In my mid-20s, I moved to Ocean Beach, Southern California, specifically to learn how to surf. I spent the first six months of my tenure unemployed, so I was in the water every day, launching myself into the whitewash at Dog Beach, the most beginner-friendly break within a few miles of my apartment. I was enthralled with the surf, but I loved the town of Ocean Beach, San Diego, even more.

Back then, the small enclave was still grungy, with a downtown full of cheap breakfast joints and bars that only took cash. The bartenders looked at you funny if you wore closed-toe shoes. It was a surf town.

More than two decades later, I’m still enamored with surf towns. My home is in the mountains, four hours and 22 minutes from the closest surf break (but who’s counting?). Yet I still take surf trips regularly, as much to explore the towns by the beaches as the surf itself. I’ve been fortunate enough to paddle into waves in Costa Rica, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Hawaii, and areas up and down So Cal and the Southeastern United States. I’m not a great surfer, but I bar hop and scout out the best fish tacos at a very high level.

A great surf town has quick access to waves and adventure, but also good food, good vibes, and a dedication to quality of life. Read on for what I believe to be the eight best surf towns in the U.S.

1. Hale’iwa, Hawaii

Hawaii is loaded with bucket-list surf destinations, but it’s hard to beat the North Shore of Oahu, home of the world-famous beaches of Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline. The town of Hale’iwa is the cultural hub of the North Shore, with a small downtown full of shops, food trucks, and surf instructors ready to teach tourists.

Halei’wa is only an hour from the bustling cities of Honolulu and Waikiki, but it has the slower pace of a farming community. The town sits within a 20-minute drive of Waimea Bay, Banzai, and Sunset Beach, and has plenty of adjacent surf as well. Winter brings heavy conditions, with massive, glassy waves that only pros should paddle into, but the swells mellow during summer, allowing us mortals a go in this storied destination.

Patches of reef scattered throughout the area on the sandy bottom catch the swell. Start with the beginner-friendly waves at Pua’ena Point, which is popular with surf instructors. The beach is small, but has plenty of shade. A double reef break offers bigger rides on the outer reef and a smaller, longboard-friendly wave closer to shore. Then try Ali’i Beach, the closest surf to town. Much like Pua’ena Point, Ali’i Beach has a beginner-friendly wave close to shore and a larger, more advanced wave in deeper water.

Hale’iwa proper has fewer than 5,000 permanent residents and a downtown full of sugar-plantation-era architecture framed by Oahu’s green mountains beyond. It’s a picture-perfect island town where you’ll find waterfalls in the surrounding hills, and a fun and bustling live-music and food-truck scene in town. Paddleboarding the Anahulu River, beneath Hale’iwa’s Rainbow Bridge, is a great way to spend some time away from the surf.

Surf Shop: , right across the street from Ali’i Beach, has rentals from soft tops to performance short boards (from $30 a day).

Surf Instruction: , a female-owned company with a full staff of women instructors, teaches lessons at Pua’ena Point for the whole family (from $66).

Eat and Drink: If there’s one thing you have to eat when you’re in Hale’iwa, it’s shaved ice from , a family-run business established in 1951 that still uses homemade syrup recipes. The North Shore has become a magnet for food trucks, which serve traditional Hawaiian dishes al fresco. Online reviews say the garlic butter shrimp at is the best in town. I’m dying to go check out the reports.

2. Solana Beach, California

Here’s the problem with an article about the best surf towns in the country: I could write about 20 deserving towns in California alone. Carlsbad, San Clemente, Santa Cruz…all awesome. I could choose Huntington Beach, which is literally known as “Surf City U.S.A.” thanks to the legends that pioneered the sport there, but the town won the rights to that title via a court battle, which doesn’t seem very surfer chill to me. (Also, the breaks are notorious for their localism.)

So I’m picking the much smaller and more easygoing Solana Beach, in San Diego County. Is there a bit of nostalgia involved because I took my first surf lesson here, 30 minutes north of my old apartment in Ocean Beach? Perhaps. But this small town has a gorgeous, cliff-lined coast and relatively friendly locals, which makes for a powerful combo in Southern California.

“It’s super laid back, almost what you imagine when listening to a Beach Boys song,” says John Cavan, a 48-year-old lawyer and surfer who’s been exploring the beaches up and down the coast from Manhattan Beach outside of L.A. for more than 20 years.

The beach is flanked by tall cliffs topped by private residences, both of which help keep the crowds at bay compared to those in other popular breaks in Southern California, making Solana a top choice for surf instructors. The town offers quick access to a handful of breaks; the most obvious option is Fletcher Cove, Solana’s main beach, with plenty of parking and a sidewalk.

A beach break that picks up size during the summer makes Fletcher a popular spot for all surfers, but it’s still a great option for beginners. Another good nearby choice, Seascape, has a long sandy beach and a reef break deeper offshore that is good for intermediate to advanced surfers. Want something more aggressive? Swami’s, a legendary right-hand point break, is just four miles up the street in Encinitas.

In town, the Cedros Design District is full of boutiques and restaurants, and just outside of it is a weekend farmers’ market based in 1940s-era Quonset huts. The legendary live-music venue has hosted a wide variety of talent, from B.B. King to Ludacris to Hayes Carl.

Surf Shop: , located just south of Swami’s on PCH 101, has been a SoCal institution since the 1960s. You can rent soft tops (from $20 a day) and performance boards (from $45 a day) along with wetsuits, snorkels, and SUPs.

Surf Instruction: For lessons, try , which offers two-hour instruction sessions ($120 per person).

Eat and Drink: has been a pillar of good pizza and craft beer since the early 1990s. The place helped establish the West Coast style of IPA and is still a master of it today.

3. Ocracoke, Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina that is absolutely full of great surf, and a dozen towns up and down the islands could qualify for this list. OB is the epicenter of surf culture on the East Coast, and the towns that line the northern section, like Kitty Hawk and Nags Head, have some of the finest breaks on the Atlantic.

But they’re also pretty crowded, which is why I’m choosing Ocracoke, a sleepy fishing village on its own island on the southern end of the Outer Banks, as my favorite surf town. I’ve surfed and camped dune-side there several times over the years.

Ocracoke has under a thousand year-round residents, and you can only reach the island by boat. A can take you from Cedar Island ($15 with car) to , crossing the Pamlico Sound in just over two hours. The remoteness means crowds are minimal compared to other towns on the barrier islands, and the vibe is pretty tranquil. A small fishing village wraps around the harbor, and most of the 17-mile-long island is protected as part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which means there are miles of undeveloped beach and dunes covered in sea oats to explore, not to mention inexpensive just inland of the breaks.

All of the surf on Ocracoke is beach break, and the sandbars are constantly shifting, so it’s hard to point you to one specific spot. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, two miles south of the village, has a guard on duty and, thanks to that added safety net, is the best place to get in the water as someone who is new to the sport. But if you’re an experienced surfer and have 4WD you can cruise the beach looking for your own personal break. The surf is best in the fall and winter, but you can find good conditions year round. You’ll need a (which is free) to drive the beach, and while you’re at it, snag a permit for a , too.

Surf Shop: has rentals (from $25 a day) and lessons (from $95 per hour).

Eat and Drink: is an institution, with a shaded back porch perfect for drinking beer. has the southern staples of barbecue and fried fish along with its bivalves.

