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Sitting along the coast of North Carolina, Beaufort is an ideal place to get away from it all if your dream vacation entails plenty of sand and water with just a hint of intrigue and mystery. Not to be confused with its namesake in South Carolina, this oceanfront paradise is perfect for a long, relaxing weekend getaway or as a jumping point into the always popular Outer Banks. So pack your bags and get ready for some fun in the sun in coastal North Carolina.

Before diving into the multitude of water activities, an excellent way to get acquainted with the area is through a boat tour that takes you to the Cape Lookout National Seashore and other surrounding islands. The seashore is comprised of three underdeveloped islands, North Core Banks, South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks, that may appear secluded and sparse upon first glance, but which offer an array of historical and natural features that are ripe for exploration. Catch a glimpse of dolphins, wild ponies, and numerous birds aboard one of the many vessels that offer eco-tours out of Beaufort for a rewarding and memorable experience as you begin your Beaufort vacation.

Perfect for beginners or experts, a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure is a great way to view the spectacular marine life that exists off the coast. Whether you have been scuba diving for years or are trying to learn the basics, there are readily available companies that offer lessons and show you the best locations to explore. However, remember to book your water excursion in advance since it is a popular activity for visitors to the area.

No trip to the coast is complete without climbing aboard a fishing charter to reel in a big one. If are traveling with children and want them to experience offshore fishing, an excellent option is fishing in the inland waters off the crystal coast. Inland fishing means calmer waters, preventing the sea sickness that deters many individuals from venturing out to sea, so anyone who has ever desired to fish can try for trout, black sea bass, flounder, croakers, and many other varieties without worrying about queasiness. Of course, there are charters available that extend further offshore, and these are perfect for those who want to catch Spanish mackeral, king mackeral, dolphin, or bottom fish in the summer.

If you want to explore at your own leisure, consider a self-guided kayak tour that allows you to search those areas that interest you the most. If you are not comfortable blazing your own path, there are also tours available that are led by professional guides. After all your offshore activity, throw a towel in the sand and relax to the sounds of the waves creeping up the sand. There is plenty of sun to catch, and the water is perfect for wading when you need to cool off your increasingly warm skin.

Beaufort’s distinct history makes for some interesting, can’t-miss attractions that you will likely never forget. Throughout the 18th century, many pirates and captains built houses along the coast, settling themselves in cities like Beaufort. The legendary figure Blackbeard was one such figure, whose home, Hammock House, can be toured by visitors looking to hear terrifying tales of murderous pirates. Adding to Blackbeard’s lore, the ship that was destroyed in his final battle, Queen Anne’s Revenge, was discovered in 1996, prompting even more visitors to come for the historical intrigue of the area.

When planning your vacation to Beaufort, North Carolina, you will need to find accommodations that allow you to enjoy all the beauty and wonder this area has to offer. For convenience and amenities that you usually surrender when traveling to a far off destination, consider a Beaufort vacation rental for your next trip. You can stay along the shores of the ocean and relax as the waves crash into the beach while you drink your morning coffee on the porch. This is your time to truly escape from it all, so make the most of it by staying in accommodations that make it easy to forget all the stress you have left behind.

HomeAway.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, consider Beaufort vacation rentals for your next trip to Coastal North Carolina.

Tags: beaufort, north carolina, travel, trip, vacationbeaufort, north carolina, travel, trip, vacation

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The Florida Keys are a cluster of islands that begin at the southeastern tip of Florida and extend westward to the island of Key West. Lying just south of Miami and accessible by the Overseas Highway, there are four sections to the keys, Upper Keys, Middle Keys, Lowers Keys, and Outlying islands, with the first three being the ones most commonly visited. Whether you are searching for warm weather, oceanfront views, or some of the most breathtaking natural beauty that Florida has to offer, the Keys are bound to drag you away from the mainland for an exciting excursion filled with numerous water activities.

The Upper Keys consists of four communities, Key Largo, Tavernier, Plantation Key, and Islamorada, with Key Largo being one of the best places to stop for tourist recreation. One of the largest islands in the string, this self-proclaimed “Diving Capital of the World” has the continent’s only living barrier reef on its east side, meaning you will find breathtaking coral formations and an abundance of marine life. While sport fishing is an entertaining prospect for visitors, those who love the outdoors should take advantage of the islands proximity to the everglades for eco-tours and kayaking adventures through the marshland.

Islamorada is located south of Key Largo and is actually a village that encompasses the islands of Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Plantation Key, and Windley Key in the Florida Keys. While these islands are perfect for relaxing near the aqua blue water or browsing the unique shops and galleries, the area is most commonly known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World.” If you planned on making your way offshore during your Keys vacation for the catch of a lifetime, then this is the perfect place to try for tuna, tarpon, sailfish, and bonefish.

