Wingaersheek Beach – Gloucester, MA

Cape Cod is not the only place in Massachusetts with nice beaches. For someone coming from Connecticut, Wingeaersheek Beach on Cape Ann in Gloucester is easier to get to, easier to leave, less crowded, and just as picturesque as the Cape Cod beaches. Do not misunderstand me to believe that getting to Wingearsheek Beach is easy. There is still traffic to fight all the way, long lines, and limited parking. Even considering all that, it’s still more convenient than Cape Cod.

Wingearsheek Beach features white sand with plenty of space. The shore view includes a lighthouse, setting the scene as a quintessential New England beach. If you are used to the crowded Connecticut or western Rhode Island beaches, you will be satisfied with the extra space available at Wingaersheek. There are several large rocks at Wingearsheek. These rocks are arranged naturally rather than in a man-made jetty. Depending on the tide, these rocks are quite accessible for climbing, exploring, and lounging. The character of the beach in general is quite dependent on the tide. At low tide, several tidal pools form. The kids seem to love playing in these shallow pools. Several sand bars become available at low tide, and it is possible to walk quite a distance away from shore in relatively shallow water.

Wingearsheek Beach has a concession stand selling the usual beach fare. Bathrooms and showers are available.

The cost for parking is $25. This is high, but it’s in line with the typical cost of beach parking in the area.

If you go to Wingearsheek Beach, I suggest going early. The road in is a small 2-lane country road. Cars back up quickly. On busier days, the parking lot fills to capacity. Going early avoids the long bumper-to-bumper wait on the road in, and also avoids the risk of getting shut out.

My family and I had a fun day at Wingaersheek Beach.

The Intercontinental Hotel -- San Juan, Puerto Rico

Through fortunate circumstances, I have been able to spend the weekend at The Intercontinental Hotel and Resort in the Isla Verde section of San Juan, Puerto Rico.  I'm a regular traveler to Puerto Rico, coming here for work several times per year.  I typically stay at decent places, but I've never stayed anywhere like the San Juan Intercontinental.  It's the nicest hotel I've stayed at anywhere to date.

First off, it's right in the middle of the Isla Verde district of San Juan.  Along with Old San Juan and Condado, Isla Verde is one of the most desirable districts in San Juan.  Restaurants, shops, hotels line the streets.  The hotel is right on the beach.  As I type this, I am sitting under an umbrella with my feet in the sand.  There are outdoor restaurants serving food and drinks anywhere along the beach and around their large pool area.  The beach is the best beach in San Juan.  Blue water and no crowds.

When I arrived in my hotel last night after dark, I was floored by the view of the ocean and the city from my 11th floor room.  As I drove up the fancy garden entry way, spoke to the vallets, and entered the loby, I felt like this was a place for a wealthy business tycoon to stay, not a humble worker such as I.  However, I quickly was able to make myself at home, especially after enjoying dinner at their Japanese restaurant. 

Right at this moment, I am enjoying the warmth and scenery of this great hotel.  The only thing that could make it better would be if I was able to enjoy it with my family.

Note: If you go out in the evenings around Isla Verde, it helps to keep in mind that nightlife in Puerto Rico has a different schedule than in The States.  If you hit a spot at 10 PM.  It's likely to be dead.  People don't start coming out until after 11 and mid-night.  Bars stay open as late as they want, so last call is not an issue. 

Devil’s Hopyard State Park – East Haddam, CT

A Shared Landscape A Guide & History of Connecticut's State Parks & Forests


The primary attraction of Devil’s Hopyard State Park is Chapman Falls, which falls over 60 feet along a rocky trail. Chapman Falls is just off the road near the south entrance of Devil’s Hopyard State Park.

In addition to the falls, Devil’s Hopyard State Park features fishing holes, picnicking, camping, and several hiking trails. My family and I took the orange trail, which starts just after the covered bridge in the picnic area. The trail makes an approximately 2 mile loop with a scenic overlook at the halfway point. The overlook gives a nice vista view of the valley below. The trail goes through the woods. It is easy hiking. There are only a few hills and some medium boulders to negotiate. My 5-year old son made it with no problems.

One bonus: While driving around exploring the park we saw several deer. I don’t remember the exact count, but something like 4 or 5 sets of deer.

The state link to the park is below:
http://www.ct.gov/Dep/cwp/view.asp?A=2716&Q=325188

Lake Compounce Amusement Park -- Bristol, CT

I’m not a big amusement park guy. I usually call places like amusement parks “artificial thrills”. This is opposed to “real” thrills like hiking, biking, boating, fishing, etc. I have a low tolerance for rude people, waiting in line, and crowds in general. However, I’ve changed my thinking a bit this summer.


My wife bought season passes for the whole family to Lake Compounce Amusement Park. I’ve determined that when it comes to amusement parks, a season pass is the way to go. When dishing out the excessive cash to buy tickets for the day, there is often that feeling of being rushed – trying to do everything to “get your money’s worth”. The season pass ends that issue. You can go to the park as often as you want, for as long or as short of a time period, without any worries. With the season pass you can wait and pick your days. You can avoid the busiest days.

The advantage of the season pass was evident this past Independence Day holiday. We went to the park just for the fireworks display, and left right after. Incidentally, the fireworks display from inside the park was one of the best displays I have seen. In past years I have sat at a nearby parking lot outside the park. Many of the fireworks are low to the ground, so you don’t get nearly the effect outside the park as inside. We brought a blanket and sat right on the beach at the edge of the lake. We could not have been any closer. The fireworks came from all directions. It was an impressive, well designed, and well executed display.

The following day, with temperatures well over 90 degrees F, the kids cooled off in the water park.


I personally prefer Lake Compounce to other larger amusement parks. The smaller size makes it easier to manage. Plus, the proximity to my home ensures the season passes will get good use.

In addition to the logistical advantages of the season pass, there is the monetary advantage. The season pass cost $80. Regular admission to the park is $35. Do the math and the pass is paying for itself after the 2nd visit. Additionally, the pass gives 10% off food, buy-one-get-one pizza deals, buddy days, and special season-pass-only days.

More information can be found at the following link:
http://www.lakecompounce.com/lake-compounce-season-pass.php