4. New Smyrna Beach, Florida

The Sunshine State has no shortage of beach towns, but New Smyrna Beach, in North Florida directly northeast of Orlando, gets the nod on this list because of the consistent quality of waves and the variety of options. Sandwiched between Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach (childhood home of pro surfer Kelly Slater), New Smyrna Beach is blessed with long beach breaks and a river inlet with stone jetties that create what may be the most bankable surf in all of Florida. The conditions are so good, the beach is a stop in the USA Surfing’s Prime Series of competitions for rippers under 18.

As you might expect, the breaks are incredibly popular, so weekends can feel like a zoo, especially at the best wave, Ponce Inlet, where two rivers meet the Atlantic between stone jetties, adding shape and size to the swell. Ponce is a great option for advanced surfers who know how to maneuver through a lineup, but New Smyrna also has 17 miles of other beaches and waves.

“You can drive onto the beach at Flagler Avenue and drive north on the sand until you see a spot you like,” says Joshua Stallworth, a 24-year-old law student who spent his college years surfing the various breaks around New Smyrna Beach. You need a to drive on the beach ($20 per vehicle, per day).

The town is sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Flagler Avenue is the main strip, stacked with fish shacks and surf shops, while Canal Street Historic District is a little more upscale, lined with palm trees and boutiques. New Smyrna Beach also makes for a great basecamp for exploring other beaches in the area.

Head south to , a 58,000-acre wildlife refuge with 26 miles of undeveloped sand. Playalinda Beach, inside the National Seashore, has a beginner-friendly beach break without many crowds. Canaveral is the longest stretch of undeveloped coast on the Atlantic coast of Florida, protecting wildlife such as manatee and sea turtles, as well as ancient shell mounds left by the native Temicua.

Surf Shop: is the area’s oldest, with board rentals (from $35) delivered to you at the beach, and two-hour lessons (from $109).

Eat and Drink: You can’t beat the location of , a burger bar with local Half Wall Brewing beers on tap overlooking the Atlantic. Head to for a lobster roll and wood-fired pizzas.

5. Westport, Washington

Washington’s coast might offer the most dramatic surf backdrop in the U.S., with beach and reef breaks tucked between dense green redwood forests and craggy sea stacks rising offshore from deep water. The state offers adventure surfing at its finest, with many of the best options requiring multi-mile approach hikes where you carry your board. Westport, a town of 28,000 two hours west of Seattle, is the happy exception, with two steady breaks on its outskirts. The surfing is so good, locals refer to Westport as the “Surf City of the Pacific Northwest.”

The two main breaks start with the Groins, a big left-hander on the north side of Westport’s marina. This one is best for advanced surfers, not just because of the sizable wave but the powerful currents and shifting tides, which can change as much as 20 feet. The Jetty, however, in Westhaven State Park, is less daunting and has something for both beginners and advanced surfers. It’s known as the most reliable wave in Washington, thanks to the rock jetty that helps shape the swell and deliver point breaks, while the sandy bottom and frothy whitewash (that’s the foam after a wave breaks close to shore) offer a less intimidating option for learning.

“There’s always a wave in Westport,” says Brian Calder, owner of Bigfoot Surf School. “Even if the surf is too big for beginners, we can push them into the whitewater on a sandy beach so they can practice standing up in it. And we teach new surfers to respect the locals, who are usually surfing bigger waves on the outside.”

The Jetty can get crowded on weekends, but it’s an expansive break with long waves, so you should be able to find a spot in the lineup. Just be aware of rip currents, which locals may use as an expressway back out to the lineup after surfing a long wave in—not a move new surfers should ever try.

Surf Shop: was the first in Washington, opening in 1986. LOGE has a basecamp in Westport that not only has rooms, but performance boards and soft tops to rent.

Surf Instruction: has semi-private lessons (from $175 per person including the board) and will get you paddling out into the whitewash at Westhaven State Park.

Eat and Drink: Westport is a hub of commercial fishing, and you can find fisherfolk selling their catches, from albacore tuna to Dungeness crabs, right on the docks. Or you can hop over to , which has a variety of local catch as well as a fish ’n’ chips restaurant.

6. Newport, Rhode Island

Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the country, but it’s also dubbed “the Ocean State,” with more than 400 miles of coastline to brag about. Located on the edge of the state’s Aquidneck Island, Newport is positioned to make the most of that coast. Traditionally known as a hub for sailing (the harbor is full of yachts, and America’s Cup is staged here every year), the swanky town is also the epicenter of surf in New England, with very big swell showing up offshore during hurricane season in the fall.

Locals surf the town’s handful of beach breaks year round, getting the thickest wetsuits on the market for the bitter winter temps. Newport was long home to Water Brothers Surf and Skate, a cornerstone of surf culture for more than 50 years until the owner, Sid Abruzzi, closed the shop to focus on making apparel two years ago.

The northeastern edge of Aquidneck Island offers a handful of breaks, with something for all levels of surfers. Ruggles, with a rocky bottom and big, powerful storm waves, is the most famous of those breaks, attracting the biggest names in surf during hurricane season. Easton’s Beach, near downtown Newport, has beginner-friendly waves.

The town of Newport is well-known for its Gilded Age mansions, once built by America’s wealthiest families as their summer retreats, some of which you can now tour as museums. Enjoy Newport’s historic 3.5-mile Cliff Walk, showing you many of those homes.

Surf Shop: has boards and anything else you might need for the water.

Surf instruction: offers private lessons ($75 per person for one hour, includes a board).

Eat and Drink: Seafood is the name of the game in Newport, and much of it is upscale. , though, is a casual burger-and-beer bar downtown. , in neighboring Middletown, has house-made clam chowder and massive warm lobster rolls.

7. Pacific City, Oregon

Pacific City is a former fishing village of just over 1,000 full-time residents that in recent years has turned into the surf mecca of Oregon. Surfing here is as much about the scenery as the waves. The break is framed by , a sandstone headland that reaches out into the water, protecting the beach from the wind, while huge sea stacks rise just offshore. As for the wave, it’s not huge, but the shield effect results in a glassy structure over a sandy bottom that’s ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers. A popular is held at the beach every September, and it all happens steps from downtown at Pacific City Beach.

Pacific City is hella charming, even without the surfing. Fisherfolk launch dories straight from the beach and paddle beyond the break to haul in cod and salmon off the point of Cape Kiwanda. The hiking in travels through Sitka spruce forest to the top of the 246-foot tall “Great Dune,” with dramatic views of the Pacific below. In town, breweries and restaurants embrace the scenery, with outdoor beer gardens and expansive windows.

Surf Shop: , two blocks from the beach, has everything you need for cold-water surfing, with full rental packages that include wetsuits (from $75). The place also offers daily two-hour lessons (from $165 per person).

Eat and Drink: might have the best view in town, with a beer garden that unfolds directly onto the beach and a full view of Haystack Rock, the most notable sea stack in the region. Kiwanda Ale is the place’s signature easy-drinking beer, named after the home cape.

8. Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Yes, there’s surfing on the Great Lakes, whose 4,500 miles of shores are often dubbed “America’s Third Coast.” Hardy surfers track down waves all over these inland seas, and Sheboygan, a small town on the western shore of Lake Michigan, is arguably the most surf-centric town in the Great Lakes area. Locals call it the “Malibu of the Midwest” because of the laid-back vibe and access to good surf, which can be found year round, but is best in the fall and winter.

“Summer is pretty flat, but come fall and winter you can get out a couple of times a week at least,” says Nathan Anderson, who grew up in the area and now works at EOS Surf Shop downtown.

The surf is dependent on the wind and gets the biggest when heavy gusts come in from the northeast or southwest. Since the best waves form in fall and winter, a thick wetsuit is necessary. The lakes are fresh water, less buoyant than salt, which means long boards are a must for most surfers.

