last minute July 4th weekend getaway from NYC/Northern NJ
 

My parents just told us they'd watch our kids July 4th weekend, so we are looking for a destination/places to stay for the holiday weekend. We are either leaving from NYC or from northern NJ so would prefer somewhere not too far (1-2 1/2 hours drive) and preferably $200 or less/night. A beach is not a necessity, just somewhere we can go get some much needed R&R, possibly a cute town nearby to walk around in. A spa either onsite or nearby would be a plus too, though not a necessity. thanks!

Spring Lake, NJ?
Atlantic City has some spa hotels now nowhere near the casinos.
http://www.chimneyhillinn.com/

Beach locations will be expensive over the holiday weekend, so maybe someplace inland like Saratoga Springs? Probably about 3 hours from NYC , a little less from NJ.
Cute town, good food places, natural springs, lakes within driving distance if it gets hot and you want to be by the water.

You might look at Lambertville, NJ-New Hope.Pa.
Litchfield County, CT
Cooperstown, NY

Belfast, Maine? We spent an afternoon there a few years ago and would love to go back. Or Portland, ME? I know it's farther but it's worth the drive for the lobster rolls.

thanks! any recommendations for places to stay in Spring Lake, Lambertville/New Hope or Litchfield County. Ideally someplace not too small, i.e. a few room B&B. We've been to all 3 before (though spring lake not overnight) but can't remember where we stayed!

Have you considered Shelter Island? Combines well with wineries on north fork of Long Island.

The nicest place to stay in Spring Lake is the Hewitt Wellington:

http://thehewittwellington.com/

I had posted this in the Winter! Might fit the bill for you if you are looking for a SPA!

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...urs-of-nyc.cfm

john

"any recommendations for places to stay in Spring Lake, Lambertville/New Hope or Litchfield County. "

Perhaps you didn't realize the link I gave you was for Lambertville. You've also been given a reco for Spring Lake.

I would highly reommend new hope/lambertville area if a beach is not a must. There are aweseome romantic restaurants. There is a great B&B the inn at philips mill. the food an ambiance is great. A old french country cottage. It is a BYOB nice place just to have dinner. You won't be bored and lamberville has fireworks every night. There is also a little theater, wineries to visit, and Peddlers village is not far away, many shops and great place for walking, browsing.

Spring Lake,NJ=The Breakers
Litchfield Cty, CT=Hopkins Inn (They also have a vineyard) or The Boulders
Google Lake Waramaug or New Preston CT
Homestead Inn=New MilfordCT

Sorry, The Breakers in Spring Lake should not be recommended. IMHO