I decided to go with Ruvo East. Though not on the water, it sounded really good.

Port Jefferson was a great choice, as was Danford's. Thanks, owlwoman. The town is cute and a slice of New England on Long Island. And everything about Danford's was great--from the furnishings and amenities to the pleasant staff. One of the staff members, Nicole, went out of her way to make our stay special, first by upgrading us to king rooms and then leaving a note and a free bottle of champagne in my parents' room for their 49th anniversary. Ruvo East was a great choice for dinner--it was good food and bustling. (Too much sausage with their orrechiette, though!). For breakfast we went to Toast on East Main, which had been recommended to us by the hostess at Ruvo East. It's a great little cafe that turns into a wine bar at night.

Sounds like a great trip. I was in Port Jeff the weekend before taking the ferry and thought of you. Glad it worked out.