getaway – Gary Bennett Publishing

Art of the boy’s weekend

by Gary Bennett
Special to the News-Post

Jim, Gary and Randy enjoy a dip in the Gulf of Mexico at Siesta Key Beach, June 2024. Water temp: 84 degrees.

This article appears in the January 8, 2025 issue of Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

Let’s say you’d like to put together a boy’s weekend. You’ve got the boys (sort of), an understanding partner (sure you do), and the time and money (pretty much) to pull it off. What else do you need? Plenty, I say.

As a devotee and primary organizer of an annual boy’s weekend, I can tell you that a lot can go wrong — unless you plan carefully.

Before we get started, you may be wondering: why not just take your wife or girlfriend on a nice trip? My friend, if you’re asking this question, then a boy’s weekend may not be for you. The point is to take time away from your dearly beloved to enjoy some manly pursuits — without worrying about boring her or boring yourself by doing things she wants to do. The focus should be on strengthening friendships with your guy pals through shared experiences. Along the way, you’ll create lasting memories that contribute to personal growth and make you a more well-rounded person.

And don’t downplay the cost savings of just one of you going on a trip. That may sound obvious, but if you’re the type of person who gets genuine pleasure from seeing someone else have fun, then you know exactly what I mean.

SELLING THE IDEA

The first thing you must do is get buy-in. If this idea comes out of the blue to your wife, girlfriend or partner, you’ll face an uphill battle — especially if you’re planning to go somewhere she has never been.

I was smart enough to insist my wife visit her sister in Florida right after the holidays — without me. “Yes,” I said, “you can enjoy undivided time with her without worrying about me.” A few years later, I even OK’d a trip to Europe for my wife and a girlfriend who had never been. I know — brilliant, right? Now I can plan my boy’s trips with impunity.

Jim, Gary and Randy enjoys the O’s vs. Tampa Bay Rays in June 2024.

PLANNING THE TRIP

It’s never too soon to begin planning your guy trip. These days, even retired guys have busy schedules, so I recommend giving yourself at least six months of lead time. You’ll often need that much time to secure good deals on transportation, accommodations and entertainment.

First, decide who to invite. I recommend keeping the group small — no more than four — and inviting close friends only. It may be tempting to invite that new guy you’re kind of smitten with, but resist the urge. You’ll be setting yourself up for failure. You not only need close friends on the trip, but the kind you’d be comfortable traveling and sleeping in the same room with. That’s harder than it sounds. Longtime friends who have known you at your worst — preferably since those awkward teenage years — are ideal. (This is an excellent reason to maintain friendships with high school and college chums.)

Another good tip is to choose friends your wife knows — and it’s even better if she knows their wives. This isn’t to say she’ll disapprove of people she doesn’t know, but why take a chance?

It also helps if everyone involved is a longtime, happily married husband. You never want to invite a friend who has recently married, divorced, or whose marriage is on shaky ground. (Believe me, everyone knows.) And this probably goes without saying, but you can never — I repeat, never — invite a single friend on a boy’s trip with married friends. That’s an unforced error and a recipe for disaster.

WHERE TO GO

Next, you’ll need to decide where to go and what to do. These two decisions go hand in hand. You wouldn’t head to the mountains if everyone loves the beach, but you’ll need to refine your thinking even further. Choose your destination wisely. Nothing says “boy’s holiday” like the right balance of adrenaline-fueled activities and downtime.

Plan collaboratively. Talk with your friends to find an approach everyone agrees on regarding budget and activities. Don’t over-schedule. Balance planned events with downtime, and leave room for spontaneity — some of the best moments come from it.

To drive or to fly? That depends largely on your destination and how much time you have. From the Frederick area, places like New York, New England, Florida, and even New Orleans could go either way. Choose carefully. Turning your boy’s getaway into a car trip introduces additional challenges: who drives and for how long, when to stop, where to eat, and whether the car ride is for music or conversation. My preference is to go far enough that flying is the only option. Flying offers the best combination of shared experience and personal space — and it can be just as cost-effective as driving.

Next, decide on accommodations. One big advantage of a boy’s weekend is the ability to rent a large suite — one you normally couldn’t afford — and split the cost three or four ways. But this needs to be discussed upfront. How many rooms will you need? Some friends may prefer their own modest room, while others are fine sharing. If three of you go, a large suite may be perfect. If four, two rooms might make more sense. Budget and comfort levels matter here, so don’t gloss over this decision.

Jim, Gary and Randy at Area 51 just north of Las Vegas, November 2025.

WHAT TO DO

Now comes the fun part: deciding on activities. For a three- or four-day weekend, I recommend scheduling at least two structured activities. The best guy trips strike a balance between high-energy experiences and time to relax. Naturally, whatever you choose must appeal to everyone so no one feels left out.

Classic boys’ weekend ideas include outdoor adventures like camping, hiking, fishing, rafting, or golf; attending a live sporting event or concert; or exploring a city with a focus on food, drink, nightlife, or gaming. Most of my boy’s weekends have centered around sporting events and concerts. Add some beach or pool time, good meals, and maybe a short bus or river tour, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a great getaway.

OTHER SENSIBILITIES TO WATCH OUT FOR

Be mindful of sleeping and bathroom arrangements. You don’t live with these guys, so you may not know their habits. Some shower at night, others in the morning. Some wake early; others sleep in. Some eat breakfast; some don’t. These details matter — talk about them ahead of time.

You probably already know which friends are easygoing and which are a bit more uptight. Some prefer a regimented schedule; others thrive on spontaneity. Be aware of these quirks, try to accommodate them when possible, and focus on the fun. After all, you’ll be back home before you know it.

Gary, Jim and Randy getting ready for an Eagles concert at the amazing Sphere in Las Vegas, November 2025.

MY WEEKEND TRIPS

I didn’t start organizing boy’s weekends until I retired a few years ago, but they’ve since become an annual rite of passage. We’re not golfers or thrill-seekers, but we know what we like. True to my own advice, we plan just a few activities and leave plenty of room to relax and be spontaneous.

To date, my two (and sometimes three) pals and I have taken these boy’s weekends over three or four days, and we’ve always had a great time:

2020 — Detroit: Two Orioles baseball games and a river walk.

2021 — Arlington, Texas: Two Orioles baseball games and a Texas Hill County tour.

2022 — New Orleans: Paul McCartney concert, Bourbon Street bar hopping and a bus tour.

2023 — Denver: Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game and a Red Rocks concert.

2024 — Tampa: Two Orioles baseball games and a Siesta Key Beach outing.

2025 — Las Vegas: Eagles concert at the Sphere, Area 51 tour, light gambling.

Gary Bennett is a longtime Frederick resident who spends his time hiking, biking, volunteering and providing childcare for grandchildren. He is married and retired from his career as a nonprofit marketing executive.

