Whether you’re wishing to travel somewhere warm, or you’re interested in a mountainous adventure, find your next vacation from our staff’s recommendations.
McKenna Slate, Copy Editor – Lake Placid, New York
My family and I love to find time at least once a year to visit the Adirondacks, specifically Lake Placid. What’s known for being a historic site for hosting the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, it also makes a great summer get-away!
Just under a five hour drive from Rochester, Lake Placid has so much to offer all year long. Whether you want to ski down Whiteface mountain, hike the high peaks, or just have a relaxing day by the lake. My family usually lucks out on renting a house nearby town. It is so fun to walk into town everyday, there is always something new to do. There are numerous restaurants to choose from, gift shops and of course the Olympic Center. For me, paddleboarding on Mirror Lake has to be my favorite. The water is so calm, I could stay out there for hours!
Jason Manuse, Copy Editor – Ocean City, Maryland
My family has been going on beach vacations for decades. I’ve been to places like Wildwood, Virginia Beach and Atlantic City, but Ocean City, Maryland, is my favorite by far. Aside from the ocean, there is so much to do, whether it be the shops and restaurants on the boardwalk, the theme park or mini golf. Driving over the bridge on your way into the city is always my favorite part of the trip, you can see the endless opportunities for fun getting closer and closer. One of my favorite memories was walking the length of the boardwalk at night by myself. The buzzing nightlife is a popular theme in Ocean City.
I always look forward to the trip; it’s totally stress-free and a relaxing, refreshing environment. I always try to do something new on each trip, but I never get bored of it. If it was up to me, I would move there permanently.
Sarah Zimmerman, Managing Editor/News Editor – Inlet, New York
Just a twenty minute drive from Old Forge, Inlet, NY might be heaven on earth; at least for those of us who enjoy reading by the water and a cute local coffee shop. Tucked alongside fourth lake, Inlet is a small town with shops for tourists and locals alike. The charm of Inlet is its walkability, proximity to the beach and serene quiet–though the almost nightly concerts in the local park are a welcome break from that.
For me, the best part of an Inlet trip is putting my phone down and getting to live presently–though that mentality doesn’t stop me from seeing a movie at the Strand Theatre in Old Forge every time I visit.
Dylan O’Loughlin, Sports Editor – New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Last summer was my first time ever not only going to Florida, but also traveling on a plane. From everything that I have heard about Florida from people, it was everything I hoped it would be and more.
From the warm weather to the nice beaches and all the fun options you have to do around in Florida, I was always entertaining something new with my friends. Specifically, I was at New Smyrna Beach which included an amazing beach and a strip of restaurants, bars and shops to try out during the day or at night. Whether you want to have a blast at Universal Orlando, chill on the beach, eat amazing food at great restaurants or even kayak with manatees, Florida has you covered. Especially with this weather that we are having up here in New York, the perfect place to have a nice spring break may sound basic, but Florida is always the way to go.
Lena Turaj, Entertainment Editor – Adirondacks, New York
One of my favorite places to vacation is the Adirondacks, and it doesn’t matter where. I’ve been up in the Adirondacks more times that I can count and there is something to do for everyone. One of my favorite activities is hiking, especially the 46ers. What’s great about the Adirondacks is that there is a hike for everyone, whether you’re looking for something flat, moderate, or even an overnight backpacking trip. The wide variety of activities that the entire Adirondack region offers is great for anyone. It’s a great place to just hang out and swim around or kayak and explore the lakes. Overall, I think that it makes a great place to try something new or stick to your comfort vacation. Camping out by Indian Lake or staying at the ADK Loj are all great ways to explore the area.
Cassandra Thibault, Features Editor – Kuwohi, North Carolina and Tennessee
Out of all of the places that I went to, one sticks out more than others, the Great Smokey Mountains. But more specifically, Kuwohi, formerly known as Clingmans dome. Though I was climbing the path 6,643-feet up the mountain in the middle rainstorm with lightning bolts striking around me. There is something about nature, even in its sublime intensity that I find relaxing. Nature is beautiful even in its chaos.
That crisp mountain air with a hint of patchouli made every breath refreshing and cleansing. Feeling the air move with me up that mountain made me realize the true beauty and peace that only surrounding yourself in nature can provide. Up there as you are climbing, there is no pressure to perform; you are simply allowed to exist. As you’re standing at the top of Clingmans dome, the highest peak in the mountains, you look around in the vastness the everyday noise softens, your mind stills, and you can breathe again.
Erin Jones, Editor-in-Chief – Seaside Park, New Jersey
I love taking trips with my family to Seaside Park, a small beach town on the Jersey Shore. Being at the beach is so peaceful – it’s a relaxing spot for all of us to get away from the everyday stress of school, work and sports.
Seaside Park itself is very quiet and serene, but it is next to Seaside Heights, which is known for its bustling boardwalk. It really allows for a mix of everything, whether you are looking for a calm day by the ocean or an action-packed day filled with carnival games and thrill rides. My favorite part of beach vacations is spending quality time with family; but of course, no beach vacation is complete without at least one trip to Surf Taco, the place to go if you’re looking for an excellent burrito or quesadilla.
