On Your Way to Cape May (Part 2)
Stop #4: Carney’s
After our superb dinner, Kat and I weren’t quite ready to call it a night. Our room at the Wilbraham Mansion did have its own hot tub. The main house even features a heated indoor pool, but we’d heard there was live music at Carney’s, a spot known for drawing a lively, all-ages crowd. We arrived just in time to catch the tail end of the Sindi Raymond Band, and I was instantly hooked by the energy of the place. The late night set featured a group called Anger Management, and while we only managed to catch half of the performance (10 PM-2AM), it was enough to make me wish I weren’t such a lightweight. We did have an early day, and I did not want to be dragging all day on Saturday!
This photo was taken off Carney’s instagram.
Stop #5: Mad Batter
Luckily, we woke up feeling refreshed on Saturday, and the rain that had been forecast never made an appearance. The weather was absolutely perfect, and with the cutest outfit already planned, it felt like everything was falling into place. Have I mentioned the entire town was decorated for Halloween, which is our favorite holiday?
Needless to say, we woke up absolutely starving. When we arrived at the Mad Hatter, we instantly grabbed seats at the bar, always our favorite spot when we have the choice. Everyone we spoke to before the trip insisted this was a must-try, and they weren’t wrong. We ordered two mimosas and decided to split the award-winning pancakes (though between us, you should go for the French toast…listen to the bartender’s suggestions, I repeat, listen to the bartender’s suggestions) and the country breakfast for two. I loved that the country breakfast came as a shareable portion, allowing us each to choose our own meat. Kat got her crispy bacon, and I was perfectly content with a thick, juicy slice of ham, my personal favorite.
Stop #6: Washington Street Mall and A Ca Mia Ristorante, Bakery, and Coffee Shop
After breakfast, we decided it was time to do a little shopping. I was on my best behavior, it was Kat’s birthday trip, after all, but it took every ounce of self-control not to splurge, especially with so many charming boutiques lining the Washington Street Mall. We were on the hunt for a new wallet for Kat, and we hit the jackpot at Cape May Leather. She found the perfect Fossil wallet, and we managed to snag it at an incredible price, a true win-win for us both. While exploring, we stumbled upon the most charming little café called A Ca Mia Ristorante, Bakery, and Coffee Shop. Naturally, baked goods were purchased and coffee was enjoyed. How could we resist? It was the perfect mid-morning stop, and one I’d highly recommend to anyone visiting Cape May.
Stop #7: Ebbitt Room
That morning, we were this close to having breakfast at the Ebbitt Room instead of the Mad Hatter. We noticed the line out the door at Mad Hatter, but managed to snag seats at the bar, so we promised ourselves we’d return to the Ebbitt Toom later on, and we did, after our shopping spree. Duh. The cocktail menu was simply too good to resist, and the building’s inviting aesthetic all but called out to us, “Come in!”
I immediately struck up a conversation at the bar. It was just that kind of warm, welcoming place. Our bartender, Leo, was unforgettable. He is the Ebbitt Room…his charm and energy embody everything that makes the place special. Later, I went on their Instagram to relive a bit of that magic, and guess who I found featured there? Leo himself.
Visit The Ebbitt Room’s instagram to see for yourself!
Kat always teases me for my habit of declaring, the moment I enjoy something, “This is the best ___ I’ve ever had!” That’s exactly how I felt about Leo’s sangria. I can’t say for sure if he was the one who made it, but I do know this — I’ll be returning to the Ebbitt Room for another glass of that magical potion. It was everything.
Since we had just eaten, we didn’t have the privilege of trying lunch or dinner here, but we’ll definitely be back. And if I ever find myself in a position of fabulous wealth, we’ll be staying at The Virginia, which, as it turns out, doubles as an elegant boutique hotel.
Stop #8: The Brown Room at Congress Hall
Kat was determined to stop by The Brown Room at Congress Hall, and naturally, I was happy to join her. The lounge had a dark, moody vibe—not in a bad way, but more of an intimate, mysterious atmosphere. It wasn’t warm lighting, if you know what I mean—more shadow and depth than glow. Despite the cool ambiance, I have to admit it was warm in more ways than one. Within minutes, I was glistening and silently willing the air-conditioning to kick in. A touch more chill in the air would have made it absolute perfection.
I was starting to get hangry, so we ordered the Tuna Crudo, served with a delectable miso vinaigrette and a hint of chili oil. There were no survivors. My jalapeño gimlet was the perfect companion, its bright heat balancing beautifully with those umami-rich miso flavors. Kat opted for a Cherry Bourbon Sour, and both drinks, pictured below, perfectly complemented the afternoon vibe we were looking for.
Jalapeño Gimlet (left) and Cherry Bourbon Sour (right)
With some time to spare before dinner, Kat and I returned to our favorite spot by the fire pits outside Blue Pig Tavern. It was such a beautiful day, and we wanted to soak up as much of the outdoors as possible before the promised storm rolled in.