Key West: Carefree in the ‘Conch Republic’

By Gary Bennett

Article appears in the November 20, 2025 issue of the Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

They say Key West is for pirates, parrots and poets. I didn’t see any of those on a recent visit, but the phrase captures the island’s whimsical, creative and laid-back spirit. Like Las Vegas or New Orleans, it’s one of those places every American should experience at least once before they head off to that great overseas highway in the sky.

And speaking of highways, few routes are as memorable as the 113-mile Florida Keys Overseas Highway. Stretching from Key Largo to Key West across an astonishing 42 bridges, it hopscotches from island to island, each with its own personality. The drive delivers uninterrupted ocean views, glimpses of coral reefs, dolphins and endless boat traffic. Think dozens of Chesapeake Bay Bridges lined up end to end.

Yes, Key West has its own international airport with flights from across the U.S. and abroad, but I’m not sure why anyone uses it. Flying into Miami, renting a car, and driving the Keys offers a breezy, scenic adventure filled with quirky shops and water in every direction. It goes by quickly.

Key West is the southernmost city in the continental U.S. Surprisingly, it’s closer to Havana (90 miles) than to Miami (165 miles). Jutting far into the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, the island has a tropical climate and is regularly hit by hurricanes and tropical storms.

The writer poses at Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Key West.

With weather similar to a Caribbean island, daytime and nighttime temperatures rarely vary by more than 15 degrees at any time of year. Prevailing easterly trade winds keep summer temperatures from climbing too high and winter temperatures from dropping too low. It’s rare for the thermometer to reach 95 degrees.

As you pull into town, you’ll notice palm-shaded streets, stately historic homes, salty air and nightly waterfront sunsets that are astonishingly beautiful. Only about 30,000 people live here full-time. Because the weather barely shifts from season to season, visitors come throughout the year, which helps disperse crowds. We’ve visited in both January and August; the weather felt almost identical, and the island never seemed like an overwhelming tourist trap — more like a homey escape.

Many early residents immigrated from the Bahamas and were known as “Conchs” (pronounced “conks”). In the 20th century, residents began embracing the term, and today it generally refers to full-time locals.

One of the island’s most beloved stories dates to 1982, when Key West symbolically declared independence as the “Conch Republic” in response to a U.S. Border Patrol blockade at the junction of U.S. Route 1 and the mainland. The blockade created major traffic delays and disrupted daily life. Although the secession was purely symbolic, the tale endures, and the Conch Republic Independence Celebration is marked annually on April 23.

Key West is compact in both population and size, but you’ll want at least three or four days to get a real feel for the place.

MUST-SEES

Start with a visit to the southernmost point in the continental U.S., marked by a giant, whimsically painted concrete buoy. Locals say the point was once indicated by a simple sign, but constant photo-seekers led to its upgrade. Here you’ll also find the “90 miles to Cuba” marking. It’s kitschy, but worth the photo (this is one of the most photographed spots in the country). The marker sits at 1400 Whitehead Street on the waterfront, and there’s no admission fee. When we visited, the line was short and we snapped our picture in minutes.

Next, grab a photo at Mile Marker 0, the literal and figurative end of the road in America. It marks the southern terminus of U.S. Route 1, the longest north-south road in the nation. For the dedicated road-tripper, its northern end is in Fort Kent, Maine, near the Canadian border. Driving it straight through would take more than 50 hours — and you’d likely hit every stoplight in every small town along the way.

Take a leisurely walk down Key West’s most iconic street, Duval Street, the island’s historical, entertainment, culinary and cultural center. It runs 14 blocks — about a mile — from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. No one rushes here; you’re on island time.

Under the category of “only in Key West,” don’t be surprised if free-roaming chickens wander across your path. They strut around as if they own the place — and perhaps they do. Early Cuban settlers brought chickens for food and cockfighting. When supermarkets took over and cockfighting was outlawed, many birds were released. Today, locals often prefer the chickens to tourists, and attempts to control their population have sparked strong resistance.

One of the most photographed places in the U.S.

Once you’ve navigated the chickens, visit two historic landmarks: the Ernest Hemingway Home and the Harry S. Truman Little White House.

Hemingway lived in Key West from 1931 to 1939. His wife’s wealthy uncle purchased the home as a wedding gift. It features an impressive swimming pool that cost the equivalent of nearly $350,000 today. Here, Hemingway was introduced to deep-sea fishing by Joe Russell (the original “Sloppy Joe”) and acquired his lifelong nickname, “Papa.”

These were his most productive years. He wrote “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “The Snows of Kilimanjaro,” “To Have and Have Not” and “Death in the Afternoon” in the mornings at his estate, reserving afternoons for his family. (“A Farewell to Arms” was completed before he arrived in Key West.)

President Harry S. Truman visited Key West 11 times during his presidency, spending a total of 175 days there, mostly during winter. At the Little White House, he conducted official business and worked on the Truman Doctrine, which pledged political, military and economic support to democratic nations threatened by authoritarian regimes. President Dwight Eisenhower later recuperated there after a heart attack, and Presidents John F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter were also frequent visitors.

While in town, stop for a drink and a meal at Sloppy Joe’s Bar. The food and drinks themselves are nothing remarkable, but the history is. Founder Joe Russell, a rumrunner from Cuba, needed a place to sell his goods. With encouragement from Hemingway, he opened The Blind Pig, which became Hemingway’s favorite bar. Hemingway suggested renaming it “Sloppy Joe’s” in reference to the wet floors caused by melting ice used to sell seafood. The name stuck.

In one legendary episode, Russell — unhappy paying $4 a month in rent during the 1930s — moved the bar down the block, “lock, stock and barrel,” with help from his customers, who continued drinking as they carried furniture and supplies. The landlord was furious but could do little about it.

End your stay with the sunset celebration at Mallory Square, held nearly every night of the year. This waterfront event begins an hour before sunset and features artists, craftspeople, psychics, street performers, food vendors and crowds of locals and visitors who gather to watch the sun sink into the Gulf to cheers and live music.

Ocean in all directions as you navigate the Florida Keys Overseas Highway.

Love is in the air at Virginia Beach

By Gary Bennett

This article appears in the July 31, 2025 issue of the Frederick News-Posts “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

If Virginia is for lovers, then Virginia Beach is like the warm, furtive glances that gets the romance started.

My (now) wife and I began visiting Virginia Beach in the 1980s to forgo the craziness of Ocean City and to enjoy slightly warmer and gentler waters. To us, it was just far enough away to be a getaway but not too far to take up all our time getting there. Plus, Virginia Beach is “down South.” There is just something special about Southern hospitality. (And make no mistake, this part of Virginia is definitely in the South.)

As a Marylander, it’s hard not to compare Virginia Beach to our Ocean City. In some ways, they are like long-lost cousins with not much in common.

A great Beatles-themed dinner and lunch spot in Virginia Beach.

VIRGINIA BEACH VS. OCEAN CITY

Virginia Beach is not glitzy and shlocky like Ocean City. It’s laid-back, less crowded, and with warm people helping you at every turn.

