Texas Has More Than Just Dirt and Tumbleweeds

Who knew that Texas, a state associated with cowboys, lots of dirt, cacti, and tumbleweeds, could have some rather hot vacation destinations? It’s a very fascinating state with the fact that at its Gulf Coast it has some of the nicest beaches you could ever imagine. Padre Island is one of those.

Padre Island is one of the barrier reef islands of Texas. As a matter of fact, it is a stretch that protects one of the longest stretches of barrier islands in the world. These islands are undeveloped, so they make for a great nature trip while also being able to enjoy the beach.

Padre Island is open all-year-round with the visitor center closed only on Christmas but open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on a daily basis. There is an admission since this area is considered a park under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. The fee is $20.00, but it covers a year of admissions. If you’re just coming one time, it’s a small price to pay for everything you can enjoy. You can camp on the island and no reservations are required, but the campgrounds are subject to availability.

The uncertainty of whether or not campgrounds are available does lead to many opting for an oceanfront hotel. There are plenty of resorts to choose from in different price ranges. The resorts are lined along the beach in the southern sector like you would expect at any beach elsewhere.

As for the activities that you can engage in, you do have your standard beach activities that include fishing, swimming, boating, and more. You can even go bird watching. Because this is a National Park, you can expect for it to have all of the activities that a National Park would have. There is a heavy emphasis on nature and the preservation of the barrier islands. Nevertheless, you can go bike riding on the beach, see sea turtle hatchling releases that take place 15-25 times per year, and there is driving that can occur at designated places along the island. Truthfully, however, not a lot of driving is permitted since this is one of the few undeveloped shorelines in existence.

If you do want to expand your barrier island horizons, there is also Mustang Island. It is an 18 mile long beach with many of the same things to enjoy at Padre Island. Many individuals find these islands to be fascinating and will visit as many as possible to see the wildlife and take part in the different activities and shopping opportunities that are available. This makes for a very beautiful and fascinating Gulf Coast vacation. 

Solomons Island – One of Maryland’s Hidden Treasures

Maryland has a few surprises within its borders. One of those surprises is Solomons Island. This fishing village was established in 1867. The area is very historic, quaint, and is exactly what you would expect a fishing village to look like.

There are a number of things that you can do: You can simply take a stroll on the riverwalk, which is a great activity for couples, you can charter a sailboat for a luxury cruise, charter a fishing boat for a day of fishing, go kayaking, go jet skiing, or rent a boat that you can sail while trying to catch your lunch.

There is a lot to do. One of the activities I’m quite fond of is the fossil collections at the Calvert Marine Museum and the tour of the Drum Point Lighthouse. I also like the waterfront dining. Any time I go somewhere where there is a waterfront restaurant, I am there. However, at Solomons Island, everything is on the waterfront, which is quite nice. There is always a light breeze and the overall atmosphere is comfortable.

And while many of us in the U.S. are waiting for warm weather to come and stick around for a while, the great thing about Solomons Island is that it is not a place that is to just be visited in the summer. The village is open all year round for shopping, dining, and whatever you want to do. If you want to take a cold walk along the riverwalk, you can. However, there is plenty to do indoors and you can still enjoy the beautiful scenery.

There are a number of hotels at Solomons Island that include bed & breakfasts and inns of different price ranges. There are approximately six lodging options to choose from. As far as restaurants go, you will find places you have never eaten at before anywhere else. These restaurants include such places as Back Creek Bistro, CD Café, Isaac’s Restaurant, Solomons Pier Restaurant, and more. Shopping opportunities are quite vast and include gift shops, antique stores, sporting goods stores, and marine services that include tours and charters.

You can also visit the Solomons Island winery. They have a tasting room that is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The wine is wonderful. This is a winery that takes up 10 acres and has won a number of awards. They have unique flavors, such as Chocolate Raspberry Port. This is a new one, so I haven’t tried it. The Island Mist series is fantastic, though. I’m a fan of sweet wines and that’s what you will find here.

If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend or an entire week away, Solomons Island is quite nice. It can be a stop on the way to another destination or you can make it your only destination. Everyone in the village is friendly and there is plenty to do and see.

