Salem, NJ

In 1664, two Quakers quarreled over some land along the river in New Jersey. One of the Quakers, John Fenwick, decided to organize a colony on the land and set himself up as governor -- in defiance of an agreement brokered by William Penn to settle the dispute. Today, Salem's picturesque and historic downtown offers a glimpse into the city's long history with its brick-paved sidewalks, period lighting, and quaint buildings housing locally-owned shops and restaurants. The landmark Old Salem County Courthouse is the second-oldest courthouse in the country and the oldest in the state -- it was built in 1735.

As one of New Jersey's less-populated cities, residents of Salem enjoy a little extra elbow room -- elegant houses sit atop large lots, surrounded by mature trees, and open park space provides gathering places for the community. The Salem River flows along the northern edge of Salem, and the Delaware River is located directly west. Salem is about 14 miles southeast of Wilmington, Delaware, and Amtrak's Acela Express is available for those who prefer mass transit. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is about 40 miles northeast, and Manhattan is a two-hour drive or a one-hour train ride away.