On the downside, Virginia Beach’s boardwalk is a utilitarian concrete, not the traditional wood of Ocean City’s. Virginia Beach’s touristy shops are set back one street from the boardwalk while Ocean City’s are right there in your face at every moment.

Virginia Beach beaches are wide, sandy and clean. Ocean City’s beaches are narrower, darker and not so clean. Virginia Beach is rugged and outdoorsy with hundreds of nearby bays, creeks and other waterways for fishing, boating, paddling and exploration. Ocean City has Assawoman Bay that is more of a lagoon and is not really used for recreation.

At Virginia Beach, you are met on the beach by an enormous statue of the mighty and heroic King Neptune. In Ocean City, you’re met by a giant Ferris wheel.

Neptune, King of the Sea, welcomes you to Virginia Beach.

What’s more, Virginia Beach is gigantic! You may not realize it, but Virginia Beach is Virginia’s most populous city, and that is year-round. Sure, Ocean City swells to about 350,000 in the summer, but the rest of the year it is not much more than a village. Virginia Beach’s year-round population of 450,000 makes it almost twice as large as Richmond, Arlington or Alexandria. There aren’t a lot of tall buildings, but the sheer size in area gives it an unmistakable cosmopolitan feel. When you combine Virginia Beach with nearby Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News and Portsmouth, you’ve got an immense urban landscape that is multicultural and exciting.

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING

There’s a lot to see and do in and around Virginia Beach, and its rich history is a good starting point. When not swimming in the ocean or sun bathing, I recommend a visit to the First Landing Cross at Cape Henry in the north end of the oceanfront. The cross bears witness to the location where the Colonists first set foot in the New World in 1607 before pushing up the James River to establish Jamestown. Nearby First Landing State Park is the largest state park in Virginia and is an absolute oasis for nature lovers. Located next to Chesapeake Bay, it features 20 miles of trails, two miles of tranquil beachfront and the most pristine habitats in Virginia, maritime forests and wetlands.

No trip to this part of Virginia is complete without stops in Jamestown, Yorktown or Williamsburg. Known as America’s Historic Triangle, these significant sites represent different eras in America’s story. Jamestown is the first permanent American settlement dating back to 1607, Yorktown is the site of America’s final victory of the Revolutionary War in 1781, and Williamsburg was the first capital of Virginia in the 1600s and 1700s. All are lovingly maintained and feature outdoor re-creations.

I highly recommend taking the Jamestown Ferry across the James River from Yorktown to Jamestown to arrive in style. With the 250th anniversary of American independence coming up in 2026, there is no better place to celebrate (other than perhaps Boston or Philadelphia).

GETTING THERE

When traveling to Virginia Beach, eschew I-95 South through highly congested Northern Virginia, Richmond and the Tidewater area (unless you have an EZ Pass) in favor of traveling to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, through Salisbury and over (and through) the amazing Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Going this way may take a bit longer, but you won’t have horrendous traffic spoiling your getaway.

We have gone to Virginia Beach both ways and the time difference is negligible. Both routes are officially listed at about 4 1/2 hours from Frederick, but the mileage is a bit less traveling through Northern Virginia.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is an amazing engineering achievement. It straddles the Chesapeake Bay where it joins with the Atlantic Ocean. It totals 17 miles from Norfolk to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, which makes it about four times longer than Maryland’s own Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The marvel, though, is in the two 1-mile-long tunnels that take you below the bay and allow maritime and military ships to pass above. The views are breathtaking.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, 17 miles of amazing engineering achievement.

ENTERTAINMENT

Virginia Beach calls itself the “Event Capital of the East Coast.” This is hyperbole for sure, but there is no denying the presence of first-rate venues that attract world-class entertainment. The centerpiece of Virginia Beach’s entertainment scene is The Dome. It is a state-of-the-art concert venue that can flex from an indoor setting into an outdoor amphitheater-type setting. Think Major League Baseball stadiums with retractable roofs, but in this case, there are giant hangar doors that open. There is nothing like it up or down the East Coast. Upcoming shows at The Dome include Cody Jinks, Alison Krauss, Steve Martin and Martin Short, Ziggy Marley and Shaboozey.

For Orioles fans, Norfolk is home to their AAA minor league baseball team, the Norfolk Tides. The Tides play at Harbor Park in downtown Norfolk on the Elizabeth River and feature players just a step away from the big leagues like the Orioles best prospect, catcher Sam Basallo, who just won International League Player of the Month, proving there is hope for the Orioles yet.

LET’S EAT!

Virginia Beach and its environs are known for their “coastal cuisine,” which naturally centers around the freshest seafood available. I’m loyal to Maryland-style crab cakes, but I’ve learned that the tidewater area of Virginia has its own homegrown delicacy: Lynnhaven oysters. They are named after the deep-channel Lynnhaven River where they reside. They are served raw and on the half shell, steamed and loaded with spinach, cheese and bacon. It’s not for me, but I can see the pride in which this local favorite is served.

For breakfast, one of my favorites is Another Broken Egg, a restaurant we fell in love with in Sarasota, Florida, and it’s just as good in Virginia. They feature giant (and delicious) eggs and pancakes.

For lunch, I don’t think you can do better than Abbey Road Pub and Restaurant, located oceanfront at 22nd Street. Naturally the pub has a rock ‘n’ roll theme with plenty of live acts and musically inclined decor. But the real stars are the hand-cut steaks and fries, homemade soups and farm-to-table fruits and vegetables. Naturally there’s a “Lucy in the Sky” bar on the roof for taking in the warm ocean breezes.

One of our guilty pleasures is stopping at a local dive bar and cafe called The Raven. The Raven has the best burger I’ve had in Virginia Beach and is served with the freshest, tastiest broccoli ever. If you’re not a broccoli fan, try theirs anyway. I don’t know what they do, but it’s wonderful.

For dinner, we like The Butcher’s Son and their aged, hand-cut steaks; Aldo’s Ristorante, for casual elegant dining (it was voted best Italian restaurant at the beach) or my favorite, Rudee’s Restaurant and Cabana Bar. The Rudee Inlet views are unmatched in Virginia Beach and the food is delicious and fresh. You can watch the boats come and go during dinner for some free entertainment. The draw here is the fresh seafood, including steamed shrimp, the catch of the day (anything from grouper to yellow fin tuna and mahi mahi) and the overwhelmingly large raw bar. Even getting to the restaurant is fun. Take the Oceanfront Trolley or the 10-foot-wide Rudee Inlet Connector Walk.

Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia Beach.

Nemacolin resort is sure to please

By Gary Bennett

This article appears in the July 10, 2025 issue of the Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

For a luxurious getaway close to home, you can’t do much better than the Nemacolin Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania, which is just up the road from Garrett County in far Western Maryland.

My wife and I recently visited and were enormously impressed. Be forewarned: Like most resorts, it is quite pricey, but for a special occasion, it is well worth it. They do offer frequent discounts of up to 25%, so keep your eyes peeled for those (check nemacolin.com for prices and special deals).

