Exploring Indiana Dunes National Park: 7 Things To Know

A beach in Indiana? Yes, a beach in Indiana. It may sound like the punch line of a joke, but it’s true — Indiana Dunes National Park boasts a long, pristine beach on Lake Michigan. On a summer day, especially if the wind has blown up some waves, it’s hard to tell that you’re not on the ocean.

There’s more to this national park than just the beach, of course. There’s plenty of history here. The southwest corner of Lake Michigan is known for its sand dunes, and there are several state and national parks in southern Michigan and northern Indiana. Over the centuries, winds off the lake have built up the dunes and continue to shape them to this day. In 1966, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore was established. And in 2019, Indiana Dunes became America’s 61st national park.

Here are seven fascinating facts about Indiana Dunes National Park.

Views of the shore in Indiana Dunes National Park. — Anna Westman / Shutterstock

1. It’s A State Park Inside A National Park

This is probably the most confusing part of the conversion from national lakeshore to national park. Longtime visitors to the area are familiar with the state park — it’s where they’ve gone for decades to visit the beach and catch a glimpse of the Chicago skyline in the distance. But when the national lakeshore became a national park, many were confused. Did the state park go away? Was it replaced by a national park? Would there now be hefty entrance fees like at Yosemite and Yellowstone?

The answer is that things have remained largely the same. The areas of protected lakeshore and the surrounding dunes have simply been converted to national park lands. All of the things you’ve come to know and love about national parks — the campgrounds, ranger-guided tours, etc. — can now be found at Indiana Dunes.

But the state park remains as well. You can still access the large parking lots by the beach, and the parking fees are still the same (currently $7 for cars with Indiana plates and $12 for out-of-state cars). It will all feel like one big park, but it’s worth noting that at times you’ll cross over from the national park to the state park.

Dunes along the lakeshore in Indiana Dunes National Park. — Delmas Lehman / Shutterstock

2. You Can Experience A True Summer Beach Afternoon In Northern Indiana

There are two main beaches within the park. To the east, Porter Beach and its parking lots are located within the state park. Parking costs $7 for in-state vehicles and $12 for out-of-state vehicles. To the west, the aptly named West Beach has a $6 parking fee between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

And when I say “beach,” I mean a real beach. Most people don’t realize Indiana has beaches, but the massive sand dunes extending all the way to the edge of Lake Michigan provide a very beach-like experience.

That’s what I told our friends upon returning from my first trip to the area. My wife and I started in Michigan City, Indiana, where the national park is located, and worked our way north to Michigan. At each stop that week in July, we were stunned by the beach experiences. At times, you don’t even realize you’re on the shores of Lake Michigan. You feel like you’re in Gulf Shores or on Panama City Beach. Warm sunshine, sand beneath your toes, a quick dip in the water to cool off — we returned amazed that we could find a beach experience like that so close to our home in Saint Louis.

The Michigan City Lighthouse from the shores of Lake Michigan. — Jaclyn Novak / Shutterstock

3. Michigan City Is Right Next Door

Quite often, when visiting a national park, you’re out in the middle of nowhere. But Indiana Dunes is located only 50 miles from Chicago. It’s a long, linear national park that follows the Lake Michigan shoreline. One end of the park touches Gary, Indiana, right near the Illinois border, and the other end of the park touches Michigan City, Indiana, right near the Michigan border.

Michigan City is the closest city to the main areas of the park, and most people who want to visit the park and stay in a hotel usually stay in Michigan City. There is also a nice restaurant scene there — my wife and I ate downtown in Michigan City near the harbor. The restaurant we ate at is no longer in business, but the surrounding area near Franklin Street has many restaurants and shopping options.

The harbor area has a great park connected to it that includes a zoo and more beach access. If you’re staying at the national park and want to get away for the day, Michigan City is the perfect destination.

Dunes on the lakeshore in Indiana Dunes National Park. — drewthehobbit / Shutterstock

4. The Park Participates In The Amtrak Trails & Rails Program

One unique way to experience Indiana Dunes National Park is the Amtrak Trails & Rails program. Amtrak has partnered with several of the national parks to offer traveling show-and-tell programs with park rangers and other park-affiliated guides. Because the Chicago-to-Detroit Amtrak train travels right through Indiana Dunes National Park, you can ride the train with a guide as they tell you about each area of the park.

Amtrak is also a great way to travel to the park, since there’s a stop right in Michigan City. It’s possible to take any Amtrak train to Chicago. Then hop on the Wolverine line (between Chicago and Detroit) and get off at the Michigan City stop. From there, you can rent a car (Michigan City has an Enterprise, and an employee can deliver your rental car to the train station) and travel to the park.

Another train option is the South Shore Line, a commuter train operated by the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District. This rail line — which runs from Chicago to South Bend, Indiana — has a stop that is right at the entrance to Indiana Dunes National Park.

One of the Century Of Progress homes. — Zack Frank / Shutterstock

5. The 1933 World’s Fair Homes Are Within The Park

This is perhaps the most unique aspect of Indiana Dunes National Park. In 1933, Chicago hosted the World’s Fair. The theme for the fair that year was “A Century Of Progress.” For the World’s Fair, model homes were built for an exhibit showcasing the houses of the future. These homes included conveniences unheard of in 1933, such as central air conditioning and dishwashers. The exhibit showed fair visitors what a modern house would look like in the decades to come.

After the World’s Fair closed, a developer purchased the model homes and moved them by barge to a resort community he was developing on the Indiana shoreline 50 miles away. That community (Beverly Shores) and the houses are now part of the national park.

On the last weekend in September, the houses are available for tour. Information about those tours is available on the Indiana Landmarks website.

