Usually when people look to go to New England, there's one place that sticks out as a must-see.
Welcome to Cape Cod National Seashore, a peculiar peninsula hanging from the southeast of Massachusetts. Many will know Cape Cod for its historical significance, when Pilgrims crossed the Atlantic Ocean on the Mayflower in 1620 and landed at Plymouth Rock, after sailing too far north after a storm and not being able to reach their original target of the Virginia colony. Their settled city of Provincetown still exists today, along with a park paying tribute to this original landing. This is where you will find the eastern terminus of United States Route 6, a mere 3,205 miles from Bishop, California at the other end, as is signed in this area.
Although Provincetown is certainly a spectacle in and of itself to get to the end of the land, there's much more to the Cape Cod area to visit. Perhaps make a stop in the cities of Barnstable, Yarmouth, or Dennis with plenty of along-the-shore opportunities for you to enjoy. If the mainland just isn't suiting you, head over to Hyannis and pick up a ferry. One may be able to take to the vacation home of many celebrities and famous people: Martha's Vineyard. Or take an excursion over to Nantucket Island. Who knows? You might be able to meet the man from Nantucket.
Along the way at the cities of Eastham and Wellfleet, make a stop at the National Beaches. If you have your National Parks Pass, you're in luck, because you'll be able to use it here. First make a stop at the Salt Pond Visitors Center, and if you have a pup with you, you'll be able to induct him or her into the B.A.R.K. Ranger program. They'll also help you with the dog friendly beaches, of which the National Seashore has a few. Make your way through and outside of the lifeguard protected areas between Coast Guard Beach and Marconi Beach, and your furry little friend will be able to enjoy the ocean. Just be aware that the beach itself is quite steep, and it's a bit of a hike back up to the parking lot, so make sure you are fully prepared.
So the next time your Internal Compass takes you to New England, don't forget about Cape Cod National Seashore.
This one is almost assuredly on everyone's bucket list, and for good reason.
Welcome to Baa Habaa (Bar Harbor for those actually trying to look it up), home of Acadia National Park in the Pine Tree State of Maine. First established as a National Park in 1916 after lobbying from regular visitor John D. Rockefeller, and later renamed in 1929, Acadia has become a site of preservation for many different plants, animals, and the small "mountains" adorning the area. Acadia is situated mostly on Mount Desert Island, where the city of Bar Harbor can be found, along a few other small harbor cities. There are a couple of other points such as Winter Harbor on the Schoodic Peninsula.
As you approach the park, stop by the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, prominently signed along State Route 3, to gather all the information you'll need. Take a drive around the Park Loop to visit all the points of interest within the main park. See the Wild Gardens of Acadia at "Sieur de Monts", or take a walk through the wetlands while along Jessup Path in that area. Maybe you want to take a quick dip in the Atlantic at Newport Cove, where one of the few sand beaches along the rocky coast of Maine can be found. If scenic drives and views tickle your fancy, perhaps grab some tickets to go up Cadillac Mountain, where the entire island, along with the ocean, can be seen. Plenty of other fun, including carriage rides and ferries to the various other islands around the area, may be had.
Hopefully you kept hold of that National Parks pass, because it will work here. They do also have seasonal entry specific to Acadia if you're spending an extended time. It's a little bit of a drive from Bangor down US Route 1A and State Route 3 to get to the park, with a close resupply point in Ellsworth if you need something from the regional and national chains. While on Mount Desert Island, definitely take a trip to the Northeast Harbor and visit their Main Street. Consider going along Sargeant Drive for great views of the Somes Sound. Don't forget the other side of the sound near Southwest Harbor, and check out the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and the history behind this important nautical marker.
Almost assuredly, your Internal Compass will point you towards Acadia National Park. The next time you visit Maine, this is one place not to miss.
Once again, another Brew Review brought to you by Freedom Rolling, but this time a little something different. Shenandoah National Park in Virginia has reached out to some of the local brewers to contract a few selections that are exclusive to the park, and today, we'll be looking at some that will be available within the various visitors' centers. As with all of the Brew Reviews, please ensure that these, or any beers, are enjoyed in accordance with local laws, whether you enjoy these at the park, or take them to another location.
Our first trip takes us over to Waynesboro, Virginia and the Basic City Beer Company for the Limberlost Lager. This brewery is proud to be able to use the spring water from the park as a base. This light colored brew, upon first taste, gives the drinker an experience light to the palette. Without any sort of taste of hops or the heavy presence of a malt, this is a neutral beer that would seem well with just about anything, even by itself, during a summer day.