Williamsburg – One Stop in Virginia’s Historic Triangle

Virginia is the epitome of a historic state and Williamsburg is one of the cities that contain a lot of it. Because of the vast history, there is a lot to do in Williamsburg, such as viewing the historic buildings and other structures. There are many original shops, buildings, and homes that you are able to see. This is why the city is called “Colonial Williamsburg.” It is a true representation of the Colonial times that has been preserved.

Many of the buildings are still sitting upon their original foundations. That is rather impressive considering they are over 200 years old. Nevertheless, parts of the town have had to be recreated because the sands of time do take their toll. Plus, weather and other elements have resulted in areas of the town being recreated. Nevertheless, when taking a tour you do know which is which and it is utterly fascinating. It’s something that moms, dad’s, the kids, and even grandma can like (I know mine did).

There are so many fun things to do, such as taking part in a witch trial and a lot more. You are literally shot back into time. While you can tour the city on your own, it is best to take part in a program, such as the orientation walk and seeing how yarn was dyed back in those times. The slaves spun the yard back on the plantation so that they had clothes to wear when it got cold. In this program, you are able to see the yarn types, their weights, and the manner in which they were dyed.

There are also plenty of museums in which you can see, such as the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum and the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. There are a variety of exhibits between the many museums that give you a peek into farm life, the furniture made at the time, the musical instruments used in folk music at the time, and so much more.

This is really the ideal place to go if you’re into taking a trip back in time. It is also rather relaxing with plenty of places to lodge, plenty of places to eat, and plenty to see. You can engage in some of the programs, but you are also free to explore Williamsburg on your own. You can spend as much time or as little time in one place as you want and revisit as often as you want. This is also a great place to visit if you are traveling on a budget. While there are small admission fees in some areas, others are free to see. You can choose from a number of lodging options and there are plenty of places to eat. You will most likely find restaurants that you’ve never heard of before.

And of course there is the shopping at Merchant Square Shops and the Historic Area Shops. These are just two of the shopping areas that you can visit. If you are into theater, you can visit the Kimball Theater for some great performances. There is just so much to do, so you do need to give yourself a few days to cover everything that Williamsburg has to offer. You may even wish to head to Jamestown and Yorktown to complete Virginia’s Historic Triangle. 

See the Big Apple on a Bicycle

New York City is one of the most visited cities in the world. There is a lot to see and a lot to do. There are movie stars and other famous people, as well as some of the most famous stores in the world. It has everything you can imagine. But now it’s time to see New York City in a different way and this is by bicycle.

Many of us who have visited the city have seen it on foot, by taxi, or another means. What some do not know is that there are bicycle tours that are available. This allows the city to be seen in a different way. So while you’re getting your tourist on, you can get your fitness on as well.

The minimum price for a tour is $95 and these tours are available every day of the week. They are called “On Demand Tours” and it’s because they can be customized and at the time you need. The price of the tour is going to vary based upon the number of participants and the length of the tour. But what is nice about a guided bicycle tour is the fact that you can see areas that tourists tend to not be able to see. You get to see the vibrant neighborhoods, the many parks, and a lot of surprises. Even the most congested areas of the city are more navigable by bicycle and you can cover more ground than you would on foot.

Some of the on demand tours include tours of the East Side and West Side, Northern Manhattan, The Bronx, The bridges, Queens, Upper Manhattan and the Bronx, Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, and Harlem. The city is so big that it is difficult to cover the entire thing, so the way to do it is to choose a tour that you feel would suit you best. I personally like the bridge tours because you get to see some of the city and the unique bridges. Being on the bridges also provide you with a very unique views of the city. The structures are so impressive.

You do get to take breaks along the way. Of course, the length of the tour will determine how many breaks and whether or not you stop for meals. You may even stop in areas where you can buy souvenirs. Of course, the heavy shopping has to be reserved for when you’re not on the bicycle tour, but what you see gives you an idea of what you may want to explore more in depth on your own time. What’s more is that you can make note of an area you want to return to and return to it later. The bicycle tour is a great way to create a mental map of Manhattan. 

And in honor of all of the lives lost on September 11, 2001, here is a shot of the New York Skyline that I took when on a boat tour around Manhattan Island before it was altered forever (don't mind my friend's elbow. She kept getting in my way):

Take in a Little Culture in San Juan

When I was a child, my grandparents would go to San Juan, Puerto Rico every year. I thought that was so neat because Puerto Rico was so far away. I also got the same t-shirt every year. The only thing different about it was the size, but the color and the frog sitting on a small Island under a palm tree saying, “Grandma and Grandpa went to Puerto Rico and all I got was this stinkin’ shirt” never changed. What is funny is I looked forward to receiving my sky blue shirt with the funny frog on it. They could have given me money and it wouldn’t have meant anything like that shirt did.

