If you ask my kids one of their favorite places to go in Cape May, they will tell you it’s not the beach, but Beach Plum Farm, a charming market and farm just outside historic Cape May. This 62-acre authentic working farm blends a relaxed atmosphere with a farm experience, making it an ideal place for an afternoon in any season. My kids love seeing the animals, exploring the property, and picking out fresh fruits and veggies from the market. And when we want to extend the farm experience, we check into one of the historic cottages and barns where you really get into the agro-spirit (think rooster crowing to wake you up in the morning) . Read on for what my family loves about Beach Plum Farm. (feature photo credit: NJ MOM)
Why My Kids Love To Visit Beach Plum Farm
Explore the property
After feeding, we take a walk and explore the property, discovering hidden corners and gardens. Our favorite spot is the Butterfly Garden, which features blooming flowers that attract colorful butterflies. It’s small, but it’s a place where you can spend time looking at each detail. For us, the magic of the farm is really in slowing down and just wandering with nowhere to be and nothing particular to do. In the summer, bring a hat and sunscreen since the fields are open and sunny.
Spend time with the animals
The first thing my kids always run to do is see the animals. Our whole family enjoys feeding the chickens and seeing the pigs, ducks, sheep, and goats that call Beach Plum Farm home. We’ve even come to recognize some that we try to see each visit. Feeding the chickens, though, is definitely a highlight. NJMOM tip: Be sure to bring your quarters for the feed, and hold your hand steady as 5-10 birds eat from it.
Shop at the market
We always end a visit at Beach Plum Farm at the two-story market where you can buy freshly harvested produce, eggs, meats, honey, and handmade goodies from local artisans. It’s a great spot to pick up a souvenir to remember your visit with, or grab ingredients for a farm-fresh meal. While we are there, we usually pick up a snack and coffee from the farm market and just hang out at a picnic table while the kids dig and play in the digging area, filled with shovels and toys.
Enjoy seasonal festivals
In any season, there are festivals and special events at Beach Plum Farm. We especially love the fall, when there are weekend festivals where you can go on a tractor ride through their beautiful property to pick pumpkins or flowers. Other seasonal times to visit are the holidays and spring, to see buds just starting to bloom.
Stay overnight on the farm
Want to make your trip a weekend adventure? You can stay on the farm in historic cottages and barns that have been converted to beautiful spaces that sleep six to eight guests. Each space includes a kitchen, living area, and porch overlooking the picturesque farm. And the best part? Each cottage comes stocked with farm-fresh breakfast food you can cook in your cottage. There’s nothing like waking up to the sounds of farm animals, sitting on the porch, and eating fresh eggs and fruits for breakfast, all overlooking the gorgeous scenery. Every stay includes activities at Beach Plum Farms or at Congress Hall (their sister resort), such as collecting eggs, kids’ crafts, a guided farm tour, or games. There is also the on-site pool service at the Orchard Pool or beach service in Cape May. Other amenities include complimentary bikes with each cottage. We love exploring the farm early in the morning when it’s quiet and peaceful, and the light over the fields is beautiful.
Eat a farm-to-table meal
If you can, book a farm dinner experience during your time at the farm; it’s one of the most unique dining experiences in New Jersey. The Farm Kitchen is located in a restored Amish barn and serves breakfast and lunch made with ingredients harvested directly from the farm. The menu changes depending on what is fresh in the fields, which makes for an exciting meal, and the laidback atmosphere is great for even the smallest members of your family.
FAQ’s About Beach Plum Farm
Is it free to visit the farm?
Yes, you can stop by the market and walk the grounds. If you want to feed the animals, there is a nominal fee.
How much does it cost to stay the night?
The price of rooms varies by season and whether you choose a barn or a cottage, but generally, a room at the barn starts at $471 per night for a weekend visit and $948 per night for a cottage.
How close to Cape May beaches is the farm?
The beaches of Cape May are about 1.5-2 miles from Beach Plum Farm and about 6 miles from downtown Cape May.
To learn more about Beach Plum Farm visit their website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Beach Plum Farm
140 Stevens Street
West Cape May, NJ 08204
Want the inside scoop? Sign up for the NJMOM bi-weekly newsletter to get the lowdown on everything for your family in NJ (think of it as the ultimate cheat sheet for NJ Moms). And don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured.