The shores of New Buffalo, Michigan. — Jen.ishayoga / Shutterstock

6. Michigan’s Beach Towns Are Only A Short Drive Away

If you want to explore the area further, cross the state line into Michigan and head up the coastline. This is an area my wife and I know quite well, since we have taken at least six summer trips there. In the winter, this is the area you’ll see on the news receiving lake-effect snow day after day. In the summer, these beach-centric towns are the perfect places for a weekend getaway.

Just across the border in Michigan, you’ll find the town of New Buffalo. This is a very popular summer-vacation spot for Chicagoans, so everything you’d expect to find around a summer weekend getaway spot near the lake can be found here.

As you venture farther north, you’ll find the twin cities of Saint Joseph, Michigan, and Benton Harbor, Michigan. Saint Joseph has the largest public beach I’ve seen that’s not on the ocean. South Haven, Michigan, is a quaint harbor town with floating restaurants and an amazing pier to walk at sunset.

These kinds of towns extend all the way up the coastline. Saugatuck, Michigan, is an arts community with dozens of great shops. Holland, Michigan, is known for its tulip festival. You probably don’t want to venture too far — by the time you get to Holland, you’ll have traveled 100 miles from Indiana Dunes National Park, but each stop along the way can be a new adventure.

If you’re looking for a relaxing walk out to a lighthouse on the end of a pier at sunset, it’s really hard to beat these southern Michigan beach towns.

The distant Chicago skyline from Indiana Dunes National Park. — V-ron / Shutterstock

7. You Can See The Chicago Skyline

This is perhaps the best feature of Indiana Dunes National Park. On a clear day, when you look out over the waters of Lake Michigan, you can see the Chicago skyline. It’s 50 miles away, and with the curvature of the Earth, you won’t see the shorter buildings — only the skyscrapers. But Chicago has plenty of those, so it’s quite the view.

For an even bigger treat — if you’re up for it — climb one of the dunes at sunset for a better look. Climbing these dunes is not for everyone — if you’ve ever tried to climb a sand dune, you know that each step is more strenuous than the last. But the paths established for many of the dunes include manmade stairs, so you can choose a smaller dune to climb.

From the top, you’ll enjoy a spectacular view. From a sand dune. Overlooking a beach. In Indiana, of all places.

Beautiful Virginia Beach: The Best Places To Eat, Stay, And Play

Are you dreaming of a sunny, sandy playground with a relaxed coastal vibe that includes sunset cocktails, scrumptious seafood, and relaxing vistas? Or perhaps you need a dose of natural beauty where you can get outside and hike, bike, boat, and breathe the fresh air. The world is your oyster in Virginia Beach, where you can do all of that and slurp up a few oysters, too.

aerial view of Virginia Beach — Joanna Will / Shutterstock.com

Things To Do In Virginia Beach

Hit The Beach

The number one thing to do in Virginia Beach: Hit the beach! Whether you want to soak up some glorious sunshine, play in the Atlantic surf, or walk the soft sand, you will fall in love with Virginia Beach’s shoreline.

With 28 miles of public beaches, you can have your own little slice of glorious sandy paradise. Pack your beach toys, a picnic lunch, and a good book, then spend the day soaking up the bone-warming Virginia sunshine. Southern hospitality and charm paired with coastal vacation fun is what makes Virginia Beach such a popular vacation destination.

The boardwalk along Virginia Beach. — Sherry V Smith / Shutterstock

Virginia Beach Boardwalk

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is three miles of on-the-ocean entertainment, restaurants, shops, and people watching. Whether you walk, bike, or rollerblade, you will find the boardwalk a great place to while away an hour or two.

Live on Atlantic is the go-to site for all your boardwalk event details. A favorite annual event is Sandstock: A Tribute To Rock and Roll, scheduled for late June. The free performances are held at the Hippy Dippy Stage, and this year include tributes to Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Van Halen, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Step back in time as you reminisce about the good old days of rock and roll. Don your tie-dye t-shirt, love beads, and rose-colored glasses as you groove to the classic sounds of rock and roll.

Pleasure House Point Natural Area in Virginia Beach, Virginia — Anne Katherine Jones / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy The Great Outdoors

Pleasure House Point Natural Area is 118 acres of undeveloped tidal marsh and maritime forest that has been preserved for naturalists’ outdoor enjoyment. Non-motorized boating, fishing, and hiking are king. The park is open sunrise to sunset; be sure to check the website for exceptions before you go.

One of the world’s greenest buildings, the Brock Environmental Center at Pleasure House Point is an environmentally sensitive smart building. The center uses solar panels and wind turbines to produce more energy than it uses. Its water efficiency is the result of geothermal wells, rain cisterns, xeriscaping, and waterless toilets (something everyone should experience at least once). The buildings of our future will need to adapt to climate changes, and the Brock Environmental Center is a great example of how we could possibly live that life. The unique design and low impact on the surrounding environment make this a must-stop for anyone interested in coastal environments or green building management.

The town of Norfolk, Virginia. — Ramunas Bruzas / Shutterstock

Visit Norfolk

Less than a 30-minute drive north is Norfolk, Virginia, home to the world’s largest naval base. It is also NATO’s (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) North American Headquarters. There is so much to do and see in Norfolk. Plan to spend the day.

The battleship USS Wisconsin is docked in Norfolk. This imposing ship docked on the waterfront magnetically pulls you in for a closer look. Tours of the battleship include a unique guided exploration of the engine room deep in the belly of the battleship. The Command and Control tour highlights the officers’ and crews’ life at sea. There is also a self-guided tour that you can take at your own leisurely pace.

Wander down “restaurant row” on Granby Street. You will surely find a luncheon spot to satisfy your cravings, and you can absorb a little Norfolk history at the same time. Wide brick walkways, sidewalk seating, 18th-century buildings, and locals out and about contribute to a lively dining atmosphere.