Well, I didn’t see that same shirt when I visited San Juan around 20 years after the last time I received my last one. I did, however, see why they kept going back year after year. And luckily, taking Spanish classes in high school and college paid off, although many of the individuals I encountered spoke English quite well, so you don’t have to be a fluent Spanish speaker to travel to San Juan.

What I encountered was a beautiful city with a lot of culture within it. There are also spectacular views. There are a number of really fun things to do with history being the basis of much of it. For instance, you can visit El Morro. The point of this structure was in defense of the San Juan Coastline. It was built in the 17^th and 18^th centuries and is complete with dungeons, towers, tunnels, and all sorts of fascinating stuff.

The Castillo de San Cristobal is also an interesting place to visit if you like history. There is 27 acres of fortifications, making it the largest ever built by the Spaniards in the New World. The price to tour is very well worth it. You do get a good chance to see what kind of influence the Spanish had on the Caribbean at the time. I did prefer this one to El Morro, but both are worth seeing. If you have a choice, you can see this one first if you are pressed for time.

If you do have some time, then a tour may be right up your alley. Acampa Nature Adventures are great for individuals, couples, and families. The tours take you places where the general public cannot go because the lands are private. The service is very personalized. You can choose a half day adventure or a full day adventure. No matter which you choose you have transportation, lunch and snacks, and much more. It is a very pleasant experience that you can take advantage of. You definitely get a good look at the Toro Negro Rainforest area.

These are just some of the things you can do. There are a lot of lodging available, tons of activities, such as museums in addition to the historical sites, and so much more. I always wondered why my grandparents retreated to this area year after year, so I had to go find out on my own why they did that.

Disney World isn’t Orlando’s Only Place to Have Fun

Disney World is a pretty busy place, but did you know that it’s not the only amusement park Orlando has to offer? There are actually quite a few. Being the theme park freak that I am, I do have to talk about Discovery Cove. When visiting Discovery Cove, I was also able to get a pass to SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens. Busch Gardens was where I was able to get in on the amusement park rides. At Discovery Cove, however, the fun was in the relaxation, swimming with the dolphins, checking out exotic birds, hand feeding birds, and floating in the Wind Away River. Anyway, I paid $50 more to get admission to all of the parks, otherwise you can choose one with your admission to Discovery Cove.

You do have to make reservations to go to Discovery Cove. This isn’t one of those things where you can go to the window, buy tickets, and expect to get in. They have room for around 1,000 guests per day. It really is a beautiful place with snorkeling, unlimited snacks, tons of food, a real beach, and everything you need to have a good time. Ticket prices are going to vary based upon the package you choose and what month you are vacationing. Children under two get in for free. You can expect to pay around $300 for an all inclusive day resort package for two adults and any children under two. Of course, the more children over 2 or the more adults, the higher the cost. This is just for Discovery Cove and one other park of your choice. Remember, you can add all three of the other parks for $50 per more per person, which ends up being a $100 savings per person.

If you know anything about SeaWorld, then you know it’s a lot of fun with all of the aquatic life there. You also get to see Killer Whales in action, as well as the many shows that the park offers. There is a lot of food, rides, such as Journey to Atlantis, Wild Arctic Ride, and a lot more. It’s easy to spend an entire day at the park.

When you visit Aquatica, you are visiting another water park, but this is where you get to enjoy a lot of slides and other attractions. It is one of the best water parks I have visited because there is a lot to do. There are also animals to see, such as the black and white Commerson’s Dolphins. There is also a lagoon housing tropical fish and a number of rather whimsical characters. You may encounter a little sensory overload, so what I did when I went was I split Discovery Cove and Aquatica up with Busch Gardens. That way I wasn’t enjoying water park activities too close together.

At Busch Gardens in Tampa, you have it all. You have rides, music, food, shows, and animal attractions. There are also gift shops, which are present at every park you visit as a part of your vacation package, and special events. For the kids, there is the Sesame Street Safari of Fun with water fun, rides made just for the small kids, and characters to have fun with. The kids can have fun at Ernie’s watering hole, fly with Grover, and chill out in Elmo’s tree house.