Nemacolin is in the beautiful Laurel Highlands region of the Allegheny Mountains that Shaun Butcher wrote so evocatively about recently in the pages of this publication. It is located just 140 miles northwest of Frederick on more than 2,200 acres of woodland bliss. It is an easy and picturesque two-and-a-half-hour drive from Frederick, mostly on Interstates 70 and 68.

Nemacolin is consistently recognized in the hospitality and travel industry as a superior destination. Its rankings include No. 1 best Pennsylvania resort, No. 3 best Pennsylvania hotel, No. 97 best resort in the U.S. and No. 221 best hotel in the U.S. Recently, Nemacolin was nominated for the Travel + Leisure magazine’s 2025 World’s Best Award. That puts it in very good company.

The resort is named after Chief Nemacolin, a native Delaware Indian who in 1740 trailblazed a route through the Laurel Highlands mountains between what is now Cumberland and Brownsville, Pennsylvania.

WELL-SEASONED

Nemacolin works well in any season. You can bring your swimsuit or your parka, and sometimes both! (We did.) Our visit was in early spring, but you can’t go wrong at any time of year.

In the summer, you can beat the heat with a visit to this elevated resort. The aptly-named Peak at Nemacolin is the go-to place for summer fun and a vibrant atmosphere. It features two spectacular pools, private cabanas, live entertainment and fantastic dining and cocktails. You can challenge yourself with the High Ropes Course or Jeep off-roading, then relax in the AC with a round of cosmic bowling or indoor axe throwing.

On a winter morning, there’s no greater luxury than sleeping in, curling up under a cozy blanket and letting your butler — that’s right, your very own butler — bring you breakfast in bed. You can enjoy that experience with Nemacolin’s bed and breakfast package. Alas, we could not afford to do that, but I’m told that waking up to the smell of nearby smokehouse bacon is the best way to start the day.

Winter fun at the Peak also includes everything from winter sports and heated pools to hot tubs and sipping cocoa by an enormous firepit.

Our springtime adventure included a day at the Woodlands Spa. The staff spoiled us with hot stones, a seaweed bath and “time-out” massage. Once your treatments are over, you can relax in the fireside lounge, spa pool, whirlpool, steam room or sauna.

WHERE TO STAY

Nemacolin’s three luxury hotels have their own distinct personalities. Most are in the $800 to $1,200 per night range (I told you: pricey).

Falling Rock is Nemacolin’s most sophisticated. It was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and features breathtaking views and unsurpassed amenities including a welcome gift, butler service and a daily happy hour with champagne.

The Chateau has a European feel including glittering chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows, sitting rooms and private balconies. Visitors can choose from suites or adjoining rooms. A harpist welcomes you in the grand lobby.

The Grand Lodge is Nemacolin’s most family-friendly hotel. It has a woodsy yet luxurious charm. It is perfect for groups or extended families since an entire floor can be reserved.

For the even more well-to-do, there are private homes available for leasing.

WHAT TO DO

The Peak is only the beginning. When visiting Nemacolin, there are 2,200 acres of fun awaiting you. You can feel the thrill of whitewater rafting and horseback riding, treat the kids to a tortoise encounter or a romp in the Fun Zone, and recharge with a five-star spa experience or wine tasting.

The Bleu Room is one of Nemacolin’s most coveted spaces, well-known for its numerous accolades, one-of-a-kind decor and handcrafted details. It is valued as a setting for private events, bridal suites, wedding photoshoots and even an afternoon tea experience.

You’ll be able to get your toes tapping with live jazz or cabaret served over cocktails at Nightcap, a new onsite nightclub.

If you go at Christmastime, you can enjoy “Elves After Dark,” a humorous review featuring Santa’s elves as you’ve likely never seen them.

For an evening of high-stakes thrills, the Casino at Nemacolin is a sure bet. It includes 26 table games, 500 slot machines, keno, video poker machines and an elevated dining area above all the excitement.

Nemacolin’s family-friendly experiences include two ropes courses, fishing some of the finest streams on the East Coast, practicing Ninja skills in the Fun Zone, paintball and meeting animal friends ranging from armadillos to tigers. Other wildlife adventures include Painting with Ponies, Big Cat Encounter, Furry Farm Friends Meet & Greet, Creature Feature, Dogsledding and Miniature Horse Mingling. You can even lead your family in the thrill of soaring through the treetops with two side-by-side zip lines, reaching speeds of 30 to 45 miles per hour.

If shopping is your thing, I recommend the Nemacolin outlet beside the casino, the pro shop at the Rod & Range Club, or the boutique at “Woof-land” Pet Resort & Spa.

When you need some adult time, you can try your luck at sporting clays at the Rod and Range Club, or play one of two championship golf courses designed by Pete Dye (babysitting services and a Kid’s Club fit the bill nicely).

WHAT TO EAT

The secret to a perfect evening at Nemacolin is to start in the afternoon! First, whet your appetite with a hands-on pizza-making or Italian cooking class at Gusto!, and then go for a wine or whiskey tasting with curated food pairings and a guided tour of Nemacolin’s wine cellar, one of the largest in the country.

No evening at Nemacolin would be complete without a delightful dinner. No matter what you crave, you’ll likely find it among the 18 restaurants, lounges and eateries.

You can sample casual dishes poolside at The Peak or indulge in a steakhouse feast at Fawn & Fable. The Forbes Four-Star Aqueous specializes in fine dining inspired by the sea in a sophisticated, art-deco setting for guests 16 and older. Nemacolin’s restaurants use locally sourced ingredients to create seasonal dishes.

Finish off the evening at Nightcap, where appealing cocktails and unique flavors are served alongside live entertainment.

It’s Festival Season in Hardy County WV

By Gary Bennett

Late 18th century historical cabin that is open during Heritage Weekend in Mathias

This article appears in the Fall 2024 edition of Day Tripper Magazine.

If you long to be “far from the madding crowd,” as Thomas Hardy famously wrote, then Hardy County is the fall and winter destination for you. With just about 15,000 residents in the entire county, you’ll have plenty of room to stretch out and rediscover small-town America. And when you’re ready to mingle, check out these fall festivals.

Hardy County Heritage Weekend Festival

The Hardy County Tour & Craft Association sponsors this countywide festival, which will be held from Sept. 27 to 29. This celebration of the rich history and rural life of Hardy County showcases delectable foods, music and arts, craft shows, car shows, home tours, walking tours and Civil War encampments.

Now in its 71st year, the festival began as a way to raise funds for the public library, and Hardy County has continued that proud tradition. Each year, a historic home is chosen for immortality by placing its image on a decorative tile for display at the library. This year the honored home is the Lost River General Store.

The festival’s Americana-inspired house tour will include historic homes and buildings that represent an event in Hardy County history.

For more information on Hardy County’s Heritage Weekend Festival, visit heritageweekend.com or call 304-530-0280.

