WHERE TO STAY: “My husband Stephen and I were always natural hosts,” says Sondra Beninati. In 2005 they bought the Gables, an 1892 Victorian that once served as a rooming house for local lifeguards. Ideally located a block from the beach, the inn dresses up in summer with cascades of pink and white pansies framing its front porch. The Gables has five guest rooms, each with queen bed, luxury linens, period furnishings, working gas fireplace and jacuzzi tub. Year-round rates: $250-$400, with gourmet breakfast.
ROMANTIC EATS: For an elegant evening, don’t stray from the Gables. Eat in your choice of three candle-lit dining rooms, the private garden or the inviting front porch. Order à la carte or opt for the grazing menu, a multicourse experience priced at $69. The Gables is BYO but serves wines from Bellview Winery in Landisville. For a livelier night out, go for cocktails on the roof at Daddy-O (609-494-1300), then swing over to the Arlington (609-494-8848) for pub fare and craft beer in a rustic tavern setting.
WHAT TO DO: Rent a tandem cruiser from Surf Buggy Bike Shop (609-342-1458) and pedal to Surf City for the local art scene. Or ride all the way to Old Barney and the shops of Viking Village in Barnegat Light.