North Beach of Deland Park is the best break in town, thanks to the jetty that helps shape the wave. The shore has a sandy bottom and can be suited to beginners on mellow days, or hard chargers when the wind and surf are up.

Beyond surfing, Sheboygan is a town of 49,000 situated between Green Bay and Milwaukee and known for its bratwurst. There’s a vibrant downtown with a good and even better food. Also cool, the city of Sheboygan places a handful of large fire rings, each about twice the size of a Solo Stove backyard pit, out for lakeside bonfires from Memorial Day through August, north of Deland Beach near North Point Park. Kohler-Andrae State Park, next door to downtown Sheboygan, has two miles of sandy beach and dunes.

Surf Shop: is the only game in town, and they’ve got you covered with local knowledge, rentals (from $40 a day), and two-hour lessons ($120).

Eat and Drink: You’ll find bratwurst all over town, but has been an institution since the 1950s, serving a brat burger that does the town’s reputation proud. To drink something local, check out , which has a 10,000-square-foot taproom and a Fresh Coast juicy pale ale.

Graham Averill is şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř magazine’s national-parks columnist. He’s always been torn between the mountains and the beach, but currently lives in the Southern Appalachians. Construction has begun on a surf wave in the French Broad River close to his home of Asheville, North Carolina, so that could solve all of his problems.

For more by this author, see:

The Best Ways to Get şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř in West Virginia

The 10 Best National Parks in Canada

The Ultimate Guide to Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway

Boating Turns Me Green. But I Couldn’t Miss a Chance to See the Channel Islands.

The post 8 Surf Towns Where You Can Learn the Sport and the Culture appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Off the coast of Rhode Island, a ten-square-mile speck in the Atlantic hosts an annual treasure hunt. Each year hundreds of handblown glass fishing floats—clear balls the size of oranges—are hidden across Block Island’s picturesque beaches and walking trails. Since Eben Horton started the in 2012, the art installation has gained worldwide recognition. He and his wife, Jennifer Nauck, make the orbs at their studio in the nearby coastal town of Wakefield. Then, from June to October, a top-secret group of hiders stash the spheres. “For a long time, he was hiding them on his own. But then people became familiar with him, and they would follow him around,” says New England photographer . Keith traveled to Block Island by ferry six times this summer, tagging along with avid “orbivores” as they scoured the island for the curios. Many visitors go home empty-handed after hours of searching, but that level of sustained attention to one’s surroundings isn’t wasted, he says. The hunt encourages people to appreciate nature’s understated splendor. “It’s easy to get lost in the island’s sweeping views. The orbs pull your attention away from that,” Keith says. “You’re spending just as much time looking at the trunk of a tree as you are looking out over the ocean bluffs.”

The post This Whimsical Treasure Hunt Is All About Appreciating Nature appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

The leaves are past their peak where I live in western New Hampshire, and fall festivals have mostly come and gone, but that doesn’t mean the autumn road-tripping season is over. That’s especially true if your goal is finding ingredients—and inspiration—for your Thanksgiving and holiday feasts.

Plenty of New England farms, vineyards, and dairies are still going strong. And heading out on an adventurous pre-holiday sojourn comes with big outdoor benefits: uncrowded trails and beaches, swell perfect for surfing, and scenic roadways waiting to be explored after you score your bounty. Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of the best places to visit on such a quest.

Where to Find Cheese in Vermont

The tiny town of Salisbury (population 1,200) straddles a sweet spot between the Green Mountains to the east and the agricultural Champlain Valley to the west. It’s a picturesque setting for , a cheese-making operation run by Hannah Sessions and Greg Bernhardt, who were just 23 years old when they began transforming an old dairy-cow operation near where Sessions grew up into one suitable for goats. Some 150 goats later, the place isĚý known for its terrific fresh chèvres (my go-to is the herb-crusted variety) as well as bloomy rind and hard cheeses, some made with milk from the cows next door. Call ahead to book a tour ($20), and plan to load up on the goods at their self-serve farmstand.

Ten minutes south, Moosalamoo National Recreation Area beckons with 70 miles of spectacular multi-use backcountry trails. For a fun, flowy ten-mile mountain-bike ride, park at the Minnie Baker Trailhead and follow the singletrack up to Chandler Ridge before looping back on the ferny flats of Leicester Hollow.

Unwind later over a hard cider at Woodchuck Cidery, a production facility and taproom in Middlebury, 15 miles north. Then head east into Ripton to overnight in one of seven two-bedroom (from $237)—request one with a fire pit—off a forested dirt road about five miles fromĚý the poet’s summer home.

Craft Spirits and Farmed Mushrooms in New Hampshire

To me (and I suspect a lot of other travelers), Tamworth was always that little town you zipped through while driving north to hike in the Mount Washington Valley. Maybe you slowed for the famous vista of bald-topped Mount Chocorua, but you didn’t linger: the Presidential Range awaited.

It turns out Tamworth is well worth a stop, thanks in part to Steve Grasse, the creative mind behind Hendrick’s Gin, who’s made it his mission to help revitalize the historic village where he owns a home. Grasse’s , set in a barnlike building on the Swift River, crafts wildly innovative spirits with New Hampshire ingredients such as beets and balsam buds, as well as more palate-jolting elements including invasive green crabs and beaver-gland extract. Tastings and cocktail workshops are held in the Grasse-owned Lyceum, a restored 19th-century store on Main Street. The gatherings are good prep for making what could be your new signature Thanksgiving or holiday drink.

Continue the happy mad-scientist vibe up the road at the , where mycologist Eric Milligan cultivates gorgeous blemish-free fungi—meaty black pearls, luminescent blue oysters, shaggy lion’s manes, and more—in high-tech grow rooms. You can buy both fresh and dried mushrooms there, and for the fungi-curious, free tours are offered on Sundays or by appointment.

Bring your hiking shoes along and get your steps in at the nearby Big Pines Natural Area. The 2.4-mile loop through massive old-growth eastern pines and hemlocks up to the 1,270-foot summit of Great Hill; there you can climb the 35-foot-tall fire tower, a 1934 Civilian Conservations Corps project, with magnificent views for miles.

Unpack your bags that night at (from $205), a traditional bed-and-breakfast in a restored 1851 blacksmith shop, with a working cider press.

The Best Oysters in Maine

Midcoast Maine is oyster country; most of the state’s production comes from its cool bays, estuaries, and inlets, where big shell-tumbling tides foster deeply cupped bivalves. Though most farm tours end by mid-October, John Herrigel of the , located in West Point, a fishing village near the tip of the rugged Phippsburg peninsula, is game to run boat trips as long as the weather cooperates. The two-hour experience includes visiting his small offshore farm to learn about the growing process (and slurp a few oysters right out of the water), then motoring back to the dockside Base Camp for private shucking lessons. The outing (from $250) includes a dozen oysters. Alternatively, you can order deliveries from Herrigel and the other Midcoast growers who are part of the co-op he runs; the goods will arrive when you’re ready to stuff your bird.

Don’t miss Popham Beach, a beautiful three-mile-long sweep of broad, firm sand at the island-studded mouth of the Kennebec River. Horses are allowed on the beach in the fall; book a two-hour guided ride with (from $175).

Another coastal option is a visit to Bath and the Maine Maritime Museum, 15 miles north, to admire its working boat-building exhibit and collection of 140 historic small crafts. If you haven’t had your fill of oysters yet, hit the waterfront , run by sisters, one of whom also operates an oyster farm. Bluet, a dry wild-blueberry sparkler crafted in Maine by a Napa-trained winemaker is a worthy accompaniment to your dinner, not to mention a good gift for a Thanksgiving-day host.