Welcome to Harrisonburg, Virginia; home of James Madison University, and the Brothers Craft Brewing Company for their offering of the Skyline Falls Hazy IPA. A beautiful golden color greets the drinker along with the very familiar scent of hops that one would come to expect with this type of brew. However, the sip shows the hops to very controlled, as the tip of the tongue doesn't give that forcefulness of the hops; it isn't until the beer hits the roof of the mouth that the bitterness will come. Although the name is inspired from the park, this brew is regularly available at the brewery, and for good reason, as it is one to certainly enjoy during or after spending time with nature.
We return once again to Waynesboro, Virginia and the Basic City Brewing Company, this time to be able to try out their White Oak Canyon Wit. Once again, the local spring water is used as a base for this particular brew. The first sip had a hard bitter taste hit the palette, but further sips reduce that initial hit making for an enjoyable experience, and is typical of what a good witbier should be. The drinker would very much enjoy this during the summer months.
So the next time your Internal Compass takes you to Shenandoah, stop by the visitors' center to enjoy a couple of local craft beers.
Have you been longing for great views while on your Sunday Drive? Check this one out.
Welcome to Shenandoah National Park, a lovely stretch of Appalachia in the heart of Virginia. For those familiar with the song about Shenandoah, that refers to the name of an Indian Chief and the Missouri River, and has nothing to do with this area despite its use as an interim state song. First established in late 1935 and dedicated in July of 1936, this long yet relatively narrow stretch of land meanders its way in the hills to the east of the Shenandoah River. Communities are scattered mostly to the west of the park along the river itself, while found along the east side is a vastness of nature.
If you're a visitor to Shenandoah National Park, you'll almost certainly want to take a trip along Skyline Drive. This is the main highway of over 100 miles that runs through the park. Do make sure to bring some electrolyte fluids with you, as there will be quite a few elevation changes along the way. Skyline Drive tops out at 3,680 feet in elevation near the Skyland lodge and restaurant; quite the change from the northern entrance at around 700 feet. Dozens of overlooks adorn this route and occur every mile or so on average, along with several hiking opportunities along its many trails, including the country's famous Appalachian Trail which runs through the park along the majority of the highway.
If you bought that National Parks pass, you'll be using it to access Shenandoah. If you're looking to do the entire route, the entrance and exit points are from the north at Front Royal near Interstate 66, and from the south in Waynesboro at Interstate 64. The southern end also serves as the northern terminus for the Blue Ridge Parkway, which continues the views without additional cost to those who enter. There are also a few entry points if you don't want to do the entire highway, using US Route 211 near Luray and the park's headquarters, as well as US Route 33 near Elkton. One tunnel at around a 12 foot height is near US 211, so you may need to plan ahead if camping with your RV.
So should your Internal Compass tell you to take a nice drive through nature, consider Shenandoah National Park for your next adventure.
Is Appalachia calling your name? Check it out!
Welcome to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a popular destination for tourists between the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains are so aptly named after the natives saw the immense amount of smoke-like fog coming from the mountain range, and the name stuck. Many communities had settled with what are today's boundaries, resulting in controversial land purchases around the time of the Great Depression to create the park. Today, visitors are able to drive, hike, and camp within the park as weather permits.
The Great Smoky Mountains, although being a national park, does not honor the National Parks pass used in several other locations across the country. Similar to Mount Rushmore, it is dependent upon parking fees to fund the location while allowing visitors to drive through at no additional cost to them. One can enter along US Highway 441 from either Cherokee, North Carolina to the south, or Gatlinburg, Tennessee to the north. The Newfound Gap at nearly a mile high in elevation serves as the midpoint of the highway through the park, as well as the border between the two states. Stop to experience the wonderful views of the Great Smoky Mountains. While along the route, perhaps make a stop to view the elk from a distance. When at the southern end, you can also find the southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
One of the features of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the BARK Ranger program, where your pup can become a sworn ambassador of the park. Completing this program is fairly simple, as you'll do a sort of scavenger hunt along one of the two pet-friendly trails near the visitors' centers of the park. Take a number of pictures of your dog along the way, and submit to the ranger on duty. They will help your dog to take the oath of BARK (Bagging waste, Always leashing, Respecting wildlife, and Knowing where to go), and receive a certificate with his or her paw print. As of the writing of this, Miles the Chug Terrier has become an official BARK Ranger at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We are proud of his accomplishment.
So the next time your Internal Compass takes you to the southern Appalachians, be sure to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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