So as you can see, you go to Discovery Cove and you can have access to an entire world of fun that both adults and kids can enjoy. I covered it all in four days, but would’ve liked to have had a week to do so. At least you can visit a park a day and still have a blast.

Siesta Key – A Gateway to Paradise

Sarasota, Florida is home to Siesta Key, a beautiful beach that does seem like a gateway to paradise. In the many beaches I have visited in the Florida area, this is one of my top picks in my “beach research.” I like to find those places that have the fun of Daytona, but private enough that you are not navigating around hordes of people. The tropical nature of this beach definitely sets it apart.

The Siesta Key community is rather small. It consists of around 24,000 people, which is considered a small community in many cases. In many cases, some of these residents are individuals from other areas of the country with homes they flock to in the winter, so they are not permanent residents. They only stay a few months out of the year to get away from the harsh winters.

Luckily, this is a place that is friendly for adults looking for a romantic trip or families looking for a quiet destination. There are museums, golf, nature reserves, shopping, and tons of outdoor activities. The outdoor activities involve kayaking, parasailing, bicycling, boating, fishing, and charter boats. And at the end of the day you can go for a relaxing massage at Massage Experience.

But of course, there is the white sandy beach. Siesta Key has been featured in a number of publications because of its powdery beaches and the way the sun sets in the water. At sunset you do see a lot of individuals out on the beach with their cameras, trying to get that perfect shot. It’s not really that hard, actually. It really is breathtakingly beautiful and you don’t have to be a professional photographer to catch it.

In regards to accommodations, there is no shortage of places to stay and there are plenty to fit within any budget. There are oceanfront resorts because there is a hotel district at the beach, so you do not have to worry about staying away from the beaching. Shopping and many of your other activities are close by. This means that there is no having to drive long distances to do the things that you want to do.

I do highly recommend Siesta Key if you’re looking for a great Gulf Coast Beach to enjoy. I enjoyed it a whole lot and definitely want to go back someday. I may even take the kids with me. Who knows? There is plenty for them to do and, of course, I enjoy seeing them have fun, especially when the activities they are engaging in are educational. With the museums, the nature reserves, and the overall surroundings, there is a lot for everyone to learn from.

Travel In Class on a Riverboat Tour

Cincinnati, Ohio is a rather popular area because there is a lot going on there. You have the Cincinnati Reds baseball team and Bengals Football. The city has a beautiful skyline, is just right across the Ohio River from the Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky, and is also home to King’s Island and the Cincinnati Zoo. What it is also home to is BB Riverboats.

I took my first Riverboat cruise when I was 9 years old. It was very short because it was for a field trip in my 4^th grade class. It was so much fun that as an adult I would later take part of an annual cruise that involves quality dining, dancing, and also serves as a fundraiser event for various causes.

Now, these aren’t cruises that last for long periods of time. You are not on the Ohio River for days, but more like hours. For instance, you can see what the Ohio River really has to offer on a Harbor Cruise, which takes place between Memorial Day and Labor Day from 3:00-4:30 based on a changing schedule (so it has to be checked, but there are many other tours happening). It is a relaxing way to enjoy the mighty Ohio River and also get a good look at Cincinnati’s skyline and other sights along the way. The price is cheap with adults only paying $15 and children taking the ride for $9.

I’m a huge fan of the fact that you can have dinner while on the cruise. The above ticket prices are without a dinner, but you still have access to food that you can purchase, such as ice cream, and various other delicious lunches and meals if you decide you’re hungry. The dinner cruises, however, are more costly, but they are quite reasonable. For instance, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9:30, the Captain’s Dinner is $34.95 for adults, $33.95 for seniors, and $24.95 for children. If you don’t want dinner and you just want to sightsee, you’ll be paying anywhere between $11 and $13 less for your ticket.

Now, if you do want to take a longer trip along the river by embarking on an out-of-town departure, you can. For example, the Steamboat Bicentennial Celebration is a 7 to 8 hour tour. Prices can vary based on which day you go and you’re looking at around $95 for an adult ticket, but this does include lunch and dinner.

There are many cruise options available at various times. There are also plenty of places to stay, dine, and play in Cincinnati. You can make the Riverboat tour the reason for your visit or you can make it a side activity. It is entirely up to you, but it is all fun nonetheless. 