Boating For Everyone

It’s all about when the fish are biting! What do you want to try and snag? The Rudee Tours fishing charter What’s Biting When chart will give you the perfect guide to plan your fishing journey. Rudee Tours offers half-, three quarter-, and full-day trips to satisfy every angler and angler wannabe’s desires.

Want to play in this water wonderland? Rent a pontoon boat. Bay Venture Boat Rentals offers lots of pontoon rental options so you can explore the bays, lakes, and inlets along the Chesapeake Bay area. Pack a cooler, a picnic lunch, and your sunscreen for a memorable day of fun, lazily floating your cares away. Pontoon boats are easy to steer and the waterways offer plenty of navigation space, so pretty much everyone can join in.

Virginia Beach Aquarium

The Virginia Beach Aquarium has over 300 species of marine life including harbor seals, Komodo dragons, Tomistoma crocodiles, and a plethora of sharks and turtles. It’s a fun place for kids of all ages. On non-beach days it can get very crowded, so plan to go early.

The Virginia Beach Aquarium offers several tours, including three “behind the scenes” tours. Experience a unique tour of the harbor seal building guided by one of the aquarium’s seal trainers. Your guide will educate you on their training techniques, and you will enjoy a meet-and-greet with one of the harbor seals. This is one of those tours you can humble-brag about.

Day Trip To Williamsburg

An hour’s drive north of Virginia Beach is the historical town of Williamsburg, home to Colonial Williamsburg and William and Mary College. Williamsburg is worth a trip if you have a history buff in your group. There is much to see and explore; it will take all day. It is a good break from the beach (if you need one).

Restaurants In Virginia Beach

There is no shortage of Virginia Beach restaurants. The main difficulty will be deciding which ones to try. You can choose traditional, finger-licking, shack-style seafood or refined, elegant culinary adventures. Of course, there are options in between these two extremes, meaning lots of great choices and variety for every lunch and dinner during your stay.

Fine Dining

For the true foodie, the James Beard House-acclaimed Terrapin Restaurant is a must-dine. Begin your culinary adventure with the House Charcuterie, which includes rustic duck prosciutto, lavender and thyme salumi, and more served with an amazing ciabatta bread. Selecting an entree is a difficult decision, but you won’t go astray with the octopus fettuccine Pomodoro or the short rib rigatoni. Who’s hungry now?

Quintessential Seafood Buffet Spot

If a casual night out is the plan, then check out Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant. With buffet dining taken to the next level, you can dine on so-called She-Crab Soup, oysters Rockefeller, steamed crawfish, barbecue, hush puppies, and other regional specialties. Follow that up with cobbler, cake, or cookies. You will satisfy your buffet dreams with their bountiful spread.

Toes-In-The-Sand Seafood Shack

Harpoon Larry’s Killer Seafood and Oyster Bar is Virginia Beach’s answer to quintessential beachside dining. Between the starters and the raw bar, the selection is mouthwatering. Order several of each for a smorgasbord seafood feast. Good options are the Shrimp Jammers (with jalapeno), calamari, and fish tacos paired with the Killer Combo from the raw bar. Voila! Dinner is served. Of course, they offer entrees, too, which makes decision making even more difficult.

Shopping In Virginia Beach

The Town Center offers a variety of shopping options from Brooks Brothers to Five Below and everything in between. Be sure to stop at the Royal Chocolate for a confectionary pick-me-up, and to avoid the shopping hangries.

Stroll along the Boardwalk for a casual shopping experience. Just off Atlantic Avenue are the Shops at 31 Ocean, a mini-mall with boutiques, beachy shops, and casual dining.

Angie's Guest Cottages in Virginia Beach. — AngiesCottages.com

Places To Stay In Virginia Beach

The options for beachy vacation stays are pretty much endless. You can choose from family-friendly to luxury, highrises to cottages, rustic cabins, and yurts. No matter what you choose, you will sleep well from all the sunshine, fresh air, and activities of your vacation adventure.

Oceanfront Tower Views

Walk out of your highrise, oceanfront rental at Barclay Towers, and you will be tempted to stay beachfront forever. Barclay Towers offers suites with I-could-sit-on-this-balcony-all-day ocean views. Steps from the sandy beach and sparkling Atlantic waters, Barclay Towers is perfectly situated for your getaway fun.

Quaint Beach Cottages

Angie’s Guest Cottages offer sweet little beachy hangouts for a casual, rustic Virginia Beach adventure. Angie’s is strategically located for walking access to almost everything down at the beach. Renting a cottage is like having your own private oasis on the sand. These cottages are gobbled up fast, so book early.

Virginia Beach Campgrounds

There are several state parks in Virginia Beach that offer campsites.

Kiptopeke State Park and First Landing State Park offer cabins, lodges, and RV and tent-site camping. For a unique stay, you can rent one of their yurts, which sleep between three and six guests. The yurts come with a rocking chair-adorned deck in addition to traditional cabin amenities.

The state parks offer boat ramps, hiking and biking trails, and beach access. They’re perfect spots for your nature-filled vacation experience.

Travel Tip

Virginia Beach is a wonderful place to vacation, perfect for some weekend fun with enough to keep you busy for a week. If you are looking for action, select a stay near the Boardwalk or on Atlantic Avenue. For a more zen, nature-infused getaway, try one of the state parks.

How To Spend A Perfect Day In Saint-Malo, France

Saint-Malo, in the northwestern French region of Brittany on the English Channel Coast, has a history dating back to the first century B.C., and its history is as tumultuous as it is fascinating. It was founded by the Gauls — remember Asterix and Obelix? After run-ins with the Romans, the city later became the notorious seat of the French corsairs. Legal pirates of sorts, corsairs were basically privateers, but with an additional religious connotation, since they were involved in the Christian-Muslim conflicts from the 14th century onward.

