Portland, ME

Portland Head Lighthouse, Cape Elizabeth, ME is on of the most
famous lighthouses in the world. (Photo courtesy of visitmaine.com)

If Portland, ME isn't on your list of places to visit...then you need to adjust your list.

In the past three years, Portland has garnered the attention of just about every major news outlet on the East Coast.  Once known simply for its lobster fishing and cold winters, Portland is now known for it's lighthouses, scenic views, food choices and - The Old Port.

The Old Port is the place to be in Portland.  On the waterfront there are plenty of tourist attractions (whale watching, speed boats, restaurants on ships) and shopping to do.  You could fill up an entire day (and many stomachs) with the shopping and dining choices along these cobblestone streets.  The greatest thing about Old Port is that you don't feel like you're in a tourist trap.  The city does a great job of separating the high volume attractions from the quaint shops and restaurants.  

New England is known for its selection of craft brews.  If you have a chance stop by Gritty's and pick up a growler of the local flavor.  There are some other great local craft brew selections: Allagash, Geary's and Shipyard just to name a few.  

Don't want to burst your bubble, but don't expect to see any moose while you're in Portland.  You'll have to head further inland to see them.  However, little known fact, there are more moose in Maine then registered Republicans.  Don't let that scare you away though.

Some websites to visit:
Visit Maine
NY Times: 36 Hours in Portland, ME

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

College Tours

All those years of properly raising your children are about to pay off
...time to pick a college.

If you are the parent of a high school junior or senior you are probably experiencing some mixed emotions.

On one hand, your child is about to embark on a giant step in his or her life.  You must be proud.  

On the other, he or she has not found a college that is a good fit...that means more college tours.  More 1.5 hour trips around college campuses complete with declarations on why this college is the best and tour guides that haven't exactly mastered public speaking (ummmm & like.)

All of a sudden those 5th grade band concerts don't sound to bad!

It's a stressful time for you and your family.  Scholarships, financing, finding the perfect fit, new friends, new roommates, empty-nest.  All thoughts that will keep you up at night.

One thought that shouldn't keep you up at night is the notion of driving hours to make it on campus in time for the 10am information session and campus tour.  Leave that up to Way to Go Air Charter.  The concept of visiting multiple cities instead of multiple campuses is entirely in the realm of possibilities when you fly.

For example, Rochester, NY has two world class institutions that you could visit in one day.  University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology have tours around 10am and 2pm.  Without having to spend the night in town, you could tour both these universities in one day and be home by early evening.

Boston, MA is another college town.  In fact, in the Northeast there are hundreds of colleges universities.  Why limit your son or daughter's choices based on driving distance?

Your son or daughter will immediately know what campus is right the second he/she steps foot on campus.  Enjoy your trip.

Ocean City, NJ: America's Greatest Family Resort

Whether you need a quick getaway, taking your family on a vacation or meeting friends/family at their vacation rental, Ocean City, NJ is the perfect place for your trip.

The Jersey Shore is known for having 'something for everybody.'  Now that MTV has taken claim to the term "Jersey Shore" the territories had to become more clearly defined.  It goes something like this (heading north to south):

• Seaside Heights: Snookie and her cronies.
• Atlantic City: Gambling, rides and boardwalk.
• Sea Isle City: Where college students go to work on summer break.
• Avalon & Stone Harbor: Classy and high-end.
• Wildwood:  Has the distinction of being one of the 'Top-50 Authentic American Experiences.' 
• Cape May: Home of most impressive collection of Victorian houses you will see.

Ocean City, NJ fits right in between Atlantic City and Sea Isle City.  It's distinction is "America's Greatest Family Resort."  Often times you'll hear people mention that "I've been there, my parents would take me there to walk on the boardwalk and get salt water taffy."  Ocean City, NJ is steeped in tradition that is more prevalent than any other coastal town in New Jersey.  

Ultimately, people go to Ocean City for its beaches.  Combed beaches, life-guarded waters and easy access to food, entertainment and restrooms.  7th Street beach is a great place to hangout and watch the surfers while catching the rays.

A couple must-do's: 

• Caramel popcorn from Johnson's Popcorn (ask for the lid off)
• Salt Water Taffy from Shriver's
• Jewelry from Terry Ivory (ask for Renate)
• Cookies from Crazy Susan's (as seen on the Food Network)
• Ride the carousal at Wonderland (do this before eating all the aforementioned)

OCNJ is truly a unique experience.  Don't worry if you track sand in the airplane.  It is much welcomed!

Oh...and by the way...this is your first and only warning - once you get the sand of OCNJ in between your toes you know you'll be back!

