After a whole year of being locked in our houses a nice summer vacation sounds fantastic. The Cristian Rivera Foundation, being founded out of New York, wanted to give you some amazing vacation getaway locations on the East Coast for you to enjoy this summer.
1: The Outer Banks
The Outer Banks are a series of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina which have become a huge vacation destination over the last few years. With summer temperatures in the mid to high 80s, the Outer Banks are a perfect place to hit the beach and soak up some sun. However the beaches aren’t the only attraction in this summer paradise. You can hire a charter boat and do some deep sea fishing, or check out some of the island’s famous historic sites such as Fort Raleigh. Fort Raleigh was the site of the original Roanoke colony, the first english settlement in the present day United States.
2: Bar Harbor Maine
Bar Harbor Maine is a quaint town on Mount Desert Island located just next to Acadia National Park. While the weather might be a little chillier than North Carolina’s Outer Banks, averaging 80 degrees during the day and 57 at night in July, Bar Harbor is a fantastic destination for a summer getaway. Go hiking in Acadia National Park and summit Cadillac Mountain, stoll the beaches of the island, or try a famous Maine lobster roll. Bar Harbor has something everyone in the family will enjoy.
3: Charleston South Carolina
1200 miles south of Bar Harbor Maine lies the peninsula of Charleston South Carolina. While Charleston does have amazing beaches it is more known for its historic downtown area with a rich cultural background. The city contains grand churches and massive mansions built feet away from the waterfront, as well as a multitude of old buildings dating back to the early 1700s.
Another thing Charleston is known for is its seafood. Being so close to the ocean it makes sense many of the restaurants in the area would serve fresh fish, muscles, and shrimp. If you consider yourself a foodie, try checking out Hyman’s seafood downtown. They have been open since 1890 and are one of the most well known restaurants in the Charleston area.
4: Great Smoky Mountain National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains are located on the Tennessee, North Carolina border and are a change of pace to the populated beach towns previously mentioned. If you enjoy hiking or the serenity of nature visiting this pristine nearly untouched wilderness is the place for you. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers over half a million acres and has over 800 miles of trails for you to explore. There is so much natural beauty to be discovered with waterfalls, amazing views and wildlife as well. The park is home to 1500 black bears and known as the Salamander capital of the world. So get out this summer and see the natural beauty the Smokies have to offer.
5: Cape Cod
Cape Cod, a hook shaped peninsula in the state of Massachusetts is famous for its beautiful beaches, and laid-back lifestyle making it a perfect summer vacation spot. The summer temperatures are generally cooler here, high 70s during the day and mid 60s at night, however it is still warm enough to enjoy the 550 miles of coastline the Cap has to offer. Another major attraction when visiting Cape Cod is Martha’s Vineyard. Martha’s Vineyard is an island located off the Cape Cod peninsula only accessible by boat or air. Explore the beautiful small towns that are scattered across the island, sit on the sandy beaches, or enjoy some famous New England clam chowder at one of the many restaurants.
So whether you enjoy the beaches or the mountains, take the family and get away this summer. It doesn’t have to be somewhere far or for a long time. Take a rest, recharge, and enjoy your vacation.
By Trevor Dominy
