As Summer comes around the corner, vacations are top of mind for everyone. Who doesn’t love feeling sand in between their toes or accomplishing a long hike on a breezy afternoon? This year’s vacation plans may be a little different because of restricted airfare and unwarranted quarantine orders. Nevertheless, here are a few amazing destinations that only happen to be a couple of hours driving from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.
The sandy shoreline of New Jersey awaits tourists each year. Small coastal towns like Stone Harbor or Cape May are the perfect retreat! Besides the beautifully groomed beaches, each town boasts a plethora of activities. You could go dolphin watching, bike downtown, or play some holes of mini-golf—to name a few. Stone Harbor also caters to any taste buds. Breakfast? Playa Bowls right off of 96th street. In the mood for burgers? Try The Watering Hull. Need a cold dessert? Escape the heat with a waffle cone from Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream. The options are endless! While you’re there, be sure to take a look at the small artisan shops. Their pieces make great gifts for family and friends. Overall, Stone Harbor is a popular option for families. The Jersey Shore is only two hours away from Kennett, making it the optimal day trip experience.
Further down the east coast lies the Outer Banks. If you enjoy fresh fish and less populated beaches, then OBX is right for you! Excursions include water sports, pottery classes, and horseback riding on the beach. The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway stretches over 140 miles and connects all nine barrier islands. Its flat terrain is ideal for driving with the windows down and blasting music. Outer Banks beaches are less occupied in the more southern towns of Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras. Northern towns Corolla, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head are a little more crowded. Northern towns, however, tend to offer better restaurants. My family takes a trip to the Outer Banks every August, serving as our annual holiday.
But hey, what if you don’t particularly like the beach? Well, the Pocono Mountains are a nature-filled alternative! Try hiking a segment of the Appalachian trail, and spot wildlife such as bald eagles, foxes, snakes, and black bears. Enroll in rock climbing and water rafting classes. Many ski resorts offer summer camps for children, too! This way, parents can enjoy themselves during the day and reconvene with their kids in the evening for dinner. Depending on the forecast, the Poconos has also proven to be a fine place for watching the night sky. I, personally, have witnessed an impressive amount of shooting stars simply by lying on the driveway of our vacation rental. Like the Jersey shore, the Pocono Mountains are only about two hours from Kennett.
This year has brought its set of challenges, and vacations may not be on the table for everyone, understandably. But, if you do have some money set aside, I recommend exploring these wonderful areas. My family enjoys them and I hope you will too!
— Paige Smagala
