5 Educational Experiences in St. Augustine, Florida

March 30, 2015 openvacadev Leave a comment

5 Educational Experiences in St. Augustine

St. Augustine, Florida is full of history. In fact, it is the longest inhabited European-founded city in the United States. It’s hard to avoid history on the sunny, narrow streets throughout St. Augustine. Places to stay are tucked throughout the city among the abundant Native, African, Greek, English, Spanish and Minorcan influences. There is so much to learn about this confluence of new and old while on your St. Augustine vacation, here are 5 educational experiences worth checking into during your visit.

Lightner Museum: Formerly Hotel Alcazar, the Lightner Museum was built in 1887 and designed by the same architects who later went on to design the New York Public Library and the U.S. Senate office building. Its three floors hold exhibits from America’s Gilded Age and relics of daily life in the 19^th century. The collection also includes stuffed birds, a small Egyptian mummy, model steam engines and a music room.

Old Town Trolley Tours: For over 30 years, this tour company has provided St. Augustine with sightseeing tours throughout the city. Narrated as you go, there is a mix of fact and trivia, as well as fun stories as the trolley winds its way through the nation’s oldest city. Among several tours available, including sightseeing and ghost tours, a perk is being able to hop on and off the bus to explore on your own time.

Castillo de San Marcos: Tour the grounds of the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States that dates back to 1672. The fort has seen its share of sieges and use including as a prison for Native Americans and later for Confederate soldiers. Visitors can tour the bastion and watch cannon firings along with historical re-enactments throughout the year.

Crisp-Ellert Art Museum: Venture over to Hogwarts Flagler College to experience the school’s Art Museum which offers an opportunity to view contemporary art in rotating art exhibitions. The exhibits feature artists from the area as well as international artists and hosts various programs like artist talks, readings, a film series and panel discussions.

Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park: This location is the actual site of the first settlement area in the nation’s oldest city. The park offers both indoor and outdoor activities and exhibits to explore. From living history interpreters in a replica of Seloy, a Timucua Village that existed for a 1,000 years, to Spanish cannon demonstrations and a river walk that extends into a salt marsh. This is a place to spend the day with your whole family.

Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

10 Most-Popular Myrtle Beach Attractions

March 23, 2015 openvacadev Leave a comment

10 Most-Popular Myrtle Beach Attractions

A Myrtle Beach vacation is packed with activities and opportunities to create a lifetime of memories for your friends and family. Whether it’s a week-long or a weekend beach getaway, planning what to do and your Myrtle Beach vacation rental can be overwhelming. We offer 10 popular Myrtle Beach attractions to get your gears moving.

The Beach: Hands down the number one thing to do that’s really hard to top, go to the beach. You could have picked anywhere: the mountains, the desert, a coniferous forest, but you chose a Myrtle Beach vacation. In fact, with 60 miles of sand along what is known as the Grand Stand, and with lifeguards on duty, why bother with a list? We’re done.
The Sunrise over the Atlantic: There’s nothing quite like seeing the sun rise from the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean. Well, maybe paddling out in the early hours and watching the sunrise while on a surfboard. If you start your day early, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to have most of the beach to yourself before the umbrellas and coolers begin to show up. If you decide to surf, between April 30 and Labor Day it’s prohibited between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. except in designated areas.
Golfing: 100+ courses in the area and beautiful weather makes this one of the most sought after golf destinations in the country. Whether you’re on vacation with family or friends, many of the courses are close to the beach and offer activities beyond the fairways.
Mini-golf: If you’d rather be surrounded by prehistoric dinosaurs and exploding volcanoes instead of goofy pants you’re in luck because there are dozens of miniature golf courses to choose from along the Grand Stand. Sure, there are hundreds of championship fairways nearby, but why not play on the same course as the nationally televised U.S. Prominigolf Master’s National Championship?
Brookgreen Gardens: This combined garden, sculpture exhibit and zoo was designated a National Historic Landmark and listed on the Register of National Historic Places, it was also listed by Coastal Living Magazine as one of the top 10 public gardens in the country. Along with countless sights and activities like a pontoon boat cruise, the gardens also host classes in sculpture, horticulture, history and animals. Bicycles are welcome on the paved roads.
Ripley’s Aquarium: This 85,000 square foot multi-level aquarium have interactive and educational exhibits that showcase the aquatic ecosystem just outside the doors along with around the world. There’s a glass tunnel that puts you right in the middle of sharks, sea turtles and fish and a shallow pool with touch-friendly species.
Carolina Opry: Built in 1993, this 2,200 seat showplace received the Governor’s Cup, the state’s highest tourism award. If you’re on vacation in Myrtle Beach, this live show powerhouse offers everything from laser light shows to dance to song.
Myrtle Beach Sky Wheel: Standing at 187 feet and just yards away from the water, the Skywheel is the largest Ferris wheel on East Coast. Each flight- three revolutions- takes an estimated 8-10 minutes and there are 42 glass-enclosed, climate controlled gondolas to carry passengers. At night, the wheelchair accessible landmark lights up.
Brewery Tour: Tired of watered-down, easily accessible, bland beer from your grocery store or local pub? It’s no surprise there’s a surge in craft beer popularity over the past couple of years as micro-breweries and brewers take greater risks and specialize on variations of the beverage. While you’re on the beach, plan ahead with a designated-driver to hop-scotch over two-dozen breweries nestled along the coast. Sit with the locals, order a beer flight and tour the facilities to see the process from start to finish.
Hot Summer Nights: Free nightly events along the boardwalk last from June through August. Starting with a family-friendly Boardwalk Kids Carnival, all ages can have fun with face painting, caricature artists, games, stilt walkers and much more. Later in the night, check out the “I Love Sugar” oceanfront music stage to hear local and regional acts. Cap off the night every Wednesday with a firework show along the boardwalk.