Pizza oven at Lost and Found Pizza in Mathias

Wardensville Fall Festival

Tucked away in the northeast corner of Hardy County, just 20 miles from Route 81 near Winchester, lies the charming village of Wardensville. Their fall festival will be held Oct. 11 to 13 and is set to feature more than 100 vendors, a parade, crafting demonstrations, artists painting, a car show, performances, bingo, fire truck rides, a cookout and the crowning of the parade marshalls. All proceeds benefit the Capon Valley Volunteer Fire Company.

For more information, call 304-874-3424.

Check out Visit Hardy’s website, visithardywv.com, throughout the fall for updates on other festivals that weren’t confirmed by press time, like the WV Turkey Festival & Pageant in Mathias.

Moorefield’s Holidays on Ice

In early December, you can enjoy the town of Moorefield’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Main Street, sponsored by the Moorefield Lions Club. Then, keep the fun going and strap on those ice skates at Moorefield’s Town Park for free ice skating.

Beginning around Thanksgiving, Moorefield’s “Holidays on Ice” highlights their cozy winter wonderland. Each weekend through early February, the town provides a new batch of activities to keep the holiday spirit alive. A concession stand run by a different community organization each week plies visitors with tasty hot dogs, pepperoni rolls, popcorn, desserts, and hot cocoa as patrons while away the hours on the ice.

Some skating sessions are geared toward teens with disc jockeys blasting out popular tunes, while others cater to the younger set with arts and crafts, such as make-your-own snowman or Christmas tree.

The Moorefield Town Park is at 220 Spring Ave. For more information, visit mfldparks@hardynet.com or call 304-530-6142.

The Maine Squeeze: A summer trip here is delightful

By Gary Bennett

Thus article appears in the September 5, 2024, issue of the Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment insert.

It was the beginning of summer here in the “land of pleasant living” in 2022, and the heat was already oppressive. My wife and I wanted to get away to somewhere with bright, 70-degree days and cool, 50-degree nights. In other words, we wanted a Maryland fall but with beaches and ocean.

We’ve tried the Shenandoah Valley and the Poconos. Both are great, of course, but can’t deliver on beaches and ocean. Ocean City has the beaches and ocean but not the weather (or slower pace) that we wanted. Enter our Maine discussion! We decided to spend a week exploring the state.

First, let’s get our bearings. Maine is the northeastern-most U.S. state and the largest (by far) but least populated of the New England states. Maine is well known for many things: its jagged, rocky coastline; sandy beaches like Old Orchard and Ogunquit; colorful maritime history; picturesque lighthouses; fresh, tasty lobsters; enormous moose; seemingly never-ending white pine trees; Mount Katahdin, one end of the Appalachian Trail; and untouched natural areas like Acadia National Park.

We went into this trip wondering why one of Maine’s nicknames is “vacationland,” but after a few days, we wondered no more. Spending a week in Maine was perhaps the most satisfying vacation we’ve taken. Everything was just so perfect: friendly people, charming accents, quirky places with Native American-inspired names, remarkably fresh food, breathtaking scenery and a satisfyingly slow pace of life.

Largest lobster in the world at Taste of Maine

We set off for Maine in our comfy SUV in June 2022, heading up the East Coast on I-95 to make good time. We had already booked two stops at cozy bed and breakfasts in Kennebunk and Bar Harbor. Since our first Maine stop, Kennebunk, is about 9 hours driving time from Frederick, we decided to stay overnight in New York City and take in a Broadway show. The next day, we got up early and headed north into coolers temps.

Driving close to the coast, we passed the heavily industrial Connecticut cities of Stamford, Bridgeport and New Haven, home to Yale University. Cruising into watery Rhode Island, we passed by the picturesque state capital of Providence. We carefully made our way around metropolitan Boston and up the coast of New Hampshire, where we finally started to see traffic and the pace of life slow. We departed I-95, no longer wishing to make time, in favor of Route 1 to take in the sights, sounds and scents of small-town life.

The drive through New Hampshire only takes about an hour before you arrive in Maine, perfectly nicknamed on welcome signs as the Pine Tree State.

In another 30 minutes, we were in Kennebunk. Be advised there’s also a Kennebunkport, right on the ocean, of course, and made famous during two presidencies as the summer home of the Bushes. All told, it was a relatively easy 5-hour drive from New York City to Kennebunk.

In Kennebunk, we stayed in a lovely bed and breakfast called The Tides, located right across from Goose Rocks Beach, which is technically part of Kennebunkport and one of the best sandy beaches you’ll find on the Maine coast. We enjoyed almost three miles of soft, white sandy beach that offered incredible views of the Atlantic and some small offshore islands. The tidal pools that form are also a hit during the summer, making a great place to float along in a natural lazy river. This beach is about as family-friendly as it gets in the state and is a favorite to spend time on during the warmer months.

Our three days in Kennebunk flew by as we enjoyed the beach, strolling the beautiful little village and eating at cozy restaurants. As you might imagine, we didn’t starve. We delighted in delicious lobster rolls, wonderful blueberry pancakes with fresh homemade maple syrup tapped from nearby trees and, surprisingly, Texas-sized steaks and fillets. We rented bikes for a lovely excursion up the beach and through neighboring villages, making sure to get back in time to take in a startlingly red “strawberry” moonrise over the ocean at dusk (we’d wondered why folks were traipsing over to the beach with their flashlights in hand).

In Old Orchard Beach, just up the road from Kennebunk, we spent a day at New England’s largest beachfront amusement park, Palace Playland. It was like taking a step back in time. At this family-owned attraction, we enjoyed the old wooden roller coasters, midway-style rides, water slides, carnival games and Maine’s largest arcade. Exhausted after a day in the bright sun cooled by ocean breezes, we decamped back to our friendly Kennebunk B&B to plan our morning departure to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.

On our way, we couldn’t help but stop at Taste of Maine restaurant in Woolwich, about an hour from Kennebunk. There, we found two of the world’s largest lobsters waiting for us. An inflatable lobster, measuring 70 feet long and 12 feet tall, greeted us from the roof. And the “world’s largest lobster roll,” at 2-feet long and packed with over a pound and half of lobster meat, greeted us inside. We didn’t partake, but the views from the back deck were so incredible, we lingered longer than we should have. This place is a must-visit when in the area.

Bar Harbor is about 3 hours northeast of Kennebunk and 2 hours from Woolwich. Sunrise in the summer is at about 4:45 a.m., which can take a little getting used to, but the air is so crisp and cool, you might not mind rising early.

Bar Harbor is a resort town of about 5,000 people that swells to many times that in the summer. Think Ocean City without the boardwalk or crowds. Still, it didn’t seem crowded there when we visited.

Bar Harbor is synonymous with great wealth. Many summer mansions dot the town, and numerous Rockefellers were born here.

We enjoyed strolling the quaint but hilly town while window shopping and reading menu boards, gazing out toward the Atlantic at the many little islands that seem to stand sentinel to the mainland, and walking across the bay. That’s right! Bar Harbor gets its name from a sand and gravel bar that is only visible at low tide, allowing tourists, day trippers, picnickers and hikers to wander about a mile across the bay to lovely Bar Island. It’s not often you get to explore the sea bottom, so we made that trip a few times.