Take a Load Off and Enjoy a Scenic Drive

It can be a lot of fun to load up the car and drive to a destination where you can take a scenic drive that shows you some of the beauty that exists within the world. One such place is Poudre Canyon in Colorado. You can see sights that you never thought existed in this world. Of course, it’s nowhere near as famous as the Grand Canyon, but it has its own set of beautiful features that set it apart.

The canyon is only about 40 miles long, which makes it a drive that is not too long, yet you can stop along the way to take pictures and enjoy nature as much as you want. With the increasing fuel prices, this is a good thing. You can still take the drive and not have to worry about spending a fortune in gas. Of course, when I was there the gas prices were less, but still high enough. Still, the drive was well worth it.

The route that you want to take is this: You want to start at Fort Collins and take Highway 14. The highway runs the length of the Poudre River for the most part. You definitely want to make a whole day out of it because there are some trails that you can stop and walk along. So yes, make sure you have your walking shoes on. You have trails such as Poudre River/Cameron Pass, Poudre Park, Big Narrows, Boston Peak, and a number of others with fantastic views.

For those of you who love fishing, there are both stocked and natural fisheries for you to enjoy. You can fish along the river. There are areas along the highway where you can pull over and use artificial lures to fish in the river. Because the river is a swift moving one, it is exciting to be able to fish from it. I’m not one to really like fishing, but I can handle fishing in a body of water like this, especially when surrounded by so much beauty.

But one place you do need to go while you’re at Poudre Canyon is Archer’s Poudre River Resort. I felt like I had been shot back into time suddenly because the entire place reminded me of an episode of Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman because Archer’s looks like something built in the 1800s. As for the accommodations, you have studio and 1 bedroom cabins, 2 bedroom cabins, premium cabins, tent and RV sites, and great amenities. There are hot tubs and everything that you need to have a fun stay. The area is very old fashioned and that is something that is greatly appreciated when you want to get away from the speed of the rest of the world.

One Of The Best Kept Secrets In Florida

Silver Springs, near the Ocala area and just north of Orlando approximately 75 miles is, perhaps, one of Florida’s best kept secrets. This is an area that is frequently overlooked by tourists, partially because it is outside the normal Florida tourist route, but it is one of the most beautiful places you could ever lay your eyes on. This is because the springs are crystal clear. You can see things in the water that you can’t see in most places due to cloudy water. In this case, 550 million gallons of water gushes out of the spring and this makes the springs the world’s largest artesian spring formation.

Because the water is so clear, many of the movies that you see with underwater scenes are filmed within the springs. The water clarity offers filmmakers a unique opportunity to clearly film their pictures, so what may seem like ocean in a movie is actually the Silver River. When you visit Silver Springs, you can ride in a glass bottom boat that will allow you to see the underwater creatures with extreme clarity.

Other activities that you can choose from include a wildlife park, alligator farm, and petting zoo. You can also take a jungle cruise to see some of the wildlife and the beautiful scenery. What I really enjoy is the botanical gardens. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway that allows you to take a quiet stroll, this is one of the ways to do it.

When visiting, you’re looking at an admission price of $34.99 for the entire day to enjoy the springs. This is per person, but is well worth it. The admission price keeps up the environment so that it can be enjoyed for many years to come. You do get to enjoy every feature that is offered, so you don’t have to pay anything extra while in the park. The features include the Lighthouse Ride, Kids Ahoy Playland, The Wings of Spring bird showcase, Reptiles of the World show, and many more. The only things that you will need to pay extra for include shopping in the open air mall and dining expenses. There are different restaurants and snack stands to suit any budget, so this is a great way for a couple or an entire family to go somewhere on a budget.

Of course, how budgeted the trip is will depend on how far you have to drive to get there, what hotel you choose to stay at, and how long you pay, but a day at the park is relatively affordable when you consider everything that you get for your money. You also get to attend concerts that include some big name acts if they are there during your visit, so you definitely get a lot for your money.

It’s Cold Outside, So Go To The Water park

Wait? Did that say “go to the water park?” In the dead of winter? Water parks are for the summertime when it’s so hot outside you can’t stand it, so you pack up the family and you head out to your favorite park complete with a wave pool and tube slides. But really, don’t you get tired of having to wait out the fall, the winter, and the better part of the spring before you can make a splash? If so, you can gather the family and head to Erie, Pennsylvania to Splash Lagoon.