Located in the Middle Keys and sitting on numerous islands including Key Vaca, Grassy Key, Fat Deer Key, and Boot Key, Marathon is considered “The Heart of the Florida Keys.” While fishing out of Boot Key Harbor is always popular here, some of the waters have been set aside for eco-tourism pursuits such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Visitors can make their way to the protected Sombrero Reef to catch sight of one of the most beautiful sections of the living coral barrier reef and a wide variety of tropical fish such as grunts, angelfish, porkfish, and goatfish.

When you want to escape from the crowds and take in the quiet serenity of this area, make your way to the Lower Keys. The Looe Key coral reef is great for snorkelers and divers while the Key Deer region is perfect for those who want to get back to nature and take a relaxing bicycle ride through the area. If you are in search of some of the most gorgeous white sandy beaches in the Keys, Bahia Honda Key has a state park that will take your breath away. For those who need to scratch their shopping itch, Big Pine Key is the main shopping hub and also has easy access to the solitude of the National Key Deer Refuge.

At the end of the Lower Keys lies the crown jewel of the area, Key West. Stroll the historic, tree-lined streets for views of the gingerbread mansions; rent a jet ski or boat for an afternoon of fun and excitement; head over to the nearby Key West Golf Club for a day on the links; or set out for a diving or fishing adventure in the crystal blue waters that surround the island. You can do it all in Key West, and at the end of the day, gather around for the Sunset Celebration on Mallory Dock to participate in the spontaneous party.

The islands of the Keys have their own distinctive qualities and you certainly will not want to miss out on the adventure that awaits in the different areas. To experience all these majestic islands have to offer, look into Florida Keys vacation rentals that allow easy access to all the attractions you want to visit and are ideally situated near the white sand beaches and sparkling blue waters of the area. You can soak in the beauty from the comfort of your home away from home as you realize what it truly means to have a relaxing and enjoyable vacation near the water.

HomeAway.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, consider Florida Keys vacation rentals for your next trip to Southern Florida.

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If you are looking for a northern vacation destination that offers plenty of family entertainment and numerous water activities, one place to consider is the southern region of Wisconsin. In southern Wisconsin, you have the largest city, Milwaukee, the exciting Wisconsin Dells, and beautiful Lake Geneva. With enough attractions and activities to keep the whole family captivated, you’ll want to come back every year for the cheese and the adventure.

There are a lot of places to see and even more information to take in when you visit the commercial and manufacturing center of Wisconsin. The influence of the German brewers who arrived in the 1840s is still prevalent in Milwaukee, as visitors can tour the Pabst Mansion, the Miller Brewing Company, and the Sprecher microbrewery. However, there is much more to this city than beer, so head over to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, the Milwaukee Art Museum, or the Milwaukee county zoo for a more family-friendly experience and to pick up a new tidbit or two as you stroll through the exhibits.

When the sun is shining and the heat is blazing (it actually does get quite hot in the summer), a trip to the Wisconsin Dells is in order. This area is perfect for families who want to escape the summer heat and have a great time doing it. There are a variety of water parks and theme parks in the area, with the one can’t miss being Mt. Olympus, so jump in a go kart, run to the next water slide, or cruise down a lazy river and free your inner child. Other popular attractions include touring the Cambrian rock formations via amphibious vehicle, the “Ducks,” and hitting the links at one of the numerous scenic golf courses. There is also gambling at the Ho-Chunk Bingo & Casino and a highly entertaining magic and illusion show at the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater.

A visit to Lake Geneva involves more than just the usual lake activities many expect and are accustomed to. You will certainly find the usual options for boating, swimming, parasailing, and fishing, but there are other resources readily available to keep your entire family occupied. Big Foot Beach State Park offers hiking and biking trails, there are readily available tours of the surrounding orchards and wineries, and you can find numerous outlets that provide hot air balloon rides and horseback riding excursions. A day at Lake Geneva can be what you make of it, but if you want to simply unwind, bring your picnic basket to the shore and let the day unfold before you.

Since you’ll want to visit these different areas of Wisconsin throughout your vacation, you definitely need accommodations that actually accommodate your movement throughout the trip. Rather than packing up the family each time you journey to a new locale, try a southern Wisconsin vacation rental that is ideally situated around these great destinations. You can stay in between the cities or stay in the city you plan to spend the majority of your time at. However you plan your vacation, your Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dells, or Lake Geneva vacation rental or condo will be a convenient home away from home throughout the duration of your trip.

HomeAway.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, look into a Lake Geneva vacation rental for your next trip to southern Wisconsin.

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