Adventure, Deep Creek Lake, MD

4 Outdoor Activities at Deep Creek Lake for Every Season

March 16, 2015 openvacadev Leave a comment

Deep Creek Lake is Maryland’s largest inland body of water covering nearly 3,900 acres with a 69 mile shoreline. Fun fact, all lakes in Maryland are man-made. You may not know it, however, since Deep Creek Lake has taken on an eco-system of its own with freshwater fish, wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. When is the best time to visit for your Deep Creek Lake vacation? How about Spring, Summer, Fall, and, Winter.

Whether it’s for the day, a weekend or a week, Deep Creek Lake is located close to many cities in the central-east and has options for people wanting to just dip their toes in outdoor adventures, to weekend warriors, to weathered granola heads. Countless Deep Creek Lake rentals offer a central location so you can have access to it all.

Spring

Mountain biking: There are several options in the area for mountain biking and even more for road cycling. Hailed as one of the best single tracks in Garrett County, Margoff is a 5.5 mile loop with rolling hills. Another trail system with varying degrees of difficulty and maintained by Garrett Trails is Fork Run Trail System. This area offers 7 miles of wooded trails open from sunrise to sunset.

Horseback riding: Hire a guide to take you on a private and personalized trail riding experience along undeveloped mountain trails and into the woods.

Golfing: Want something a little more tame? Try golfing at one of these nearby courses.personalized trail riding experience along undeveloped mountain trails and into the woods.

-Lodestone Golf Course

-Thousand Acres Lakeside Golf Club

-Waterfront Greens Golf Course

-Fantasy Valley Golf Course

Hiking: It’s definitely a year-round adventure, but Spring and Fall are on the more mild side as far as weather goes. Kick aside those winter blues with a spring hike or peep some leaves in the fall. Either time is not too hot or too cold for a walk in the woods. For beginners wanting a several hour hike, try Meadow Mountain Trail. For more experienced hikers, try the quick Fire Tower Trail.

Summer

Kayaking: Ever see videos or photos of paddlers launching off waterfalls or ‘playing’ in water that most people panic when they’re even close to? If you’re 12 years of age or older, you can get a taste of those thrills in a controlled environment or in the wilderness with Adventure Sports Center International. They offer introductory paddling courses for beginners and private instructions for more advanced. In fact, the ASCI course was host to the 2014 World Canoe Slalom Championships.

Swimming: While the lake is on average 10-15 degree cooler than surroundings cities, temperature from June through August can still be warm enough to make a dip necessary. Most of the visitor services are located on the State Park Road which includes approximately 1 mile of shoreline. Tables, grills shelters and restrooms are available and lifeguards are on duty at the designated swimming areas from Memorial Day until Labor Day.

Boating: Bring your boat or rent one. Whether you’re looking to relax on a pontoon or try wakeboarding or water skiing behind a motorboat, several local businesses have packages worth checking. You can even rent a jet ski.

Junior Ranger Program: Focused on Maryland and what makes the state unique, the six-session program explores the natural and historical features of the park. Ages 7-14. For more information, visit the Maryland State Department of Natural Resources.

Fall

Topwater fishing: Just after dawn, before the lake waters warm from the sun is the best time for topwater fishing on Deep Creek Lake. Bluegills, Yellow Perch, trout and bass. If you’re planning to use the park boat ramp, be prepared to pay a small service charge.

SavageMan Triathlon Festival: Triathlete Magazine named it the hardest race on earth in 2010. Ready for a triathlon? We’re not either. But the environment surrounding race day can be fun and contagious. Head out to cheer competitors on or start training now to join them September 19-20, 2015.

Geocaching: Using a GPS, a little imagination and some wilderness skills, your goal is to locate a ‘cache,’ usually found in a waterproof box. A cache could be hidden under a pile of leaves just off trail, or stuck in a tree far out of reach. ASCI has over 10 new caches for all skill levels.

Rock climbing: Primarily a sport climbing area, there are overhangs and most routes are from mid-5.11s. For more moderate routes, check out a section called Tea and Crumpets Wall. Climbing season ramps up beginning in mid-March and peaks in May before tapering off until late summer into late fall.

