Congress Hall

Welcome to Cape May's premier shopping destination and winner of the "Best in Shore" award 2013. West End Garage, housed in a building that began life as a garage and a gas station, was launched by Cape Resorts in the summer of 2009, and is now a year-round magnet for shoppers looking, for quality goods and delightful surprises. It's a lovely 5-minute walk from Congress Hall and the heart of historic downtown Cape May, to the West End Garage, located across from the charming Wilbraham Park. We'll be excited the moment you walk through the door, West End Garage features more than 50 stores under one roof, with 62 vendors from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. Check out antique furniture and accessories, vintage memorabilia, framed artwork, candles and bathroom accouterments. This is a gift- shopping mecca, you can find unique gifts for the most discriminating person.

Travel & Leisure's Pick for One of America's Top 10 Beach Bars - “The Nail,” as it’s known by the locals, is the famed iconic surfer bar and restaurant that made a name for itself in the ‘70s. And it’s right here at the Beach Shack, just steps away from your room. From lifeguards and surfers to beautiful beach bunnies, they all gathered around the wood bar that was rumored to be the longest in all of Cape May. Now it’s your turn to join in the fun for breakfast, lunch, dinner or its famed happy hour. Kids’ meals are served on a souvenir Beach Shack Frisbee, giving you a fun after-dinner activity. Indoor spaces spill into outdoor seating, sand bar, fire pit and shuffleboard. Young, old and even four-legged friends are invited in from the beach for live entertainment and Rusty Nail’s beach blanket comfort food that can also be wrapped to go. We're thrilled to be Zagat's 10 Hottest Restaurants on the Jersey Shore!

Regular visitors to Cape May are used to being spoiled with the freshest seafood. Our 62-acre Beach Plum Farm, will spoil you with farm-fresh produce. The Ebbitt Room, Blue Pig Tavern and Rusty Nail are all served by the farm, which is less than 2 miles away from the restaurants. Right now, and the number is growing all the time, more than 100 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers are grown and harvested for the restaurant's kitchens. Three mornings a week, fruit and vegetables are hand-picked at the farm and delivered so our chefs can develop daily menu specials around them.

The Ebbitt Room is the proud Winner of the OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award. Rediscover our newly renovated and re-imagined restaurant located in the heart of historic Cape May, New Jersey. From the relaxing front porch, to the classically comfortable bar and lounge with live piano music on weekends, the Ebbitt Room is strongly rooted in a farm-to-table, farm-to-glass dining philosophy featuring the freshest ingredients from our very own Beach Plum Farm. Whether in the mood for cocktails and small plates, or a multi-course dinner, where you'll be delighted by a dining experience of artisanal cocktails and farm-fresh classic American regional cuisine. Our sophisticated, yet casual vibe, create the perfect setting for a new Cape May dining tradition. The Ebbitt Room offers a variety of vegetarian and gluten free dishes. As a farm-to-dining restaurant, we proudly feature free-range eggs and fresh herbs, vegetables and pork from our very own Beach Plum Farm located in Cape May. Menu is subject to change based on seasonal farm ingredients.

Sea Spa at Congress Hall is a haven of simple pleasures and healthy indulgence that is always cheerful, uplifting and inspiring. Our delightful yellow-striped cabana-style treatment rooms set the stage for a spa experience quite unlike any other, inspired by the healing properties of the ocean and the gentle rhythms of the seashore. Sea Spa proudly partners with Thalgo to harness the priceless health and wellness benefits of the ocean’s resources. For more than 40 years, Thalgo has developed a full line of spa treatments, beauty products and dietary supplements derived from seaweed, algae and other marine elements. Sea Spa offers an enticing selection of ocean-inspired facials and beauty treatments including  Thalgo’s three-step Ocean Memory Marine Ritual and dual organic-certified Terre & Mer facial. Sea Spa also offers an array of beauty services including manicures, pedicures and waxing.

Whether a guest of Congress Hall, a neighboring hotel or a Cape May native, all are welcome for breakfast, lunch or dinner in the distinctive dining rooms of the Blue Pig Tavern. Tucked in the corner of Congress Hall that fronts on Congress Place and Perry Streets, its name derives from a gambling parlor sited in Congress Hall in the mid-1800s. Earlier still, in the 1700s, Elias Hughes operated a tavern for whalers on this site. It was the first tavern in Cape May. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, there is no better place to enjoy classic American comfort food. In the warmer months, dine on our wonderful, secluded patio. In the cooler months, cozy up to our magnificent dining room fireplace. Executive Chef Jeremy Einhorn has implemented a delicious farm-to-table menu featuring fresh produce, herbs and eggs from our very own Beach Plum Farm, located less than 2 miles from the restaurant!

COFFEE SHOP Tommy’s Folly Coffee Shop is filled with everything you need to keep you going all day along. Start your perfect Cape May day with a freshly brewed cup of La Colombe coffee. Not only will you find a great selection cappuccino, latte and espresso drinks but you’ll also be able to choose from an assortment of freshly baked breads, bagels, scones and breakfast paninis. For lunch, grab a wrap or sandwich, cold beverage and a sweet treat such as a cupcake or cookie. Best of all you can enjoy your breakfast or lunch on the veranda in a comfortable rocking chair or on the grand lawn, sitting in an Adirondack chair enjoying the ocean view. GENERAL STORE Our general store offers everyday essentials, reading materials, children’s toys and games, plus a large assortment of souvenirs, mementos and fun Cape Resorts merchandise. With the island’s best selection of books, magazines and newspapers, you’re sure to find something to help you pass the time as you relax on the beach or by the pool. You’ll also be able to find lots of vacation necessities like basic toiletries you may have forgotten at home, common over the counter medications and a full array of sunscreens for every skin-type or stage in the tanning “process.” BOUTIQUE If your holiday isn’t quite perfect without a touch of retail recreation, then make sure to put Tommy’s Folly Boutique on your Cape May “must-do” list. Located in the lobby of Congress Hall this stylish boutique is a fashion lover’s paradise and features sophisticated resort wear and accessories from both established designers and up-and-coming talent. HOME STORE The store has everything from luxurious linens to framed art, ornaments to candles. Need a unique hostess gift? You’re sure to find a lovely napkin set or a tasteful serving dish. There are gifts for every occasion, we can even suggest some wonderful and unique wedding presents. -

Down in the basement of Congress Hall you’ll find a late night music club that has a distinctly urban atmosphere that feels worlds away from the quaintness of Victorian Cape May. Built right into the foundation of the building, the original boiler pit for Congress Hall sits right next to the stage. The faceplate of that boiler is displayed on the back wall of the club. It’s a totally one-of-a-kind vibe with exposed brick walls, brushed steel bar and tables and an industrial aesthetic that that give it the feel of a big-city establishment. All this attracts a great mix of guests from all the Cape Resorts hotels as well as lots of Jersey shore locals. You’ll enjoy a lively crowd, great bands like The Dane Anthony Band and the Billy D. Light Trio and even better martinis and cosmopolitans. If you missed dinner, be sure to order from a fun menu of tavern favorites all served with some innovative twists. Chill by the bar and watch the action on one of the many TV monitors or get your groove on and take to Cape May’s most happening dance floor. There’s live entertainment Thursday through Sunday nights. Where but Cape May can you enjoy the cool vibe of an urban hotspot and on your walk back to your room, the gently lapping sound of the Atlantic Ocean.