The small town of North East, Maryland often gets mistakenly thought of as just the northeastern part of the state. Hence, its motto: “Not Just a Direction – It''s a Destination.” North East, Maryland is at the head of the Northeast River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. It is situated 50 miles from Baltimore and 50 miles from Philadelphia. The town itself has a year-round population of just 2700. However, this sleepy town plays host to thousands of visitors each summer, as they flock to North East to partake in boating and other water sports and to enjoy the many outdoor attractions to be found.
In addition to being a boater''s paradise, North East is home to some interesting parks. Elk Neck State Park, which is 2188 acres, contains beaches, marshlands and woods for visitors to explore. It lies at the peninsula formed by the North East River and Elk River, and hikers can take the trail to Turkey Point Lighthouse. Within the town limits is another park, North East Community Park, which also lies along the water and provides another area for many to launch boats.
For those who love to golf, the Chesapeake Bay Golf Club (410-287-0200 http://www.chesapeakegolf.com) will satisfy that need. Horse lovers can ride horses at Fairwinds Stables (http://www.fairwindsstables.com, 410-658-8187).
Most people come to North East for boating and water sports. McDaniel Yacht Basin (http://www.mcdanielyacht.com/) (410-287-8121) provides a place to anchor that boat and to store it in the off-season. There are also a plethora of boat dealers in the area, should you be in need of a boat, including Jackson Marine Sales (410-287-9400).
If shopping is your ideal vacation, the Main Street of North East will delight you, as Main Street is peppered with unique antique, art, curio shops and good restaurants. Some of the more notable shops along Main Street which should be checked out include Main St. Books, Blue Iris Salon & Spa, Pooches & Purrs, England’s Colony on the Bay, and Day Basket Factory. Visitors in late September can participate in the town’s Yesterdays Historical Festival, occurring along Main St., which also coincides with its Annual Auction.
You have your pick of lodging in the North East area, including hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts. Some of the better hotels include the Best Western (410-287-5450 http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=21048) which averages $96 to $117 per night; or Comfort Inn (410-287-7100 http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-north_east-maryland-MD191), charging $89 to 189 per night. Both of these hotels are convenient to travelers, located just off Interstate 95.
There are many Bed and Breakfasts from which to choose as well. These include Fairwinds Farm (http://www.fairwindsstables.com) 410-658-8187), charging $95 per night; and the waterfront North Bay Bed & Breakfast
http://northbayinc.com/BedAndBreakfast/index.shtml
410-287-5948), which charges between $65 and $125 per night. (All rates quoted are for double occupancy).
When you’re in Maryland, you must try Maryland Blue Crab. A place that specializes in that dish is Woody''s Crab House (410-287-3541 http://woodyscrabhouse.com), located on Main Street. Woody’s is a family restaurant which has a kids menu and moderate to high prices. If you’re looking for Italian family dining, Pier One, on Main St. & Cecil Ave. (410-287-6599) is your best bet. This local favorite also features a kids menu with reasonable prices.
If you visit North East, Maryland, you’ll learn that it’s not just a direction – it’s a destination!

The Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania has been called the Honeymoon Capital of the World. While it is a great place for lovers, there is much more to do in the Poconos than just honeymoon.
Vacationers have been enjoying the 2400 square miles of mountains, lakes and rivers that make up the Pocono Mountains region since the 1800s. The Poconos offer something for everyone all year long. Popular outdoor recreation activities include skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, hiking, fishing, boating, water parks, and family play parks.
Winter is still the main vacation season in the Pocono Mountains, with winter sports dominating the region. Skiing and other snowsports are the favorite pastime of vacationers during the winter months. Activities that are popular during the other three seasons include hiking, bicycling, canoeing, whitewater rafting, and golfing at the 35 area golf courses.
One of the more notable sites to see is Bushkill Falls (http://www.visitbushkillfalls.com). Located off Rt. 209 in Bushkill, PA, and described as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” the falls is actually a series of eight waterfalls existing within the Pocono Mountains.
The Poconos has its share of shops from which to choose for those interested in shopping, including antique shops, flea markets, farm markets, craft shops, specialty shops, factory outlets, and gift shops. The Crossings Premium Outlet (http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=59),located in Tannersville, PA on Rt. 611, features over 100 designer and name brand outlet stores, including Adidas, Eddie Bauer, and Timberland, to name a few. If antiques are your bag, you might want to visit Pocono Peddler''s Village antique mall on Rt. 611 in Tannersville. This antique mall spans three buildings in which 90 vendors sell their wares.
Although the Poconos are noted for being a honeymoon destination, family lodging also exists. One of the top-rated family lodges is the Skytop Lodge in Skytop, PA (http://www.poconosbest.com/resortskytop.htm). This 5500 acre resort features nature programs, indoor swimming, hayrides, golf, fishing, and tennis. Three meals a day are included in the price, which averages $399 per night during the winter season.
If you are looking for a couples'' only resort for a lovers'' getaway or perhaps even a honeymoon, the most famous one in the Poconos is Caesars Cove Haven in Lakeville, PA (http://www.poconosbest.com/resortcovehaven.htm). This is the resort housing the famous heart-shaped tubs, which also offers guests champagne, breakfast in bed, and other amenities suited to couples only. Rates range from $225 to $475 per night, depending on the date and the package chosen.
Dining choices abound in the Poconos. One of the most favorably reviewed restaurants is The Meadowbrook Inn (http://www.meadowbrookinn.net/rest.html), located on Cherry Lane Rd. in Tannersville. Its country inn elegance makes it a popular spot. It is open for dinner only Wednesday through Sunday. Entrees range in price from $24 to $40.
Another favorite of both tourists and locals is The Stone Bar (http://www.stonebar.com), located on Rt. 209 in Snydersville, PA. Open just for dinner Tuesday through Sunday, entree prices average from $20 to $40.
If you''re looking for a place that serves lunch, and features a children''s menu, Alaska Pete''s (http://www.alsakapetes.com) on Rt. 209 in Marshalls Creek, PA is a good choice. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week from 11 am until close, their lunch prices average from $8-$10 and dinner entrees average about $20.
Mollie''s (http://www.molliesrestaurant.net) , located on Main St. in Stroudsburg, PA, is famous for its good, homestyle food. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week at reasonable prices.
For your next vacation, why not head to the Pocono Mountains, where there''s always something to do, no matter what time of year?

If you''re looking for a quiet Caribbean getaway, with plenty of sand and surf, Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, is the place for you. With a population of 60,000, this island is just 10 miles long and 3 miles wide. With a name meaning the Turtle Dove of the Caribbean, Tortola is considered to be a laid-back, easygoing destination for those who want to get away from it all for a while.

Tortola boasts the highest elevation in all of the British Virgin Islands. Mount Sage, at 1716 feet high, provides a vantage point for panoramic views of the sea and the islands. It was from this point that Columbus viewed the islands and named them the Virgin Islands after after St Ursula''s martyred 10,000 virgins.

Tortola offers the vacationer many water sports and activities from which to choose. These include sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, fishing, boat charter trips, and much more. One of the most unique offerings is Dolphin Discovery ( 866-393-5158) , in which tourists go out on a boat with a trained professional and search for gentle, graceful dolphins in the sea.

Other sights that are not to be missed on this small island include the Botanic Gardens, which encompass four acres; and the Fort Recovery Tower, built around an original 17th century British fort, one of the last standing, oldest, completely intact forts in the Caribbean. Of course, there is always shopping as well. Tortola''s shops offer the normal clothing, jewelry, and sundries, but one can also find unique spice shops, art galleries, and stores sellling herbs and natural medicinal alternatives.

Accommodations on Tortola range from private and secluded to larger, busier hotels. Villas are quite popular, as they are small homes that can be rented by the week or sometimes per night with a minimum stay. The Sugar Plum villas http://www.purplepineapple.com/ offer a two bedroom house on the sea, and sleeps four. It boasts panoramic sea views, and is just three minutes from the beach. These villas rent for $1950 to $3500 per week. The family-friendly Fort Recovery Beachfront Villas http://www.fortrecovery.com/ are a bit more reasonable, from $150 to $200 per night.

The Sugar Mill Hotel http://www.sugarmillhotel.com/ offers 23 rooms, ranging from suites to villas. It sits on a small beach with a natural reef, rand rooms rent from $250 to $700 per night. A restaurant serving breakfast and lunch also exists at the Sugar Mill.

Tourists in Tortola also have many restaurants from which to choose. One popular dining spot is Sebastians On The Beach, located on Little Apple Bay http://www.sebastiansbvi.com/ . Sebastians serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is also famous for its own Sebastians Rum. Sebastians also has a 26 room hotel ranging from $105 to $300 per night.

One of the island''s fine dining choices, The Last Resort, on Trellis Bay (284-495-2520) is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner for two. The Last Resort offers dinner only, and is a bit more expensive, but worth it for a special evening.

For a delightful place to stay while visiting Aruba, check out tropical Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa, the largest resort in Aruba that can boast being located right on the beach. Opt for their all-inclusive package and get three meals a day (including restaurant and bar service charges) plus unlimited premium beverages along with your room.