Winter

Snowboarding/Skiing: Wisp Resort offers a 700 foot vertical drop to shred. With 34 runs, the longest being 1.5 miles, they receive an average of 100 inches of snow each year. Can’t make it to the Northeast or out West but have an itch that needs scratching, Wisp is right up your alley for a weekend getaway. Want to try something new? It’s never too late to learn to ski or snowboard. Just remember to lean forward.

Snowshoe to Muddy Creek Waterfall: Beginning at nearby Swallow Falls State Park, you’ll snowshoe 1.25 miles through a 300 year old Hemlock forest. Cutting through the silent trees in the stillness of winter, the snow creaking under your feet, you’ll reach the state’s highest waterfall that typically freezes in the winter, all 53 feet.

Dog sledding: A learning experience with a thrill, spend a few hours with a team of mushers learning about huskies, harnessing, and sledding. Then hold on as you’ll be driven through winding hillside trails and through wooded forest logging trails and open pastures.

Cross Country (Nordic) Skiing: For $20 a lesson, you’ll get a pair of skis and 90 minutes of instruction to send you on your way to experience a work out through nature. Be sure to bring a backpack because once you get going through Herrington Manor State Park, those layers will start coming off.

For more information about outdoor activities around Deep Creek Lake check out the Garrett County Adventure Guide (PDF). For trail guides, calendar of events and other resources can be found on Maryland Department of Natural Resources Website

Destin: A Shopping Guide to Florida’s Emerald Coast

March 11, 2015 openvacadev Leave a comment

So you’re in Destin, Florida with 3.6 million of your closest friends. You booked a Destin vacation beach getaway in an area U.S. News & World Report ranked as one of the top 5 beaches in Florida. But you’re burnt to a crisp from the sun bouncing off the beautiful white sands lining the Gulf of Mexico. Or maybe you dropped your sunglasses while wrangling the biggest fish anyone has ever seen. Sure, we believe you. After all, tucked along the Emerald Coast, Destin is known as the world’s luckiest fishing village. Take a break from your sun-soaked sandy paradise or go look for new glasses and head to some of the many shops this destination vacation hot-spot has to offer.

Waterfront Shopping at Destin Harbor: Destin Harbor is historically known as the heart of the area and a gathering place for celebrations and daily activities. Centrally located near countless Destin vacation rentals and along the water, the boardwalk is dotted with unique stores like Kitty Hawk Kites, upscale boutiques, restaurants, as well as booths to book a number of activities. The area is home to Florida’s largest charter fishing fleet, so there’s plenty of fresh seafood or options to catch your own. From morning to night, the boardwalk is a constant buzz of life and entertainment. And with free parking, it’s easy to access and allow yourself to get lost exploring the area.

Between dolphin cruises, charter fishing, boat rentals, and the countless festivals taking place year-round on the Destin Boardwalk, there is never a dull moment amidst activities or entertainment while popping in and out of the shops.

Head to Destin Commons for over 90 stores: Located outside and centered around a tiered fountain, Destin Commons features all the name-brand stores and more. Voted ‘Best Place to Shop,’ by Emerald Coast Magazine readers, the open-air mall features more than 90 stores and dining options. From Aldo and Earthbound Trading Company to BassPro and Books-a-Million, a wide range of shopping for any taste is available. Lucky with the fish but not with the weather? Head to AMC Destin, a 14-screen movie theatre with stadium seating, to wait out the rain. Have a restless child? Swing by the soft playground or interactive water fountain. Have a restless spouse? Drop them off at the new World of Beer.

Or maybe you all need a change of scene from retail therapy? Take a tour on the miniature train that offers a trip down South Street and Center Plaza for $4. The commons also has free Wi-Fi.

The county offers access to Destin Commons from a number of areas via a drop-off and pick-up service on the Okaloosa County Transit Shuttle. Call (850) 833-9168 for more details.

Buy local, be local

Destin Harbor Farmer’s Market: Just about a year old, the year-round farmers’ market is open every Saturday from 10am to 2pm. You’ll find everything from gourmet olive oils, grass fed beef, fruits, hot sauces and popsicles to handmade goods. There are also vendors with food inspired from around the world.

Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village: Check their website before you go, but the MKAF hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year including the annual Festival of the Arts, where you can pick up some unique pieces while supporting local artists.

Harbor Docks: Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat or some fresh seafood to bring back to your rental after a day shopping, Harbor Docks Seafood Market are advocates for buying local and getting the fish you pay for. In operation since 1981, Harbor Docks plays a key role in supplying quality, guaranteed fresh seafood locally and internationally while supporting the local fishing industry.

The Honey Pot & The Honey Pot Cafe: Not only are they the owners of the café serving breakfast and lunch, but the father and son team are bee keepers who produce 100% treatment-free Destin honey for products that include soap, candles and skin care.

Scenic Highway 30A: Destin is centrally located to the beaches, harbor access, along with Scenic Highway 30A, a stretch of nearly 30 miles that hugs the Gulf of Mexico coastline. A drive down 30A east from Destin reveals art galleries and unique, locally-owned businesses that dot the landscape.

Want to tap into the community a little more and see what’s going on with those who call Destin home? Visit the Destin area Chamber of Commerce community calendar