Cape May a Patch Favorite 'Staycation' Spot

Congratulations to Cape May, which emerged as the Patch favorite in this week's Reader's Choice survey of favorite "staycation" spots.

Three runners-up, Pier Village in Long Branch, Sandy Hook and Jenkinson's Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach, came so close that we're declaring them Patch favorites as well.

What do you get when you combine the summer vacation season with a tight economy? The "staycation." And in this part of the Garden State, the drive-to family fun spots abound, from Woodbridge and all the way down the Jersey Shore.

This week's Readers' Choice survey asked you to vote for your Patch favorites, the places to bring the boyfriend or girlfriend, or the family and grandparents - when cash and time are too short for the plane trip to Florida or Mexico.

We're keeping the whole list right here because these are all great ideas for nearby summer fun:

Sandy Hook
Only natural beach on the Jersey Shore, other than Island Beach State Park.

Keansburg
Water parks and amusement attractions in Monmouth County.


This 54-acre horticultural showplace in Middletown is a joy to stroll through, whether you're a serious gardner or prefer to just stop and smell the flowers.

Red Bank
Shopping, dining, theater, music and river watching are the attractions in Monmouth County's happening town and our Patch site there is the perfect guide to it all.


A beachfront dining, shopping and spa venue in Long Branch. And right nearby, you can visit Seven Presidents' Beach where U.S. presidents once vacationed.

Golf With a Twist
Let serious golfers scoff. You can play at night in Marlboro or mini-golf on a grand scale at the in Tinton Falls.

This indoor mini-amusement park in Freehold can keep the kids entertained, especially on rainy days.

Cruise, Views and Manhattan
Park the car and take a or the to New York City and all it's attractions.

Baseball Bargains
You can afford to take the whole family to see future big leaguers play for the or the Trenton Thunder.

A classic stop on the nation's the thoroughbred horse racing tour, right here in Oceanport, and worth a day, even if you choose not to bet.

Asbury Park Boardwalk
The famous boardwalk that was once part of a Bruce Springsteen record-album title.

Ocean Grove
The unique Victorian community in Monmouth County with the classic downtown.

Six Flags Great Adventure
Large, nationally known amusement park known for its roller coasters and many other rides.

An aquarium, rides, food and other seaside pleasures in Point Pleasant Beach.

Atlantic City
Casinos and amusement rides on the world-famous boardwalk that was once home to the Miss America Pageant.

Ocean City Boardwalk
One of the most authentic and old-fashioned boardwalks on the Jersey Shore.

Morey's Piers
Wildwood's family friendly waterparks.

Cape May
Bastion of Victorian homes and beach.

Editor's Note: Because this poll is not scientific, it is not the sole consideration in choosing a winner. The winner will be determined by the Patch editors, based on poll results, comments and reviews in Patch directories.