Bar Harbor is also home to a large portion of Acadia National Park, which includes Cadillac Mountain, the highest point in Hancock County. It’s Maine’s only national park and, naturally, the easternmost in the U.S. We took a pleasant one-day excursion up Cadillac Mountain and enjoyed breathtaking views of the Atlantic, numerous tidal pools carved out among the granite rocks and impossibly green forests. A network of carriage roads — a gift from John D. Rockefeller — meanders throughout Acadia, making it easy to get around.

Don’t forget to try the Winter Harbor/Bar Harbor Ferry, one of the best boat tours in Maine. While technically a ferry that shuttles folks back and forth between Winter Harbor to the north and Bar Harbor, this ride on a converted lobster boat is also a scenic tour. For 45 minutes, you get a guided tour of Frenchman’s Bay and several of the islands and landmarks that occupy it between the two towns. Along the way, you’ll get an up-close look at the awesome cliffs of Ironbound Island, the Porcupine Islands, Winter Harbor Lighthouse and usually some wildlife — ocean sunfish, seals, porpoises, waterfowl and even the occasional whale.

There is so much we didn’t see during our weeklong visit to Maine that we can’t wait to go back. After all, Maine is a relatively large state and we stayed mostly “down east,” as the locals say.

Prepare to be spellbound if you take our suggestion and make Maine your next summer vacation destination.

Twin Cities: a breath of fresh air

By Gary Bennett

The headwaters of the Mississippi River divide St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN

This article appears in the July 25, 2024 edition of the Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

I’ve been to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, on several occasions, for business and pleasure, and have been impressed each time.

For pleasure, it was summer baseball and an Eagles/Jimmy Buffet concert that landed me twice in the beautiful Target Field in Minneapolis. For business, it was the rare wintertime business conference that spanned locations in both cities.

You might be wondering why these cities have the nickname they do.

“Twin Cities” refers to the region’s two core cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, which are about the same size and border each other on either side of the Mississippi River. They share many of the same political, educational and cultural institutions. St. Paul is the state capitol, as well as the political and architectural center, while Minneapolis is the cultural and business center.

The two cities revel in the fact that they share the headwaters of the Mississippi River. If you’ve ever been to New Orleans and seen the wide expanse of the mighty river as it meanders to the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll be amazed at its relatively modest and approachable size as it begins its southward journey near Minneapolis.

Indeed, the river not only serves as a natural boundary between the two cities but also as an unusual calling card. I highly recommend taking a walk along the shore and then across the historic Stone Arch Bridge for a spectacular scenic view of the river. Historic Rice Park in St. Paul snuggles up against the river. You can even book kayaks and canoes for an easy paddle down the river — or the Minneapolis Queen paddle wheeler, for a scenic, narrated cruise.

Having traveled to the Twin Cities in the summer and winter months, I wouldn’t recommend visiting in winter or early spring (unless you can’t get enough of cold weather and huge snow totals).

I must admit, however, there is a palpable charm and coziness to the Twin Cities in the cold months. Locals and visitors alike enjoy winter sports like ice fishing, cross-country skiing and ice skating. Their famous winter carnival arrives in St. Paul in January, featuring amazing ice sculptures, hot air balloon rides and a jazz festival.

A curious but vital manmade phenomenon in Minneapolis allows reasonably comfortable winter living. The climate-controlled “Skyway” hovers one floor above street level and connects miles and miles of residences, businesses, hotels, shops and restaurants in the downtown area. You do not need to go outside in the winter in the downtown area unless you really want to. It’s wonderful! I’ve not seen anything like it in any other American city.

From about May through October, the Twin Cities are delightful. They are well known for their remarkably clean air, tidy downtown streets, miles of bike paths and thousands of lakes and green spaces. Minnesota is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” after all.

On the grounds of the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, you’ll find the spoon and cherry fountain

Even without the Skyway, the Twin Cities, with their perfectly flat terrain, are very walkable most of the year. It is easy to crisscross the area on foot to Target Field to catch a Twins baseball game, to U.S. Bank Stadium (previously The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome) for a Vikings football game or to dozens of fine restaurants known for their Scandinavian-tinged culinary prowess. There’s even an F. Scott Fitzgerald walking tour and the wildly popular Victorian ghost tours. If walking is not your thing, the Twin Cities provide lots of bike, Segway, motor coach or paddle-board tour options.

For the shoppers or curious among you, I recommend a road trip to Bloomington to the world-famous Mall of America. Once billed as the largest shopping mall in the world, MOA features more than 600 stores (with tax-free shopping on shoes and apparel!), 75 restaurants, 40 theater screens and even a 7-acre theme park known as the Nickelodeon Universe Experience. It comes complete with rollercoasters, a Ferris wheel, ropes and adventure courses, and bumper cars.

“Overwhelming” is not quite the word for spending an afternoon there, but it comes close. People-watching turns into a contact sport. But it’s one of those things you should do once in your life. MOA is about 12 miles south of the Twin Cities. I drove there, but it is serviced by light-rail that will pick you up at or near your downtown hotel and deposit you steps from MOA and back.

Of course, there are many fine theaters, zoos, aquariums, amusement parks, and museums to spend your time. Among the best are the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, American Swedish Institute, Minnesota History Center, the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, and, just outside of Minneapolis, Valleyfair Amusement Park with its Peanuts theme (creator Charles Schulz was a proud Minnesotan).

Mall of America in nearby Bloomington, MN.

The Twin Cities also feature a few eclectic sculptures that are just right for that perfect selfie. In downtown Minneapolis, catch the Mary Tyler Moore sculpture with her iconic “throwing her tam in the air” pose. On the grounds of the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, you’ll find the spoon and cherry fountain: a humungous spoon balancing an equally large red, ripe cherry. It is a must-see. And, if you’re a Peanuts fan like me, you’ll have to search out the bronze sculptures at Rice Park that portray the carefree happiness of Schulz’s beloved characters.

It’s not particularly easy to get to the Twin Cities. I have driven and flown. If you drive, it’s roughly a two-day drive of eight hours each along routes I-70, I-80 and I-90 (pretty easy to remember!). The midpoint is somewhere between Indianapolis and Chicago for your stopover.

Frontier has many affordable flights out of BWI to Minneapolis International Airport for under $150 each way. Southwest starts at about $300 each way.

There is a well-earned toughness about Twin City residents who point out how happy and healthy they are. Indeed, Forbes consistently ranks Minnesota as one of the top healthiest states in the U.S. There must be something to breathing all that cold air!

Hardy County, WV: Where to celebrate romance

By Gary Bennett

This article appears in DayTripper Magazine, June 2024.

There’s nothing like clean mountain air to inject some romance back into a relationship or stoke the fire on one that’s going strong. And there’s no shortage of romantic destinations in Hardy County to help couples kindle or rekindle passion.

