Cozy Mornings at Beach Plum Café in Cape May, New Jersey

During a recent trip to Cape May, New Jersey, I had the pleasure of visiting the Beach Plum Café, located within the West End Garage. The café quickly became my go-to spot for morning coffee, where I consistently ordered a black iced coffee with two raw sugars—my usual choice. The roast was robust and full-bodied, just the way I like it!

One of the standout features of the café is its thoughtful inclusion of gluten-free treats, catering to those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. This made the café an even more welcoming spot for everyone. My sister is gluten free, so right away I recommended this spot to her!

The surrounding area of West End Garage is home to a variety of small shops that reminded me of a local farmer's market. The place was a treasure trove of unique finds, from vintage cameras and postcards dating back to the 1960s to hidden gems like thank-you notes that transported me back in time. My husband was particularly fascinated by the collection of baseball cards, some of which dated back to the 1980s.

The staff at the café and the shops were incredibly friendly, adding to the warm, inviting atmosphere. It was a joy to explore the many small businesses and artisans showcased there.

For those looking to further connect with the Beach Plum brand, there’s also Beach Plum Farm, located nearby in Cape May. The farm is another must-visit destination, offering fresh produce and a deeper connection to the local community.

See my video review of the space here!

You can learn more about the café and the farm by visiting Beach Plum Café and Bakery and Beach Plum Farm.

The Cape May Zoo is the ultimate family destination down the shore. It is free fun for all.

The Cape May County Zoo was created in 1978 within the Cape May County Park.

At the opening of the zoo, the animals consisted of an African lion, primates (spider monkeys), various barnyard animals, and New Jersey wildlife animals.

In the early 1980s, the zoo gradually incorporated into its displays more exotic animals, such as black bears, bison, antelope, primates, and birds.

Beginning in 1986, a Cape May Zoo renaissance began. Donations were solicited and there was a major reconstruction. Some of the projects that were completed consisted of a complete perimeter fence, a new lion exhibit, a Bengal tiger exhibit, a cougar exhibit, a giraffe and camel exhibit, a reptile house, and the construction of a medical building and diet preparation building.

Throughout the 1990s, renovations and new exhibits continued, with the construction of an African Savannah, which consisted of 57 acres that display giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and ostriches. Reconstruction of a reptile house replaced the original reptile house that was destroyed by fire in 1998, and a "World of Birds" walk-through Aviary was constructed.

From the zoo's beginning in 1978, the animal population was around 70 animals and today the zoo consists of 550 animals representing 250 species.

Planning on visiting the Zoo? This information will help you plan your trip.

Admission
The Zoo is FREE.
Donations help to keep them FREE!

Parking
Parking for cars is FREE.
Full-size buses are $80.
Short school buses are $40.

Zoo Hours
The current Zoo hours are:
10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
7 days a week - They are open every day!
(Except for Christmas)

A wallaby is more than just a small kangaroo! Both kangaroos and wallabies are marsupials, meaning they carry their young around in a pouch and are similar enough that scientists have placed them in the same order, family, and subfamily. Wallabies are much smaller, though. The wallabies are back in their yard at the zoo! After enlarging their yard, installing a new fence, adding dirt and grass seed, and putting in a new hut (complete with a front porch), the wallaby mob has returned from their temporary yard next door.

This loveable species is the world's largest rodent! Endemic to South America, they inhabit forested and savanna areas near fresh water. They are semi-aquatic and have webbed feet to help them get around!  At the Zoo you'll find Budette, Marigold, Buttercup, Capychino, and Goomba. They are all on exhibit daily, so stop by to say hello.

At the Cape May Zoo you can find Fred and his crew, the Galapagos Tortoises! Fred is 500+ lbs. Galapagos tortoises are the largest living species of tortoise and can weigh up to 919 lb. They have lifespans in the wild of over 100 years. Captive Galapagos tortoises can live up to 177 years!

Reticulated Giraffes call the Cape May County Zoo home. The boys rule at the Zoo. Kifeda was born there on November 11, 2017. They also have Jambazi and Beau who buzz around the yard like lively brothers when the weather's nice.

Their African Lions came to the zoo in November of 2014 from Jacksonville NJ. Our Male Lex and female Bella are siblings born in 2011. Their main keeper enjoys working with them and compares them to big dogs. try sticking around to hear them roar!