From Bath, turn south on Highway 127 onto Georgetown Island. Book a night at the woodsy ($125), a two-bedroom log cabin not far from Reid State Park, where you can surf, birdwatch, and explore the tide pools and sand dunes.

Where to Find Cranberries in Massachusetts

When you find your way down the narrow drive to in the Mid-Cape village of Dennis, you’re in the cradle of cranberry cultivation. Here in the early 1800s, close to Cape Cod Bay, a retired sea captain named Henry Hall discovered that the wild cranberries on his land produced more fruit after they’d been covered by storm-blown sand. The practice of covering bogs caught on, and the berry went on to become the state’s most important crop.

In 1911, a ĚýHall descendant sold one of his bogs to Annie Walker’s grandfather, and today, on certain fall weekends, Walker gives historical tours of the restored bog she works with antique equipment. You can buy fresh, dry-harvested berries out of her museum-like shop.

Cape Cod’s sandy, well-drained soil is also prime terroir for turnips. Eastham, on the Outer Cape, celebrates its namesake heirloom variety, the Eastham turnip, with an annual festival before Thanksgiving (this year scheduled for Saturday, November 18). If you can’t make it, you’ll find the unusually large, sweet root veggies for sale at the Orleans Farmers’ Market, just three and a half miles away, on Saturday mornings.

A popular area for fishing, biking, and exploration is Brewster’s 1,900-acre Nickerson State Park. Walk through scrub pine and oak to Cliff Pond; the large, glacially formed kettle pond and seven others in the park are stocked with trout. Or pedal an eight-mile paved path that connects to the 26-mile-long Cape Cod Rail Trail. Call it a day at the nearby (from $329) an antique Georgian-style mansion within walking distance of the broad tidal flats of Breakwater Beach.

The Best Apples for Pies in Connecticut

You know those carnival-like farms that feature a corn maze, zombie laser tag, a petting zoo, and you-pick orchards of apples? isn’t one of those. Six years ago, owner James Wargo planted 4,000 trees on the side of a drumlin in rural Southbury with the intention of creating a simple, no-frills country orchard. His 31 varieties of apples include hard-to-find antiques like Esopus Spitzenburg (Thomas Jefferson’s favorite) and the 16th-century Calville Blanc d’Hiver, favored by bakers for classic tarte Tatin and pies. The pick-your-own season runs through the first weekend of November, or buy apples in the open-air farm stand through the end of the month.

You’re farm-bound for your next stop, too, but not for produce. Drive 18 miles north to on the grounds of a working farm high in the state’s northwestern Litchfield Hills. Wander among the planted hops and farm animals, tour the brewing operation on Saturday afternoons, then hit the tasting room to sample two-ounce flights of signature brews like Sweatpants pale ale and Awkward Hug IPA, made with locally sourced ingredients.

Some of the Appalachian Trail’s least daunting terrain is nearby along the Housatonic River (park just north of where River Road intersects with North Kent Number 1 Road). You’ll likely have company from birders on your walk or run, because the area serves as an important migration corridor.

IfĚý you’re looking to stay somewhere local, the downtown (from $475) are a good choice within walking distance of shops, restaurants and galleries. Ask to be put up in the restored 1800s boxcar.

Wine and Vineyards to Explore in Rhode Island

Down a long dirt road five miles from the mansions and marinas of Newport, you’ll find the peaceful , a producer of estate-grown wines. Set on land that slopes to the Sakonnet River, the winery was once a 19th-century gentleman’s farm. Its stick-style stable—now the tasting room—and Gothic main house are on the National Register of Historic Places. Sip samples by the fire pits, listen to live jazz on Saturday afternoons, and take home some bottles, like the 2022 Greenvale Select Chardonnay and 2021 Meritage, both of which will pair nicely with your turkey.

Pick up pumpkins and decorative gourds at the post-and-beam market just two and a half miles south, then continue on to Newport and saddle up for an equally sweet ride in a town where cycling has been popular since the Victorian era. Rent a cruiser from and head out on the classic 13-mile Ocean Loop that passes the palatial Gilded Age homes of Bellevue Avenue as well as the Atlantic shoreline, or cycle east to Sachuest Point Wildlife Refuge. Viewing platforms there let you spy on the big flocks of harlequin ducks that arrive in November. Overnight at the (from $200) a colorful hotel three blocks from Newport’s harbor.

Journalist and lifelong New Englander Meg Lukens Noonan grew up in suburban Boston, went to college in Vermont, and now lives—and hosts Thanksgiving—in Hanover, New Hampshire.

For more Thanksgiving food and fun inspiration, check out Steven Rinella’s story on how to cook a turkey over a campfire.

The post A Delicious New England Road Trip appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

You could spend years exploring the Ěýcraft and microbreweries thatĚýNew EnglandĚýhas to offer and still never taste all the incredible beer from the region.ĚýLuckily,Ěýa number ofĚýour editors and contributors have spent decadesĚýliving, adventuring, and drinking in the Northeast.ĚýHere are their picks for the breweries and beers you haveĚýto experience the next time you’re in the area, from the in an unsuspecting corner of Vermont to a little-known gem on the New Hampshire coast. Consider this your pocket guide to hoppy euphoria.Ěý

Lawson’s Finest Liquids

Waitsfield, Vermont

Although I’m partial to my hometown of Stowe’sĚýbrewery, theĚý, and itsĚýclassic Heady Topper IPA,ĚýI’d be remiss if I didn’t point brew loversĚýto Lawson’s. This taproom has tons of indoor and outdoor seating in an idyllic small-town setting,ĚýandĚý, a cult-favorite fruityĚý and my brew of choice, is always flowing. Farm-to-table appetizers, pinball machines, and lawn games will keep you here awhile, becauseĚýwhat’s better than a lazy day ofĚýdrinking with friends? When you’re ready to leave, walk less than half a mile southĚýto Ěýfor the best maple “creemee”—that’s Vermonter for soft-serve ice cream—of your life. —Abbey Gingras,Ěýassociate audience editor

Maine BeerĚýCompany

Freeport, Maine

I first tastedĚýĚýduring dinner at a New York City restaurantĚýlast spring, a far cry from the charming coastal vibes of its home.ĚýThe brew’s name created a great deal of confusion later on when I askedĚýaround about theĚýperfect beer I’d been drinking. But it’s cool—Lunch, after all, is an apt moniker for the Maine-based craft brewery’s imminently drinkable IPA. As someone’s day might hinge on their midday meal, this bold but balanced brewĚýimmediately became the cornerstone of my beer-ordering habits. It’s frothy, malty, hoppy, and shot through with citrus and pine.ĚýAt 7 percentĚýABV, IĚýrecommend pairing itĚýwith a sandwich if you’re drinking it at its designated hour, but you’ll be able to find it in stores and restaurants all over the Northeast no matter the timeĚýof day. —Xian Chiang-Waren, associate culture editorĚý

Narragansett Beer

Providence, Rhode Island

When I lived in Boston, I spent the summers with my girlfriend and her family at a small lake house inĚýcentral Massachusetts. On a typical day, we’d go for a morning swim and then read by the dock, and when the afternoon rolled along, someone would head to the “packie,” Massachusetts slang for liquor store,Ěýand bring back an assortment of beer to have with dinner that night. My favorite pickĚýof the bunchĚýwouldĚýalwaysĚýbeĚýNarragansett, which is opening a new brewery and headquarters in Providence .ĚýI remember one day whenĚýwe took a trip down to Narragansett Beach in Rhode IslandĚýandĚýsipped on the namesakeĚý and in between sunbathing and dips in the ocean. Can you get more picturesque than that? —Jeremy Rellosa, affiliate reviews editor