During World War II, Saint-Malo was heavily bombed because of its strategic location that had once appealed to the corsairs. But the Intra Muros part of Saint-Malo — the old part fully surrounded by sturdy ramparts and fortifications — was immediately and faithfully restored. It now provides something akin to time travel.

The Intra Muros district, which I will be concentrating on here, is located in a part of the city only partially connected to the mainland. Saint-Malo’s tidal range is the highest in Europe — there’s a difference of 40 to 50 feet between high and low tides. This makes for an interesting spectacle all by itself, since the beaches, islands, and coastline look completely different depending on whether the water is in or out.

Get ready to explore Saint-Malo’s coastal setting, walk its ramparts, learn about its intriguing history, and delight in its local specialties. Here’s how to spend the perfect day in town.

The ramparts of Saint-Malo, France. — 135pixels / Shutterstock

Walk The Ramparts

Wholly surrounding Intra Muros, the 12th-century ramparts are wide enough to comfortably walk along, with many small entry points along the wall and spectacular views from all sides. You will walk past beaches, coves, the outlying islands, the castle, the marina, and the seafront, all the while marveling at the old city packed with unique architecture and small lanes on the other side.

The loop is 1.2 miles long, but with the many viewpoints and historical attractions such as cannons and gardens along the way, you should spend at least 1 to 2 hours enjoying this unique walk. And then do it again and pop down to check out the various sets of steps to the city below.

Pro Tip: If you decide to stay the night, go for another walk around sunset. The city is simply magnificent at that time.

Visit The Musee D’Histoire De Saint-Malo

Built by the Dukes of Brittany in the 15th and 16th centuries, the Chateau de Saint-Malo is not only a great-looking fortified castle, but it also holds the city’s history museum, with its many interesting and eclectic exhibits.

Take your time and climb all the way to the top. At times the climb is steep, but you can catch your breath on the various floors on the way up. Get your camera ready — the views are simply superb. Look out over the higgledy-piggledy old town and across the marina, the beaches, and the islands. These are the best views in town, by far.

Pro Tip: The museum closes for lunch between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., so be sure to take that into consideration when planning your visit.

The island of Grand Be in Saint-Malo. — Astridlike / Shutterstock

Explore The Islands Of Grand Be And Petit Be

Just off the coast are two islands, Grand Be and Petit Be — but they are islands only when the tide is in. When the tide is out, you can walk across the beach and designated cobbled paths all the way to the islands and explore the forts on each one. It’s a lovely walk that allows you a different perspective of the Intra Muros town and fortifications. When across, you can visit Fort National on one island, and the tomb of the writer and politician Chateaubriand on the other.

If you have any flexibility as to when you visit Saint-Malo, take a look at the tidal calendar and pick a day when low tide is during the day.

Pro Tip: When you get the warning to leave the islands because the tide is incoming, do heed it. The tide comes in at an incredible pace, and you don’t want to be marooned on a rock in the sea for 12 hours.

The Maison du Quebec in Saint-Malo. — Pack-Shot / Shutterstock

Stop By The Maison Du Quebec

The Maison du Quebec right on the ramparts focuses on the life of Saint-Malo’s native son, Jacques Cartier, the explorer and navigator. In the mid-1500s, he traveled across the Atlantic from Saint-Malo to Canada, sailed inland along the Saint Lawrence River, and claimed the land that is today Canada for the French. Apart from being a small museum, this is also a cultural exchange center focusing on all things Canada and Quebec.

Pro Tip: The museum is only open between May and August, and it’s closed on Tuesdays.

The beach promenade in Saint-Malo. — wjarek / Shutterstock

Walk The Beach Promenade Alongside The Grand Plage Du Sillon

Brittany does beaches and coastlines better than any other region. To enjoy the stretch of coast, even on a short visit, walk the promenade alongside the large beach toward the east part of Intra Muros. The white sand, the ocean, and the ancient tree trunks that act as a breakwater make for a relaxing walk, and the view of Saint-Malo is just lovely.

Pro Tip: If you have time, pop into the day spa of the Grand Hotel des Thermes for a thalasso treatment.

Eating And Drinking In Saint-Malo

Brittany specializes in crepes and cider. Though the restaurants serve a large number of visitors each day, the quality of the crepes is a matter of pride in Breizh, as the region is called in Breton.

In Brittany, make time for a sweet crepe — preferably with Nutella, so adored in France — or opt for a savory galette, a crepe made from buckwheat flour and served with savory ingredients such as cheese, fried eggs, ham, and mushrooms. And always have a cup of cider with it, as the locals do. The cider is typically served in blue-and-white-striped china cups instead of in glasses.

Restaurant Des Remparts

Restaurant des Remparts is nestled under the ramparts and, despite being extremely popular with foreign visitors, serves wonderful food.

Le Corps De Garde

Le Corps de Garde sits right on top of the ramparts and offers fabulous views of Grand Be and Petit Be. The crepes are delicious, but people really come here to watch the sun set over the ocean while enjoying a sundowner.

Brasserie Des Voyageurs

Brasserie des Voyageurs is the best place to sit and spend an evening enjoying tapas-style shared plates and great cocktails (and even better people-watching) opposite the Chateau de Saint-Malo.

Charly’s Bar

For the perfect morning coffee and fresh croissant, look no further than Charly’s Bar, located by a square frequented by the local inhabitants of Saint-Malo.

Shopping In Saint Malo

Just like Brittany is home to crepes and cider, it is home to the iconic French blue-and-white mariniere tops made famous by Coco Chanel. So, if you like anything striped, then Saint-Malo will be your shopping Heaven — you’ll find rain jackets with striped linings, striped rainboots, striped mugs, striped kitchen decor, striped bags, and of course, striped shirts.

