Some might think you have to travel far out of Philadelphia for a peaceful, seaside escape that’s sprinkled with history and charm. But, just 90 miles south at the tip of New Jersey, Cape May offers all of that — and a bit more.
The picturesque town is most well known for its distinct Victorian-era architecture, culinary scene, and access to nature in a few different forms. And with the latter, visitors can get a truly unique experience at Beach Plum Farm.
Located less than 10 minutes from the ocean, the 60-plus-acre estate grows and produces hundreds of different products, ranging from herbs to livestock, with a fully furnished market and café where you can get everything from homemade blackberry jam to hot sandwiches.
Though it started in the early 2000s, the farm’s current layout was made possible from a century-old road that threads through the wetlands—a reminder that this land has been cultivated since the 1800s. Visitors can take guided tours to see the narrow path between fields and to get a closer look at how the farm embraces its natural surroundings, including dedicated pollinator and medicinal gardens that support wildlife.
Ultimately, regenerative farming is at the heart of Beach Plum’s approach. For example, one formerly depleted field has been transformed over three years with cover crops to fix the soil, and pasture-raised chickens to help fertilize and aerate the space. It helped so much that by its third season, the farm had harvested over 11,000 pounds of tomatoes from that same plot. This philosophy extends to every crop in its space, whether it be greenhouse arugula, kale, or heirloom vegetables.
“Instead of trying to force it, we’re letting nature guide us,” notes Agricultural Director Christina Albert, underscoring the farm’s commitment to working with, rather than against, the land.
The farm’s produce fuels both local restaurants and its own dining experiences as well, and raised beds allow chefs to experiment with unusual ingredients like Chinese broccoli and edible flowers.
In fact, Beach Plum even has a new signature Farm-to-Table Dinner Series (dubbed the Garden State Table Series) kicking off March 21, with a focus on Wood Song Mushrooms. This culinary clad evening will spotlight a collaboration with Wood Song, a Cape May County–based mushroom cultivator led by Lin Conover.
For those who can’t make it out on that date, the farm is also hosting the Spring’s First Light Dinner Series, which takes place on Fridays and Saturdays from March 7 through April 25 inside Beach Plum's Hoop House. That will change into the Summer Harvest Dinner Series later in the year, held on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from June 4 to Aug. 29.
Since 2018, Beach Plum has also offered luxury cottages on its property, complete with stocked fridges, golf carts, a saltwater pool, and classes ranging from orchid care to floral arranging. Each cottage has a distinct vibe and features, and every stay offers a choice of activities to go with it. Alongside these experiences, the farm also hosts a series of events that celebrate New Jersey agriculture, connecting guests to local growers, beef farms, and 4-H programs. It’s all meant to be a distinctly Cape May venue that blends history, hospitality, and sustainable farming.
But the farm is just the start: Down in the ocean-side historic district, visitors can find boutique shops, art galleries, cafés and restaurants, all bustling throughout every season. Visiting Cape May is an easy choice, but where to stay and where to eat might pose tougher questions.
The Virginia Hotel, for one, offers a boutique stay with its own charm. The main building dates back to 1879, and the decor and rooms follow suit. Stepping inside the venue here is like stepping into the spirit of the area—quaint yet grand, romantic yet comfortable and a unique backbone with everything you see.
Hardware keys are still used instead of the new-aged cards, a free-of-charge valet is included, and a complimentary continental breakfast is available not only in its dining area (known more formerly as The Ebbitt Room), but also in your own room or on the hotel's airy and bright front porch.
Speaking of The Ebbitt Room, that’s where locals can find some of the produce and products from Beach Plum Farm in full force. Although the restaurant is currently closed for the season (with a reopening date set for March 13), diners can find dishes like Cape May scallops with squash risotto and serrano ham, rainbow trout with lemon‑caper brown butter, and a richly sauced heritage pork chop on its list of offerings. That’s all alongside carefully crafted cocktails and an award‑winning wine list that earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and recognition among OpenTable & Kayak’s Top 100 Hotel Restaurants.
The property also includes four cottages along Jackson Street and other amenities from Beach Plum Farm (which you’ll find in your room). Travelers can additionally opt to “Hibernate at The Virginia”, a package that includes a dinner for two from The Ebbitt Room’s seasonal menu, or lovebirds can pick the “Romance on Jackson Street,” a curated getaway for couples. Other seasonal packages range from a “Classic American Summer” beach retreat to a “Sweet Amalia Oyster Getaway” and a few upgraded options in between. All in all, on top of the curated amenities, the location of this hotel is quite hard to beat.
With charming accommodations like the Virginia Hotel and immersive experiences at the farm, Cape May proves that a short drive from Philadelphia can deliver a quick escape. It’s a seaside retreat where history, flavor, and nature come together, leaving every visitor a little more inspired—all you have to do is decide when you want to experience it for yourself.
To learn more about Beach Plum Farm (140 Stevens Street, West Cape May), visit caperesorts.com/beach-plum-farm and to learn more about The Virginia Hotel (25 Jackson S.), visit caperesorts.com/virginia-hotel
