THE PLAINS OF ANCIENT Mesopotamia are connected to Massachusetts? As unlikely as it might seem, when you sail into town, the plains from antiquity were the inspiration for Padanaram’s moniker. The story goes that early 19th century resident Laban Thatcher named the little village when he compared himself to biblical Laban, who dwelt in, yes, Read More
When the Puritans set sail in 1620 to flee religious persecution in England, their long journey across the Atlantic was rewarded with a place more beautiful than they had imagined. As those travel-weary settlers exited the Mayflower, they were greeted by one of the most magnificent coastlines in North America. Timber-rich mountains reached down to Read More
New England Clambake is a custom that dates back well before our forefathers landed on Plymouth Rock. Early Native Americans puzzled out how to cook the region’s abundant seafood, such as clams and lobsters, by digging a pit in beach sand, using hot rocks for heat and creating steam via wet seaweed. Along the way, Read More
NEW ENGLAND’S seaside offers jagged, craggy eastern edge is a maze of inlets, coves, cliffs, bays and tiny islands. As a result, this 473-mile stretch of coastline from Maine to Rhode Island is comprised of a staggering 5,512 miles of shoreline (everywhere land meets water). That’s more than California or five other states that border Read More
SPRING BREAK is the season that breaks the bounds of winter and renews our sense of adventure. The vernal equinox signals us to escape the monotony of our everyday lives — and quench our thirst for excitement. Now is the time to plan vacations, embrace your adventurous side, and if you’re an adrenaline junkie with Read More
At the tip of the Pacific Northwest, the largest contiguous islands in the United States encompass Washington’s mountainous waterfront. Just below the Canadian border, 18 wondrous miles of the Saratoga Passage separate the beautiful Whidbey & Camano Islands. Rich with lush forests and scenic state parks, Whidbey & Camano Islands stretch only 8.89 NM apart Read More
The Pilgrims arrived on a sandy land spit in the New World on a wintry day 400 years ago. Contrary to popular legend, that Mayflower voyage from Plymouth, England, did not first arrive at Plymouth, MA, but where we now call Provincetown. The new settlers stayed for five weeks before pointing sails across Cape Cod Read More
Visitors are welcome to catch their own crustaceans in Lowcountry waters by shrimping. The two requirements are a fishing license and free SIP (Saltwater Information Program) permit. You also must follow the same season as commercial shrimpers, typically from mid-June through mid-January. “Shrimp occur throughout Georgia’s estuaries and coastal environments, so visitors have lots of Read More
Tucked into western Michigan’s sunset coast, Saugatuck is a delightful blend of beach town, shopping paradise, foodie heaven and artist colony. With its pristine shoreline, soft sands and rolling grass-covered dunes, Saugatuck is a frequent topic for national travel magazines, gaining a reputation as one of the top beach towns in the world. Oval Beach Read More
Just under 12 miles from Charleston with a sleepy, southern vibe, Johns Island, South Carolina is a lovely place to visit in the spring. The largest island in South Carolina and fourth on the East Coast, its 84-square miles of natural beauty blends easily with historic sites and high-quality restaurants reminiscent of Charleston. Johns Island Read More