Question: We love to take romantic walks on the beach. Can you suggest a place that's not too far from New York City?

Answer: About 60 miles south of the city is the charming beachside town of Spring Lake. Two miles of uncluttered beach and non-commercial boardwalk, beautifully restored Victorian summer cottages, a charming main street of shops and galleries, and three sparkling, spring-fed lakes, create an exceptionally inviting atmosphere devoid of seaside honky-tonk. Most of its B&Bs are on quiet residential streets (not busy through roads), an additional plus. Spring Lake, and the neighboring towns of Avon, Belmar, Sea Girt, and Ocean Grove have lots of appealing B&Bs; most require 2-night minimum stays on weekends and in season.

Restaurant reservations are essential on weekends. Most restaurants do not sell alcohol, so select a bottle of wine in advance at the Bottle Shop on Third Avenue. We were impressed with the innovative cuisine at Whispers, in the Hewitt Wellington Hotel; The Old Mill Inn is also a long-time favorite.

A Victorian seaside cottage, the Atlantic View Inn is located on a quiet residential street. Owners Pete and Nita Rose have combined traditional charm and modern amenities to give their guests the best of both worlds. For a special occasion, book their Avon by the Sea room, with a lovely yellow and blue color scheme, comfortable queen-size bed with featherbed, fireplace, bathroom with double whirlpool tub and separate stall shower, and a private balcony with a water view. Third-floor guest rooms are more modest, but no less charming. A favorite is the Newport, with cool, crisp blue and white decor.

One block from the ocean, Beacon House is comprised of two spacious guest houses, framed by wraparound porches, lined with wicker chairs and rockers. While not large, guest rooms are crisp, fresh, and comfortable, with appealing colors and quilts. Hands-on innkeeper Candy Kadimik works hard to create an appealing getaway for her guests. Be sure to ask about special lighthouse weekends.

Hollycroft Secluded among holly trees, Hollycroft's rustic log and stone architecture give it the feel of an Adirondack lodge. If you want to splurge, book the Lord of the Manor suite, an enormous log-beamed room with a huge rock fireplace, private lake-view porch, and a spacious bathroom with a double soaking tub. A great value is the Ambleside Room, with a double canopy bed, a porch with a swing, and a private bath across the hall. Wonderful buffet breakfasts served until 10:30 am on weekends, so you can sleep in.

Victoria House B&B is an elegantly restored Queen Anne house built in 1882. Favorite guest rooms include the Rose Rendezvous on the third floor, with king-sized bed and delightful sitting area and gas-log fireplace in the turret, and the Delft Room, done in pristine blue and white.

The White Lilac Inn is decorated in country Victorian style. The Room at the Top has a private porch with a great view of Wreck Pond. Extras include a full breakfast, round-the-clock hot and cold drinks, plus delicious home-baked chocolate chip cookies.

Spring Lake inns.
Belmar inns.
Avon inns.
Ocean Grove.
More beach town inns.