Block Island, Rhode Island
The island was named Manisses before being renamed to Block Island by Adrian Block in 1614. There is three ways to get to this island, private boat, ferry or plane. This island has over 17 miles of beaches that's free and open to the public. There is always a place to sit and relax on this island. There are more than forty endangered species living on this island. The architect is beautiful throughout this entire island. In 1867 the North lighthouse was built and is still open to this day for tours. On this island there are activities from Ball O'Brien Park to the Block Island Historical Society to the Southeast or North light house to visit. When staying over night there are many accommodations available, cottages, hotels, Inns or even house rentals. There has been five major shipwrecks near this island and legend says that Captain Kidd even buried some of his treasure along the shores of this island.
Key West, Florida
The trip to this island begins on your way there. You can get to this island by a few ways, plane, ferry, private boat, greyhound lines, Key Shuttle, train services or even the Florida Keys Oversea Highway. This island has alot going for it. This island has much historical value to offer including many shipwrecked artifacts located at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. There are a tremendous amount of history on this island, from art to pirates gold. Harry S. Truman had spent time on Key West during his presidency and the residence he occupied became known as the Little White House. There are many places to stay during your visit including restored Victorian mansions, historical homes, luxury hotels, bed and breakfasts to fun filled camping. Attractions and activities from the only underwater ocean laboratory, snorkeling, dolphin watching and sunset cruises.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
It's said that the location of Mackinac Island is in the center of the Great Lakes waterway, which then became a tribal gathering place where offerings were made to Gitchie Manitou (the great spirit ) and where tribes buried their chiefs to honor the Great Spirit. You can reach Mackinac Island by driving over the beautiful Mackinac bridge, chartering your own boat, taking a taxi, riding the ferry or by plane. This island gives you a feeling of being back in the older days with the horse drawn carriages and Professor Henry's Old time photos. When staying the night on Mackinac Island you can choose from staying at one of the oldest Greek rival homes known as the Haan's 1830 Inn, a modern day resort or a hotel. Not only is there sight seeing to do on this island but there is a butterfly exhibit, a haunted theater, private cruises and they even have yacht races around the island.
Mount Desert Island, Maine
Mount Desert Island is known as the home of Acadia National Park. The seven mile long Some Sounds - the only fjord on the east coast of the United States is said to protect the waters of this island. The Abbe Museum displays over 10,000 years of history, art, and archeology. This island has a lot of history to it, including the Coach Stop Inn which was built in 1804 which is the oldest inn located in Bar Harbor dating back to the presidency of Thomas Jefferson.There are elegant Victorian style Inns to stay at or if preferring something else there is hotels, cottages or camping. There is much to do on this island from mountain climbing, whale watching or white water rafting. Cadillac Mountain is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard and is the first place to view the sunrise in the United States from October 7 through March 6.
Mustang Island, Port Aransas, Texas
Mustang Island was originally called Wild horse Island because of all the wild horses roaming the island. Port Aransas is the only established town on Mustang Island and inhabits 8 miles of the 18 mile long island. Legend says that somewhere on the island is a Spanish dagger with a silver spike driven through the hilt marking the spot where Jean Lafitte buried a chest of gold and jewels. There are many luxury places to stay at on this island, hotels, Inns, townhouses and vacation rentals. More than 500 birds visit this island and dolphins are a frequent visitor too. Mustang Island has so much to offer even if it just means relaxing on the beach. Sand sculpting is a big tradition on this island and there is a competition every year for the best sand sculptures. Besides sand sculpting there is deep sea fishing, para sailing, beach buggies to take you sight seeing or even surfing.
