If you love going to the beach, and having some solitude, Long Beach Island is a great place to retreat to in the off season months, Sept.-June. The streets are less crowded, and the beaches are your own. In Sept./Oct. most stores are still open, and running some great sales and showing off there holiday wares with the nautical, beachy theme. The nightlife lives on during the weekends, restaurants are serving great meals with no waits, and many baby boomers seem to be returning to their home towns on LBI, for some R&R. The ocean temp (mid 70's) and air (mid 70-80's) are very comfortable and perfect to finish out the summer with great friends, and activities. I found a great place to rent with a group on LBI, that holds retreats, reunions, and sleeps 8 or up to 16. The house and location are great for all ages, and it was a great home to relax in. We have had our extended family ages 4-93 enjoy this location.

Beach House Retreats, 113 East 85th St., Beach Haven Crest, NJ, 609-607-9938, contact Mary Ann.