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I suggest a getaway weekend in Red Bank, NJ, about an hour's drive (without traffic) from Manhattan. There are lots of shops and boutiques, and dining options in town and in the surrounding area are excellent.

Stay at the Molly Pitcher Inn, an elegant small hotel right on the Navesink River. While they do have dining facilities, I recommend that you do not eat there with one exception: their famous Sunday brunch is highly recommended.

http://www.mollypitcher-oysterpoint.com/mollypitcher/

Dining

Restaurant Nicholas (most of us just call it Nicholas) is located in Middletown, NJ., just north of the bridge over the Navesink into downtown Red Bank. It's one of the best -- if not *the* best -- restaurants in the entire state. Superb cuisine, excellent wine list, service that is both pleasant and polished, and elegant NY-style contemporary decor. Start and/or end your evening in the capacious, comfortable bar room.

http://www.restaurantnicholas.com

Another excellent restaurant not far from Red Bank is Le Fandy, in Fair Haven. Delicious French cuisine served in a small space with a rustic country French feel. As is the case with many restaurants in NJ, it's BYO.

http://www.lefandybistro.com

In downtown Red Bank, here are a few restaurants that I think will offer you the best meals:

Dish serves very good New American cuisine in a small space with minimalist decor . BYO. They have an arrangement where you can select your wine at the restaurant from a list provided by a nearby liquor store, and the wine will be delivered to your table.

http://www.dishredbank.com

The Bistro in Red Bank is a casual spot with an eclectic menu. You can dine al fresco at their sidewalk tables.

http://www.thebistroatredbank.

Gaetano's serves very good thin-crust pizzas and pastas in a pleasant trattoria-style setting.

http://www.gaetanosredbank.com

Thyme Square opened last year, and its Mediterranean-style cuisine has been getting lots of good reviews.

http://www.thymesquarerestaurant

Willy's, which just opened, is all about cheesesteaks. I haven't been yet but have been hearing very positive reports.

http://www.willyssteaks.com

If you are looking for entertainment, there's usually something going on at the Count Basie Theater. And if you like the beach, Long Branch is about 20-30 minutes away, depending on traffic.

Enjoy and Bon Appetit!