Walk around the cobbled, pedestrianized Rue Saint-Vincent and its many side lanes, and you’ll find striped things galore as well as the famed Brittany biscuits, quirky souvenirs, and lots of small boutiques.

Where To Stay In Saint-Malo

If you decide to stay the night, treat yourself to a room with an ocean view at the Grand Hotel des Thermes outside of the old town and right on the beach. It’s a luxury stay that is worth it. The in-house restaurant is good, too.

Exploring Beautiful Provincetown: A Perfect Winter Weekend Getaway

Provincetown always feels like the end of the world by the time you drive to the tip of Cape Cod in Massachusetts — and that impression is multiplied in the winter. The two-lane highway is packed with traffic in the high season but is dramatically empty as you pass the Province Lands beaches at this time of year.

When I first began to visit Provincetown in 1967, lured by stories of the town’s charms and celebratory live-and-let-live vibe, the season was basically just July and August. Since then, it has expanded to encompass April through October, with the high season summer months hosting some 50,000 visitors. After autumn, the year-round population (less than 3,000) is joined by die-hard fans who appreciate the many pleasures of the off-season.

A Capsule History Of Provincetown

First explored in 1602, by the mid-1700s, Provincetown was an established fishing village and eventually a busy port. In the following century, the town became a magnet for Portuguese fishermen and their families, and in the 20th century a center for creative people, intellectuals, and self-styled bohemians. Provincetown attracted a population of hippies and other free spirits in the 1960s and 1970s. Always welcoming to gay writers and artists, Provincetown grew to become an LGBTQ mecca, one in which anyone could feel comfortable and accepted, from drag queens to artists and writers, straight and gay families to hikers, bikers, and bird watchers.

Sunset over a beach in Provincetown. — Barbara Winard

4 Reasons To Visit Provincetown In The Winter

1. To Walk Or Bike The Beaches

Race Point and Herring Cove (called the Province Lands beaches), part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, are within a five-minute bike ride from town. You can soak up the winter sun and walk on pristine beaches with glorious views. Winters can (sometimes) be fairly mild — although often windy — with daily temperatures sometimes reaching as high as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. To Soak Up History At Every Corner

Most Provincetonians believe that Provincetown Harbor was where the pilgrims on the Mayflower first landed in 1620, even before they made it to Plymouth Rock. There are many other places to visit that reflect the area’s history.

3. To Wander Down Commercial Street

This is the perfect walking street for any season: Completely flat (some parts with sidewalks, some not) and lined with shops, the main drag provides lovely views of the bay between all the buildings.

4. To Avoid The Crowds Of Summer

This is when the hidden beauties of the area are found, with deserted beaches and dramatic dunes and cobalt blue skies. You can park on MacMillan Wharf without a wait. You can walk down the sidewalks without jockeying for position. You can get into restaurants. You can sit on a bench on Commercial Street and chat with townies passing by.

Other Things To Do In Provincetown

1. Walk The Breakwater

While the two beaches near Provincetown are great to wander, you can walk to the east end of Commercial Street to encounter the breakwater, a mile-long stretch of granite blocks. Make sure that you wear good walking shoes — the rocks can get slippery. And make extra sure that you finish your walk before high tide.

The Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM). — EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

2. Enjoy Indoor Activities At The Provincetown Art Association And Museum

This is where rotating exhibits offer works from the center’s 3,000-plus item permanent collection. Other places to visit for a taste of the town’s long arts history are the Provincetown Theater, the Provincetown Public Library, and a host of galleries (some of which are open in the winter; call to make an appointment). The Fine Arts Work Center is a non-profit program for visual artists and writers.

3. Visit The Pilgrim Monument And Provincetown Museum

If you arrive at dusk or at night during the winter, you can’t miss it! The 252-foot monument (completed in 1910) most resembles a gigantic Christmas tree or a spaceship. Every year, during the holidays, the monument is festooned with more than 3,100 “landing lights” that shine nightly through January 6 of the following year. The Provincetown Museum is housed in the base of the monument and maintains exhibits about Provincetown’s role in American history. Note that the monument has 116 steps. Those who make it to the top will have a 360-degree panoramic view across the tip of Cape Cod.

Where To Eat In Provincetown

About 20 or so restaurants stay open all year round. Since the number of places is considerably smaller than in other seasons, you may need reservations.

Chach

A bit outside of town (on Shank Painter Road), cozy Chach is a great place for breakfast or brunch, with great Mexican specials.

All the following restaurants are either on or just off Commercial Street:

Canteen

In winter there are several holiday markets at the Canteen (check online for dates). This casual gathering place is also popular for New Year’s Eve food and fireworks.

Napi’s Restaurant

Napi’s is a fairyland during the winter season, with strings of lights, artwork, and a crackling fireplace. Make sure you have reservations for Christmas dinner.

Squealing Pig

Open for New Year’s but closed for the rest of January, the Squealing Pig is a cozy bar and restaurant with fried fish, oysters, Guinness, and more.

Wired Puppy

Wired Puppy cafe is open year-round. I love to sit on the bench outside early in the morning, drink restorative coffee, and greet dogs and their owners.

High-End Dining

The following three restaurants are a bit more expensive and great for special occasions in the winter: Ciro and Sal’s, Fanizzi’s Restaurant by the Sea, and The Mews Restaurant and Cafe.

Shops in Provincetown. — Charles Lewis / Shutterstock.com

Where To Shop In Provincetown

Commercial Street is lined with shops, only some of which are open all winter. Others have limited and/or weekend hours, so best to check. Here are my favorites:

Marine Specialties

A Provincetown landmark, Marine Specialties houses an eclectic collection of salvage, surplus, closeouts, overruns, odd lots, and new and nearly-new items that you never knew you needed.

