‘U.S.’

Plan Your Trip: Prince Edward Island

October 9th, 2009 by Matthew | 2 Comments | Filed in Destination Spotlight, U.S.
lobster_boat_01

A lobster boat awaits lobster season at Annandale.

Following up my Charlottetown-specific post, here’s a few more points of interest on the greater Maritime Canadian province of P.E.I.

FLY Air Canada through Montreal. Note, if you’re flying back to the United States from Montreal, you clear U.S. customs before your flight. Leave extra time. I would’ve missed my connection there if the airline hadn’t held it for several of us stuck in long lines. Some U.S. airlines fly direct to P.E.I. in the summer season from Boston, Chicago and possibly other cities depending on improving world economic fortunes.

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Best Island Escapes for Labor Day

August 26th, 2009 by Chris | 1 Comment | Filed in Best of the Week, Caribbean, U.S.

Puerto Rico El Yunque

El Yunque, Puerto Rico

With Labor Day the last official chance of the season to get away for a long weekend, here are suggestions for island destinations that are especially accessible. Whether a direct flight to popular Caribbean islands or a quick drive or ferry to islands just off the U.S. coast, see which Labor Day destination appeals to you. My top five suggestions:

1. Puerto Rico
Flying into San Juan from the mainland U.S. is easy, and there are numerous authentic island experiences to be had in the city and just outside it (just look at our latest Puerto Rico trip itinerary), including a must-do hike through El Yunque rainforest, which an ISLANDS editor just did through the Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa.

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Start Packing for the Key West Lobsterfest

August 5th, 2009 by Ashley | No Comments | Filed in Destination Spotlight, U.S.
Courtesy Lobsterfest Key West

Courtesy Lobsterfest Key West

Key West’s Lobsterfest is this weekend, Aug. 7-9. Trust me–drop what you’re doing right now and start packing. Your stomach deserves it.

Perfectly situated after last week’s mini Lobster season and at the start of commercial season (Aug. 6 - March 31, 2010), this lobster-obsessed street fair promises the sweetest and most tender meat you can get.  A Duval Street Crawl kicks off events Friday night, followed by the Saturday highlight of a Lobsterfest street fair where 20 local island chefs will demonstrate their creative and delicious ways to serve the spiny crustacean. Three days of lobster appetizers, lobster salads, grilled lobster, buttered lobster… What more is there to ask for?

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Free Islamorada Bike Tour

July 6th, 2009 by Adrienne | No Comments | Filed in Destination Spotlight, U.S.

Sunset on Islamorada by Ashley Fraxedas

If you’re like me, you prefer slower modes of travel when you’re touring an island. Kayaks and bicycles are my favorite, which is why I was especially excited to read about a Free Historical Monument Bike Tour being offered on Islamorada throughout July and August. The 2-hour tour will leave from the Hurricane Monument at mile 82 Oceanside at 10 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday all summer long. With islander Mark Terrill as guide, up to 16 riders will pedal past sites like the Islamorada’s first established church and learn about the rich history of the Florida Keys as they make their way down the 6-mile route. Bring your own wheels or call Mark at 305-879-0390 ahead to reserve a bike. 

What’s your favorite way to explore an island? Share your ideas in the comments.

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Paddling Maine’s Casco Bay Islands

July 23rd, 2008 by Adrienne | 1 Comment | Filed in Destination Spotlight, ISLANDS Experts, U.S.

Maine’s famously rocky coastline boasts some 7,000 islands. One great way to explore a section of them is the L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery School based in Freeport. I had the opportunity recently to take part in the inaugural Casco Bay Island Hopping trip.

Here’s an interactive map of our route:

View Larger Map

Unlike the other kayaking trips already offered by the ODS, this itinerary combines one night of camping with one night at a charming island inn. It’s a perfect mix of adventure and indulgence that also provides wonderfully diverse insight into the Casco Bay islands. For the pictures from my trip, check out the photo album.

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