Lissa

My family and I (2 adults/2 and 4 year old) would like to travel for the month of July to a beach destination in the Northeast (we live in the South.)Because it is last minute I suspect our options are somewhat limited to less popular destinations but this is something of a forced vaction because we sold our house in cannot move into new house until end of July.
We would like to rent a house and try to experience a place. I am hoping someone can make a suggestion for us that might be either a little off the beaten path or simply ideal. We have thought about everything from Cape May, to the Hamptons to Martha's Vinyard and Nantuckett but would really be willing to try anything. Thank you.

sorry

I don't think you're going to have much luck finding a rental for 3 weeks this late in the season.

ariela

I reccomend Newport, RI. It's got plenty of beaches but also pelnty of tourist activities, good food, etc. It's probably as booked up as anywhere else at this point, but maybe you can look into a timeshare. The Hamptons are nice but extremely expensive and generally are quite upscale.

sn

The Vineyard is paradise and I think you could still find something reasonable. Try this agency--we've used them before and they only list well-kept properties in the best locations. Stay in Katama which is closest to the beach and Edgartown--the best town on the island. Good luck!

http://www.beachplumrealty.com/

maybe

Actually, rentals are down a little this year at the New Jersey and Delaware shores. I know of at least one person who has a 3-bdrm, ocean view condo and is still looking for renters, so you might be able to find something.

My recommendation: Look into Lewes Beach, Del.

Merilee

Lissa, the following is a list of realtors in Spring Lake, New Jersey who can help you find a rental - even now...Spring Lake is a beautiful beach community along the Jersey shore...turn of the century style...immaculate and peaceful...the lake is in the center of town and it's actually quite small and it has a lovely bridge to cross...the "main" street is actually Third Avenue and it has many nice shops and restaurants...the beach area is quite nice and there's also a boardwalk...you'll also be about 1 1/2 hours from New York City and Philadephia...try Johnson & Johnson Realty at (732)449-3200, Linda Brooks Realty (723)449-3335, Mary Holden (732)449-3113, Coffey Agency (732)449-2300, Edmonds (732)449-4600, John Clegg (732)449-5252, Diane Turton (732)449-4441, Century 21 (732)449-5757, and Pat Ahern All Shores Realty (732)974-9254...if you pick a spot on the beach across the street from The Breakers Hotel your children may make some new friends because many of the people who stay at The Breakers have children your age.

Ellen

There are tons of rentals still available in the hamptons. You can get a house for the month with no problem. You just need to pick a town. My suggestion would be East Hampton area. You can try my broker - Stacy at Hampton Homes 631-324-0551 x104. Make sure you get something with central air. By the way, on a rainy day your 4 year old will love the 'paint your own pottery' place in E. Hampton. There is also a great kite place in Sag Harbor.

Kate

The Hamptons are nice, but very pretentious. You have to wear the right outfit at the right time, say the right thing at the right time, and have the "look" that allows you to fit in. How much money you have does matter and it also matters how you display it. It even affects the children. The restaurants are ridiculously expensive and by that I mean that a plate of spaghetti (oops, excuse me, I mean pasta) will cost you about $12.95 with a plain tomato sauce (I goofed again, I mean marinara)...how do I know this? My parents own a home in Amagansett and I spent my childhood and young adulthood there. Maybe I'm just a rebel, but it's an elitist society and I used to cringe at the things I heard people say about the "other" people who are really the backbone of that area.

sandy

Cape Cod!

You will still be able to find available rentals.

The Cape Cod National Seashore is beautiful- Marconi Beach in particular is just fabulous!

George

Lissa: I agree with Maybe. Lewes DE would do the trick. Reasonably-priced eating and entertainment; DE has no sales tax; great outlets several miles away and more.

However, the biggie for you would be your beach choices. Lewes Beach in on the bayside; generally calm water and a great place to take the toddlers. Want oceanside, try Cape Henlopen State Park. Might want to catch the Cape May-Lewes ferry for a July 4th fireworks cruise, too.

