Tangier Island, VA: America's Sports Town

In 2010, Tangier Island got High Speed Internet and was able
to watch sports.  The state of Virginia named it the Biggest Sports
Town in America (per capita).  The title was the basis for a recent ESPN
Commercial

Admittedly, there isn't a whole lot to do on this small island in the Chesapeake Bay.  

That is the best part about it.

The residents have watched decades of trends come and go.  Doing nothing more than put down the newspaper long enough to glance at the (non HD) TV news reporter talk about tweeting, friending and connecting.

This island is so old-school, that linguists are drawn to the island because of the native's accent - its an English Restorian dialect of American English.  It's similar to a dialect in North Carolina, but nowhere else in the country do people speak this language than on this .2 square mile island.

So why profile such a small, boring place?  Well, because they have an airport, friendly local restaurants, a museum and just an awesomely simple way of living that will let you forget about the hustle bustle of your daily grind.  

For instance, go to their official tourism website and instead of providing a list of rental car agencies, taxis and transportation options they provide the names of two locals that you can rent golf carts from -Tommy & Claudine Eskridge.  Once you arrive you skip on down to the Four Brother's Crab House (crabbing is the only industry on the island) and your golf cart will be waiting for you.  Where else can you find that simplicity and hospitality?

By the way, the reason there aren't more transportation options is because cars aren't allowed on the island - just bikes and golf carts and the shoe-sole express (walking).

Boats and airplanes are the only ways on and off the island.  So when you want to get away from it all and go back to the good ole' days head to Tangier Island, Virginia.

Helpful Links:
Tangier Island Museum
Wikipedia Page
Official Tourism Website

Saratoga Springs, NY

This sign translated means "Spa, Potato Chips & Horse Betting."

As it turns out, Simon Baruch knew exactly what he was doing at the turn of the 19th Century.  When he moved his family to the United States from Germany he wanted to bring along a new wave of medical treatments called "European Spas."  A burgeoning village in Central New York was the perfect place for his new medical facility.  Saratoga Springs became home for these spas because of the natural mineral springs that could be found anywhere near the village.  To this day, you can visit these springs and drink some of the freshest water you will ever taste.

Horse Racing
By far and away, mineral water is the least exciting thing you will encounter during your stay in Saratoga Springs.  Despite a period of time in the 1950's, the race track has been a popular destination for horse racing fans since the Saratoga Race Way was built in 1863.   For 40 days every summer (July 20th - September 3rd) horse races are the center of attention at the Race Way.

Horse racing is no joke in Saratoga Springs.  In fact, the movie Seabiscuit was filmed on the Race Way in 2002.


Downtown
There is nothing quite like the feeling of traveling back in time.  While in Saratoga Springs you have to stop by the courtyard at the Adelphi Hotel hotel.  The second you step foot in the hotel you feel like you should shed your cell phone and light up a cigar instead.  When you head out to the outdoor courtyard you expect to see Sinatra sitting right next to you.

You would never expect a small town in Central New York to have the cowboy vibe that it has, but most of the downtown merchants have a country western theme to the apparel they sell.

Most of the time, when people go on vacation they want to eat the food that is native to the area.  Well, you are in Central New York - too far for buffalo wings from Buffalo and garbage plates from Rochester haven't really caught on in Saratoga Springs. Have no fear though, two of the greatest food inventions were invented in Saratoga Springs - the club sandwich (1894) and potato chips (1853).  

Tip of the Iceberg
Not many towns can lay claim to the fact that their town was used as a theme for a high-end Disney Resort.  Go find out what Baruch and Disney saw when they visited this town.  There is still plenty more to explore.

Whether you are into horse racing or not, Saratoga Springs is an awesome place to visit.  Next time you pick up a bottle of Saratoga Spring Water in the famous blue bottle you should consider visiting the town and getting it fresh from the tap!

Useful Links

Saratoga Tourism Website

Annapolis, MD

18th Century architecture lines the crab-cake-scented air in Annapolis, MD.  

Nowhere else in the country can you get crabcakes quite like you can in the Chesapeake Bay Area.  Each region of the country has its own delicacy, but rarely does the meal live up to the billing.

Not the case in Annapolis, MD.  Get. The. Crabcakes.

Just as impressive as the selection of dining in Annapolis, is the town itself.  If you like brick buildings then you've come to the right place.  The self-proclaimed 'Sailing Capital of America' is home to more 18th Century brick buildings than any other town in the country.  Annapolis, MD falls into the category of 'places I'd like to go, but can't get there.'  However, with affordable air charter, those crabcakes are only a short flight away.

Almost impossible to miss is the US Naval Academy which is open to tours most days of the year.  Click on the link below to get a detailed schedule of tours.  The precision and accuracy of these cadets is simply amazing.  Something you won't witness anywhere else in the country (unless you're at another military academy.)

Get to Annapolis, MD for the charm and stay for the crabcakes!  A perfect get away is only a short flight away.  



Helpful Websites:
Annapolis Visitor's Guide
Excursions to do while in town
Naval Academy Tours