(credit: simonandschuster.com)

Author and actress Carol Higgins Clark is the daughter of best-selling suspense writer Mary Higgins Clark, with whom she has co-written five holiday-themed mystery novels. Carol’s first Regan Reilly mystery, Decked, was nominated for both the Agatha and Anthony Awards, and she has gone on to write 13 books in the popular series during the past two decades. Her latest book is Mobbed. Carol Higgins Clark currently lives in New York.

Having grown up in New Jersey, I’ve been vacationing at different spots along the Jersey Shore my whole life. My character, private investigator Regan Reilly, also grew up in New Jersey. More than 10 years ago my mother bought a home in Spring Lake. In my latest book, Mobbed, I thought I should finally send Regan “down the shore” to her parent’s home in Spring Lake. (They say you should write about what you know!)

(credit: breakershotel.com)

The Breakers

1507 Ocean Avenue
Spring Lake, NJ 07762
(732) 449-7700
More Info

See Also: A Guide To The Real Jersey Shore

This is a favorite place for my family to head for lunch or dinner. The beautiful oceanfront setting, cheerful atmosphere, and delicious food are all a delight. I’m sorry I wasn’t there the day our group looked out at the water and saw a whale spouting! The Breakers is also a popular spot for wedding receptions. It’s nice to see newlyweds looking so happy (hopefully!) as they mingle with their guests during cocktail hour on the rambling front porch.

(credit: rodstavern.com)

Rod’s Olde Irish Tavern

507 Washington Boulevard
Sea Girt, NJ 08750
(732) 449-2020
Reviews & More Info

See Also: The Jersey Shore’s Top 5 Restaurants

Rod’s is a more casual place we like to go for dinner. A popular hangout, it feels like an old fashioned turn of the century saloon. The burgers, steaks and seafood are all great. It’s always lively and fun.

Who’s on Third

(file photo credit: Clipart)

1300 Third Avenue
Spring Lake, NJ 07762
(732) 449-4233

In the morning, we sometimes go into town to have breakfast at a diner called Who’s on Third. Yes, it’s on Third Avenue (1300) and yes – it does have a baseball motif. It also has wonderful bacon and eggs, pancakes, you name it. Besides the food, I really enjoy its neighborhood feel. The wall by the register is covered with announcements concerning local events.

Hoffman’s

(file photo credit: ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images)

569 Church Street
Spring Lake, NJ
More Info

See Also: N.J.’s Best Homemade Ice Cream

Finally, Hoffman’s is the place in Spring Lake to go for ice cream! There is usually a line, because their homemade ice cream is absolutely delicious! But people say that if they have to wait, they at least have more time to decide which flavor to choose — there are so many! After all, what tastes better after a hot day at the beach than a scoop (or two) of the best ice cream around?