Ellen

Kate, maybe you had bad experiences or don't feel up to snuff, but I have never felt that way in the Hamptons and I too have been out there for many years. If you are 'clubbing' maybe there is a peer pressure factor involved here, otherwise, I don't think it is an issue at all. There are many less expensive eateries in the E. Hampton area: Spinnakers, Concha d'Oro, Turtle Crossing, Il Cappucino, Estia, Janeen's, Sam's, etc. etc. Also, I walk around in shorts, tank top, and sandals all day-J.Crew being the designer name of choice. The beach in E. Hampton is wonderful with plenty of shade to eat under and a great snack counter. All families. Other kid friendly to-do's: Boat ride in Montauk, Riverhead Aquarium, movie theater in E. Hampton, pony ride in Amagansett, craft shows and even a carnival at some point in the summer. There is a playground at the school in E.H. and one at the park in Bridgehampton. If you are really ambitious you can take an early morning train ride into NYC and spend the day at the Natural History Museum. May be a bit much for the 2 yr old though.

gc

Marconi beach.

Just don't try to get onto the Cape on Friday PM, nor leave it on Sunday PM.

j

Hands down, CAPE COD!! Depends on where though. My personal favorites are Chatham, Orleans, and Wellfleet. Beautiful beaches (and other scenery), but not too remote. For houses, try these websites: cyberrentals.com and weneedavacation.com. On the latter site, I recently saw a brand new house in Orleans, with its own lake dock, that was still available for 2-3 weeks in July. For realtors, in Chatham, Sylvan Real Estate specifically posts "last-minute" houses. If you can't find a house, you can probably get something at Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster. It's a cross between a hotel and a condo community. Clean, upscale, with lots of activities, including an indoor pool.

tj

Block Island in Rhode Island (also accessible from Long Island).

sonia

Here's another vote for Massachussetts -- Cape Cod is great, can be busy. Don't overlook Boston's north shore -- Cape Ann, Rockport, Essex, Ipswich, Newburyport. Cyberrentals looks like a great resource, too.

Just to give you hope -- a story in Connecticut section of Sunday's NY Times talked about slow rental season in Litchfield County (not the shore, but beautiful countryside, Berkshire foothills) and the Hamptons.

I'm surprised no-one mentioned the ABC program last week about the Hamptons. Convinced me that's not where I want to spend my hard-earned vacation $$... YMMV.

Liza

Message to Ellen:
If you're hanging around in those places you aren't part of the real "in" crowd. You're an outsider. A "wannabe" as they say, and they do. I know what Kate means. It has nothing to do with bad experiences or being up to snuff, or going to the (even worse) clubs. It's a lifestyle that you are born into and it's exhausting to maintain when you know it is a pretentious lie. My family has a somewhat high profile lifestyle because of their occupations. I grew up in Garden City and my family still owns a home in the Hamptons.

Ellen

A wannabe? The 'in' crowd? Why would you assume that is what everyone wants to get out of their vacation homes? Just because your family lives that way? And no one going for 3 or 4 weeks would really care about the 'in' crowd anyway. I spend my time quietly by the pool, biking to shelter island, attending the Bay St. Theater, having barbeques and sailing. I have a wonderful time, do not feel pressured, and could care less about whomever this 'in' crowd might be and neither do my friends. If you buy into the pretentious lifestyle no wonder you are unhappy out there. But not everyone succombs to keeping up with the jones's. There are wealthy people everywhere there is a beautiful vacation spot. That should not stop anyone from enjoying it.

Candace

blah, blah, blah, blah. puhleez take your battles about wealth and position elsewhere. people always flock anywhere the rich and famous plant themselves.

yeah, right

OOOhhhhh Liza! Please, can I have your autograph. I soooo want to be seen with the IN crowd! You have got to be kidding! go take your liposuctioned ass and botox injected face and get a real life. The problem with you spoiled wealthy ignorant put-upon brats is that you actually believe people GIVE A SH*T about your BMW's and designer clothing. Oh, poor me, if I don't have a new dress for the next see and be seen event, whatever will I do? It is so much WORK being rich and envied! You are all a bunch of silly sheep who need to feel adored and admired by the little folk. It is all in your cotton filled head. NO ONE IS LOOKING AT YOU. Get over yourself. And while you are at it, give your self-indulgent, label obsessed parents the same message.

Davey Don

Go to NYC. It is the center of the universe IMHO. Nothing else matters ever! The Hamptons are great if you're