I adored Rockaway, Natasha and Jack, and all our long rambles by the ocean (gorgeous even in winter). Although I only stayed one night, they treated me like family: an early check-in after a red-eye flight, shared tea and lively talks, and Natasha even helped repair my shoes and washed my trenchcoat, which had gotten spattered with mud!

The neighborhood is a fascinating mix of projects, townhomes, beach bungalows and endangered bird's nests. It's steeped in color and charm, even as it recovers from 2012's Hurricane Sandy.

The hosts' kindness – and the beauty of the Atlantic beaches – made this the best JFK stopover ever!