Out & About with Linda
Last month I traveled with friends, Karen and Jack, to Jessie Creek Winery in Cape May Court House, New Jersey. Allen and I visited the Winery almost 10 years ago when local physician, Dr. Bruce Morrison took ownership.
Since then, he and his passion have turned Jessie Creek into a winning combination of calm and excitement in the heart of Cape May. I was overwhelmed (and proud) of the transformation from what was almost primitive then to what is now a proverbial showcase.
Back then our visit included a tour of a cavernous room holding huge barrels of “fermenting wine.” There was a simple counter at the entrance where we could sample (a tasting) a wine or two. And the quick tour of the historic inn was highlighted by some bedrooms and kitchen. This place has come a LONG way since that first visit. It has become a must-go destination for afternoon dates, weddings, celebrations of all sorts and more.
If you research Jessie Creek Winery, you’re told it produces small batch wines, houses a retail shop, gourmet market, is an Airbnb, hosts monthly art shows and has live entertainment almost every weekend. It’s also an award-winning winery having been recently recognized by Arts & Leisure as one of the 15 Best Wineries in New Jersey. Not too shabby for a self-taught vintner!!
My friends and I toured what is the main building… housing an extensive art exhibit, the retail and gourmet shop, and an adjacent room where wineophiles can taste the different wines produced, enjoy some charcuterie and conversation. Along with his wife, Toni, Bruce has created wonderful space for good food, good wine and camaraderie. It’s really special. P.S. Toni is the magic behind the retail shop and gourmet market. And her finger is definitely involved in creating an environment of casual chic in both gathering/sitting rooms.
When you go to “taste,” you really TASTE. You order a Spiral which includes five (5) different wines. These are orchestrated tasting options. You can taste reds, whites, off-dry and more. You can even get your Spiral with chocolates that have been matched with your selected wines. Not only delicious, and fun, the Spiral really provided an unmatched experience.
My buddies are much more knowledgeable about wines so it was interesting to get their input vis a vis preferences, flavors, and when you would drink these wines. I just know what I liked, and that was a wine I had never tasted. It was the “Golden Port.” I commented that it tasted like an after-dinner drink… more like a cognac and less like a wine. Karen checked to see if my tastebuds were correct… and YES! At that moment I felt like a real wine maven! LOL!!
We were able to taste each other wines as we each got different Spirals with different wine options. Jack was driving, so Karen and I could sip away! We purchased a charcuterie board including cheese, salami, chocolate covered cherries, olives and crackers. Jack kept reminding us how the chocolate covered cherries made certain wines taste even more so! (Hey, I can be a good student eating chocolate and wine!!) So much fun! And so relaxing. P.S. Jessie Creek also serves a killer wine slushie. SO GOOD!!
As the afternoon progressed, tables filled up with a few larger groups. One included children who were extremely well behaved in this adult place. If you do come with youngsters, the Cape May Zoo is very nearby and is a wonderful option for kids. Depending on your little ones, I think a visit to Jessie Creek could be a day out for the whole family.
As we enjoyed our afternoon imbibing (!), a group of young ladies walked by, staying at the Inn for a bridal shower. And we saw the evening entertainment setting up later that afternoon.
This is a hopping place!!! I could say more. But the best thing I can say is take a ride and see for yourself. Don’t just see for yourself, enjoy for yourself. I am certain Jessie Creek Winery is just as wonderful when the summer sun transitions. It offers its visitors a respite from the day-to-day humdrum. You’ll leave feeling refreshed and looking forward to your next visit. And make sure you tell Bruce and Toni Morrison I said hi!!
Closer to home, there’s another neat neighborhood haunt: Artifact Brewery. Located on a bustling York Road corner in Hatboro, this watering hole is pet friendly, kid/family friendly and above all, community friendly. Their website says the brewery is used “as a space to provide a relaxed environment where neighbors can gather to socialize and enjoy a shared community. And an ever-changing selection of beer styles and flavors is offered.” Artifact is all this and more!
I can’t tell you how often I drive by this Hatboro-corner and smile at the crowd of patrons hanging out together, lounging around the parking lot as though they’re stretched out on the beach. All that’s missing is the sand!!! Recently, after some cajoling, I finally went to see for myself with my friend Terry. We were not disappointed. Just grab a seat and you get a first hand look at what’s become one of the hottest spots in the area.
The best part is that it’s truly open to the neighborhood. Single, married, partnered…. with or without kids, Artifact is a night out for anyone who is looking for a fun and entertaining night out. Opening early evening, you‘ll find some strollers in the crowd and by 9pm or earlier you find the strollers leaving and an adult date night takes place.
Inside seating is available after you step up to the bar and order one of the special beers produced by owners Ryan McKinney and Matt Brzowski. You can also get other alcoholic drinks… but why would you when you can get an original brew from Artifact?! They’ll even give you a tasting should you be undecided of your choice. That worked for me. I wanted one thing, but ended up with another brew after a tasting…
And should you be hungry, I mean REALLY hungry, there are food trucks that park on the lot through the night. I spoke to some people who told me they come at times if only to avoid cooking after a Friday work day!! The evening I was there, Eat This! Jawn was the food truck and WOW!!! I can see why people would just run over to pick up a meal.
If one checks out the current dining landscape, you’ve probably observed a proliferation of Food Trucks. Why? They’re FUN!!! And Eat This! Jawn is no exception. This is REAL Philly food: delicious cheesesteaks, smashed burgers, fries… Terry and I were in seventh heaven. Made to order on an Amoroso bun, it’s clear this food truck is a work of love. I spent some time talking to Lou, the mastermind behind Eat This! Jawn, and he shared his passion for food and people. Having grown up in Trevose/Feastervile, working a family pizzeria with his dad, Lou, and Mom, Ronnie…. he left the corporate world and found his niche in the growing food truck industry.
Busy year round, you can find Lou and his truck in a lot of different area venues. Go to his website www.eatthisjawn.com and get a full calendar of where he can be found…. AND YES, it’s worth finding him if you want a terrific burger or cheesesteak! P.S. Go to the Artifact website and find a calendar of entertainment and Food Truck schedule.
Artifact Brewery is a fun place. It has definitely accomplished what it set out to do— bringing people together to socialize and share community. Check it out. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Artifact Brewery
2 South York Road
Hatboro, PA 19040
Jessie Creek Winery
1 Route 47 North
Cape May Court House, New Jersey 08210
