<p>Spring Lake, NJ is very pretty. It’s right on the ocean. Their boardwalk got ripped up from Sandy, but I think they’re in pretty good shape now. It’s a great town for beaching, eating, shopping! And you can take the train there from NYC.</p>
<p>[Spring</a> Lake Hotels: Compare 19 Hotels in Spring Lake, with 1,541 Reviews | TripAdvisor](<a href=“http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g46841-Spring_Lake_New_Jersey-Hotels.html]Spring”>http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g46841-Spring_Lake_New_Jersey-Hotels.html)</p>
<p>If you are willing to forego beaches, and settle for scenery (and maybe a winery or two) instead, you could rendezvous with your daughter wherever you see fit, and then drive a bit to another part of NY state. [Finger</a> Lakes Regional Tourism Authority on Places to Stay, Where to Eat and Things to Do - Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance](<a href=“http://www.fingerlakes.org/]Finger”>http://www.fingerlakes.org/) will give you ideas, but there also should be nice options closer to NYC.</p>
<p>I was thinking about The DoubleTree or Sheraton in Norwalk, CT. They are very close to the train station. There is the aquarium in Norwalk, also offer boat rides on the Sound, Sheffield Island nature walk and lighthouse by ferry, sunset cruise, charming shops and great dining as well. You are a few minutes from Westport’s chic shopping, the Westport Playhouse, Sherwood Island, (for a walk, not sunbathing), and there is an Elizabeth Arden Spa in Darien. Westport farmers market on Thursdays.</p>
<p>Here’s my 2 cents. Try Naragansett in RI.
[Visit</a> Rhode Island :: Narragansett Town Beach - Narragansett, RI](<a href=“http://www.visitrhodeisland.com/what-to-do/beaches/826/narragansett-town-beach/]Visit”>Narragansett Town Beach | Narragansett, RI 02882)</p>
<p>The beach is lovely and clean. Little town area with shopping. Low key and 30 min from Providence if you want to go out to someplace a little fancier.</p>
<p>OP here…I am happy to report that I booked our weekend at the Shelter Harbor Inn in Rhode Island which I never would have found without the smart folks here. Plus, I have lots of great ideas for future trips. Thanks to all.</p>
<p>Have a wonderful time, it sounds lovely. I’ve also learned of some get a ways that I would like to plan.</p>
<p>I just looked at the inn’s website. It looks lovely! Rhode Island is a great destination and I might check into it myself for a weekend away also.
I spent last weekend at the Sagamore Hotel in Bolton Landing, Lake George and I can easily recommend this hotel as a lovely destination for anyone. It is sited beautifully, really comfortable rooms, lovely spa, cute town, great indoor/outdoor pools, lovely grounds and dining…I’ve already checked their rates for foliage season.
I also love Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz and Saratoga Springs is a great destination anytime of year. You can take Amtrak up to Saratoga if you don’t wamt to drive.
The Berkshires is a favorite destination whether going to Tanglewood in the summer or touring or skiing in the winter and The Porches Hotel in North Adams is great. We went with friends two years ago to tour Mass MOCA and revisit the Clark and it was very comfortable hotel and reasonably priced as well. Nice breakfast at the hotel and nice restaurants in town within easy walking distance.
Another very comfortable hotel and not far out of New York but entirely different sort of experience is The Thayer Hotel at West Point… very comfortable renovated hotel, very interesting place to visit.</p>