And we'll be there with our appetites.

Let's face it, there will never be a South Jersey Beach diet - unless you can lose weight on boardwalk fudge, fried shrimp and frozen margaritas. We know we're going to indulge, and figure we'll work it off with long walks on the beach or a few extra rides on the boogie board.

Time for breakfast

If you're on a tighter budget this summer (and who isn't?), breakfast out at the Shore also is a good value.

For a hearty breakfast served throughout the day, the Uncle Bill's Pancake House chain delivers a bargain. With eight locations from Ocean City to Cape May, you are never far from a meal for less than 10 bucks.

Uncle Bill's also is one of the few places where you can easily get seating for large groups, should you be doing that "Big Chill" weekend. Good lunch options as well.

A little more on the upscale side in Ventnor, you'll find Wraptures Beach Bistro, offering French toast even confirmed Franco-bashers could sink their teeth into.

Jen Miller, author of "The Jersey Shore, Atlantic City to Cape May: Great Destinations, a Complete Guide," says the doughnuts at Brown's Restaurant are the freshest around. Don't cry for me, Krispy Kreme.

Miller must have a practiced sweet tooth, because she's also discovered the home of the "Upcake," invented by Dixie Picnic in Ocean City.

Said Miller, "These delicious cupcakes are turned upside down, which makes more real estate for frosting. You get frosting on the sides, not just the top."

That's an idea I heartily endorse, because Dixie Picnic puts real butter and authentic flavorings in its Upcakes. And while you are there, get a box lunch to take to the beach. Dixie uses Smithfield ham and sells Boyland sodas. You gotta admire quality.

Something fishy

Crabby's in Belcoville (near Mays Landing) will get you down and dirty with a Monday-Thursday all-you-can-eat special. Quench your thirst with one of seven beers on tap or more than two dozen bottles to choose from.

And owner Lynn Albanese took the sustainability issue early on: She won't buy females, so that the crabs have a chance to repopulate.

Another place getting high marks for eco-consciousness is Quahogs Seafood Shack, new this year in the former Tridi Jo's location in Stone Harbor.

Chef/owner Lucas Manteca recently hosted a "Trash Fish" dinner to benefit the Wetlands Institute and to raise awareness of overfishing. Trash fish are generally discarded by commercial fishermen because there is no market for them.

The Shack is off to a promising start.

Casual waterfront dining can be had at the Inlet in Somers Point. It's part of the partnership that also owns the Moshulu at Penn's Landing. Check out the live music venue at the Inlet, too.

Of course, this year we're pinching pennies, but it isn't a vacation without a splurge night. Cape May is the Shore's fine-dining mecca, with a host of options.

Look to the Ebbitt Room for the splurge of splurges. Known for its take on American cuisine, the menu offers rich flavor combinations. The wine list has some gems, too.

Treat yourself to one of the Gaja selections. Arguably the definitive winemaker of the Piedmont region, Angelo Gaja compares his nebbiolo grape to actor Marcello Mastroianni - dark, sexy and mysterious.

If your wallet won't stretch that far, there's nothing shabby about the small plates served in the Ebbitt's lounge. Then, for the main course, head over to the beach and Hot Dog Tommy's gourmet dogs, served with a little stand-up comedy. (Seriously, check out www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUxIxh94U14.)

Cape May also has a few BYOB restaurants, if that's your pleasure.

Make reservations for the porch at La Verandah at the Hotel Alcott, a perfect setting for long sipping. And 410 Bank Street offers New Orleans, French and Caribbean cuisine, so plan your pairing accordingly.

If you insist, there are healthy options at the shore. A popular one is Green Cuisine in Stone Harbor, which will whip you up a smoothie or make you a wrap with actual vegetables in it. Imagine that.

And, of course, everyone will be taking a box of salt water taffy back to the office, an edible announcement that you've been on vacay. Better yet is a stop at Jagielky's candy stores in Ventnor or Margate. Longtime devotees of Philadelphia's sadly missed Young's Candy Store will revel in the nut barks and double-dip mints.

Finally, after all this eating, a food exhibit is in order. Head inland to the Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage in Woodbine, which is hosting the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit, "Key Ingredients: America by Food," from July 19-Aug. 31. *

Lari Robling reviews restaurants for the Daily News.