Orcacoke Island, North Carolina
Orcacoke Island has been known as the healing island, due to the salt air and wave energy. On November 22, 1718 pirate Blackbeard was killed there during a naval battle. There are about 250 historic structures that still remain on the island from the ancestors of Oracoke Island. This island can only be accessed by ferry, plane or private boat. When staying on this admirable Island you have numerous choices, Blackbeard's Lodge which is one of the oldest hotels on the island, The Castle B & B and Courtyard Villas, cottages or camping. During the day there is whale watching, diving, fishing and golfing. You can even stand on the shore and look at Teach's Hole, just like Blackbeard did, then take a ghost tour to hear of legends on the island.
Ocras Island, Washington
Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands, which are located off the northern coast of Washington State. In Moran State Park there is Mount Constitution, which towers 2,409 feet allowing a gorgeous view of the island. You can access Ocras Island by ferry, private boat or seaplane from Seattle or Portland, Oregon. When thinking about a place to call it a night there is the Rosario Resort, the island's largest hotel, and it is the former estate of shipbuilder Robert Moran. There's more though, The Kangaroo House Bed and Breakfast which has been in business for over 30 years and was built in 1907 or stay at the Ocras Hotel which is a registered historic site and has been open for over a 100 years. The activities on this historic island include, sea kayaking, golfing, fishing and cruise tours.
St. Simons Island, Georgia
St. Simons Island was once called "San Simone" by 16th century Spanish explorers which gives its name today. The St. Simons Lighthouse is the oldest brick structure in the area which is still maintained as an operational light by the U.S. Coast Guard. St. Simons Island is the largest of Georgia's four Golden Isles. The Hofwyl Broadfield Plantation, shows what the lives of planters and slaves were like nearly 200 years ago. You can tour the antebellum home built by the Troup family and see for yourself what it was like living back in the nineteenth century. The oaks on the island are said to live up to 300 years old and some of the trees were even used to build the U.S.S. Constitution and the Brooklyn Bridge. There are plenty of luxury hotels, condos, Inns and resorts on this island that give you the feeling of elegance and historical in the same place. There is fun for everyone on this island, dirt track racing, horse back riding, zoo, dolphin tours and much more.
Santa Catalina Island, California
Santa Catalina Island is the only one of the eight channel islands with a significant permanent civilian settlement. In order to get around people suggest walking or using a golf cart because Avalon is the only city where they have to regulate how many vehicles are on the island. As it stands today there is a 14 year waiting list for a vehicle. The Chimes Tower was built in 1925 and was presented as a gift to the town of Avalon by Mrs. Ada Wrigley. The tower is located up and across from the Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel, the tower is still in working condition and chimes every quarter of the hour between 8:00am and 8:00pm since 1925. There are many extraordinary places to stay at on this lovely island including a twelve room historic lodge to the 1926 "Hopi Pueblo" home of famous western novelist and games man. Zane Grey. This is a picture perfect vacation waiting to give its love to another family or to anyone for that matter. This island offers glass bottom boat tours, the Sea Treck undersea adventures, snorkeling, and the newest attraction the zip line Eco tour.
Shelter Island, New York
Shelter Island was settled in 1652, by Nathaniel Sylvester, a wealthy sugar merchant from Barbados, who owned the entire island by 1673. There are about 141 buildings, which were designed between 1872 and 1890 and they looks as they did back then. This island may be smaller than the other islands and they do not have the high class look, but sometimes that's for the best. This island seems like it has stood still in time yet it's here today. This is a magnificent island. You can reach this island via ferry or private boat, which there are marinas available for the people with boats. There are a variety of places to stay at, from hotels or bed and breakfast that over look the water to beach houses that give you the feeling of relaxation every minute of the day. Shelter Island has beautiful Vineyards to explore, along with fishing which is a big part of this island. Take a stroll through town and see the art galleries and do some shopping. This is a peaceful yet elegant island.
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http://www.acadiamagic.com/MountDesert.html
http://www.portaransas.org/
http://www.ocracokevillage.com/
http://www.gonorthwest.com/Washington/sanjuan/Orcas/orcas_island.htm
http://www.explorestsimonsisland.com/
http://www.catalinachamber.com/
http://www.shelter-island.org/
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