Womencrafts

One of Provincetown’s oldest shops, Womencrafts promotes the work of female artisans, authors, and musicians.

Two Jewelry Stores Conveniently Across The Street From Each Other

Visit Exuma, which sells fine jewelry (open mostly on weekends), and Zinnia, for a wide variety of pieces of all prices.

The Provincetown Fudge Factory

Next to Zinnia, the Provincetown Fudge Factory is open for much of the winter for a fast sugar rush.

Puzzle Me This

Open most weekends in the winter, Puzzle Me This is a treasure trove of games and puzzles for adults and children — and good to visit pre-blizzard in order to stock up.

Himalayan Handicrafts

Himalayan Handicrafts features Tibetan and Nepalese clothing, jewelry, and more. Check on winter hours and make sure that you chat with the lovely proprietor, Chhomo.

Paws And Whiskers Dog Bakery

Paws and Whiskers offers pet supplies galore for a completely pet-friendly town.

Where To Stay In Provincetown

It’s always a treat to be able to stay in places in the depths of the winter that you might not be able to afford during high season. My daughter stayed at Seaglass Inn and Spa during a cold December; it was comparatively inexpensive and pretty luxe for her.

Crowne Pointe Historic Inn And Spa

Crowne Pointe Historic Inn And Spa is a 35-room, four-star spa hotel located on a bluff overlooking the town.

Provincetown Inn

A large (102-room) hotel on the tip of the West End, the Provincetown Inn is steps from the breakwater.

Anchor Inn Beach House

Anchor Inn Beach House is right on the beach and within walking distance of everything; a full breakfast is included.

Benchmark Inn

Benchmark Inn is a small bed and breakfast with six rooms that offers a full breakfast.

Revere Guesthouse

Revere Guesthouse is a restored 19th-century sea captain’s home with private gardens.

Airbnb

A number of comfortable Provincetown places are available throughout the winter.

Tips For Enjoying Winter In Provincetown

Polar Bear Plunge

If you’ll be in Provincetown on New Year’s Day, don’t miss the Polar Bear Plunge, on the beach a few blocks west of MacMillan wharf. This annual tradition is part of Provincetown’s First Light celebrations. If you don’t want to actually participate in the group freeze, there will also be a DJ, music, and hot drinks.

Birding In Wellfleet and Eastham

Check out the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (about 20 minutes from Provincetown) and the Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham (about 30 minutes away). Snow buntings, horned larks, sea ducks, loons, and snowy owls flock to both of these locations during the winter.

Busy planning your Massachusetts getaway? Read up on the seven best experiences on the Cape Cod National Seashore.

Planning a New England getaway? Check out our picks for hotels in Nantucket before your next Massachusetts vacation.

15 Best Stops On The Cajun Boudin Trail

I first tasted boudin during a visit to see my sister, who lived in Louisiana at the time. There are variations, but at its most basic, boudin is a combination of pork, rice, and seasonings ground together and stuffed into a pork casing that is then steamed to eat on the spot. The classic way to eat this bayou staple is straight from the casing; just place it in your mouth and suck out the filling, like squeezing toothpaste out of a tube. After sampling a variety of boudin, we returned home to Kansas City and asked my sister to ship us more. So when I was invited to Lake Charles, Louisiana, on a press visit, I knew I wanted to try more of this favorite Cajun snack food.

When Acadians settled in southwest Louisiana, they brought along their Cajun culture and traditions, including boudin. The food originated from the boucherie, a Cajun event where friends and families gathered to slaughter a pig for the winter and found ways to utilize the whole hog. It’s a local obsession, and you’ll find boudin in restaurants, grocery stores, butcher shops, gas stations, and convenience shops. To help boundin-seekers on their journey, there’s a Cajun Boudin Trail highlighting some of the best stops in the state.

Below, I’ll lay out a boudin trail that starts in Vinton and heads east to Lafayette Parish, with stops in between. This is a combination of the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail and the Cajun Boudin Trail. There are too many places to mention them all, so I’ve broken this list down by city and the particular type of boudin the venue sells. Because there isn’t just one type of boudin: There’s boudin blanc, boudin rouge, crawfish boudin, shrimp boudin, hot boudin, mild boudin, and smoked boudin.

Boudin blanc is what you’ll find at most stores — a traditional pork and rice dressing, like dirty rice. When the pork blood is included in the mix, the result is boudin rouge. The smoked, hot, and mild versions reflect the level of spice and flavor. In crawfish or shrimp boudin, seafood replaces the pork in the filling.

Although the recipe typically consists of pork, rice, and seasonings, each cook tweaks the recipe with unique flavors and ingredients — many add liver, heart, gizzard, peppers, or onion to the mix. There are also a myriad of ways to serve boudin. In addition to eating it right from the casing as a snack, it’s great sliced, grilled, fried, and served in creole, gumbo, or etouffe recipes, plus many chefs get creative with innovative incarnations such as boudin balls, stuffed mushrooms, boudin dip, and even using boudin as stuffing inside of turkeys.

Vinton

Start the boudin trail in the small town of Vinton, at Stop 1, Market Basket #26. This grocery store has a smokehouse preparing regular and smoked boudin. Their recipe for both sausage and boudin starts with top-quality pork shoulders. They cook and steam the rice so it has the perfect texture for boudin. The smoked jalapeno boudin is hot and savory.

While you’re in Vinton, be sure to try the boudin at Stop 2, Comeaux’s Restaurant. They serve fresh boudin, cracklins (whereas pork rinds are pork skin, cracklins include the skin and a layer of fat beneath it), and sausage made in house. At least one reviewer claims Comeaux’s serves the “best boudin balls ever.”

