Tag: East Coast

Discovering the Charm of East Coast Beach Towns

Traveling across the United States offers countless opportunities to explore diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and historic landmarks. Among these, the beach towns along the East Coast stand out for their unique charm, offering everything from rugged coastlines to pristine sandy shores, especially thanks to this travel blog article from Travel + Leisure. From the historical allure of New England to the sun-drenched beaches of Florida, here are some must-visit destinations that capture the essence of East Coast beach life.

Tybee Island, Georgia

When the sweltering summer heat hits Savannah, locals and tourists alike head to the East Coast beach town of Tybee Island. This charming beach town provides a perfect escape with its expansive beaches and laid-back atmosphere. History enthusiasts can explore Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, while adventure seekers can paddle out with Sea Kayak Georgia. For wildlife lovers, Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventures offers an unforgettable experience. Dining here is a casual affair, with top spots like The Breakfast Club, and The Crab Shack serving up delicious local fare.

St. Simons Island, Georgia

St. Simons Island is celebrated for its year-round appeal and festive atmosphere. East Beach attracts sunbathers in the summer, while the off-season is perfect for scenic bike rides along the St. Simons Island Trail System or visits to the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum. Foodies can enjoy the renowned pancakes at Palmer’s Village Cafe, and during the holidays, The Cloister on Sea Island becomes a must-visit destination.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island exudes a welcoming vibe that makes it feel like home to many visitors. Known for its long stretches of sandy beaches and rich history, Hilton Head is ideal for walking and biking. The island offers over 12 miles of beaches, 30 golf courses, and various activities. Visitors can watch boats at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, learn about the island’s history on a Gullah Heritage Trail Tour, or join a dolphin tour with Dolphin Discoveries Nature Tours. Fresh seafood is a highlight at the Hilton Head Farmers Market.

Palm Beach, Florida

Palm Beach is synonymous with style and sunshine. This glittering beach town offers an 18-mile-long barrier island filled with high-end shopping on Worth Avenue, historic sites like the Flagler Museum, and luxurious hotels such as The Breakers and The Brazilian Court Hotel. After a day of exploring, grab a quick bite at Buccan Sandwich Shop and unwind with a scenic beach cruiser ride.

Duck, North Carolina

Duck is a quintessential North Carolina beach town, perfect for relaxation and adventure alike. Rent a bike from Duck Cycle to explore the town, or head out on the water with Nor’ Banks Sailing & Watersports. The Duck Town Park and Boardwalk offer great opportunities for a leisurely stroll while soaking in the scenic views.

Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City, Maryland, stands out for its lively atmosphere and numerous attractions. Known for its amusement parks like Trimper Rides and Jolly Roger Amusement Park, mini-golf courses, piers, and dining options, Ocean City has something for everyone. Visitors should not miss the downtown boardwalk and the famous Thrasher’s French fries.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket offers a magical island experience with its foggy weather, blooming hydrangeas, and cobblestone streets. This charming town is perfect for those looking to indulge in lobster rolls, explore stunning beaches like Surfside and Jetties, and dine at top spots such as Cru, Lola 41, and The Nautilus. A visit to Cisco Brewers and a stay at luxurious hotels make for an unforgettable getaway.

Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport is a picturesque town with wide sandy beaches, delectable food, and charming accommodations. Stay at Hidden Pond’s cottages and bungalows, and spend a day at Goose Rocks Beach. Don’t miss out on Mabel’s Lobster Claw for fresh lobster and blueberry pie.

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Berlin, Maryland: Where Art, History, and Coastal Flavors Collide

The town of Berlin, Maryland is an absolute hidden gem of the East Coast! Tucked away just 10 miles inland from the renowned Ocean City, this picturesque village has earned the title of America’s Coolest Small Town, according to this travel blog article from Southern Living. While coastal destinations like St. Michaels and Cambridge draw crowds, Berlin remains a tranquil haven, sheltered from the bustling masses.

Prepare to be enchanted by its vibrant Main Street, boasting over 60 unique shops, a dozen art galleries, and a myriad of dining options. With its small-town charm, rich history dating back to the 1700s, and a thriving artistic community, Berlin offers a delightful escape for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. So, join us as we explore the landmarks, activities, and natural wonders that make Berlin, Maryland a must-visit destination.