Trillium Brewing Company

Boston, Massachusetts

The people of Massachusetts truly hate to be outdone, and so when Vermont started getting all the craft-brewing attention, my beautiful Baked Bean State quite literally said, “Hold my beer.”ĚýWhile tons of breweries have popped up all over the state in recent years,Ěýnone can outshine the belovedĚý. Currently listedĚýas the third-best brewery in the world, according to , itĚýhas been concocting all sorts of amazing combinations for seven years now. Grab a cannoli at in the North End, then walk a mile to the newly developed Seaport, where Trillium has set up a large but cozy taproom. After a beer and some poutine (or if you want to dive deep into the state’s coastal spirit, I suggest the lobster toast), head to the nearbyĚýĚýto see one of the city’s best artĚýcollections.Ěý—Kyra Kennedy, photo editor

Throwback Brewery

North Hampton, New Hampshire

Like the New Hampshire coast itself, Ěýis tiny and not veryĚýwell-known, but it’s a heavenly place to visit in the summer or early fall. The brewery sources more than 70 percentĚýof its beerĚýingredients,Ěýlike fruit and hops, locally, including from theĚýfarm on which it’s located. BatchesĚýare small in quantity, seasonal in availability, and experimental in flavor, and although you can find them in some stores around the region or buy them to go from the brewery, they’re best enjoyed on the farm itself. I’ve spent several late afternoons in bliss on Throwback’s dog-friendly patio in scenic North Hampton, taking in a viewĚýof goats, chickens, and donkeys (the brewery’s mascot), and relishingĚýthe scent ofĚýsalt in the air from the nearby Atlantic. Start drinking with theĚýSpicy Bohemian, a pilsner dry-hopped with jalapeños. It’s crisp, light, peppery, and spicy—but not in an overwhelming way—and it happens to be one of the most popular beers on tap everyĚýyear.Ěý—Svati Kirsten Narula, contributorĚý

Hill Farmstead

Greensboro Bend, Vermont

Since my colleague beat me to the punch in praise of Lawson’s Sip of Sunshine (which is really only to be enjoyed after you’ve cooled the can in the cold water of Warren FallsĚýin Warren, Vermont),ĚýI’m nowĚýfree to lavish attention on my other steadfast Vermont companion: Edward. Edward is about as perfect as a beer can be: a crisp but smooth American pale ale with just the right amount of hops and citrus. It pairs well with absolutely everything, complimenting light summer fare as well asĚýbrightening hearty winter meals after a long day of skiing. You’ll want to drink it year-round, but since it’s only available for purchase at the Northeast Kingdom brewery in northern Vermont and select restaurants in the area, you’ll just have to make a trip there. TrustĚýus, it’s worth it. —X.°ä-°Â.

Tree House Brewing Company

Charlton, Massachusetts

If you find yourself in central Massachusetts,Ěýyou have to stop by Tree House Brewing’sĚýĚýand experience what can only be described asĚýthe Disneyland of beer.ĚýGet there via mountain bike, and ride the singletrack that connects the breweryĚýto the abutting 86-acreĚý, then cool off byĚýsippingĚýtheĚýever popular ĚýIPAĚýon theĚýpatio. ThoseĚýlooking for a more leisurely experience canĚýtry one of Tree House’s stouts and take a stroll through the on-site orchards, dotted withĚýbeehives. I recommend following this pilgrimageĚýby driving 30 minutes northeast to Worcester and grabbingĚýa bite to eat at .Ěý—K.°­.

Rising Tide Brewing

Portland, Maine

This brewery holds a special place in my heart for many reasons. Not only has itsĚý been my companionĚýon numerous paddling excursions in nearbyĚý,Ěýbut my sister is on most of the company’sĚýwedding marketing materials. In the summer, itĚýopens the garage doors to a patioĚýwith gas fireplaces and a rotating selection of food trucks. My go-toĚýbrewĚýis the Ishmael—aĚýcopper aleĚýthatĚýprovides just enough flavor without punching you with bitterness, and at just 4.9 percentĚýABV,ĚýI can afford to have a few. If you’re looking forĚýan IPA, the Zephyr is an easy choice. AĚýfunĚýbonus: many of Rising Tide’sĚýbeers are named after Maine’s favorite outdoor hubs, and the brewery is a meeting ground for ski films, climate talks, and local activism.Ěý—Mitch Breton,Ěývideo curator

This story was produced in partnership with Ěýmagazine. Check out more of their Maine beer recommendations .Ěý

The post Our Favorite New England Breweries and Beers appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

The post The Complete Guide to a Perfect New England Summer appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Beach trips are supposed to feel relaxing and slow-paced. Whether you’re looking to surf, dive, paddle, or just read a book in a hammock, the point is that you’re getting awayĚýfrom it all. Which is whyĚýsometimesĚýyou need to escape the hustle and bustle of more well-known seaside destinations (we’re looking at you, CancĂşn and Waikiki) and find those beach towns that are a little sleepier.

Oak Island, North Carolina

Oak Island, one of North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, has a laid-back vibe. With 13 miles of uncrowded beaches, there’sĚýno need to stake out a spot at sunrise. While this area was hit by Hurricane Florence last fall, most damaged properties have since been restored. Check outĚýĚýfor more than 330 rentals that include oceanfront and pet-friendly options. RentĚýa kayak or stand-up paddleboard fromĚýĚýand it’ll be delivered to wherever you’re staying, and take the kids fishing or crabbing off the piers or toĚýspot butterflies in at theĚý.ĚýDon’t miss climbing to the top of the Oak Island Lighthouse, but be sure to book a tour beforehand.

Willemstad, Curaçao

Let the crowds go to neighboring Aruba. On the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao, off the coast of Venezuela, you’ll have 35 white-sandĚýbeaches more or less to yourself. Check out the capital city of Willemstad for colorful Dutch architecture, a floating market, and a selection of local restaurants that specialize in catches of the day. Snorkel from Playa Lagun, spot flamingos on salt flats, and hike the trail to the top of 1,227-foot MountĚýChristoffel within Shete Boka National Park. TheĚý (from $574)Ěýhas a dive center, a spa, and an infinity pool overlooking the ocean.

Narragansett, Rhode Island

If you don’t think of Rhode Island as a beach-getaway destination, think again. The vibrant seaside town of Narragansett has plenty to do and seesĚýfewer crowds than others on the East Coast. CruiseĚýalong the seven-mile-longĚý, sign up for a surf lesson or pick up new boardshorts atĚý surf shop, and enjoyĚýa sunset paddleboard outingĚýwithĚý. Narragansett Beach is the go-to spot for surfing and sandcastles, and its boutique hotel, theĚý (from $472), has 16 rooms with ocean views, a rooftop bar, and a saltwater pool.

Morro Bay, California

In between the more populous beach destinations of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Santa Barbara, you’ll find the quaint, easygoing town of Morro Bay. ItsĚýbiggest landmark is 576-foot-tall Morro Rock, a state historic landmark on the waterfront that was once used as a navigational icon for seafarers. Kayak amongĚýharbor seals and sea lions with a guide fromĚý, or fly a kite on the shoreline. Book a room at the seasideĚý (from $249), where you’ll have views of Morro Bay National Estuary and easy access to the Embarcadero boardwalk.

