5. The Mission Inn
The Mission Inn in Cape May, New Jersey, is a California Spanish mission-inspired bed-and-breakfast that earned third place on TripAdvisor’s 2017 Travelers’ Choice list of the Top 25 B&Bs and Inns in the United States. It was the property’s third time on the list, and first under its new owners. Laura Shaddock and Wendy Collins took the helm in November 2016 and have added their own twists to the beautiful eight-room inn’s offerings. There’s a gas fire pit for relaxing on the back patio year-round. An assortment of craft beers from local breweries were added to the complimentary house libations. Intimate concerts take place monthly as part of the Music at The Mission series. Guest rooms are mini-havens, featuring a fireplace, jetted tub (or spa shower), comfortable king-size bed, and unique painted wall murals and headboards. The San Buenaventura room’s walls depict the grounds of California’s original San Buenaventura Mission. Three-course gourmet breakfasts alternate each morning between savory and sweet dishes. Inn favorites include lemon-poached and honey-glazed pears, peppered Amish bacon and homemade chocolate-banana scones. Rates begin at $230 per night, breakfast included.
1117 New Jersey Ave., Cape May, New Jersey