Sulphur

Head east 13 miles to the city of Sulphur, where you’ll find Stop 3, B&O Kitchen and Grocery. In addition to boudin, they serve cracklins, beef jerky, pork tasso, hog head cheese, turduckens, and other Cajun specialties.

Lake Charles

Another 10 miles east and you’ll be in Lake Charles, where Hackett’s Cajun Kitchen, Stop 4, serves a multitude of boudin flavors including spicy, crawfish, jalapeno, smoked regular, smoked jalapeno, shrimp, gator, and boudin balls. In business for 28 years, Hackett’s has been voted best boudin, best plate lunches, and best cracklins for several years running by both The Times and Lagniappe Magazine.

Also in Lake Charles, Stop 5, Lebleu’s Landing, serves Cajun cuisine and has a full-service meat market with a viewing area where you can watch as they make boudin. There’s a variety of specialty products for sale as well as plenty of flavors of boudin. In the restaurant, order the boudin mild or spicy, or try one of the deep-fried boudin balls — boudin filling shaped into balls, rolled in their secret breading, and then fried crispy — or the award-winning bacon-wrapped boudin.

Lake Charles is filled with boudin restaurants and markets, so get some boudin to go at Stop 6, Sonnier’s Boudin, a full-service meat market that serves meats, boudin, and sausage.

Moss Bluff

Head north from Lake Charles to find Peto’s Meat Market, Stop 7, in Moss Bluff. They serve what’s been voted the best boudin for eight years in a row by Lagniappe Magazine. Try it steamed or smoked. One reviewer says he drives from Texas every three months to stock up on cracklins and boudin from Peto’s Meat Market.

Iowa

At Stop 8, In-Laws Cajun Specialities, about 16 miles from Moss Bluff, you’ll find authentic boudin, cracklins, sausage, barbecue, and specialty meats. In addition to regular boudin, regular smoked boudin, smoked pepper jack boudin, plus boudin balls, pepper jack boudin balls, and pepper jack boudin rolls, they serve a delicious crawfish boudin roll. Another creative way they serve boudin is by placing the filling on puff pastry that is rolled, baked, and cut into fluffy, flaky pinwheels.

Duson

Go east to visit Duson, home to Stop 9, Mike’s Country Corner. Considered by many to have the best boudin balls in the state, the filling is a closely guarded boudin recipe. For something out of the ordinary, try the boudin pie, a pastry pie crust filled with boudin and topped with creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy pecans.

Lafayette

In business for more than 50 years, Guidroz Food Center, Stop 10, boasts “boudin with an attitude.” One reviewer on Facebook says the pepper jack boudin balls are the best ever. Another says that Guidroz is the best-kept boudin secret, and that they truly do have attitude as she can only handle the spiciness of the mild boudin!

Also in Lafayette, Stop 11, Johnson’s Boucaniere, whose name comes from the Cajun French word meaning smokehouse, is a bustling business in the center of the city. In the 1940s, the Johnson family became famous for their smoked sausages and boudin. In addition to boudin, the restaurant is known for its smoked pulled pork and brisket sandwiches.

Alexander’s Specialty Meats, Stop 12, is a Louisiana family tradition that serves boudin and other meats and sausages. Other home-style specialties are popular too. One reviewer on Facebook said the chicken stew, Cowboy Stew (beef tripe, heart, and kidney), and oxtail strew are all delicious and to visit Alexander’s for food like grandma used to make.

Lafayette celebrates its boudin heritage each year with the Boudin & Bacon Cook-Off, Stop 13, held in October where the top boudiniers come together to show off their skills. Some of the festivities include sampling the boudin and bacon entries followed by a poll for People’s Choice, a boudin-ball-eating contest billed as the only one in the state, live music, a boudin and bacon eating contest, plus a sampling of a 225-pound pig stuffed with bacon and cooked in a Cajun microwave (a cypress roasting box designed to cook large pieces of meat).

Scott

Our suggested boudin trail ends five miles further east in Scott. First up: Billy’s Homemade Boudin and Cracklins, Stop 14. For a warm and savory lunch, try Billy’s Boudin Pistolette, a stuffed bread pocket sandwich. Or opt for the pepper jack boudin balls — crispy breaded and fried coating surrounds boudin filling with pepper jack cheese in the center.

At Don’s Specialty Meats, Stop 15, you can try what’s been voted best boudin in Acadiana for nine years. Don’s serves homemade boudin links, balls, burritos, pistolettes, tots, seafood, and sampler packs. Between their two locations, Don’s sells more than 700,000 pounds of boudin each year. The boudin tater tots and burritos are just two of their unique boudin-serving incarnations. Their pistolette contains homemade pork boudin stuffed in a fresh pistolette bread that’s served either baked or fried.

Take To The Boudin Trail!

Venture throughout Southwestern Louisiana and Lafayette Parish to find award-winning boudin and wonderful varieties of ways to serve it. To learn about more places along the trail, see the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail’s downloadable brochure, or check out the Lafayette Parish Cajun Boudin Trail.

Also read up on the best places to try local cuisine in New Orleans.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta: 9 Tips For A Fantastic Experience

Every October, hundreds of colorful balloons dot the sky over Albuquerque, New Mexico. Starting with just 13 balloons in the early 1970s, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is now the largest balloon event in the world.

Attending the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is truly a bucket-list item. Here are a few ways to ensure you get the most out of this spectacular experience.

1. Familiarize Yourself With The Schedule Beforehand

The festival lasts nine days during the first week of October and consists of 14 sessions. On weekdays, there is only one session in the morning. On busier days, there are two sessions — a morning session and an evening session. Each session costs $15 (it’s free for those 12 and under), and you must pay for each session you attend.

