Taco Caballito Brings Bold Mexican Flavors to Cape May's Beachfront

Issue #308

April 05, 2025

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather 

🍽Taco Caballito Brings Bold Mexican Flavors to Cape May's Beachfront

‍ 👮‍ ‘Every Night Is Family Night’: Wildwood Ramps Up Summer Curfew Patrols

 🎡 Ocean City's Castaway Cove Braces for Crowds as Sole Boardwalk Amusement Park

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Daisy Lane Boutique

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 April 5

OUR NEW EVENT SUBMISSION FORM

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Where Creativity Meets Community: Inside Shop Local with Tiffany Hutchinson

Tucked above the escalator at 421 Washington Street in Cape May, Shop Local isn't your typical retail stop. It’s a curated collective of over 40 local artisans — a place where handmade mugs sit beside custom candles, original clothing lines, and one-of-a-kind jewelry. Each item tells a story, and owner Tiffany Hutchinson has made it her mission to give those stories a place to shine.

“What makes us different is everything here is made with love,” Hutchinson says. “You’re not going to find this stuff on Temu. These are people’s original ideas brought to life.”

The shop has an eclectic feel — part boutique, part gallery. It’s not just a collection of products but a showcase of homegrown creativity. Many of the artists featured here already have successful businesses elsewhere or sell through other local co-ops. But Shop Local maintains a strict standard: everything must be handmade. No mass-produced imports. Just authentic, hands-on craftsmanship.

That philosophy extends beyond sales. Hutchinson regularly organizes pop-up events, bringing in artists who aren’t yet part of the store to give them a platform — especially those just starting out and hesitant to dive fully into retail.

“I wanted to give people a shot — a way to test their business without taking on the full weight of a store,” she explains. “Some of these pop-up artists might just be here one day. Some might stay. It’s about creating opportunity.”

This spring, during local school breaks, several new artists will take part in pop-ups, offering visitors something fresh — and possibly exclusive — every time they stop by.

Hutchinson's dedication to the community doesn’t end there. Every year, Shop Local awards a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior pursuing the arts. It’s a personal mission to nurture the next generation of creators.

“It’s one more way we support the arts locally,” she says. “And our customers love that — they know their support goes further than just buying something.”

Though the store itself hasn’t participated in Cape May’s seasonal festivals yet, many of its artists do, and Hutchinson hopes to get Shop Local more involved soon. The challenge, she admits, is logistics. Running a retail space and coordinating event presence isn’t easy — especially when quality and authenticity are non-negotiable.

Despite the challenges, Shop Local has found its footing.

“The community response has been mostly positive. People keep coming back,” she says. “They like that we’re supporting locals. They like what they see.”

As for the occasional controversy — like politically themed products — Hutchinson takes it in stride.

“We’re fair. We carry items from both sides. But politics is politics — some people just don’t like seeing it at all,” she says. “That’s okay. We’re here to support our artists.”

Empty only in the early hours before the day’s foot traffic begins, Shop Local is far from quiet. It hums with the energy of makers, dreamers, and buyers who care about where their money goes.

Cape May may be known for its beaches and charm, but thanks to Shop Local, it’s also becoming a home for handmade hustle — and heart.


Have a Merchant You Want to see Featured?

Taco Caballito Brings Bold Mexican Flavors to Cape May's Beachfront

 

Taco Caballito Tequileria in Cape May is redefining the local dining scene with a menu focused on Mexican street food and an impressive selection of artisan tequilas. With dishes like Tijuana street fries and Mexico City-style guacamole, the Beach Avenue restaurant delivers bold flavors in a high-energy setting. As the Jersey Shore gears up for summer, Taco Caballito offers a flavorful detour from typical beach fare—and a taste of Mexico right in the heart of Cape May.

 

‘Every Night Is Family Night’: Wildwood Ramps Up Summer Curfew Patrols

 Wildwood, NJ is ramping up enforcement of its 10 p.m. boardwalk curfew for minors ahead of the 2025 summer season. A parent or guardian must accompany teens after that time, or their parents may face fines up to $1,000. Per Mayor Ernie Troiano "This isn’t a suggestion — it’s the law."Police will increase patrols and use AI-equipped cameras to monitor activity. The move comes after past summers saw disturbances, arrests, and even a state of emergency. Nearby towns have similar curfews, and additional rules banning alcohol, large bags, and pop-up parties remain in place to protect public safety.

Ocean City's Castaway Cove Braces for Crowds as Sole Boardwalk Amusement Park

 With Gillian’s Wonderland Pier now closed, Playland’s Castaway Cove is the only amusement park left on Ocean City’s boardwalk. Anticipating bigger crowds, the park is reconfiguring its layout and adding two new rides to maximize space. A new arcade, replacing one lost in a 2021 fire, is also set to open this month. Early visitors during spring weekends and the upcoming spring break will be the first to test out the new layout and flow of the park. All eyes are on how the reimagined Castaway Cove will handle being the last amusement park standing on Ocean City’s famous boardwalk. The park reopens April 12.

What event in 1878 significantly shaped the architectural style of Cape May, leading to its large collection of Victorian homes?

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Answer to the April 4th Trivia Question

Which of the following historic buildings in Cape May was designed by the architect who also contributed to the design of the United States Capitol?

A) The Windsor Hotel
B) Congress Hall
C) The Emlen Physick Estate
D) The Mount Vernon Hotel

Answer: D) The Mount Vernon Hotel

The Mount Vernon Hotel in Cape May was designed to be the largest hotel in the world but unfortunately burned down before its completion. The architect, Thomas U. Walter, also contributed to the design of the United States Capitol​.​

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