Charming Cities and Towns
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Tarpon Springs, FL
Tarpon Springs is one of those tiny towns with a great big past. Or actually, a big Greek past, as well as present; it has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the United States. Settled by fisherman around 1876, the town was named after the large scaled fish of the same name found in the area. However, it was soon discovered that in addition to the bony, largely inedible game fish, the water off the coast was home to a crazy amount of sponges. In the early days, these sponges were harvested by a hook; however, when John M. Corcoris introduced the Greek diving method, an…
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Astoria, OR
Located at the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria is a wonderfully historic, scenic city. It was the first permanent U.S. settlement on the Pacific coast, and had the first Post Office west of the Rockies. For almost a century it was the salmon fishing and canning capital of the world, reminders of which can be found in the repurposed warehouses along the waterfront. It was also the filming location for The Goonies, which is reason alone to visit this somewhat sleepy town.
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Ogunquit, ME
Dramatic drops from seaside walks and isolated coves are only a few things that make Ogunquit exceptional. It is an old fashioned vacation town, dotted with inns, cafes, and lobster shacks. It is low key, and understated. There are no high rises blocking the beach, no corporate chains, no franchises. It is a tolerant town, with a thriving artistic community. It truly lives up to its name, which translates to “beautiful place by the sea.” Although long home to native people, drawn to the area’s abundant natural resources, the first record of a permanent English settlement dates to 1641. Following the construction of a sawmill by Edmund Littlefield, settlement expanded at…
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Jackson Hole, WY
Wyoming is a wonderland. So much to do, so much to see, so much open space. The town of Jackson retains a rustic Old West vibe, while Jackson Hole’s Teton Village is its more sophisticated sibling of sorts. While the area is known for its skiing, late summer is a magnificent time to visit and explore the mountain sans snow, or at least significantly less of it. Mere miles from Grand Teton National Park, your outdoor adventures are only limited by your ability. Which you absolutely should be honest with yourself about; there are some serious hikes out there, but also alternatives for the less athletic.
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Oak Bluffs- Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod sits Martha’s Vineyard, an idyllic island known for its natural beauty and exclusivity. While its reputation as a affluent summer retreat certainly precedes it, it should not define it. That would be a disservice. While certainly true, the island offers so much more, including a rich history and a Victorian enclave so wonderfully preserved, you will question time travel. While it is possible to fly to Martha’s Vineyard, taking a ferry is THE way to go from the Cape; an hour on the water beats a TSA screening all day long. You can bring your car along, but it is not necessary…
