By Taylor Smith

Tucked away in West Cape May, Beach Plum Farm is a 62-acre working farm that produces over 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables, as well as chickens, eggs, and Berkshire hogs. Produce from Beach Plum Farms is used by a number of popular Cape May restaurants including Blue Pig Tavern, The Ebbitt Room, Louisa’s Cafe, the Boiler Room, and the Rusty Nail. The Farm is also home to a large market, farm kitchen, fine dining, and cottages. Visitors can easily spend an afternoon shopping, eating, and wandering the grounds, or even an entire weekend, to disconnect from the rushed pace of everyday life. Beach Plum also welcomes weddings and private events. 

The farm kitchen is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests can get their meal to go and sit outdoors at one of the many picnic tables. The on-site market sells handcrafted soaps, lotions, food items, herbs, linens, and more. A festive barbecue is served every Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. 

The grounds can be explored by foot or by bike. For self-guided tours, pick up a map from the barn and take the time to explore Southern New Jersey’s habitat at your own pace. An old-fashioned farm swing located in the back fields is sure to transport visitors back in time. Proper footwear is required for the Woodland Marsh Trail, a winding path that meanders through the preserved forests surrounding the farm. Children can grab a handful of feed and head to the coop to greet Beach Plum’s flock of free-range chickens. 

Unique Summer Suppers are offered at the peak of summer produce season, hand-harvested at the farm and via the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Beach Plum’s popular Summer Farm & Fin Dinner is available on Fridays from June 21 through August 30 at 6 p.m. The BYOB event is $98 per guest and includes a “four-course, flame-cooked, family-style meal that showcases the farm-to-table and dock-to-dish connection on Cape Island,” according to Beach Plum’s website, which also notes, “The tripod of the local economy has always been fishing, agriculture, and tourism, and historically, Cape May’s generous tables were what helped propel the island to fame as America’s oldest seaside resort.” The special dinner is best suited to children and adults ages 12 and up. For reservations to Summer Farm & Fin, call (609) 972-8070 or email BPFReservations@thebeachplumfarm.com. 

Beach Plum Farm is located at 140 Stevens Street in Cape May, N.J.

Learn more at https://beachplumfarmcapemay.com.