Play and Stay in New Jersey

Ready for some fun in the sun? The storms are over and tourists and townies alike used the off-season to rebuild. Called “A State of Resilience,” New Jersey has bounced back better than ever. iLoveInns.com found a plethora of ways to play in the Garden State, and 20 bed and breakfasts that are ready to stay in.

 
Some of the many ways to play
 
At the beach: surf, swim, beachcomb, enjoy boardwalk and pier attractions, build sand castles, fly a kite, tour 11 lighthouses, go boating, clamming, crabbing, freshwater angling or deep-sea fishing.
 
And elsewhere: visit galleries, museums, historical parks and science centers, enjoy hot-air balloon rides, shop, explore state and national parks, hike or bike forest and recreation areas, visit zoos, discover locations where many movies were filmed, and attend live theatre. 
 
Twenty places to stay
 
These 20 New Jersey inns are ready to welcome guests. Don’t miss the specials created just for you.
 
600 Main - Toms River 
Ask about special packages and themed events at this delightful bed and breakfast near downtown and the Jersey Shore. The onsite Victorian Tea Room hosts formal tea parties by reservation Wednesday–Saturday. The cost is $25 per person and includes a full tea service and finger foods.
 
Magnolia House - Beach Haven 
Owner Cheryl Curinga, and board member of Preferred Inns of New Jersey says, “We are NJ Strong!  Long Beach Island is open for business…restaurants, accommodations, attractions, and the beaches are ready and waiting for tourists to come visit.” Call to request the Grand Re-Opening Special: $90 off any three or more-night stay and the inn will also make a $10 donation to the Surflight Theatre. Good April-June 30 and September 2 till close of season.
 
Williams Cottage Inn - Beach Haven  
Situated on the south end of Long Beach, this gorgeous Victorian inn provides complimentary beach passes as well as use of towels, chairs, umbrellas, bikes and tennis rackets. Ask about seasonal specials and reserve now as summer books up fast.
 
Celebrating its 120th year of award-winning hospitality, owner Sondra Beninati opened early this year with a new spring schedule and Casual Friday menu that offered more informal fare amid the elegant candlelight and fireside ambiance. Don’t miss this season’s live performance at Surflight Theatre, just around the corner.
 
Between the Atlantic seaboard and Little Egg Harbor, this relaxing retreat features a heated in-ground swimming pool and garden-level handicap accessible rooms. Beach chairs, towels and badges are provided to enjoy the Jersey Shore. Bikes are also available.

 
The midweek special has been extended with most dates included. Take $25 off of your second night and third night; or fourth night is half off; or fifth night is free. Weddings and reunions are popular in the large garden. A family and pet-friendly cottage with Jacuzzi, fireplace, kitchenette and dining area sleeps four.  
 
A few blocks from the beach and boardwalk make sunrise and sunset walks popular activities. Cape May is only 10 miles away. A Jacuzzi and hammock invite relaxation. Bikes are available to explore the area.

 
Candlelight Inn - North Wildwood
Three blocks from the great local beach, boardwalk, and famous Moreys Piers attractions, this inn offers several discounts. Stay 4 nights and the 4th night is 50% off. Stay 7 nights and the 7th night is free. Active military duty receives a 15% discount; retired military gets a 10% discount.
 
The Tower Cottage - Pt. Pleasant Beach
This luxury bed and breakfast offers a Spring Special until May 23, 2013: a 15% (off-season rate) discount for a one-night stay, and a 20% (off-season rate) for a two-night stay. The Pre-summer Special features a l0% (summer rate) discount for a one-night mid-week stay and a 15% discount (summer rate) for any 2-night stay from May 27-June 30, 2013. These specials cannot be combined with any other offer.
 
Twin Gables - Cape May
This B&B has operated continuously since the 1960s, and celebrated its 18th anniversary on March 2. Renovations were recently made to upgrade into the 21st century while retaining the historic 1869 ambiance. A full breakfast and an afternoon teatime with an assortment of refreshments are included in the accommodations.
 
Walk to the award-winning beach or local restaurants from this Avalon inn. The buffet breakfast is a special treat with three summer seatings and a variety of foods to accommodate every diet.
 
Inn at Rivers Edge Marina - Forked River 
Open year-round on the tranquil north branch of the Forked River, guests can arrive at the marina by car or boat. The waterfront community offers boating, fishing, kayaking, and bicycling. It is a short ride to Seaside Heights, Long Beach Island and many other area attractions. 
 
Minerva’s by the Sea - Barnegat Light
Located at the uncrowded and unspoiled tip of Long Beach Island, enjoy clean expansive beaches, unique shops and restaurants, and the allure of one of America’s last few working fishing villages. Discover the creative, romantic and family-friendly setting of this B&B. “Like" Minerva's on facebook before you arrive, and get $10 off your next stay.
 
Walk to the beach and boardwalk. Bikes are available and beach tags are provided. Rinse off in the outdoor hot and cold shower with a dressing room. Open year-round, sit on the wraparound porch; relax in the fireside living room or in the rec room that boasts a spa, exercise equipment and game tables. 

 
Only eight miles from Atlantic City on the Jersey Shore, complimentary beach tags are provided. Enjoy the ocean breeze while sitting on a porch, private balcony, or backyard patio surrounded by gardens. Indulge in an extensive continental breakfast each morning. Ask about specials and packages offered.

 
Butterfly Breeze - Ocean City
Open daily from May through October, midweek specials are offered. Murder Mystery Weekends are held from November through April. The B&B is located just three blocks from the beach and boardwalk and 2 blocks from downtown shopping. Cape May and Atlantic City are also nearby.
 
The Majestic Hotel - Ocean Grove
Reservations are being made for the coming season at this grand hotel on the Jersey Shore. Feel the ocean breeze from the spacious front porch, rock on the second-floor balcony and enjoy the panoramic view from the sun-filled widow’s walk. A variety of special packages may be available.
 
Bayberry Inn B&B - Cape May
Leave your car in the free onsite parking and walk everywhere from this central location, just two blocks from the beach. This award-winning inn is open all year and beach amenities are thoughtfully provided as well as breakfast, afternoon tea and modern technology amid a period setting.
 
The Red Cottage - Cape May
Indulge in a classic Cape May vacation at this Queen Anne Victorian in the historic district just a half-block from the beach. Food service, luxury amenities and beach gear enhance every hassle-free stay and entice you to come back soon.
 
Not a beach lover? Then discover the Skylands region. This gorgeous villa with spacious suites and upscale amenities is secluded on almost six acres surrounded by gardens and woodlands, creek and lake. Start each day with a hearty breakfast in the dining room before exploring the local area and attractions from museums and historic cultural sites to antique stores and shopping. Hot-air ballooning is popular and other outdoor activities are plentiful amid the scenic hills, forests and waterways.
 
New Jersey is a popular destination state, with something interesting and entertaining for everyone. Make your plans now for upcoming vacation getaways.
 
--Shirley Anitra Swagerty