Splash Lagoon is one of the indoor water parks that exist within the United States and it is a lot of fun. It can be snowing outside and you are greeted with an 84 degree environment. It may be indoors, but has everything that you want within a water park.

There are approximately 15 water attractions that include Adventure Bay complete with floating lily pads that you try to walk on, The Big Kahuna tube slide that even extends outside the building, the pitch black Black Hole tube slide, The Cyclone that spins you around in a bowl and then spits you out into a pool, The Frog Pond where the little ones can hang out and get squirted by fountains, the Hurricane Hole that spins you around at 40mph and then funnels you into 6 feet of water, The Lava Pool that adults can relax in while the kids play, the Lazy River complete with a waterfall and great scenery, The Maui Wowie open tube slide, The Monkey Shines Island with small slides and baby swings for the smallest visitors, Paradise Cove for the adults, The Python Plunge, the Twisty Shark Attack, the 48ft high bucket that dumps down 1000 gallons of water, and the Tiki Tree House with 12 different activities to engage in.

Obviously, there is a lot to do, including a 6,000 square foot arcade. There are over 110 games to enjoy. For those that want to stay dry, in addition to the arcade, there is a Family Activity Center where you can customize your own beach bag or t-shirt. You can make sand art, trinket boxes, and picture frames. There is also a Laser Tag room and “Dance Heads” where you and your family can have your heads transposed onto bodies in a music video so that you can make it your own.

With all of that, now you can see why I’m recommending this indoor water park. I’m a person who loathes cabin fever, so this is a way to curb it. The admission is $39.95 for all day admission for individuals over 48” tall, but is reduced to $29.95 after 4:00 pm. Under 48” is $29.95 and $21.95 (after 4:00), and the littlest ones 2 and under get in for free. You do have to watch the park hours because during the winter and spring it can be rather sketchy as to the hours and days of operation, but you can plan your trip in advance and secure day passes, which are a flat rate of $39.95.

You also have packages that you can choose from that include Laser Tag packages, hotel packages, and other money saving deals for the family. If a package is not for you, staying at a local Comfort Inn or other budget hotel is not a problem. That’s what I do because I usually don’t stay for more than a day, but for 2 or more days a package may work best.

Now don’t wait for summer to come to you, go grab some summer.

Roller Coasters, Sea Creatures, And Shopping Rolled Into One

New Jersey has a hidden treasure that rests right on the coast called Wildwood. Those looking for a nice getaway can literally find anything and everything for the entire family. If you are a couple looking for a quality destination and the two of you have different interests, Wildwood has a little bit of everything to keep you busy for a while. You are also looking at a vacation destination that is going to be one of the best values you have ever encountered. At least that was my experience.

Basically, there are over 180 events occurring annually and you can take part in most of them for free. That means no admission fees and these events do occur every weekend throughout the spring and summer. These events include Irish and Italian festivals, the New Jersey State Barbeque Championship, and Rock n’ Roll events. The “free factor” also includes the 5 miles of beach that you can enjoy with a two-mile boardwalk with eateries, shops, and amusements all along the way.

This is a destination that you will want to come back to and here is why: You have Morey’s Pier that features two water parks. They are Raging Waters Waterpark and Ocean Oasis Waterpark. If you are into massages, you can stop by Beach Club and receive the royal treatment.

When traveling along the boardwalk, you are literally thrown into sensory overload. Not only are there places to shop and eat, but you have roller coasters and other amusement rides, carnival-style games, and arcades. There is plenty to do and plenty of room on the beach to sit back and relax. You may also encounter the occasional puffer fish, stingray, crab, or other sea creature making its way onto the beach. You can also go seashell hunting for some unique North Atlantic seashells that wash up onto the beach in the mornings.

When planning your trip, you may want to plan around one of the many events. For instance, you may want to plan around a classic car or monster truck event. You may even be into music events or food events. There is something for everyone. And if you like fireworks, there is plenty of that as well.

Overall, you get 38 blocks of activities and plenty of places to lodge in varying price ranges. You can make the trip as affordable or as expensive as you want. With so many free activities taking place, a lot of what you have to have money for is your meals and any shopping you want to do. Well, and of course you have to have a place to stay. Nevertheless, you can establish a budget and stick to it.