This month my husband and I spent time visiting friends and family in Ocean City, New Jersey. We spent one overnight with friends during Fourth of July weekend and made a day trip last weekend for a family engagement party.

During our first visit, the forecast called for pop-up showers, so instead of heading to the beach, we decided to visit some nearby wineries and breweries. We decided to make our way towards Cape May, New Jersey. On our way, we stopped at Ludlam Island Brewery. It was the first visit for all four of us. Located in an industrial park, the unassuming brewery had a short yet diverse tap list. We opted to grab a high-top table in the open-air section of the brewery and enjoyed our drinks along with the nice weather. Up next, we stopped at Cape May Brewing Co. The space was much larger — and more crowded — than our first stop. Seating was limited, but we found a spot in the tented area. We started to get hungry, so we made our way further south to Beach Plum Farm. My husband and I have been to the charming farm and market before, but it was the first visit for our friends. Unfortunately, the kitchen closed early. Instead, we grabbed some crackers and pretzels from the market to enjoy along with the beautiful scenery.

We made our way back to Ocean City for a cook-out at my husband’s family’s home. We devoured barbecue pork, chicken and classic cook-out sides. Before heading back to our friends’ house, we decided to end the meal on a sweet note with a scoop of ice cream at A La Mode Ice Cream Parlor. The popular spot had a line spilling out the door, but the staff kept things moving, and we were enjoying our treats in no time.

On our second Ocean City visit last weekend, we spent the afternoon toasting my husband’s cousin and his new fiancée ahead of their nuptials next July. It was a beautiful day, and we enjoyed plenty of family time in the nice, sunny weather.

I hope to make another trip to Ocean City or another New Jersey shore town before the summer is over!

— Katie Skrzek, vice president/digital director