape May activities...SO nice there!
OMG thank you for this itinerary! I love it!
So, how was Icona? I am dying to know!
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| Posted 7/29/15 4:48 PM |
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Eireann
Two ladies and a gentleman!
Member since 5/05 12165 total posts
Name:
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Re: Must do's- Cape May and/or Wildwood?
Posted by NervousNell
So, how was Icona? I am dying to know!
Top notch all the way from beginning to end. My DH and I really skeeve like mostly everything hotel related  , but this place had ZERO skeeve factor. Everyone who worked there was super-friendly, from the maids to the wait staff to the front desk.
The pool was immaculate. We never had a problem finding lounge chairs. Waitresses come around and take drink orders...nothing better   We brought our own beach chairs and umbrella, so we didn't rent from them, but that is an option if you prefer. The ocean is so calm there; I was not fearful for my kids at all, unlike Jones, Robert Moses, etc. There is also a beach lounge which I mentioned earlier. Drinks and food were great. Some evenings they have live music too.
Our room was great. We were on the top floor overlooking the pool and the ocean. It came with a kitchen, with dishes and all...not that we used it, but it was nice. We had two queens in the bedroom and a pull- out couch in the living room. The balcony was plenty big. Only issue there was that the vent for the a/c blows hot air right onto you out there periodically.
The restaurant--Coastal Blue--was good, but pricey. For instance, we spent $67 for breakfast today whereas at a local diner, we'd typically spend $35/40 for the five of us. So,  ! We had breakfast one day at Jamaica Me Hungry which is a block away, delicious, and 1/2 the price. We also had dinner at Coastal one evening and I was happy, but kids and DH were "eh" and again... (however, in the interest of full disclosure, DH and I are drinkers )
No issues at all and I would definitely stay there again. If you think of anything I omitted, let me know!
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| Posted 7/29/15 9:20 PM |
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nycgirl
Angels!
Member since 3/09 7721 total posts
Name:
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Re: Must do's- Cape May and/or Wildwood?
Lobster house restaurant at cape may has amazing lobster & oysters. Great key lime pie too!
Watching sunset at ? Sunset point near the lighthouse is an experience.
I loved the trolley tours & getting ice cream on their Main Street.
I hear the zoo is really great, but have not personally gone.
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| Posted 7/30/15 7:44 AM |
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Eireann
Two ladies and a gentleman!
Member since 5/05 12165 total posts
Name:
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Re: Must do's- Cape May and/or Wildwood?
Oh yes, totally forgot...we all climbed the lighthouse too!
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| Posted 7/30/15 8:26 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Must do's- Cape May and/or Wildwood?
Posted by Eireann
Posted by NervousNell
So, how was Icona? I am dying to know!
Top notch all the way from beginning to end. My DH and I really skeeve like mostly everything hotel related , but this place had ZERO skeeve factor. Everyone who worked there was super-friendly, from the maids to the wait staff to the front desk.
The pool was immaculate. We never had a problem finding lounge chairs. Waitresses come around and take drink orders...nothing better We brought our own beach chairs and umbrella, so we didn't rent from them, but that is an option if you prefer. The ocean is so calm there; I was not fearful for my kids at all, unlike Jones, Robert Moses, etc. There is also a beach lounge which I mentioned earlier. Drinks and food were great. Some evenings they have live music too.
Our room was great. We were on the top floor overlooking the pool and the ocean. It came with a kitchen, with dishes and all...not that we used it, but it was nice. We had two queens in the bedroom and a pull- out couch in the living room. The balcony was plenty big. Only issue there was that the vent for the a/c blows hot air right onto you out there periodically.
The restaurant--Coastal Blue--was good, but pricey. For instance, we spent $67 for breakfast today whereas at a local diner, we'd typically spend $35/40 for the five of us. So, ! We had breakfast one day at Jamaica Me Hungry which is a block away, delicious, and 1/2 the price. We also had dinner at Coastal one evening and I was happy, but kids and DH were "eh" and again... (however, in the interest of full disclosure, DH and I are drinkers )
No issues at all and I would definitely stay there again. If you think of anything I omitted, let me know!
Yay! I am so excited and happy to hear this.
I am a HUGE hotel snob as is DH. Like you, we skeeve hotels like nothing else.
I was always hesitant about the Jersey Shore, because, let's face it, most all of the hotels down there are 1960s dumps.
When I found this place online it was like heaven.
I know it's expensive, but to us, so worth it.
Thanks for the write ups and reviews- I was curious if bringing your own beach chairs and umbrellas was allowed- I am glad it is. I can't see spending more money to rent them with the price this hotel is charging us.
Can't wait to go!
Thanks for all the tips!
Message edited 7/30/2015 9:16:38 AM.
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| Posted 7/30/15 9:16 AM |
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JennyOR99
LIF Infant
Member since 3/09 53 total posts
Name:
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Must do's- Cape May and/or Wildwood?
Check out ThunderCat dolphin watching in Wildwood Crest.
That was the highlight of our trip last year. Unbelievable dolphin sightings. Jumping right up near the boat.
The cape may area is fantastic for kids.
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| Posted 7/30/15 9:45 AM |
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Bridex100
Two Under Two Mommy
Member since 3/08 10420 total posts
Name:
Momx100
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Re: Must do's- Cape May and/or Wildwood?
