Twenty-four Perfect Hours In Spring Lake, NJ
Summer Isn't the Only Season on the Jersey Shore
Oct 1, 2008
Spring Lake is not a cookie cutter seaside resort.
At the town center is Divine Park, naturally landscaped and anchored by a spring-fed lake that is home to ducks and Canadian geese as well as rabbits, chipmunks and squirrels. Strollers can cross the lake on one of two footbridges spanning the sparkling water.
Down by the boardwalk, visitors will not find vendors hawking tee-shirts or arcades filled with blinking and pinging videogames, nor will they inhale the scent of cotton candy and curly fries. For a two-mile stretch, there is nothing but pristine sand, white capped waves and a deep, gray-blue horizon stretching endlessly to meet a cloud flecked sky.
An ideal Spring Lake day begins with coffee and a leisurely morning beach stroll, no company other than seagulls (or perhaps a lone surf fisher).
Back at the Grand Victorian Hotel (1505 Ocean Avenue, 732-449-5327), a table waits, set with coffee and juice, fresh Danish, doughnuts, and bagels. General Manager Steven M. Ward will rustle up eggs for those with heartier appetites.
After breakfast, venture to Third Avenue, where specialty boutiques line the quiet commercial district.
Stop in first at Juli Mei Spa & Boutique (1303 Third Ave, 732.449.0021) to stock up on Jurlique, La Bella Donna, or Timeless Secret beauty products. While you're there, schedule an appointment for a Geisha facial ($120), a natural Japanese face lift technique.
For more body beautiful, drop into Linger (304 Morris Avenue, 732.449.4009 ), an upscale lingerie and accessories boutique where women can be custom fitted for brassieres up to size 44G.
Nearby, The Nest (1317 3rd Ave, 732.974.8900) offers beautiful, shiny things for the home, from chandeliers and delicate glass votives ($5) to mother of pearl salt and pepper shakers ($14) or a half dozen clay robin's eggs ($8). Owner Susan Wynne has a passion for gardening and seeking out lovely pieces, both vintage and new, that add elegance as well as whimsy to a home.
Trundle your packages back to the Grand Victorian in time for lunch at Vivere Ristorante. Tuscan-born Chef Claudette Herring prepares simple classics, changing the menu daily and using the freshest ingredients. Don't miss the pork tenderloin with mushrooms and goat cheese ($18) or the swordfish piccata with a white wine, tomato and caper sauce ($17).
If lunch doesn't send you running to find the nearest soft pillow, it's time to wander through Divine Park, soaking up the calm. Meander footpaths at water's edge, feed the ducks, find a bench to curl up with a book, or simply sit and do nothing.
Take the long way home, stopping into the beautifully ornate church of St. Catharine's, built by Martin Maloney to commemorate the death of his daughter who succumbed to tuberculosis in 1900 at the age of 17.
Can't tame the sweet tooth? Line up with the rest of the chocoholics outside Third Avenue Chocolate Shoppe (1118 Third Avenue,732.449.7535) for candymaker Matt Magyar's luscious handmade confections.
Cap the day with dinner and an amazing oceanview at The Breakers Resort (1507 Ocean Avenue, 732.449.7700), a landmark old-style ocean front hotel. Enjoy Italian specialties like lobster ravioli ($24) and tortellini Alfredo ($12) or Continental favorites like filet mignon au poivre ($38). The restaurant has an extensive wine list with a good selection of wines by the glass or bottle.
Follow dinner with a glass of Fonseca Porto (from $9) and a fabulous dessert (from $6). A memorable day deserves a memorable finish.
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