Head out to West-Whitehill Winery in Moorefield and let its unique wines add fuel to your romance. You’ll see where they make the wine and get a free tasting. Be sure to check out the popular dessert wines, blended with fruit and spice flavors. Call 304-668-9934 in advance.

Staying overnight? Consider accommodations at the Guesthouse Lost River. This award-winning bed-and-breakfast and inn is on 70 acres next to the George Washington National Forest. Book a massage, then luxuriate in the indoor steam sauna or in the jetted tub. For dinner, Guesthouse Kitchen and Bar serves up farmhouse-style American dishes and cocktails in a comfortable, quaint, farmhouse setting. Most selections are prepared with locally-sourced ingredients and in-season fruits and vegetables. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Call 304-897-5707.

If camping is more your style, book a cabin at Lost River State Park and enjoy a pizza from Lost + Found Pizza and Provisions while you snuggle around a campfire under the stars. Many camping options are available. Two primitive campsites are only accessible by hiking to them. This unique camping opportunity is seasonal and concludes at the end of September, opening again in mid-spring. Three modern campsites are available near a ballfield. These sites feature showers, restrooms, a pool, fire ring, picnic tables and parking.

The park also has 26 cabins available to rent. Classic cabins and vacation cabins are available all year. Legacy cabins are available from April through October. All cabins include an outdoor campfire ring. Call 833-WV-PARKS.

If you’d rather glamp, Hardy County has you covered there, too. Book a stay at Loves Way Village. You’ll enjoy a “King Hot Tub Love Pod,” which is a spacious tent with bubbling hot tub. The oversized tents feature king beds, fresh linens, air-conditioning, heat, a fridge, microwave, coffee machine and Wi-Fi. Upon arrival, each guest receives a “love box,” an easy-to-prepare meal for two. Call 304-538-5707.

Hardy County, WV: 5 things to do with kids this summer

Breezewood canoe on South Branch Potomac River

This article appears in DayTripper Magazine, June 2024.

1. Enjoy the parade, festivities and fireworks with locals at Moorefield’s Independence Day Celebration.

Head over to Moorefield Town Park on Saturday, July 6, to enjoy an old-time “Americana” Fourth of July hosted by the Moorefield Lions Club. The whole shebang kicks off at 9 a.m. Throughout the day, enjoy free swimming, the club’s “famous BBQ chicken,” live music, games, free bouncy houses and a three-on-three basketball tournament. Catch the parade starting at 6 p.m., and then, of course, the grand finale – a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

226 Spring Ave., Moorefield

304-530-2420

visithardywv.com/listing/independence-day-celebration-fireworks

2. Go with the flow and rent a canoe or kayak at Breezewood Adventures.

Breezewood offers customizable excursions on the south branch of the Potomac River. The south branch is a pristine portion of the waterway, fed by bucolic streams and snowmelts. Breezewood offers trips up to 35 miles and provides shuttles. Whether you prefer lazily paddling a canoe or zipping down rapids in a one- or two-person kayak, it will show your family a good time. Plus, kids of all ages are sure to love the guided fishing tours. Be on the lookout for bald eagles soaring overhead as you approach The Trough, a 6-mile gorge in this branch of the river.

3709 U.S. Highway 220 South, Moorefield

304-703-9975

breezewoodadventures.com

3. Mount a horse and experience Lost River State Park from a new perspective.

The park’s nearly 4,000 acres of woodlands provide a peaceful getaway. It opened in 1937 and was named after a disappearing river that flows underground for a time before resurfacing.

In the park, you’ll find a restored Lee Cabin, “the summer retreat of Henry ‘Lighthorse Harry’ Lee, a Revolutionary War general and father of Civil War General Robert E. Lee,” across the creek from Lee Sulphur Spring. That spring is known for its rumored healing properties, according to West Virginia State Parks’ website.

Experience the park’s trails on horseback with Hidden Trails Stables, which offers guided tours. Be sure to ascend to Cranny Crow Overlook on Big Ridge Mountain to take in the view of five counties.

Hidden Trails Stables

6849 Dove Hollow Road, Mathias

304-897-5621

hiddentrailsstableswv.com

4. Swim at historic Lost River State Park.

Staying in a cabin or at a campsite at Lost River State Park won’t be too hot to handle with the kids this summer, as you can all cool off in the park’s pool. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday through Labor Day. When you tire of swimming, try out the park’s archery, tennis, volleyball, badminton and horseshoes.

321 Park Drive, Mathias

304-897-5372

wvstateparks.com/park/lost-river-state-park

5. Raining? Go bowling at South Branch Potomac Lanes.

This modern facility offers “kids bowl free” times, as well as bumper bowling lanes specifically for the young ones. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the action revs up with cosmic bowling, which involves “laser lights, disco lights, black lights and runway lights with LOUD heart pounding music,” according to its website. Bonus: The lanes glow in the dark.

185 Hyde St., Moorefield

304-530-2695

potomaclanes.com

Get away from it all in Siesta Key

By Gary Bennett

Aerial view of barrier island Siesta Key on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

This article appears in the November 30 issue of the Frederick News-Post’s entertainment insert “72 Hours.”

Every time I make my way to Siesta Key, Florida, the terrific steel-drum-infused Beach Boys song “Kokomo” comes to mind. “Everybody knows, a little place like Kokomo … that’s where you wanna go, to get away from it all.”

I’ve been getting away from it all for close to 40 years now, and it’s the same place almost every year — beautiful Siesta Key. It’s a delightful barrier island that juts into the Gulf of Mexico in Western Florida about 70 miles south of Tampa.

The island itself is only eight miles long and crescent-shaped. It’s bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on the west and the Intercoastal Waterway on the east. The vibrant, handsome city of Sarasota is close by, too. That’s where the Orioles train each spring. Two charming drawbridges connect Siesta Key to the mainland.

Florida, of course, sports hundreds of miles of beaches on the Atlantic Ocean and the gulf. It’s hard to go wrong with almost any of them. But if you want calm, warm water almost any time of year; gentle surf; pristine, white powdery sand; and quiet, minimally invasive nightlife, Siesta Key is the destination for you, too.

STAR ATTRACTIONS

Of its many qualities, the real star of the show in Siesta Key is the white, cool-to-the-touch sand, rated as some of the world’s finest. It’s clean, dazzling white, and feels like confectioner’s sugar. Scientists say this is because it’s made up of nearly 99% quartz crystals, with little to no chipped shells mixed in. You’ll find nothing like it in the beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. There is no such thing as burned feet due to sand in Siesta Key.

Gentle, shallow, azure waves lap continuously at your ankles.

For nine months of the year, the co-star to the beautiful white sand is the gentle, warm water. You rarely need to worry about waves knocking you over or shocking yourself with cold or even cool water as you enter the surf for the first time. Mostly, the water temperature hovers in the high 80s, which approximates the air temperature. You can literally take your noodle out into the gentle surf and bob for hours while chatting with friends or enjoying an adult beverage. There has been no scientific research to my knowledge to prove this, but I am convinced of the healing powers of the gulf waters. I certainly feel rejuvenated after a few hours in it.

