Hotel at a Glance: Jonathan Pitney House

Built in 1799 by Atlantic City founder Dr. Jonathan Pitney, Jonathan Pitney House is a time capsule from the resort city’s original heyday in the mid-1800s. The original residence and its eight rooms—including the rooms of Jonathan and his wife, Caroline—are meticulously restored and appointed with period-appropriate furnishings, from elegantly carved wood vanities to intricately detailed wallpaper.

• Each room is completely unique, and is equipped with a gas fireplace and free internet access.
• Complimentary breakfast is served at bistro tables in the Victorian dining room every morning.
• The Atlantic City boardwalk’s shimmering lights and sea breezes are just a 15 minute drive away.
• Afternoon tea, served from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., pairs a wide range of teas and coffee with sweet snacks.

Atlantic City, New Jersey: Casinos and Carnival Rides Lining Historical Beachside Boardwalk

No trip to Atlantic City is complete without a stroll along its signature boardwalk, which stretches for 6 miles along New Jersey’s eastern coast. Originally built in 1870 to keep sand out of hotel lobbies, the boardwalk grew in popularity as a place where you could drink and gamble during Prohibition without much trouble from the police, as depicted in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. The boardwalk is still popular for its casinos, but it’s family-friendly, too; visitors are just as inclined to sit at the beach or stop at one of the many carnival rides.

On the boardwalk, it’s worth it to check out the Absecon Lighthouse, which is more than 150 years old. It’s possible to climb its 228 steps to the top, which features sweeping views of the city skyline and the sea. Down at the base, you’ll find a replica of the original light keeper’s lonely cloister and the collection of sock puppets he created to keep him company.

Proving further that Atlantic City isn’t all nightclubs, boardwalk, and casinos is Gardner’s Basin, a maritime village along the bay. Here, a community of artisans uses seashells and driftwood to hand-make items such as wind chimes and picture frames. However, the Basin’s biggest claim to fame is the 25,000-gallon Atlantic City Aquarium swimming with turtles and rays.

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