INNSIDE SPECIALS
"Girls Getaway in Cape May" - Celebrate Sherlock Holmes Weekend with food to die for ("Murder on the Orient Express" dinner at the Mad Batter), plus rooms for three and four friends. Prices range from $109 to $229 for two, including breakfast. (Carroll Villa & Mad Batter, Cape May)

"Riverside Girl Gatherings" - Gossip on the deck, order in pizza, take a walk along the beach, and shop yourself silly at the Jackson Outlets. Rest and recoup among friends with a relaxing massage, manicure or pedicure. Call for details and pricing. (The Cottage on the River, Island Heights)

"The Perfect Outlet Package" - Shop till you drop at Liberty Village Premium Outlets. Package includes two-night stay, $25 shopping spree at any LV store, a LV tote bag filled with freebies from select stores, and a VIP voucher discount book for LV stores. Midweek package: $290; Weekend package: $350 plus tax/tip. (Main Street Manor, Flemington)

MEET THE INNKEEPERS
Bonnie & Lance Pontin
John Wesley Inn, Cape May

Bonnie Pontin used to enjoy helping her mother-in-law with a small b-n-b down in the Florida Keys. Bonnie always had it in the back of her mind that it would be nice to run a tea room, perhaps somewhere on the Jersey Shore where she and her husband both had roots.

She and Lance were drawn to Cape May because of its smalltown, homey-ness, and to the John Wesley Inn because - rarity of rarities - the cottage included a 3-car garage (Lance Pontin is an avid car collector and needed a place to house his Corvettes).

Bonnie, a collector herself of Wedgwood china, reflects on her first several years as an innkeeper. She had some pieces of china on display which caught the eye of a couple who were staying at the inn. The gentleman worked in the UK with a lot of china companies, Wedgwood in particular, and when he and his wife went home they packed up a half dozen or Wedgwood collector plates and sent them to Bonnie. They also came another time and gave her six coffee table books on English china and Wedgwood.

"They just gave it to me because I loved Wedgwood and their grown children had no interest in china. They wanted it to go to someone who would care."

Fun facts: Bonnie is a former kindergarten teacher who was delighted when Trinka Hakes Noble, a renowned children's author, stayed at the John Wesley Inn during the launch of her book, "The Legend of the Cape May Diamond."

Also, one of the famous Cobra Car Clubs did a recent East Coast tour, which included Cape May. One of their primary concerns was secure parking. They chose the John Wesley Inn, which of course was a great match. The weekend included lively discussions and a photo opportunity.

EAT INN: Spring strata and frittata
With leeks in season in March, add some chives and cheese to this Savory Strata, which makes tasty leftovers as well. (Pillars of Plainfield, Plainfield)

There are two scrumptious versions of this Broccoli Frittata (one is fat-free), a tasty breakfast dish or a satisfying mid-day snack. (Normandy Inn, Spring Lake)

For these and other great recipes brought to you by the Preferred Inns of New Jersey, order "Breakfast, Brunch and More," for you, a friend or a family member who loves to cook.