Cape May, New Jersey, the nation's oldest seashore resort, has been catering to vacationers since pre-Revolutionary days, although there were probably a lot fewer T-shirt shops at the time. There's evidence that even earlier tourists in the form of local Kechemeche Indians came there in summer "to hunt and fish." Later, the shady tree-lined streets and colorful homes of Cape May became the playground of presidents. Ulysses S. Grant, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Chester Arthur and Benjamin Harrison all sought refuge there from the humidity of D.C. summers. Those are not bad references!

I'm thinking about plastic surgery. Let's just say that after drinking the water at the celebrated Ponce de Leon Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, I didn't achieve the "as-advertised" (OK, truth be told, the "as-hoped-for") miraculous transformation to blushing, youthful skin. But, let me quickly add, that this Fountain of Youth is, without a doubt, the only thing that disappoints in picturesque, moss-draped St. Augustine. (And on the plus side, Ponce de Leon's park offers other activities—and also is home to a harem of sartorial peacocks, who entertain, as they strut and prance freely.)