Looking for a quick weekend getaway 2 (or so) hours from NYC. Ideas so far: Bear Mountain Inn and Breakers (Spring Lake, NJ). Activities: relaxing, maybe a beach, dinner -- really open to options but pressed for time. Thank you!

There's a great book available called "Weekends Away from NYC" that I suggest. It covers just about everything in a 3-hour radius of the city.

So many options . . . good luck!

Assuming you're going without the kids, then you might consider Greenport, NY. It's on the North Fork of Long Island and a good base to hit the wineries out that way. The Greenporter or Greenport Motel (can't remember the exact spelling) was recently renovated to be a bit more upscale with an on premesis spa and a nice pool area. There are beaches nearby and several good restaurants, including the one at the hotel.

You can take the ferries to Fischer and Shelter Island from very close by.

Spring Lake is a great idea, but not the Breakers. Instead, stay at the Hewitt Wellington.

New York magazine does an article every year on weekend getaways. Look on their website newyorkmetro.com

Other ideas
The Berkshires
Cape May, NJ
New Hope Pa (no beach)
Shelter Island