Posted by JennyOR99
Check out ThunderCat dolphin watching in Wildwood Crest.
That was the highlight of our trip last year. Unbelievable dolphin sightings. Jumping right up near the boat.
The cape may area is fantastic for kids.
My boys will love this. Thank you for the recommendation.
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| Posted 7/30/15 10:10 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Must do's- Cape May and/or Wildwood?
Question....I notice online that a lot of the restaurants in Wildwood and Cape May seem to be BYOB...did you find this to be the case?
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| Posted 7/30/15 7:58 PM |
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jerrysgirl
I love my hot dog!!
Member since 6/06 5357 total posts
Name:
E & J
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Re: Must do's- Cape May and/or Wildwood?
Posted by NervousNell
Question....I notice online that a lot of the restaurants in Wildwood and Cape May seem to be BYOB...did you find this to be the case?
this was the case when i was in wildwood 2 years ago.
we had a large party of 20 for dinner, so while most waited for our seats, a few of us walked a few blocks to the liquor store. we brought whatever we wanted without a problem into most restaurants.
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| Posted 7/30/15 8:36 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
|
Re: Must do's- Cape May and/or Wildwood?
Posted by jerrysgirl
Posted by NervousNell
Question....I notice online that a lot of the restaurants in Wildwood and Cape May seem to be BYOB...did you find this to be the case?
this was the case when i was in wildwood 2 years ago.
we had a large party of 20 for dinner, so while most waited for our seats, a few of us walked a few blocks to the liquor store. we brought whatever we wanted without a problem into most restaurants.
Interesting. I wonder why.
But to be honest, I actually prefer BYOB because restaurants charge you like $40 for a $10 bottle of wine. So it's a big savings in the long run.
I just wanted to know ahead of time so I can stock up at home and bring a bunch of bottles down with us.
Thanks!
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| Posted 7/31/15 8:16 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
|
Re: Must do's- Cape May and/or Wildwood?
Posted by Eireann
Posted by NervousNell
So, how was Icona? I am dying to know!
Top notch all the way from beginning to end. My DH and I really skeeve like mostly everything hotel related , but this place had ZERO skeeve factor. Everyone who worked there was super-friendly, from the maids to the wait staff to the front desk.
The pool was immaculate. We never had a problem finding lounge chairs. Waitresses come around and take drink orders...nothing better We brought our own beach chairs and umbrella, so we didn't rent from them, but that is an option if you prefer. The ocean is so calm there; I was not fearful for my kids at all, unlike Jones, Robert Moses, etc. There is also a beach lounge which I mentioned earlier. Drinks and food were great. Some evenings they have live music too.
Our room was great. We were on the top floor overlooking the pool and the ocean. It came with a kitchen, with dishes and all...not that we used it, but it was nice. We had two queens in the bedroom and a pull- out couch in the living room. The balcony was plenty big. Only issue there was that the vent for the a/c blows hot air right onto you out there periodically.
The restaurant--Coastal Blue--was good, but pricey. For instance, we spent $67 for breakfast today whereas at a local diner, we'd typically spend $35/40 for the five of us. So, ! We had breakfast one day at Jamaica Me Hungry which is a block away, delicious, and 1/2 the price. We also had dinner at Coastal one evening and I was happy, but kids and DH were "eh" and again... (however, in the interest of full disclosure, DH and I are drinkers )
No issues at all and I would definitely stay there again. If you think of anything I omitted, let me know!
One question I forgot- and I'll FM you if you don't see this- but was there towel service at the pool and beach? Trying to decide if we should pack our own beach towels.
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| Posted 8/3/15 8:33 AM |
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DaniJude
You're My Home <3
Member since 11/06 14815 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: Must do's- Cape May and/or Wildwood?
In Cape May do the horse and carriage ride - like the traditional Central Park horse drawn carriage but the driver told us allllll about Cape May and the historic homes - it was BEAUTIFUL. You can do it at anytime but sunset was the best!!!!!!
I highly recommend the Blue Pig Tavern - which is located in the hotel Congress Hall. Great food. Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner!
I also recommend the shops right on the main strip in Cape May - cute to see. The church they have there is gorgeous. The beach is also very nice - Congress Hall sits right on it.
The Zoo which is not far - about a fifteen minute drive is free (they suggest a donation) and awesome. They have great animals and rides, too!
You can take a sailboat tour - you can also do dolphin/whale watching.
It's such a great place!
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| Posted 8/3/15 10:56 AM |
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Eireann
Two ladies and a gentleman!
Member since 5/05 12165 total posts
Name:
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Re: Must do's- Cape May and/or Wildwood?
Nell, there were towels at the pool, but I didn't notice at the beach...I want to say no.
Also, as to your earlier question as to BYOB... We ate out every single meal in a variety of places in Cape May, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest and only one place didn't serve alcohol (even beer & wine) and that was Trattoria Conte in the Crest which I cannot recommend, unfortunately...and the lack of alcohol was the least of it
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| Posted 8/3/15 6:49 PM |
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jes81276
summer fun!
Member since 3/06 4962 total posts
Name:
Jaime
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Re: Must do's- Cape May and/or Wildwood?
The Cape May zoo is really nice. We went on a dophin/whale watching tour which was one of the coolest experiences of my life. hundreds and hundreds of dolphins! The trolley in cape may is great. It's just an all around great town.
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| Posted 8/6/15 3:45 PM |
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