My Visit to Spring Lake
When I got tired of summers in the Hamptons about 20 years ago I opted to spend time at the Jersey shore. I had a friend who lived there, on the bay, with a swimming pool and a boat. The ocean was two blocks away and in a few minutes I could find basketball, tennis and baseball; just ten minutes further to a boardwalk with rides, food and games. Then my family bought a house in Bridgehampton, with a pool, so back to the Hamptons I went.
Several years ago I wrote a story about the Historic Inns of St. Augustine Florida. Much to my delight Leigh Cort, who had been my host there, was now handling the Historic Inns of Spring Lake and welcomed me for a mid-winter stay. I had one day and 11 inns to view so off I went. Luckily, the Town of Spring Lake is small and all the inns were within a few blocks of each other.
Getting off the Jersey Turnpike at Exit 7A I passed the Great Adventure Amusement Park which was closed for the season. What was not closed was the Jackson Outlets directly across from Great Adventure, resulting in a leather coat at 50% off; wine accessories at 50 to 75% off. My trunk filled I drove a half hour and I was at my inn The Beacon House, built in 1879 with lumber from the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibit of 1876. There were 10 rooms open all-year-round; an 8 room “summer house” (open May-October) and 2 adjacent cottages with an outdoor pool nestled between them. www.beaconhouseinn.com (732) 449-5835
The other 10 inns vary in size from 8 to 74 rooms. All serve freshly prepared breakfast; several have high tea in the mid-afternoon; many have Jacuzzi’s for two; one has an indoor swimming pool. The oldest was built in 1873, the newest in 1888. A few allow children and all are within walking distance of the beach. Information on all the inns: www.historicinnsofspringlake.com (732) 859-1465
Spring Lake, New Jersey, is about 70 miles from Philadelphia; 60 from New York City; 65 from Atlantic City and 2 ½ hours from Baltimore. There are two miles of private beach and the longest non-commercial boardwalk in New Jersey. At the turn of the 20th Century it was one of the renowned luxurious vacation retreats for the wealthy. It is named for the fountains of crystal clear water which emulate from a multitude of underground springs. It is surrounded by wide tree-lined streets, hidden paths and rock gardens peeking through the weeping willows along the shoreline. The town is delightfully out of date and time seems to have stood still. It is perfect for weddings, honeymoons, romantic getaways or family reunions. Cars can not park on the street after 9PM (The inns all have parking) and the bars must close at midnight. Most of the inns rent bicycles and in the center of town there are a few blocks of friendly small town shops and restaurants.
I am sure the summer season is a lot different with all the inns and restaurants fully booked but winter, spring and fall are ideal times to visit with lower prices and lots of room.
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