The Lake Region in Maine
Maine is situated in such a way that, for many Americans, it qualifies as a backyard escape. Amidst low rolling mountains, visitors will find a series of inviting lakes. Among this watery chain, Sebago Lake is the largest, but there are also Highland Lake and Long Lake. Sebago State Park near Naples, Maine, offers good camping and swimming, while plenty of private resorts and summer rentals abound in the area. Water activities of almost every type are enjoyed at all these three lakes.
Sebago Lake State Park
Casco, Maine 04015
207-693-6613
National Park Backcountry
Spectacular national parks exist in the Rocky Mountain states of Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and across the border in Alberta, Canada. Wilderness excursions are possible in all places, but a back country journey into the wilds of the Grand Teton National Park is recommended. Climbing the towering peaks is for world-class mountaineers, but carrying a backpack between the peaks and along the west side of the mountains is an unforgettable experience. Once campers make the trek through Paintbrush Divide, they will encounter a rocky new world of glacial lakes, scrub pine forests and strange landforms.
Grand Teton National Park
101 Moose Street
Jackson, WY
307-739-3300
Outer Banks
Not only do the windswept beaches of North Carolina offer a respite from the heat of the mainland, but they also provide a fascinating seascape, which has a rich history and of course plenty of water sports. When you get tired of frolicking in the surf at Nags Head, there are sand dunes to climb or a lighthouse that overlooks the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" at Cape Hatteras. Other possibilities include the first English colonial settlement at Manteo and the Wright Brothers Monument, in Kitty Hawk. Several national park campgrounds are available, along with numerous private rentals.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954-9451
252-473-2111
Old World Cobblestones
Summer is always a good time of year for walking around old cobblestone cities across Central Europe. Not every European urban area looks like it was pickled in Late Renaissance or Baroque, but those that do attract many visitors. Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is one such city, which enjoys remembering the birth of its most famous resident. Check out the main summer music festival that celebrates the great composer. If you get tired of walking on cobblestones, just head out of town for the green of the mountains.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Eastern Europe is definitely worth the effort and expense. For pristine beauty and a walk around a spectacular mountain lake, visit the mountain retreat of Lake Bled, which is known all over Europe for its delicious creme cake. Then there is the Church of the Assumption of Mary on an island and the constant traffic of gondolas going back and forth to the popular cathedral. With the surrounding peaks of the Julian Alps overlooking the small town, it is no wonder that visitors come travel many miles to revel in this picturesque mountain scene.