Since each day is different, be sure to download the event schedule beforehand to plan out your time. Typically the weekends — which host the most popular mass ascension, balloon glow, and dawn patrol events — are the busiest.

One weekend during the festival is the Music Fiesta — a concert with several performances running from early afternoon into the evening. This is a separate ticketed event that costs $10 for general admission all the way up to $499 for the Ultimate Music Fiesta Package.

The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico. — Paulette Janus / Shutterstock

2. Plan On Spending More Than One Day There

You should definitely plan on attending the festival for more than one day. This is because some of the events may be canceled or delayed due to weather. While your tickets are nonrefundable, they can be used for another session, so make sure to keep all your tickets!

If you plan on going for three days, and you get great weather each day, consider yourself lucky! With nearly 500 balloons participating, there is no way you can walk around and see them all during one session.

3. Understand The Parking Situation

Knowing how to get to the park is a key factor in getting the most out of your experience. There is a parking lot at the field, but spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Spots here cost $20 (cash only).

There are four off-site parking lots around the city that offer shuttle service to the park. The Park & Ride tickets cost $22 for adults and $20 for seniors and include round-trip transportation, as well as admission to the session. You must buy these tickets in advance online; there are no in-person sales.

The shuttles begin running at 4 a.m. for morning sessions and 3 p.m. for evening sessions. When you leave the park after each session, you will go to a designated stand to board the bus back to the parking lot. The buses do run regularly after each session ends, but it’s important to know that the last half hour the buses run (12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. for morning sessions and 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. for evening sessions), there are fewer buses, so your bus will stop at all the parking lots. This can take some time, so I’d recommend getting on a bus earlier rather than later.

If weather cancels any of the sessions, you will not be able to reuse your bus ticket. You will need to go online and buy a bus-only ticket for the next session you want to attend. (As discussed earlier, you can reuse your festival admission ticket for entrance into the park.)

The balloon festival does partner with a few area hotels to offer discounted balloon festival packages. Some of the hotels offer discounted rates, while others also offer transportation. The deals change yearly — this page has the most updated hotel information.

Perhaps the best way to avoid the traffic and parking hassle altogether is to bike to the event! There is a free bike valet located just north of the Balloon Museum. Refer to the city’s bike maps to plan your route to the festival.

Balloons in the air at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. — Amy Sward

4. Get A Very Early Start

Trust me on this one — getting up and out early is key to experiencing the morning sessions. Getting to the park around 4 a.m., so you’re there for the opening at 4:30 a.m., is your best bet. This is especially true if you want to park at the field. You don’t want to get stuck in a huge traffic jam either trying to get in or trying to get out if the lot is full. If you are parking at an off-site lot, the shuttles start running at 4 a.m., and you will see people already in line for the shuttle earlier than that!

Pro Tip: Consider using your (early) time inside the park to grab the highly recommended breakfast burrito and local coffee.

5. Choose Your Accommodations With Parking In Mind

Because you will need to get such an early start, it’s best to plan your hotel stay with your parking choice in mind. If you really want to get a spot at the field, then you’ll probably want to stay as close as you can to the festival grounds. If you’d prefer to park at one of the off-site lots, then take a look at the balloon festival lodging link to see what hotels are nearby. The last thing you want is to book a hotel on one side of town and a parking lot on the other side — that would be a waste of your time.

6. Consider Alternative Lodging

There are a variety of RV sites available next to the festival grounds. RV sites range from $40 for standard, dry camping to $95 for premium spots with water hookups. There are VIP spots for $100 that include two general admission passes. For $250, you’ll get a spot at the President’s Compound overlooking the field plus water and electrical hookups and four passes.

Why not try glamping at the festival? These specialty tents are within walking distance of the launch field (no traffic!) and have access to bathroom and shower trailers. The glamping tents will run you $1,500 for three nights, but they include passes to all the sessions during your stay, plus a heater, fridge, electric blanket, lamp, lantern, and welcome gift.

7. Reserve Your Accommodations Early

Since this is such a big event for Albuquerque, all the lodging will fill up quickly. It’s best to map out your parking and lodging plan as early as possible. If you are planning to stay at a hotel, be prepared to pay a premium, and be sure to check the cancellation policy should your plans change.

If you plan to use one of the RV sites, you must make your reservation early. The RV reservations open every year nine days after the festival ends, so set a calendar reminder. These spots fill up fast, and the waiting list does cap out. The glamping tents are limited in number, so they will also get snatched up early.

8. Consider Upgrading

These tickets cost extra money, but the extra perks (including private bathrooms!) they come with may be worth it to you. As you read this, keep in mind that these prices are per session.

The least expensive option is the Chasers Club. This $60 ticket will get you guaranteed seating with a view of the launch field, a catered meal, access to those private bathrooms, and access to a cash bar. It does not include parking.

Next up is the Gondola Club for $125 per session. This ticket includes parking in the nearby gondola lot, as well as a shuttle to your private viewing area. It also includes a catered meal and an open bar, plus a lapel pin, souvenir gift, and live entertainment during the evening sessions.

The top-of-the-line VIP experience is the Concierge Program, running $350 per session. That price covers two people, you can add up to two more people for $50 each. This service gets you premium parking, a golf cart with a driver to take you all around the park, and a personal concierge. This would be the package to splurge on if you have mobility issues or if you want to pack in a ton during one session.

9. Prepare For The Weather

The weather in New Mexico in early October is typically perfect for being outdoors, but dress in layers. Keep in mind that for morning sessions, you will be getting to the park before sunrise, so it will be chilly. The afternoons are warmer but will cool off as soon as the sun goes down.

Also know that the field is grassy, but manageable. The area around the concession stands is packed down, but can be uneven. Sturdy shoes are advisable.

Planning a visit to Albuquerque? Consider these day trips.