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The Ultimate Guide to Chincoteague Island VA

Chincoteague Island is a small-town beach community located on Virginia’s eastern shore (only 7 miles long and 3 miles wide) that has that southern charm that makes it so special with so much to explore and do. Waking up to beautiful sunrises and ending your day with stunning sunsets, Chincoteague should be on your list of places to visit, at least once if not more, in your lifetime. Chincoteague has something for everyone from families with young children to retired folks, this community is one to be enjoyed.

See the famous Chincoteague ponies

See the In my opinion, this is the real reason everyone goes to Chincoteague, the wild ponies. They are simply beautiful in their environment and are truly a sight to see. It’s a short ride from anywhere on the island to get to Assateague Island National Seashore where you can experience these fine animals.

The ponies are “owned” by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department and they give them healthcare and food when needed. They are allowed to live on Assateague Island by a special permit from the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

During July, the “saltwater” cowboys (who are Chincoteague volunteer fire company) round up the ponies for the annual Chincoteague pony swim and auction. This event began in 1925 after the forming of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department, to raise money for firefighting equipment. This was the outcome of two damaging fires that destroyed many acres on the opposite sides of the island.

During this event, you can see the ponies swim over the Assateague Channel to Chincoteague. There is a parade of about 100 ponies, in the heart of town, making their way to the carnival grounds where they are rested until the auction the following morning(Friday) at 8 am. This happens the last Wednesday before the last Thursday of July every year. The unsold ponies are then returned to Assateague Island on Friday. All monies from this event go to the fire department to supply firefighting services to the town.

This event draws about 40,000 spectators from around the world each year.

Baxter State Park, A True Wilderness Experience

Baxter State Park is a True Wilderness Experience. With over 200,000 acres, this special place is a hiker’s paradise to experience nature at its best.

There are 46 mountain peaks for you to explore of which 18 of them are over 3,000’ in elevation. The highest peak in Baxter State Park is Baxter Peak at 5,267’.

It’s a park you can get lost in so you should always have a good map with you. Trail maps can be obtained at the area campground, park headquarters in East Millinocket, and the Visitor Center at Togue Pond.

The park is free for Maine residents. The non-resident fee is $16 per vehicle.

I have been very fortunate to have experienced the seclusion of this magnificent park many times. Maine is one of my favorite places to vacation and it’s true when they say, “Maine, The Way Life Should Be”.

Also, as I am a big moose lover and to see them in the wild is an experience of a lifetime. I’ve seen many moose at Baxter State Park, and I guess it’s one of the main reasons I love it so much.

Things To Do In the Upper Peninsula

There are so many things to do in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan that you can spend weeks there exploring. It spans 325 miles in length and only has one interstate. Eighty-four percent of it was covered in old-growth forests, making it an outdoor enthusiast’s heaven. Many people flock here every year to enjoy an Upper Peninsula road trip and outdoor recreation at its best. With over 200 waterfalls, 4300 inland lakes, 12000 miles of rivers and streams, and border 3 of the Great Lakes, the Upper Peninsula is a nature lover’s paradise of Pure Michigan.

Things to do in the Upper Peninsula (all regions)

Eat a Pasty

Eat a pasty as the miners did years ago. It is meat, potatoes, and onions wrapped in a crust. You won’t have any problem finding a location that has them. You can even buy them frozen in the supermarket!

Watch a Lake Superior Sunset

Nothing is more beautiful than watching the sunset over Lake Superior.

Casinos

There are 10 casinos throughout the Upper Peninsula. Kewadin Casino operates facilities in Christmas, St. Ignace, Manistique, Sault Ste Marie, and Hessel. Kings Club Casino is located in Brimley, Northern Waters Casino in Watersmeet, MI, the Island Resort & Casino in Harris, and Ojibwa Casino in Baraga and Marquette, MI. So when you’re visiting the UP, try your luck at any of these casinos and enjoy!

Best Amusement Parks in New York State

Everyone is always looking to have fun and there is nothing better than going to an amusement park. Well, New York has plenty of amusement parks. Here are the Best Amusement Parks in New York State.

When planning a family vacation or weekend getaway we always planned a day or two at an amusement park. Your kids will love it and it allows you to just have fun and be a kid yourself again.

Some are big parks run by major corporations like Six Flags while others are small family-run businesses. Whatever the case you will have a good time going on all the roller coasters and other thrill rides as well as family and kiddie rides.

Don’t you just love taking a carousel and listening to that music as you go round and round? These are the things that make these parks so much fun.

Here is a list of the best amusement parks in New York State. So get out and have some fun!

Badlands National Park

Nestled in the rugged southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park offers a striking landscape of stark beauty and dramatic contrasts. Renowned for its unique geological formations, the park encompasses a sprawling wilderness of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires blended with the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States.

