Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cape May, New Jersey, to Camden, Delaware
If you're looking for a scenic drive along the east coast, a road trip from Cape May, New Jersey, to Camden, Delaware, might just be what you need. The drive offers stunning views of the ocean, quaint small towns, and vibrant wildlife refuges. The journey is only about 85 miles and takes approximately two hours, but there are plenty of unexpected places to stop along the way. Here are five places worth adding to your itinerary.
Halfway Stop: Milton, DE
Milton, Delaware, makes for a perfect halfway stop between Cape May and Camden. This small town has a population of fewer than 3,000 people, but it is full of things to do. First, make a stop at the historic Milton Theatre, built in 1910 and restored in 1999. The theatre offers a variety of live performances, including music, comedy, and theatre. If you're looking for something more low-key, check out the Dogfish Head Brewery Tasting Room. The brewery offers free tours, and you can taste their award-winning beers for a small fee. If you want to stretch your legs, take a walk on the town's Riverwalk, a mile-long trail that offers views of the Broadkill River.
Favorite Food: The Backyard in Milton is a must-visit. They offer a rotating menu of creative dishes, and their homemade ice cream is divine.
1. Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
About 25 minutes north of Milton is the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Milton, Delaware. This 10,000-acre refuge features diverse habitats, including salt marshes, freshwater ponds, and woodlands. The refuge is a bird watcher's paradise, with over 300 species of birds recorded. During the migratory season, visitors can witness the incredible spectacle of thousands of birds taking flight. The refuge also offers nature trails, wildlife dr iving tours, and fishing.
Favorite Food: Pack a picnic and enjoy the view from the observation tower.
2. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
About 20 minutes south of Camden is the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Smyrna, Delaware. The refuge spans over 16,000 acres and offers a range of habitats, including salt marshes, forests, and meadows. Visitors can spot over 250 species of birds and several threatened species of plants and animals. There are several hiking trails, fishing spots, and wildlife drives that provide panoramic views of the marshes and ponds.
Favorite Food: Bring a cooler and make sandwiches for a picnic lunch at the sheltered picnic area.
3. Lewes Beach
If you're looking for an oceanfront stop, Lewes Beach is about 30 minutes north of Milton. This beach is a family-friendly destination, with clean sand, gentle waves, and a boardwalk. Besides swimming and sunbathing, visitors can rent kayaks or paddleboards. The town of Lewes has a quaint shopping district with plenty of antique shops and restaurants.
Favorite Food: If you have time for a sit-down meal, Agave Mexican Restaurant & Bar in Lewes offers fresh, authentic Mexican food and great cocktails.
4. Zwaanendael Museum
Located in the heart of Lewes is the Zwaanendael Museum, a history museum that explores the colonial-era history of Southern Delaware. The museum features exhibits on the town's Dutch heritage and the Zwaanendael colony that existed in the area from 1631-1632. The museum is housed in a building built in the Dutch style in 1930 and is a National Register of Historic Places site.
Favorite Food: Grab lunch or a snack at the Crooked Hammock Brewery in Lewes. They offer a variety of sandwiches and burgers, including a vegetarian black bean burger.
Conclusion
A road trip from Cape May to Camden is an ideal way to explore the Delaware coast and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or a beach bum, it's a journey worth taking. The five unexpected stops highlighted here offer diverse attractions and dining experiences that make it a trip to remember. Pack up the car and make your way to the Delaware coast – adventure awaits!