San Pancho, Mexico

You can still get to the tequila-fueled nightlife and popular surf breaks in nearby Sayulita, but the town of San Pancho, tenĚýminutes north, has a quieter, off-the-radar vibe. Its official name is actually San Francisco, but everyone calls it San Pancho, aĚýSpanish nickname that plays off the fact that it hasĚýbecome Sayulita’s cooler sibling. Take yoga classes in the plaza, hike in the jungles above town, or catch a wave without anyone dropping in on you.Ěý (from $74) has a wine shop and organic restaurant on-site, and the beach is just steps away.

Chebeague Island, Maine

Hop a 15-minute ferry ride from the town of Yarmouth, Maine, and you’ll arrive at friendly Chebeague Island, where there’s not a ton going on—which is exactly the point. Book the beach-getaway package at the restored 1920s-eraĚý (from $180) in Casco Bay and you’ll get breakfast, a picnic lunch for the beach, and L.L.Bean bicycles to ride around the five-mile-long island. Lobster cookouts on the lawn overlooking the sea and bonfires near the beach areĚýnightly occurrences.

The post 6 Under-the-Radar Beach Towns that Aren’t Touristy appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Water lapping and boats bumping against the docks. The sun’s reflection shimmering and dancing across the water. The smell of warm plastic kayaks and seafood. Located in the idyllic fishing village of Wickford in the ocean state, kayaking isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle.

It’s been Jeff Shapiro’s livelihood for the last 23 years as owner of The Kayak Centre, an independent shop that prides itself on employing the resident experts of sea kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Regardless of the month or season, the full-service shop is always open—rare for New England—and stocked with up to 120 different SKUs, from ten-foot recreational kayaks and sit-on-tops to 18-foot sea kayaks.

“If you go into Dick’s Sporting Goods, you know you’re only going to get a certain amount of product and availability,” said store manager Matt Bosgraaf, who has worked at the shop since 1998, when he was 14. “Same thing with a lot of shops that don’t concentrate just in kayaks. Because we do, it would only make sense for us to have a good selection of kayaks that are going to check off every box on somebody’s wishlist.”

Shapiro, a retired periodontist, first started kayaking with a whitewater kayaking school in the Adirondacks about 30 years ago. He explored many seas and became a certified guiding instructor. Shapiro and his then-wife used to bring trailers full of kayaks to Rhode Island to host instructional guiding for the other kayak shops in town. So when the opportunity to run his own shop presented, he took it.

“It’s just a spectacular way to be outside,” Shapiro said of being on the water. “I started as a whitewater boater, then an open-water sea kayaker, and now I’m mostly on paddleboards. As I get older, I find it’s fun, different, and great for balance and exercise.”

For two decades, the shop was located around the corner from downtown, out of view of the tourists. And the shop was successful there. But Bosgraaf said, “If you didn’t know we existed, then you were never going to find us.”

When a family-owned grocery store went out of business after 120 years, Shapiro decided to move the shop to the 5,000-square-foot showroom. “We see a lot more locals coming in,” said Rachel McCarty, soft goods and accessories buyer. “When we opened this much bigger store right in the center of town, we had people who came in who live in town and said, ‘Wow it’s so great you have a retail space now…We thought you guys just rented kayaks.'”

In and Around The Kayak Centre

The Kayak Centre is located in the historic fishing village of Wickford, which is located on a salt pond—easy access for dropping in boats.

With up to 120 SKUs, The Kayak Centre has sea kayaks and stand-up paddleboards of all sizes.

Clothing helped fill space and offered a new, but related category when The Kayak Centre moved into a bigger space almost two years ago.

As the local kayaking experts, The Kayak Centre offers rentals, classes, and guided trips.

Raven the dog likes stand-up paddleboarding too.

Around the same time, another business specializing in men’s clothing shuttered after 75 years.ĚýWith leftover space in the new building, Shapiro and his team brought in soft goods. Lifestyle products from Patagonia, Toad&Co, OluKai, Carve, Costa, Smith, and other big brands now fill the racks and give non-kayakers something to buy.

“I had people come in around Christmastime for gifts and they returned over the summer,” McCarty said. “They said, ‘Now we’re here for a kayak.’ I thought people who bought kayaks would come in and see that we had clothing, but it was really great to see it the other way around.”

A weather-reliant business naturally has its down time, yet The Kayak Centre doesn’t close its doors for cold weather. The popularity of kayak fishing in the last decade has filled in that slow time because anglers start looking for boats and accessories come mid-February. The Kayak Centre teaches classes out of a building across the street and rents from a shack on the water. It also has a location in Charlestown onĚýNinigret Pond, about 21 miles south of Wickford Village.

Other than potentially expanding guided kayaking trips internationally—they’ve taken groups to Costa Rica and the Netherlands—Shapiro said he’s not sure how else to grow the business without getting too far from his core as a kayak shop. And he and the team are OK with that.

“Throughout the years, we’ve expanded little by little and now we’re right where we want to be,” Bosgraaf said. “We’re not an outdoor store. We’re not gonna delve into snowshoes. We know kayaks and we know SUPs and we know them very well. We feel we are the experts in that industry, so let’s stick to what we know best and make sure everybody knows that we know that.”

The post Retailer Spotlight: The Kayak Centre in North Kingstown, Rhode Island appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Since Utah established the country’s first state office of outdoor recreation five years ago, the idea has spread rapidly. Colorado and Washington opened offices in 2015; in 2016, three more states started offices or initiatives dedicated to promoting outdoor recreation. Last year, the number nearly doubled, bringing the total to 11.

This rush of activity indicates that state governments have come around to the idea that outdoor recreation is a significant driver of economic activity that also offers other important environmental and social benefits. Until relatively recently, most states gauged the value of federal public lands within their borders purely in terms of their viability for extractive industries like mining, logging, and oil drilling. But in recent years, thanks to a growing awareness of the consumer spending and state tax revenue associated with outdoor recreation, that attitude has begun to evolve. Now these new offices are looking to advance changes in policies to further support the sector.

While this is good news for the recreation industry, by Utah State University’s suggests these offices are in dire need of more support Ěýfrom outside the outdoor industryĚýif they’re going to have an enduring impact.

“The offices of outdoor recreation represent a watershed moment in the recognition of outdoor recreation being a critical component of any state’s economy, livability, and public policy,” says Bob Ratcliffe, chief of conservation and outdoor recreation programs at the National Park Service (NPS), which commissioned the report. “My interest was to have a better understanding on what ingredients are emerging from these offices, identify their areas of focus, then determine how federal agencies can better align, collaborate, and support public land policy that helps achieve those goals.”

One standout finding in the report was that conversations about the outdoor recreation economy are increasingly commonplace among local, state, and federal politicians. Historically, government agencies haven’t factored in the revenue generated by activities like hiking and biking when assessing public lands. But recent efforts by the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) to estimate the size of the recreation economy have spurred a shift. The OIA put consumer recreation spending at , while the BEA, which didn’t count apparel and equipment manufactured overseas, put it at $373 billion.

The increased dialogue and financial analyses have created momentum for the new state offices, but the report alludes that many of them are still too small or poorly funded to be as effective as they need to be. Some have just a single staff member, in some cases assisted by college interns. Small budgets limit the work of most of the offices, though funding in Maryland, Rhode Island, and Vermont is especially anemic.

Some state legislators have been hesitant to invest much in the offices because they view them as experiments. Another challenge is the fact that compared to top-of-mind voter concerns like jobs, health care, and infrastructure, supporting recreation can seem like a very low priority to policymakers. “Outdoor recreation doesn’t generally have a lot of crises on its own,” said one unnamed government employee quoted in the report. “Crises are what sometimes get money and attention.”