BEACHES

Siesta Key is actually made up of three beaches. Each seems to have its own personality.

Siesta Beach to the north is a busy public beach, complete with tennis and volleyball courts, shaded playgrounds and a bustling concession stand. It has year-round lifeguard protection. There is a fun drum circle one or two hours before sunset each Sunday. Teenagers, 20-somethings and day-tripping families flock here.

Crescent Beach, in the middle of the island, is more secluded and private, with only one public access trail. It is perfect for, shall we say, the more mature crowd. It is dotted with pools, palm trees and lovely condos to rent for as little as three days or as much as a year. Loggerhead sea turtles use this beach to lay eggs and nest for up to six months. The beach is kept dark at night so as not to disorient them. There have been nearly 400 total nests established so far in 2023. Chances are, you’ll see some nests on this beach that have been staked off by biologists.

Lovely, fluttering seagrass on the Siesta Key beach.

Turtle Beach to the south is a sportier, family play beach. It’s a great location for paddle boarding and snorkeling. An abundance of seashells makes it beachcomber’s paradise. There are lots of shark’s teeth, too, to impress the kids.

All three beaches feature breathtaking sunsets; gentle, easy-going waves; and beautiful, shallow, azure water. Young parents can feel secure allowing their pre-school kids to play unattended at the water’s edge. Each beach has been recognized for cleanliness, water quality and safety.

The Travel Channel ranks Siesta Beach as one of the nation’s top 10 beaches. It has also been recognized as the No. 1 beach in the U.S. by Stephen D. Leatherman (aka Dr. Beach), director of the highly respected Laboratory for Coastal Research. It continues to receive recognition across the country and world as one of the top coastal destinations. International visitors abound. There is a cacophony of languages to be heard up and down the island.

GETTING THERE

If you’ve seen any of my contributions to 72 Hours, you may know I love road trips. My best friend and I have made this trip by car many times, picking up our less adventurous (OK, saner) wives at the airport. The 1,200 miles from Frederick to Siesta Key may seem daunting, but it’s really not too bad. You can depart from Frederick at 8 a.m. (preferably on a weekend) and be in Daytona Beach or Ocala (depending on which way you go) by 8 p.m. After a good night’s rest, you’ll be in Siesta Key by lunch time. If you really want to push it, you can make it all the way to Siesta Key in about 16 hours, mostly down I-95.

Siesta Key has breathtaking sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico nearly every night.

Of course, you can easily fly into Tampa, St. Petersburg/Clearwater, or Sarasota International Airports from BWI or Dulles in just about two and a half hours and rent a car to complete your trip. A round-trip plane ticket to Tampa and back to BWI on Southwest recently ran us about $450 each. We then rented a mid-size car for 10 days for about $600 at Enterprise.

While on the island, take advantage of handy and free shuttle services when you can. Siesta Trolley, Jonny’s Original Free Rides, Froghopper and Key Life Shuttle will all deliver you to the commercial parts of the island in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.

WHERE TO STAY

One thing you should know about Siesta Key is that there are no hotels. This has been a controversial subject among locals for years. They have, time and again, prevented the big hotel chains from encroaching on the island. For tourists like us, there are plusses and minuses to this stance. There is no denying the lack of hotels keeps a certain charm about the island intact. On the other hand, this means condo owners rule, and rentals can be pricey.

There are plenty of condos, big and small, up and down the island to suit every taste. Three of our favorites include Sea Shell, Midnight Cove and Palm Bay Club. There are even campgrounds at Turtle Beach for the campers among us.

We and another couple just finished up 10 days at a typical five-story condo in the middle of Siesta Key in the front unit with a panoramic view of the Gulf for about $4,500 or about $450 per night. Nearly a quarter of this price is made up of various state and local taxes placed on tourists. We have been loyal to our condo over the years, staying at Sarasota Surf and Raquet Club almost every trip. But, if you decide to go, it would be wise to consult with a real estate agent who can do all the legwork to find the best value for you. They are paid by the condo owners to find renters.

Prices vary by season, of course. In-season in Florida is generally winter and spring. Prices will be higher then. Our annual trip in September is off-season and a bit cheaper. It also has the added benefit of less tourists due to schools being in session all over the country. Many owners do not rent their condos off-season.

WHAT TO DO

Many people, including us, are more than happy to just chill — spend all day reading, chatting and snoozing under big umbrellas and floating in the warm gulf waters. But if you are more energetic, there is no lack of things to do. I heartily recommend visits to at least four local institutions we have enjoyed.

Ringling Museum of Art, named after circus magnate John Ringling, sports 66 lush acres and one of the largest art collections in the country. Ringling’s mansion is a stunning Gothic style palazzo with sweeping views of Sarasota Bay.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a tropical oasis on the shores of Sarasota Bay. It is an open-air museum with more than 20,000 colorful plants, a butterfly garden, Koi Pond, orchid display and art exhibits.

Mote Aquarium has a variety of sea life from the smallest creatures to the largest predators. A shark habitat and hands-on exhibits round out the offerings.

The Legacy Trail is a 20-mile hardwood biking trail from nearby Sarasota to Venice, Florida, through a thick, lush canopy of vegetation. Be sure to watch out for the frequent “alligator crossing” signs as you roll along at a comfortable 10 miles per hour on the flat terrain. There are frequent rest stops along the way.

The beautiful seaside pool at Sarasota Surf & Racquet Club.

Of course, there are the requisite boat rentals, golf courses, fishing charters, parasailing excursions, jet skis rentals and beach cars to tool up and down the island. Most of these commercial offerings happen at the far northern or southern tips of the island, leaving the large middle section blissfully noncommercial.

There is terrific shopping in Siesta Key Village that includes a farmers market every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. “The Village,” as it is known to the locals, is a quaint, mile-long shopping and eating district at the northern end of the island. You’ll likely find yourself drawn here many evenings during your visit. Doors are wide open and inviting. The aroma from the restaurants are exquisite. Most of them sport live acoustic music that gives the area a laid-back, beachy feel. Young people are drawn here, including the cast of the MTV series “Siesta Key.”

WHERE TO EAT

If you venture into Sarasota or Venice, you can enjoy upscale, 4- and 5-star restaurants, like Fins at Sharky’s, Marina Jacks, Antoines, Michael’s on East and Flemings. However, I recommend you mostly stay on the island and eat where the locals eat.

Blasé Café, Gilligan’s Island Bar & Restaurant, Crescent Club, Island House Tap & Grill, Siesta Key Oyster Bar, Sniki Tiki and Captain Curt’s are some of our favorites. You won’t want to miss Broken Egg or Toasted Mango for breakfast at least once during your trip. Other top restaurants on the island include Walt’s, Turtle’s, Ophelia’s on the Bay, Flavios, Café Gabbiano, Siesta Key Oyster Bar and The Old Salty Dog.