Auto Vacations Close to Home - but Worlds Away from the Every Day

Spring Lake, NJ is this incredibly charming, predominantly residential (that means private) beach community - you don't even need to bring a car at all - an incredibly easy ride on the New Jersey transit train (90 minutes from Manhattan's Penn Station) - you can even take your own bike. And then you don't even need a car once you get there. There are 13 inns and bed-and-breakfasts (many historic, all are charming) (732-859-1465, www.HistoricInnsofSpringLake.com; for destination information, visit www.springlake.org.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Spring Lake Inn, just a block off the beach and boardwalk, and a short bikeride or walk from Main Street. The Spring Lake Inn admires guests that travel on train, bus or bike to do their part in the 'greening of America'. To celebrate their implementation of solar energy throughout their 1888 'European Mansion by the Sea', owners Andy and Barbara Seaman are rewarding their energy-conscious guests when they take a 'RetroCation' with $1/per mile trip. From June 15 thru December 15, whether staying one night or a week, all accommodations will be credited with $1/ each mile for guests taking the train, bus or bicycling to the Inn. The Inn's European-style hospitality, history and contemporary amenities blend into an unpretentious yet elegant vacation - warm and inviting - yet offering privacy when guests need time and space to unwind. Built in 1888 as the Grand Central Stables of Spring Lake, it's a block to the ocean and private 2-mile boardwalk as well as a short stroll or bike ride to the pristine Lake. From healthy-choice breakfast served in the grand dining room to afternoon tea, the 80-foot Victorian porch is irresistibly alluring. (Spring Lake Inn, 109 Salem Street, Spring Lake, New Jersey 732-449-2010, www.SpringLakeInn.com).