Another political challenge to the offices comes from the fact that they can be created by governors. According to the report, this can lead to an office being seen as an extension of a political agenda, and thus a target for elimination by the next administration. The report suggests that offices will benefit by remaining independent from political parties or executives.

The good news is that outdoor recreation is something both liberals and conservatives support, though often for different reasons. The offices in more progressive states like Oregon, Vermont, and Washington focus on conservation as an end goal to increased use of public lands. Other states, like Maryland, North Carolina, and Wyoming, tend to view recreation as revenue source first, with conservation as a potential side benefit.

Despite their current limitations, some offices have already won big victories. The Utah office successfully lobbied to secure a portion of revenue from hotel and motel taxes for projects like like boat ramps and trail construction in counties and cities.

In determining the offices’ impact, the report stresses that states shouldn’t limit their assessments to economics and the environment. In Rhode Island, for example, theĚýrecreation council’s primary goal was improving public health. (Rhode Island's office was a temporary test to study the feasibility and effectiveness of an recreation office,Ěýand the results are still being examined.)ĚýRecreation doesn’t “exist in a vacuum,” as one government employee was quoted saying in the report, so their impact shouldn’t be measured in one either.

“States that have already set up offices of outdoor recreation haven’t only seen economic benefits,” says Jordan W. Smith, one of the report’s authors and an assistant professor of environment and society at Utah State University. “They’ve also seen benefits to state transportation systems, health care, and people’s general quality of life.”

While it’s clear that all the states’ offices need a lot more resources if they’re going to be effective, the simple fact of their creation is a testament to a new attitude about outdoor recreation and the value of public lands. “For many years, outdoor recreation was really thought of as a byproduct of public lands,” Ratcliffe says, “not as a resource in its own right.”

The post States: Want an Outdoor Rec Economy? Pay Up appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Baja to the Future

Distance: 226 miles
Days: Five
Playlist:ĚýCalexico, Y LaĚýBamba, Whitney

The only reason to get off the road after dusk in this part of Baja is the presence of wandering cows. From Los Cabos International Airport, head 43 miles north to , a beach village on the Sea of Cortez, where kite- and windsurfing are powered by El Norte winds from November to March. Suss out the scene at , a colorful beachfront hotel (from $100) adjacent to , a one-stop shop for guides and gear rental. On the 65-mile drive to La Paz, stop in El Triunfo (population 321) for a mango smoothie on the palm-shaded outdoor patio of . In La Paz, settle in at (from $55), a perfect jumping-off point for trips with , which include watching whales, snorkeling among sea lions, or kayaking around Isla Espíritu Santo, a Unesco Biosphere Reserve. On your way to the Pacific, stop at in Todos Santos to stock up on wax or to buy a board. Then head to (from $254), on San Pe­drito beach, where you can indulge in surf lessons, yoga, ceviche, and a mix­ology class. After the final 65 miles to San José del Cabo, stop in at (from $312), an austere hotel that serves ocean-fresh sushi. —Stephanie Pearson

Tennessee Waltz

Distance:Ěý330 miles
Days:ĚýThree
Playlist:ĚýThe Black Keys, Valerie June, Jason Isbell

In Nashville, grab a plate of spicy fried chicken at , then drive 150 miles on I-40 to the Big South Fork, a national recreation area surrounding 80 miles of the Cumberland River and its tributaries, as well as a 600-foot gorge in the Cumberland Plateau. The brave among your group will have Class IV whitewater and steep sport and trad climbing to choose from, but everyone will dig the 4.6-mile Twin Arches Loop, which passes by a 100-foot-high sandstone arch. Stay a night or two at the Bandy Creek Campground. From there, it’s 127 miles southeast to the, near the top of 6,594-foot Mount LeConte, inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park (from $145, meals included), which is best accessed via the long, flowy 6.5-mile Trillium Gap Trail. Don’t plan on electricity, but do plan on eating well, with family-style breakfast and dinner. —Graham Averill

The Greatest Plains

Distance:Ěý900 miles
Days:ĚýFive
Playlist:ĚýColter Wall, Bruce Springsteen, Nathaniel Rateliff

This journey through grasslands, river drainages, mountains, and iconic rock features still offers plenty of space for buffalo—and humans—to roam. Start in the Badlands of North Dakota, at the Maah Daah Hey Trail, featuring 144 miles of singletrack that climbs up to 12,000 feet above the Little Missouri River. Walk, bike, or ride horseback as much as you like; campsites are spaced every 20 or so miles along the trail. Then drive 206 miles south into South Dakota, to the pioneer-style downtown of Spearfish and fuel up on an egg and cheese pastry at before riding six miles to Crow Peak, catching breathtaking views of the Black Hills at the summit. Spend the night at the , once owned by wild man (from $219). The next day, it’s an 80-mile drive to Wyoming’s Bighorn National Forest to check out the 11-mile trail to Bucking Mule Falls, where you’ll find a 400-foot cascade surrounded by fields of Indian paintbrush, lupine, shooting stars, and forget-me-nots. Your next stop, the American Prairie Reserve, is over 300 miles north of Bighorn, but it’s worth the trip: the 353,000-acre area outside Malta, Montana, is the largest-scale conservation project in North America, home to resurgent populations of bison, swift foxes, and cougars. For lodging, treat yourself to a two-night stay in a safari-chic yurt at (from $2,000). —S.P.

Florida Coast-to-Coast

Distance:Ěý484 miles
Days:ĚýFour
Playlist:ĚýJimmy Buffett, Flo Rida, The Revivalists

Heading south from Tallahassee, kick things off with a night camping at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, on the Gulf of Mex­ico. Opt for an ($100), or snag a primitive paddle-in site in the park’s Wilderness Preserve ($5 per person). Rent a kayak from and explore the stunningly clear waters around the Cape San Blas peninsula (from $35). On your way east, make a stop near Eastpoint for provisions in Apa­lachicola Bay. These 30 miles of shallow, oyster-breeding waters produce some of the best bivalves in the state. Harvest your own, or drop by , which has a raw bar on a deck overlooking the bay. Escape the heat in the middle of the state by tubing , a natural spring that creates a crystal clear, mile-long creek. Once you hit Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic side, set up base camp in an oceanfront suite at the low-key (from $135). The area has some of the best surfing in Florida—Kelly Slater learned here—and the whole family can learn to shred with lessons from ($65 per hour). —G.A.

Surf ’n’ Turf New England

Distance:Ěý399
Days:ĚýFive
Playlist:ĚýPixies, Vampire Weekend, Neko Case

The beaches around Newport, Rhode Island, offer surprisingly consistent swells from late summer through fall. Get a private lesson from (from $95), or pick up a board and head to Second Beach, a sandy-bottom break flanked by cliffs and stunning 19th-­century estates. After a couple of days, drive 273 miles north to East Burke, Vermont, to mountain-bike the , a pri­vately run cross-country system with more than 100 miles of the finest singletrack. If you need to rent a bike, grab a Santa Cruz Tallboy from ($90). Work the Jaw trail into your ride if you like bridgework ($15), and finish up at downtown. Next? Head 140 miles south on I-93 to Portland, Maine, for a guided, three-mile ($40) before exploring Casco Bay (from $65). Stay the night in the Press, located in the newly renovated ($399), feasting on salmon char siu at Union, around the corner. —G.A.

