Inn at a Glance: The Barn at Historic Smithville

In one way or another, there’s been an inn in Smithville since the 1700s. What started as a single-room way station along a well-traveled stagecoach route has expanded to a historic community in the vein of Colonial Williamsburg—except this throwback hamlet features its own arcade and fleet of paddle-boats. Along the outskirts of the town, across the covered bridge and next to the old-fashioned steam train, sits the Barn, a rustically luxurious inn that’s a bit removed from the horse-drawn hubbub of downtown Smithville.

• Farmhouse comfort is the theme of the tchotchke-festooned rooms, which may have either indoor or outdoor entrances.
• Rustic hospitality: All guests are welcome to enjoy the inn’s complimentary continental breakfast and daily afternoon snack.
• Living history: Right on the brink of Lake Meone, a 5-minute walk from the Barn, is the Historic Smithville Inn—the original 1787 building, now converted into a gourmet restaurant.
• Old-fashioned fun: A classic steam train whistles “all aboard!” right across the parking lot from the Barn, and in town are vendors selling local honey, country decor, and soaps and bath products made in town.
• New-fangled excitement: The historic town isn’t overly devoted to era-appropriate activities—you’ll also find a punk rock store, a classic pizzeria, and designer lingerie among the shops.

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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