The Manchebo Beach Resort offers two types of rooms, the Garden View and the Ocean-Beach View. Each room features its own private patio or balcony to create an unforgettable vacation. Free towels and lounges for use while enjoying the white sand beach are provided as well as 45 beach shade huts for protection from the tropical sun. For the more adventuresome types, the Alhambra Casino is just a 3-minute walk from the resort. See what this resort has to offer at www.manchebo.com.

Eating is a pleasure as well with three memorable restaurants to choose from. For evening dining, try the French Steakhouse which features their Churrasco Steak, a 12-ounce lean tenderloin from Argentina, marinated in red wine, virgin olive oil and fresh herbs and then grilled. Their menu is viewable at www.aruba-manchebo.com/steakhouse/index.shtml.

If Italian cuisine is your preference, try Giorgio''s Ristorante Italiano on the poolside garden terrace. For lighter fare and happy hour, there''s the Pega Pega Cafe and Beach Bar which offers specialty salads and sandwiches.

While the Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa also offers a fresh-water pool, fitness center and full-service spa, a bit of sightseeing around Aruba is also a great way to spend some vacation time.

The Natural Bridge, one of Aruba''s most popular tourist attractions, was cut from the coral limestone by years of pounding surf. 23 feet above sea level with a 100-foot span, it was one of the largest natural bridges in the world before its collapse on September 2, 2005.

The Natural Pool known as Cura di Tortuga is surrounded by Aruba''s most rugged terrain. Most visitors go here to participate in diving from the rocky cliffs surrounding the pool.

Shoppers will love Aruba''s capital city, Oranjestad. Purchase or just browse the produce and fresh fish sold daily from boats along the wharf or stroll through the downtown shops. Enjoy the distinctive Dutch colonial architecture in all its pastel beauty while in Oranjestad.

For those who love caves, there are Aruba''s Quadiriki Caves, located high in the limestone cliff walls. The first two chambers offer Arawak petroglyphs (drawings), dripping stones, bat guano and graffiti. They''re both damp and dark so be sure to take a high-intensity flashlight when visiting the caves.

With an average year-round temperature of 82 degrees, Aruba is a tropical vacation paradise. The island only covers 70 square miles but its beauty is breathtaking and it offers some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Plan now to treat yourself to a few days in paradise.

For a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation where you can lounge on almost-empty beautiful white sand beaches, try Anguilla. With only 35 square miles, Anguilla (which means eel in Spanish) offers 70 restaurants and 33 beaches. A 20-minute ferry ride from St. Martin''s, its average year-round temperature is a balmy 80 degrees. With soil too poor for most crops, Anguilla became known for its salt mines. Now, however, tourism is their main livelihood.

Many of Anguilla''s beaches offer barbecue shacks, as well as water that''s perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing. Sailing, their national sport, and deep-sea fishing are also available. For something a bit more adventuresome, consider swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Discovery at Isla Mujeres. They offer several dolphin encounters including one for $69USD where a dolphin offers a kiss and hug, a song and a handshake. This all takes place in shallower water. For $199USD, encounter and feed dolphins, manatees and sea lions at Discovery Plus. Visit www.dolphindiscovery.com/cancun-islamujeres/isla-mujeres-activities.asp for information on these and more encounters.

For dining at a reasonable price, try the English Rose (www.fodors.com/world/caribbean/anguilla/review-153134.html) located on Main Street in The Valley. They offer such local foods as beer-battered shrimp, Caesar salad with jerk chicken, baked chicken and snapper creole and even the locals eat there. Their phone number is 264-497-5353 but they''re closed on Sundays.

When visiting Shoal Bay East in Anguilla, stop by the Madeariman Reef Bar and Restaurant (phone 264-497-5750) for a relaxing afternoon sunning and swimming on their beach. Lunch diners get complimentary use of a beach umbrella and beach chairs all afternoon. Their cuisine is French and includes soups, salads and grilled items. Plus Madeariman is right next door to Uncle Ernie''s BBQ for easy bar-hopping!

For those who enjoy staying at unique spots, take a look at the Arawak Beach Inn. They are located at Island Harbour and have 13 rooms and 4 suites. Arawak Beach Inn is a colorful 2-story villa with their own private beach just a five-minute walk away. They offer Oceanfront rooms on the ocean level, each with their own terrace, refrigerator, and ceiling fan. While most don''t have TV''s and aren''t air conditioned, local island breezes are sufficient to keep guests comfortable. Deluxe rooms are also available which offer slightly better accommodations for a slightly higher price. Wifi is offered in the common areas. See what they offer at www.arawakbeach.com or call 264-497-4888 for information or 877-427-2925 for reservations.

While not a shopping or sightseeing mecca, Anguilla is the perfect spot for a few days of relaxation and rejuvenation from a normally hectic lifestyle.