Here, visitors can explore the remnants of a long-past era where ancient mammals once roamed, and today, where bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs continue to thrive. As we explore what makes Badlands National Park a must-visit destination, prepare to discover a world where science, history, and wild beauty converge in an unforgettable landscape.

101 Summer Bucket List Ideas 2024

As the days grow longer and the temperature rises, the allure of summer adventures begins to beckon. From the sun-drenched beaches to the serene countryside, the possibilities for making unforgettable memories are endless. In the spirit of embracing all that the season has to offer, we’ve created a comprehensive list of 101 summer bucket list activities designed to inspire joy, foster growth, and encourage exploration.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking your next thrill, a nature lover looking to connect with the great outdoors, or someone craving the simple pleasure of a new hobby, this list has something for everyone. Join us as we dive into a summer filled with adventure, relaxation, and discovery, and make this your most memorable season yet.

So, grab your sunscreen, your sense of adventure, and perhaps a friend or two, and let’s make this summer one for the books!

Discovering Letchworth State Park: Vacation Guide

It’s no wonder that Letchworth State Park is the most visited state park in New York. With more than 50 miles of trails, three cascading waterfalls, and some of the best camping facilities in the Northeast, it doesn’t take long to see why this is such a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Welcome to Letchworth State Park

Welcome to Letchworth State Park nestled in the heart of western New York, spanning over 14,000 acres across Livingston and Wyoming counties. With its deep gorges carved by the Genesee River, lush forests, and majestic waterfalls – including the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls – Letchworth offers a panoramic vista unlike any other seen in New York. No wonder it is considered New York’s best state Park (well in my opinion anyway and I’ve been to many of NY parks).

The park’s commitment to conservation and historical preservation has also garnered national recognition, including the esteemed USA Today Readers’ Choice Award for the best state park in the nation. The many activities along with its beauty have solidified its status as a treasure within the national parks system and a pillar among New York State Parks.

Key Takeaways:

Letchworth State Park is celebrated as the Grand Canyon of the East, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
The park’s geological wonders, such as the Genesee River Gorge and the major waterfalls, provide breathtaking scenery and numerous recreational opportunities.
Letchworth could very well be a national park with its lush forests, historic sites, campground, and lodging, and should be on your bucket list when visiting New York.

Exploring Killens Pond State Park Felton Delaware

Welcome to Killens Pond State Park

Killens Pond State Park and Campground (open year-round) is located town of Felton Delaware in Kent County about 13 miles south of Dover just off Route 13. This park has so much to offer with a big beautiful pond, fishing, boating, playgrounds, picnic area, camping, and rental cabins. It is one of the nicest state parks we’ve visited

It is a pristine sanctuary, offering a vast array of recreational and natural wonders that captivate the hearts of visitors. Positioned along the southern boundary of the Murderkill River, this 66-acre millpond is surrounded by lush landscapes, welcoming nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The park features everything from largemouth bass to wandering trails that offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Whether you’re looking to engage in a lively pickleball match, uncover the trails on foot, or relish in the calmness of the water via boat rentals, Killens Pond State Park serves as a central hub for endless outdoor activities and cherished moments in a natural setting.

Key Takeaways:

Central Delaware’s Gem: Killens Pond State Park is a beacon of natural beauty and recreational diversity.
Year-Round Accessibility: Open to visitors throughout all seasons, the park offers activities regardless of the weather.
Rich in Recreation: From hiking along the Pondside Trail to enjoying water slides in the water park, there’s no shortage of adventure.

18 Best State Parks in Pennsylvania 2024

Pennsylvania is home to some of the most beautiful state parks in America. They are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, and boating. If you’re looking for a great place to spend your summer vacation or a weekend getaway check out the best state parks in Pennsylvania.

With over 121 parks, many offer spectacular scenery with waterfalls galore and abundant wildlife including black bears, wild turkeys, red foxes, white-tailed deer, and coyotes.

Here is our list of the best Pennsylvania state parks.

1. Ricketts Glen State Park

Ricketts Glen State Park is known for being the best state park in Pennsylvania but also ranks as one of the top parks in the United States.

Majestic Moose at Fishercap Lake: a Glacier Park Gem

Welcome to Fishercap Lake

There is nothing like seeing a moose in the wild and Fishercap Lake in Glacier National Park is a great place to see one. Here is one of the park’s hidden treasures, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Fishercap Lake is not only accessible with a short easy hike, but it’s also one of the most reliable spots to see the majestic moose in their natural habitat. Just a short walk away from the popular Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, the lake serves as a stage for an array of wildlife activities, with an emphasis on moose watching.

You can’t go to Glacier without hiking the Fishercap Lake trail. The easy terrain invites hikers of all levels to indulge in the beauty of the park without the strain of steep inclines. On my recent visit, I was graced by the sight of a cow moose in the lake and her calves grazing by the water’s edge, an image that encapsulates the essence of this incredible park. The lake’s setting describes a tranquil, unspoiled corner of wilderness, idyllic for photographers, families, and hikers alike.