Cape May Smart Splurges

Built as a gentlemen’s gambling club in 1872, the beautiful, Italianate Mainstay Inn has been lovingly restored to the period. A broad veranda, complete with porch swings, begs travelers to indulge in a lazy afternoon. There are 12 rooms and an apartment, all with details like hand silk-screened wallpaper and original furniture. Reservations are tough to get – every travel guide of the area mentions the Mainstay – so if your heart is set, book at least two months in advance.

The outstanding, creatively-prepared seafood at the Ebbitt Room should not be missed. Try the...more

A selection of Americana, from antique men’s watches to toys from the ’30s to hand-colored photographs, line the shelves of this well-curated shop. Even if you’re just browsing, this is a delightful way to spend an hour.