Can't afford a real "getaway" for Columbus Day, but we need to get away anyway!! Thinking of driving a couple of hours to NJ shore to stare at the ocean---but we don't want to be totally isolated. We were thinking LBI (being very familiar with it). I don't imagine there is NO ONE on LBI, in fact...it may be fun being sans summer visitors.

...but other suggestions of areas where it isn't totally deserted are welcome! I guess a few open restaurants and maybe a bar or two???

Thank you!

Sarah: I would say head to Cape May. There will be plenty of things to do- lots of cool restaurants and bars. (Check out the "Ugly Mug.") And you should get a good deal on a B&B or hotel -- check out Cape May Chamber of Commerce on the web. Enjoy!

Ditto Cape May. Try capemay.com web site. Numerous B&B's and it is finally off season by then. Maybe you will get a decent special for the weekend. Get busy on it they book fast. No time to waste.

Thanks---I'll check it out!! I always considered Cape May to be more of a "wander around and look at all the pretty Victorians I can't afford" kind of town, but it sounds like I was mistaken....

BTW...this is myself and my best friend, so I'm really looking for hotels, not B&B...but I appreciate the great suggestions!

cheers

Sarah, you will love Cape May. If you want hotels rather than a b&b, try the Chalfonte or Congress Hall. Or for a beachfront place with a pool, check out La Mer. Have a great time! I just returned from a mini-vacation there and loved loved loved it.

Try the Inn at Cape May. They have some packages that include full breakfasts and $$ to spend at their restaurant.

Sarah there are plenty of hotels, historic hotels, etc. You are not limited to b&b's in Cape May. Some come with breakfast, some do not. It is all a question of what you would like. There is also, Ocean City to think about. LBI your original thought is also a great idea.

My family has a house in Stone Harbor which they rent all summer and generally Columbus Day is the first time we get to use the place after the summer rentals have gone. It's a beautiful time of year there! You might want to check out some of the local realtors (Century 21, Diller&Fisher) to see if they might have any rentals still available for the holiday weekend...you might be able to get one as cheaply as a hotel room with the advantage of a full kitchen etc...
BTW I have a wedding to attend that weekend this year so I won't be able to go...I'm very jealous!

Ocean City is a dry town so no bars! Just FYI