One of the standout features of Berlin is its strong sense of community. With a population of around 5,000 locals, the town embraces its small-town sensibilities while hosting nearly 50 events throughout the year. From quirky annual events like bathtub racing and a peach festival to a fiddler’s convention, Berlin knows how to keep its residents and guests engaged. Furthermore, the town’s rich history dating back to the 1700s is evident in its beautiful historic buildings and homes, creating an atmosphere that truly embodies the spirit of the Coolest Small Town in America.

A visit to Berlin is centered around its historic downtown, a place characterized by picturesque tree-lined streets, vibrant shop awnings, and architectural styles ranging from Victorian to Greek and Gothic Revival. The heart of the town is Main Street, divided into six distinct districts. Begin your exploration by venturing into shops like Sound Storm Records, where you can find new and vintage vinyl. For women’s apparel and unique gifts, head to Bruder Hill & Home.

Don’t miss the European-style flower shop, Bleached Butterfly, which exudes effortless chicness. Indulge your senses with calming scents at the whimsical Honey Water Candles or immerse yourself in the world of written and visual art at the indie bookstore, The Greyhound. On Sundays from May through September, the Berlin Farmers Market brings together talented local makers, producers, and farmers for a delightful gathering.

Berlin’s motto is “artistically alive,” and the town truly lives up to it. The Worcester County Arts Council serves as a gateway to the arts in Berlin, offering rotating exhibits and regular art classes in its charming tiny white clapboard home. Embark on a walking tour of the town’s best galleries, where you’ll find exquisite glasswork at Beach Memoriesand Jeffrey Auxer Designs.

For a diverse artistic experience, visit The Dusty Lamb for whimsical modern works and Henry Fine Arts Gallery for more traditional creations. At the Wooden Octopus, a working gallery, visitors can witness four talented artists in action and even purchase their creations. Art extends beyond designated spaces in Berlin, with several businesses like On What Grounds? coffee house and Baked Dessert Cafe showcasing the works of local artists in-house.

No visit to Berlin is complete without savoring its culinary delights. The town’s culinary arts scene is as enticing as anything else it has to offer. Start your day with a true taste of coastal cuisine at Boxcar on Main’s Sunday brunch. Indulge in the MD Cake & Eggs, featuring a mouthwatering five-ounce Maryland-style blue crab cake served with eggs, home fries, and lemon arugula. Alternatively, try the Boxcar Chesapeake, a delightful combination of fried green tomatoes, poached eggs, garlic kale, Old Bay hollandaise, and sautéed crabmeat. For a lighter and artisanal midday meal, create your own picnic spread with gourmet goodies from Gilbert’s Provisions. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor a slice of from-scratch pie from Mandala Pies, with options like the Banana Cloud or The Old Farmer’s Almanac, a creative twist on the classic apple pie made with cinnamon roll crusts.

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Destinations Perfect for a Weekend Getaway on the Eastern Seaboard

Traveling the Eastern Seaboard is one of the most popular getaway weekend vacations. There are so many things to see and do! From Burlington, Vermont, where you can take a rewarding hike on The Long Trail, to Long Island and its many top-rated beaches. From the magic of Toronto’s Waterfront Trail to the rich historic whaling village of Cape Cod’s Nantucket —the possibilities for adventure are endless. Thanks to Travel + Leisure’s guide of where you should visit if you’re looking for an enjoyable weekend getaway along the East Coast, you’re set to escape the city grindphysically and mentally in no time at all.

Simply put, North America’s Eastern Seaboard has no shortage of excellent, culturally-rich cities that are brimming with features, experiences, and wonders to explore. This region’s collection of the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, countless surrounding forests, and history-rich metropolises makes it easy for travelers of all types to find the destination perfect for them. You can spend your days hiking through national parks or visiting museums, but if you need a break from nature and history, there are also plenty of great restaurants and social spaces where you can relax with family or friends after a long day of exploring.

Burlington, Vermont

Located only three hours away from Boston, the Eastern Seaboard city of Burlington is a charming Northwestern Vermont town that has a lot to offer in terms of rewarding outdoor activities, culturally-rich city exploration, and acclaimed restaurants. Many visit Burlington to check out its collection of renowned hiking trails and walking paths that offer panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. If you’re looking for something set at a slower pace than hiking, be sure to spend time on the city’s beaches and boardwalks, or go kayaking or canoeing along the shores of Lake Champlain.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a city’s rich history of architecture and culture, you’re in the right spot, as Burlington is known as one of America’s best-preserved Victorian cities thanks to its historic architecture and vibrant arts scene. In addition to this, the city is also home to several outdoor markets where you can find locally made goods, art, and produce. Burlington offers a wide variety of restaurants, from local favorites like America’s Flatbread to critically-acclaimed fine dining establishments like Chef Eric Warnstedt’s Hen of the Wood. There’s plenty to love about this treasured New England city, making it the ideal weekend escape destination.