Scratch Alaska’s Surface

Distance:Ěý387 miles
Days:ĚýFive
Playlist:ĚýJohn Luther Adams, Sigur RĂłs, Explosions in the Sky

One road trip is nowhere near enough to capture the vastness of the Last Frontier, but if you act boldly, you can pull off a decent intro. Start at Anchorage’s (from $310), a block from , where the kitchen’s Kodiak Benedict pairs poached eggs with fresh Alaskan king crab cakes. Afterward, grab a mountain bike from Downtown Bicycle Rental and rack it on the Flattop Mountain Shuttle. You’ll get a ride to the Glen Alps Trailhead, near the summit, before saddling up for the 16 miles back to town. Next stop: a 113-mile drive north to Talkeetna, the perfect base from which to connect with and stalk sockeye, pink, and king salmon along the Susitna River (from $190). In Talkeetna, grab a reindeer-sausage slice at before getting back on Highway 3 toward Healy, on the eastern end of Denali National Park and Preserve. It’s easy to reserve a spot at the , but bring netting: it’s mosquito season ($22). Your last stop is Fairbanks, where Arctic Outfitters offers a of Gates of the Arctic National Park (from $5,600). —Will Egensteiner

Olympic Gold

Distance:Ěý205 miles
Days:ĚýThree
Playlist:ĚýM. Ward, Fleet Foxes, Death Cab for Cutie

The 3,600-square-foot Olympic Peninsula is full of old-growth forests, rugged coastline, and jagged peaks. Start exploring it by boarding the Bainbridge Island ferry from downtown Seattle, then head north via Highway 101. In Port Angeles, a gateway town to the 876,669-acre Olympic National Park, grab coffee and a growler to go at , and break out the wet-weather gear—the region’s rainforests average 150 inches per year. No roads cut across the peninsula, but if you continue west on the highway, you can make a full loop around it. At mile marker 240, pull over to take in the Elwha River, now thriving after the 2014 decommissioning of the massive Glines Canyon Dam—part of the largest such removal in U.S. history. Anglers can fish the steelhead runs on the Sol Duc River, then warm up with a dip in the hot springs before pitching a tent at the Sol Duc Campground. After hiking temperate rainforest and alpine meadows to the Blue Glacier on 7,979-foot Mount Olympus, sleep in one of the oceanside cabins at (from $246). —Anna Callaghan

Colorado’s Fourteener Challenge

Distance:Ěý355 miles
Days:ĚýSeven
Playlist:ĚýBowerbirds, the Lumineers, Sylvan Esso

Conquering a fourteener is a Colorado rite of passage, and this weeklong trip allows you to check off five easy-to-moderate peaks, no climbing equipment or special permits required. Set out from Denver before dawn and you can summit Mount ­Bierstadt (14,060 feet) by early afternoon, allowing for a few daylight hours afterward to enjoy the stunning scenery along U.S. 285 while driving to your next stop. Grab a burger at in Fairplay, then head for Mount Princeton Campground, a perfect home base for tackling its namesake peak (14,197 feet) the next morning. Afterward, drive an hour north to Elbert Creek Camp­ground, which is located at the trailhead for Mount Elbert (14,433 feet), the highest peak in the Rockies. You can bag it the next morning, taking in the necessary calories at High Mountain Pies in nearby Leadville. Then scoot 30 miles to a reserved bed at the , a hostel in the small town of Minturn (from $25). Congratulations: it’s time for a rest day. Make the 15-minute drive to Vail village and let loose on the summer tubing hill. Your final peaks, Grays and Torreys (14,270 and 14,267 feet, respectively), loom on the road back to Denver. Connected by a saddle, they offer a single-day, two-for-one deal. An hour outside the city, raise a glass (or several small ones) to your feats with a whiskey flight at the recently opened in Idaho Springs. —Daliah Singer

The post The Summer’s Best Road Trips appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Good news for anyone who loves high-heart-rate recreation, brilliant scenery, and a little bit of history—Ěýis starting 2015 off by Ěýin eight different states and the District of Columbia. They include a supervolcano popular with cross-country skiers, a fossil-laden desert on the outskirts of Las Vegas, and a historic river corridor home to one of New England’s most scenic bi-state greenways.

This brings the total number of national park units to 405 and will add 250,000 acres of protected wilderness area. Before President Obama signed the defense bill on December 19, 2014 (which created the parks) the last time that the NPS expanded this much was when President Carter signed the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 (Carter’s act created 1,974,005 acres of protected wilderness).

While these parks are new to the National Parks Service, they have long been overseen by either public agencies or private organizations. The change will be seen in the financial muscle and higher profile the NPS brings. After 99 years, the NPS has the skill and monetary resources to make places accessible to more people. That means these once quaint parks will soon be drawing more visitors, and building an infrastructure to welcome them.

A good thing? That depends on who you ask. Opponents balk at increased entrance fees and regulations that limit activities such as camping, climbing, and hunting, but proponents praise job creation and local economic development that occur when the NPS takes over.

For some of the new national parks, the road ahead is extra-long. in Pershing Park in Washington, D.C. can’t be built until a design is chosen. in Hartford, Connecticut, is dependent upon land acquisitions.

Perhaps the longest road ahead belongs to the Ěýwhich is awaiting land acquisitions in three non-contiguous states. This park will be co-managed by the Department of Energy and established in New Mexico, Tennessee, and Washington at sites where the atomic bomb was developed.Ěý

Highlighted here are three of the newest national parks you can go to right now and bag a quality adventure.Ěý

Valles Caldera National Preserve, New Mexico

Nordic Skiing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Fly Fishing
The volcanic explosion that formed this 12-mile-wide caldera occurred more than 1.2 million years ago and was 2,000 times bigger than the 1980ĚýMount St. Helens eruption. While the park's name translates into “valleys of boilers,” New Mexico’s is actually a cross-country skier’s dream. Beginners have access to miles of professionally groomed trails, and advanced skiers have more than 5,000 untouched acres within Valle Grande at their disposal. But come summer, hiking and mountain biking reign supreme in this region of the Jemez Mountains. One of the area's most challenging hikes, Redondito, is a 16-mile out-and-back that offers impressive views of the volcano’s north rim. For those looking to explore beyond the Valle Grande Staging Area, shuttles run regularly and provide hikers, cyclists, and anglers access to backcountry trails and the trout-abundant San Antonio Creek.

Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Cycling, White Water Rafting, Canoeing, Kayaking
In 1790 the Blackstone River, a 640-square-mile watershed that drops more steeply and rapidly than the Colorado River, was the site of the country’s first successful water-powered cotton-spinning factory. And last month, was authorized to honor its heritage as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. By 2017, a Ěýrunning through the park will allow cyclists to ride all the way from Worcester, Massachusetts, to Providence, Rhode Island, but until then, there are almost 20 miles of greenway already in use. Park visitors can also paddle (and portage) all 46 miles of the Blackstone River. Highlights include several challenging stretches (thanks to the gradient of the river) and the Blackstone Gorge, Chocolate Mill Overlook and Class III rapids found north of Millville.

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument, Nevada

Hiking
Don’t underestimate the eroded, low-lying gullies in Nevada’s newest NPS property—. Why? This 22,605-acre desert oasis a few miles north of Las Vegas was once home to ice age-era mammals including extinct camels and giant sloths. While paleontologists have been digging in the area for years, embedded trace fossils are still visible to the naked eye. It will be a few years before visitor services are set up, but plans call for miles of interpretive walking trails, excavation viewing areas, shaded structures, a visitors center, and a University of Nevada geoscience campus. The property is currently closed to motor vehicles, however it’s open to hikers who can explore unique mud ridge formations and look for (but not collect) fossils.

The post Meet America’s Newest National Parks appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.