“Hop” on Over to Cape May for an Epic Winter Craft Beer Tour

January 6, 2020January 6, 2020 newjerseyisntboring

Who says there’s nothing to do in Cape May in the Winter! Shame on you! (just kidding)

With 10 (and counting!) breweries and brew pubs in Cape May County, it would be irresponsible and ambitious to go to all of them in one day. Right? So why not turn your vacation into a “Beercation” and make a weekend of it?

As I was about to embark on a family vacation to Cape May with craft beer appreciating cousins, aunts, and uncles I wanted to create an itinerary that would make the most sense for our trip. So I decided to share it with you too!

DAY 1

Stop 1: Gusto Brewing Co
3860 Bayshore Rd, North Cape May, NJ
Gusto’s motto is “Keep it Small, Keep it Weird”. You can enjoy hop forward IPAs, farmhouse ales, and stouts with fun names like “Le Petit Sebastian”, “Jessie’s Girl”, and the “Peculiar Blueberry Pieman”. It’s important to note before your visit that while they are kid friendly, they are not dog friendly.

Stop 2: Cold Spring Brewery
733 Seashore Rd, Cape May, NJ; (609) 898-2300, ext. 10
Located in Historic Cold Spring Village, the brewery was converted from an old barn at this non profit historical site. In keeping with history, the beer they make comes from recipes that were created as far back as the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. It’s a gorgeous space that also has plenty of outdoor seating and a firepit. The brewery family friendly and dog friendly as well! Plus they also sell craft soda for those who want to enjoy the environment without alcohol. You can read about my trip here.

Stop 3: Cape May Brewing Company
1288 Hornet Rd, Cape May, NJ; (609) 849-9933
Not only is Cape May Brewing one of the largest in the state, but it’s also one of the only ones that is open 7 days a week. Since starting in July 2011, this brewery produces 100+ different kinds of beer which they self-distribute. As someone who is partial to Belgian style ales and Sour beer, I was very happy to see it on their draft menu. Usually you will see the standard style beers at a craft brewery – IPA, Stout, Wheat etc, but Cape May Brewing Co really has something for every beer fan. This is a kid friendly brewery, but only service animals are allowed. You can read about my previous trip here

If you’re up to it, I suggest stopping by Nauti Spirits in between stops 1 and 2. Nauti Spirits is right in the middle of both spots and it’s a great place to have a specialty cocktail.

Their vodka is made from sweet potatoes and corn grown right on their farm. Their gin and rum are also fermented, distilled, finished and bottled right on the premises. It’s a cool spot to have a drink in the bar or outside by their firepit.

DAY 2

Stop 1: Mud Hen Brewing Co
127 W. Rio Grande Ave., Wildwood, NJ; (609) 846-7918
Start your day with lunch and a brew at Mud Hen Brewing Company! With several beers on tap with whimsical names like “Whimsea” (session ale), Duneslager (lager), Cackling Coot (Belgian Tripel) and the Fruitie Patootie (red raspberry blonde ale) there’s plenty to choose from. Their food menu has oysters, wings, bbq, tacos, burgers, and mac and cheese. The brewpub is family friendly and dogs are allowed on their outside patio!

Stop 2: 7 Mile Brewery
3156 Route 9 South, Rio Grande, NJ; (609) 365-7777
7 Mile Brewery‘s motto is “Great Beer for Great People”. They always have plenty of tap including smooth and fruity beers, hop forward IPAs and pale ales, and dark stouts and porters. Stop by frequently for limited releases and barrel aged brews. Plus they are family friendly and dog friendly! You can read about my previous trip here

Stop 3: Coho Brewing Co
28 Indian Trail Rd #103, Cape May Court House, NJ; (609) 264-6480
Co-owned by a retired police officer, CoHO Brewing Co has all kinds of different beers with fun judicial names. There’s the “NGI – Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity” (Spiced/Herbed Beer), “Court’s In Session” (Session Pale Ale), and the “Chalk Outline” (Sahti, a Finnish farm style ale). You can also order the “Jury Box” and try all 12 beers they have on tap!

Stop 4: Bucket Brigade Brewery
205 N Main St, Cape May Court House, NJ; (609) 778-2641
Bucket Brigade Brewery was established in 2017 by brothers Karl and Kurt Hughes, firefighters from Cape May County, NJ. They offera variety of Ales, Pilsners & Lagers all brewed with one thing in mind…extinguishing your thirst. Get it? Not only are they dog friendly, they have biscuits made from leftover grains.

Stop 5: Avalon Brew Pub
7849 Dune Dr, Avalon, NJ (609) 551-0101
Finish the day at Avalan Brew Pub, an upscale gastro pub that has wings, Bavarian pretzels, fish and chips, and artisanal pizzas. Their in house brews include their We Don’t Play IPA, Belgian Beach Bum, the Chill Pils, and the Healing Sun Amber Ale.

DAY 3

Stop 1: Slack Tide Brewing Co
1072 Route 83 Unit 3, Clermont, NJ; (609) 478-2343
Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name…and that’s definitely the vibe at Slack Tide Brewing. Slack Tide Brewing Co typically has twelve beers on tap, ranging from IPAs to pale ales to stouts with lots in between including spiced ales, porters, and Belgian style beers. There is really something for everyone. Well behaved dogs are allowed! You can read about my previous trip here.

Stop 2: Ludlam Island Brewery
9 Stoney Court Unit 3, Ocean View, NJ; (609) 263-6969
Ludlam Islaknd Brewery has unique beer concepts and a laid back atmosphere. Over the course of the year, Ludlam Island Brewery makes anywhere from 25-40 beers with a lot of seasonal beers to try. They are also open every day from 12-8, year round, so there’s always a time to stop in. Though they used to allow dogs, the town no longer allows it until they build an outside space (which they intend to do!). You can read about my previous trip here.