Where to Stay, Where to Eat: Spring Lake, New Jersey - by Heather Takacs. This summer, forget the Hamptons and leave Atlantic City behind. Visit Spring Lake, New Jersey and enjoy this sophisticated beach town. Yesterday I introduced you this picturesque town on the Jersey Coast and today I share my short list of favorite accommodations and restaurants.

Where to Stay: Spring Lake has unique accommodations to meet the needs of every visitor. From a beach house to a quaint bed and breakfast to an inn, here are a few of my favorite places to stay.

The Grand Victorian at Spring Lake General Manager Steven Hyatt makes guests feel welcome and tends to every need without being overbearing. As an invited guest of The Grand Victorian, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay. Located on the beach, you simply can’t beat the location. Enjoy the laid-back beach vibe that radiates though the house. Enjoy the ocean view while relaxing on the giant wrap-around porch or take a complimentary beach pass and enjoy your day on the beach. www.GrandVictorianSpringLake.com

The Ocean House More of an inn than a bed and breakfast, Ocean House has 30 rooms but owners and innkeepers, Dennis and Nancy Kaloostian, still make everybody feel like family. Five types of accommodations will fit the needs of every traveler. www.TheOceanHouse.net

Victoria House Owners and innkeepers Lynne and Alan Kaplan have restored and maintained this historic 1882 house. Victoria House is a traditional bed and breakfast with modern-day amenities. The beautiful backyard boasts a gazebo and a koi pond, perfect for long, relaxing afternoons. Lynne, a trained chef, will delight you with the breakfasts she cooks, often using the fresh herbs from her garden. Ask for the Berry Brule, it’s amazing! www.VictoriaHouse.net

Where to Eat: Breakfast at your inn, picnic lunch on the beach, and dinner at one of the fine restaurants in the town makes for culinary delights. Here is a sampling of the cuisine found in Spring Lake.

Tom Bailey’s Market Head to the back of this market for a great selection of lunch meats, cheeses, and a selection of hot deli entrees. Or have them make you a sandwich, perfect for enjoying on the beach. www.tombaileysmarket.com

Vivere Restaurant Located at the Grand Victorian at Spring Lake Inn, Chef Claudette Herring specializes in Northern Italian fare never disappoints. Enjoy dinner in the dining room or on the covered porch with a view of the ocean.

St. Stephen’s Green Publick House Paying homage to the “Irish Riviera,” St. Stephen’s offers Irish pub fare like Shepard’s Pie and Potato Leek Soup. Live traditional Irish music every Tuesday night and Irish rock band every Saturday at 9:30pm. www.StStephensGreenPub.com

Getting There: Spring Lake is easily accessible on the New Jersey Coast Line of NJ Transit. Trains leave almost hourly Penn Station-New York. Most trains require a quick, easy transfer in Long Branch. The trip lasts just over 2 hours and costs $12.50 one-way.

Getting Around: Spring Lake can be easily navigated on foot. The train station is five blocks from the beach and most accommodations are walking distance to sights and restaurants.
Check out yesterday’s post, an introduction to Spring Lake and a short list of how to best enjoy this idyllic town.

Photo credit: personal collection