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Mind, Body, Soul
Sandy Beaches
and Warm Nights
By Mona Lease
Greetings, Gals!! "This isn't summer weather." "I just put more
chlorine in my pool." "I think it'll get cold early and we'll have a
long, cold winter." "I don't want to order propane or heating fuel
yet." "My tomatoes did not turn out right at all." "This weather could
be October weather." "I read that when you can't tell the seasons
apart, that's when the world is going to end. Is that what this weather
is?" And, I've heard more comments like this. I don't have any answers.
So, let's take a trip.
The 30 Best Coastal Towns in America
What defines the "best" beach town? Is it waking up to a nice breeze,
enjoying world-class seafood, or local art and music festivals? It's
all about what suits you.
Sarasota, Florida: White sand beaches, diverse dining, inspiring arts
and culture...Sarasota is among the beach towns with the most nightlife
establishments...restaurants...coffee shops per capita.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California: The small and artsy town along
California's coastal highway has an old-fashioned vibe. The main beach
is laid back..which you may not expect in California.
Port Townsend, Washington: As Washington's "Victorian seaport and arts
community," it is an easily accessible base to reach the Olympic
Peninsula. October is the best time to view the fall foliage of ambers,
pumpkins, and russets.
Seaside, Oregon: Biking, riding, golfing, surfing, kayaking, hiking,
and birding...there's never a dull moment here.
Kihei, Hawaii: With six miles of beaches and clear views....swimming,
snorkeling, surfing, and kayaking are everyday activities.
Chatham, Massachusetts: Known as "the first stop of the East Wind," it
offers first class beaches. Hikers and bikers will love the Old Colony
Rail Trail, a side trip off of the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
Yukatat, Alaska: Home to the state's first surf shop, Icy Waves, this
town bills itself as the "Far North Shore."
York Beach, Maine: The attraction is beaches. Cape Neddick's Nubble
Lighthouse is among the most-photographed landmark of the country.
Sullivan's Island, South Carolina: The town is right by Charleston with
beautiful beaches, restaurants, and unique shops.
Niantic, Connecticut: A true "New England experience" offering antique
shops, unique boutiques, and extravagant book shops.
Beaufort, North Carolina: Being the third-oldest town in North
Carolina, it offers the NC Maritime Museum and kayaking in Taylor's
Creek.
Cape May, New Jersey: With year-round activities, you can enjoy
pristine sandy beaches...see Victorian buildings, and visit the Willow
Creek Winery.
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi: Laying along the Mississippi Sound and 58
miles NE of New Orleans - it was a resort town for the wealthy
planters. Now all enjoy it's beauty.
Stillwater, Minnesota: Not far from the Twin Cities, warm weather
welcomes outdoor art fairs, festival events, restaurant patios, and
historic sight-seeing.
Traverse City, Michigan: Best known for outdoor recreation, Sleeping
Bear Dunes National Lake Shore is a famous attraction. There are also
wine tours, hay rides, and cider & doughnuts.
Chincoteague, Virginia: This island is 7 miles long, serene, and home
to the Chincoteague Wild Ponies.
Laguna Beach, California: In Orange County, this is a place filled with
beaches, art galleries, tide pools, and coves.
Falmouth, Massachusetts: With 68 miles of coastline and 12 miles of
shoreline, it's a base from which to day-trip to Martha's Vineyard or
Nantucket.
Narragansett, Rhode Island: A classic New England coastal town offering
clean beaches, good food, and reliable tides for surfing.
Gulf Shores, Alabama: Swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and skim-boarding
are enjoyable beach activities. The nightlife offers concerts or other
music events almost every evening.
Long Beach, Washington: At the juncture of the Columbia River and the
Pacific Ocean, adventurers will like kayaking and clam-digging. There
is also horse-back riding and bird watching.
Lewes, Delaware: Where the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet,
this town offers sun, sand, and sea.
Capitola, California: Situated on the coast of Monteray Bay, this is
one of the Golden State's oldest resort towns offering sun and sand.
Hilo, Hawaii: An historic town and the largest settlement on the Big
Island, it sets atop two volcanos. It offers cliff-diving as well as
other water sports.
Ogunquit, Maine: Enjoy bonfires on the beach, antique stores, and
desserts tasting.
Folley Beach, South Carolina: One of the premiere surfing destinations
on the East Coast, you can enjoy fishing, walking, and birding.
Tybee Island, Georgia: Known as Savannah Beach, it is rich in history
and offers sun, surfing and fun.
Morro Bay, California: Known for Morro Rock, an ancient volcano, it
offers golfing, surfing, RV camping, and picnic & BBQ beaches.
South Padre Island, Texas: Enjoy powder-soft beaches, 34 miles of white
sand, and clear emerald water. It offers a lavish nightlife preferred
by all manner of travelers.
Nags Head, North Carolina: Sporting secluded beaches and hikes in Nags
Head Woods Preserve, this is a relaxing retreat.
Hope you all enjoyed out little trip. Shake the sand out of your
clothes...keep doing the stretches. Keep your goals in mind. You're
closer than you think.
"Sometimes all you need is for someone to just be there, even if they
can't solve your problems. Just knowing there is someone who cares can
make all the difference." - sun.gazing.com
The best is yet to be!! MONA
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