Middle Township is a destination to discover as tourism reopens in NJ
Town boasts expanded recreation sites, abundant nature, wildlife attractions, dining and more
Middle Township is home to a wide array of attractions, from the Avalon Manor Fishing Pier to the Cape May County Park & Zoo.
Cape May Court House, N.J. — As New Jersey stayed home last year, Middle Township was hard at work becoming a better place to visit.
The Avalon Manor Fishing Pier was rebuilt. Railroad Avenue Park in Rio Grande added a dog park and pickleball courts as part of an extensive makeover. Restaurants and businesses continued to open.
Now, with many statewide COVID restrictions easing and tourism returning, Middle Township officials hope visitors will discover the town as a destination. A short drive from the Cape May and Wildwood beaches, the Township also can expand the itinerary of a Jersey Shore vacation.
In addition to recreational opportunities, Middle Township hosts year-round special events to make the area more welcoming for families. Officials recently enacted an ordinance to ban marijuana smoking in public places, citing a desire to maintain the Township’s family-friendly character.
Middle Township’s outdoor facilities complement a variety of county- and privately owned attractions within the Township, including the free-admission Cape May County Park & Zoo.
Here are places to visit on a trip to Middle:
TOWNSHIP FACILITIES
Middle Township Bike Path: The Township has built onto the bike path for years, and it now runs from the Lower Township bike path that leads from the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal connection point to Atlantic Cape Community College’s Court House campus. The path is set to be completed by the end of this year, with a connection to Dennis Township.
Avalon Manor Fishing Pier: The pier, which originally was part of a bridge connecting to Avalon, was reconstructed and reopened last year. A shade structure, benches and a fish-cleaning station create a comfortable work/leisure space for a day of fishing. End of Old Avalon Boulevard, Avalon Manor
Shellbay Avenue Pier: Expect wildlife sightings – especially of migratory birds — at this scenic park and pier, also known as the Carol Nicoletta Shellbay Fishing Pier. Picnic tables offer the perfect spot to take in the view. Visitors can crab and fish in the summertime, or launch a kayak off the ramp. End of Shellbay Avenue, Cape May Court House.
Railroad Avenue Park: The 2-acre space reopened earlier this year with a new name (it was formerly Rio Grande Park), and many new amenities, including a dog park, two playgrounds, eight pickleball courts, an upgraded basketball court and shaded picnic tables. The park is along a stretch of the bike path, and includes bike racks and a bike service station. 11 N. Railroad Ave., Rio Grande (off Route 47)
Goshen Sports Complex: Budding and established athletes will appreciate this facility, which is interchangeably called the Clarence and Georgiana Davies Sports Complex. It includes basketball courts, soccer fields, softball and baseball fields and playgrounds. 626 Goshen Road, Cape May Court House
Ockie Wisting Recreation Complex: At 82 acres, Ockie Wisting is the Township’s largest facility, with space for nearly every type of activity. Middle’s free summer concert series is held at the park’s amphitheater. The complex includes walking trails, a wildlife observation deck, boardwalk and fishing pier at the pond, picnic area and playground. There’s also a regulation-size disc golf course and soccer fields. 7 Fulling Mill Road, Rio Grande
Special events: Middle likes to celebrate, and plans events throughout the year. Free concerts are held Tuesday nights through July and August. There are fireworks on the Fourth of July, and parades for just about every major holiday.
For more information on Township facilities and events, go to middletownship.com
MORE PLACES TO VISIT
Main Street and much more: At less than a mile, the Cape May Court House shopping district isn’t long, but it stretches way back to the Victorian era. It’s also a perfect destination for shopping and dining. Additional shopping areas and restaurants are abundant throughout Middle Township, and more are on the way. Some businesses are listed at the Middle Township Chamber of Commerce and the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce websites.
Breweries and wineries: Wine aficionados and craft beer lovers will find plenty of stops in Middle Township. Jessie Creek Winery, Natali Vineyards and “boutique” G & W Winery host events; Jessie Creek also welcomes tourists to its historic farmhouse inn. Tasting rooms and more are on tap at Bucket Brigade Brewery, Coho Brewing Co. and 7 Mile Brewery.
Campgrounds: Plenty of open space and natural surroundings make Middle an ideal spot for camping. The Township has more than a dozen campgrounds, including some set up for RVs.
Bay beaches: Middle Township offers a different, quieter beach experience than some other Jersey Shore towns. Migrating shorebirds already are regulars – and their visits each spring to feed on horseshoe crab eggs are an ecotourism draw. Reed’s Beach, Pierce’s Point, Kimbles Beach, Cook’s Beach
Private marinas: When you visit a town on the water, make the most of it. Several recreational marinas in Middle offer boat rentals, boat sales, shops and services for boaters, and crabbing and fishing piers.
Golf courses: At 72 square miles, Middle Township has plenty of room for sprawling golf courses. Visitors have their pick of 18-hole courses, including Stone Harbor Golf Club, Avalon Golf Club and Wildwood Golf Course (despite being named for other towns, these courses are all within the confines of Middle Township).
Cape May County Park & Zoo: Bring the family – the zoo is free (donations are appreciated), and it will take a few hours to experience it all. The park portion of the grounds includes seating areas and disc golf. Private tours and “animal encounters” are available for a fee. The Tree-to-Tree Adventure Park, also based at the zoo, offers aerial activities including zip lines and Tarzan swings. Fees vary for Tree-to-Tree activities. 707 U.S. 9 North, Cape May Court House. capemaycountynj.gov/1008/Park-Zoo
The Wetlands Institute: Visitors are invited to explore the Salt Marsh Trail wetlands and learn about the native marine life, including turtles, fish, crabs, sea stars and urchins, mollusks and horseshoe crabs. The Institute plans festivals throughout the year and daily kid-friendly events including aquarium feeding times. 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd, Stone Harbor (mailing address; institute is physically in Middle Township) wetlandsinstitute.org
Cape May County Bird Observatory: Birding is a popular pastime at the Jersey Shore, which explains why the New Jersey Audubon Society set up shop in Cape May County. The Center for Research and Education in Cape May Court House has self-guided trails open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Center is closed to the public. The Society’s Northwood Center, in Cape May Point, hosts seasonal festivals around the migration of birds and butterflies. njaudubon.org/centers/cape-may-bird-observatory/
Cape May County National Wildlife Refuge: The refuge has four hiking trails and great wildlife viewing opportunities, especially in spring and fall. 24 Kimbles Beach Road, Cape May Court House. fws.gov/refuge/Cape_May/
The Museum of Cape May County: The buildings are part of the exhibit at this museum, which houses its treasures in a 1704 Colonial period home with an 1830 Federal period addition, a carriage shed and barn built in 1780. Artifacts date to the Revolutionary War and include pieces of the county’s maritime history. 504 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House. cmcmuseum.org/