Long Island, New York

New York’s Long Island is a great place to visit for a quick but satisfying Eastern Seaboard weekend vacation. Supplied with plenty of beaches, restaurants, and local vineyards to check out, there are tons of options for you to experience this city that has its own unique charm. Once you find yourself settled in and wanting to explore Long Island, you should consider taking a ferry out to North Folk where you can observe some truly memorable views of the Long Island Sound and taste some heavenly offerings from the nearby vineyards.

If you’re looking for a place to spend some time out on the town, then consider catching a performance at the 1933 Art Deco-styled Suffolk Theater or an afternoon under the stars at the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium. In fact, if you’re particularly interested in the stars above, then be sure to also check out the Cradle of Aviation Museum, as it is an aerospace fan’s dream due to its collection of life-sized jets, rockets, and lunar landing models. Because Long Island is both rich in culture, experiences, and authenticity, it’s no wonder why so many in New England return to this coastal city time and time again whenever they’re looking to relax, explore, or simply experience something new.

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A Guide to Staying in Pleasant Virginia Beach

An important occasion such as the turning of a new year calls for many changes, and for some that time specifically calls for a change in scenery. So, if you’re looking for a fantastic location in which you can set your sights on something familiar, new, profound, and simple, then look no further than Virginia Beach, Virginia’s largest coastal city, as outlined in this travel guide from the state’s own travel blog.

As the state of Virginia is one of the original Thirteen Colonies, there lies a lot of history, sentiment, and spectacle in the state, its wilderness, waters, and cities. Specifically, the town of Virginia Beach, which is the most populous city in the state, is located on the Atlantic Ocean right at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, and it’s known as a resort city with miles of beaches, hotels, oceanfront restaurants, shops, and much more, thus making it the perfect location for your next trip. As collected from Virginia’s Travel Blog’s suggested Weekend Vacation Guide to Virginia Beach, the following suggestions all come well-reviewed and in good faith.

Though, it should be noted that recent COVID-19 surges may have caused new government restrictions, rules, and safety measures to have been set. Because of this, it’s always suggested that those who wish to travel check local guidelines, consult CDC recommendations, and take personal health conditions into account before traveling. This way you’re more prepared to enjoy your trip while remaining as safe and responsible as possible in these unprecedented times.

Where to Stay

Many, many of Virginia Beach’s hotels and rental properties are oceanside or located directly on the beach itself, but one of the most astounding and luxurious places that you can book is the award-winning Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel. The hotel itself offers many deluxe rooms and suites to its patrons who often like to partake in the many amenities offered on behalf of the hotel. One such amenity is the rooftop infinity pool that guests can swim in, making their experience all the more spectacular. Located literally next door to Neptune’s Park, beside the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, ten minutes away from the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, and less than four miles away from Ocean Breeze Waterpark, this hotel can stand proudly as the perfect epicenter of your vacation.

What to Experience

One of the best experiences you can have in Virginia Beach is to find yourself in nature. Thus, one of the best spots for admiring the foliage, wildlife, and majesty of one of America’s oldest wonders is by visiting First Landing State Park. This park is named for the very first colonial settlers that stepped on the shores of Virginia hundreds of years ago, and after walking its over 20 miles of walking trails (such as the Cape Henry Trail), it’ll be easy to see why they planned to stay in the area. Furthermore, First Landing State Park borders the Chesapeake Bay, so there are over 200 beachfront campsites and fully furnished cabins that are available to be booked, giving you a unique perspective on a scenic destination.

As visiting a State Park is typically an all-day event, set aside some leisure time on your other days to visit the astounding ViBe Creative District to inundate yourself with the cultural and artistic scene of Virginia Beach. There are many art shops, storefronts, and the like in this neighborhood to check out such as Prosperity Kitchen & Pantry, North End Bag Company, Igor’s Custom, and Commune. Each of these shops located in the ViBe Creative District will give you specific insight into the sustainable arts scene of Virginia Beach and (of course) will serve as a nice change of pace to those recovering from a day of hiking.

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