See you soon.

Niagara Falls, Canada

Niagara Falls Illuminated

Hours away from anywhere in the Northeast there is a spectacle that is so powerful it'll literally blow you away.  Niagara Falls was formed over 10,000 years ago as a conglomerate of glaciers made its ways from modern day Wisconsin.  Now, it is known as one of the most popular natural tourist attractions in the world.

The falls are made up of two parts - the US side and the Canadian side.  Despite recent efforts to revive the American side of the falls...it isn't really worth the trip.  The Canadian side?  Well, that's a whole other story.

Yes, the touristy stuff is there, casinos, fun houses, novelty museums and chain restaurants, but the true star of the shoe is ...you guessed it...water.  And a lot of it.  As long as you have a Passport, you are set to explore it all.  

First stop, Maid of the Mist.  When in Niagara Falls, you must get wet.  The easiest way to do this is to take a boat tour right underneath the falls.  After being underneath the falls, take in the view by walking along the park that surrounds the Niagara River.  You'll be able to read about successful (and failed) attempts to take barrels over the falls.

You can pretty much spend hours starring at billions of gallons of water falling off a cliff.  On paper it doesn't seem all that impressive, but when you feel the power you will not be disappointed.

Useful sites:
Wikipedia - Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls Tourism

When QVC Calls...

Allison, 21, needed to get to the QVC Studios ASAP

Very rarely does QVC call you, but when they do...you answer!  

Allison Mastrangelo, 21,  from Stone Harbor, NJ is a senior at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. In addition to being a full-time student she is an accomplished model and actress.  For every modeling/actress position there are about 1 billion professionals that want to land the role.  So what do you do when QVC calls you at 8am and asks you to report to their studios by 10:30am?  You go!

QVC's studios are located in Brandywine, PA (outside of Philadelphia.)  From Stone Harbor, NJ to Brandywine, PA Allison was looking at a 2.5 - 3.5 hour drive.  It was a Monday morning so there was a strong possibility for heavy traffic.  Fortunately, the QVC studios are located half of a mile from Brandywine Airport (KOQN.)  So here's how Allison's morning proceeded.  

A quick drive from Stone Harbor, NJ, She boarded N38331 at Ocean City, NJ Airport 8:45am and 30 minutes later she was in hair & makeup at QVC Studios.  A few hours in the studio, a quick flight back to OCNJ and she's home in time for dinner.

When time is of the essence Way to Go Air Charter can get you there.

As Tyra Banks would say: "Allison, you're still on the road to becoming America's Next Top Model."  

Gettysburg, PA

Abraham Lincoln (middle with no top hat) delivers the Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863.

Gettysburg, PA.  Just saying it sends chills down your spine.  The turning point of the Civil War, the Gettysburg Address, haunted battlefields the list of descriptions does not end.  It's one of the few places in this great nation where the history finds you instead of you finding the history.  Every step you take in this town something happened.  You and your family need to see this place.

Each year millions of people visit Gettysburg, but for most its just a stop on the way to some other well-known vacation destination.  Situated 1 hour from Harrisburg, PA, 2.5 hours from Philadelphia and 3.5 hours from Pittsburgh its not exactly the easiest place to get to unless you enjoy driving.  However, there is a small airport less than 2 miles from some of the most famous battlefields in the world.  That's how close Way to Go Air Charter can get you to the action.

Every year in July, the town holds a reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg.  Thousands of reenactors dress up in authentic outfits from the Civil War, camp out in canvas tents and eat hardtack for a week while recreating battles at Picketts Charge, Devil's Den and Little Roundtop.  To this day you can still walk these sacred grounds that once witnessed the bloodiest battle of the Civil War.

South Central Pennsylvania may not be known as the vacation mecca of the country, but it is something that you need to see.  Gettysburg, Hershey and Lancaster, PA hold some of the most unique experiences you have ever experienced.  Definitely worth the trip.     

Information websites:
Gettysburg Visitor's Center
Complete List of Year Round Events
Trip Advisor Recommendations
Wikipedia

Feel Good Friday: For the Paws!

Way to Go Air Charter will fly just about anyone (or anything) anywhere anytime, but in May 2010 the owner of Way to Go had an urgent mission.  Lives were at stake.

Read more here: A New Meaning to Tailwind

Atlantic City, NJ

The Steel Pier Diving Horses no longer wow audiences in Atlantic City, NJ, but their is still plenty to do in this year-round resort.

Believe it or not, the winter and spring can be one of the best times of year to visit the city that has recently gained notoriety from HBO's Boardwalk Empire.  If the roaring 20's are your thing, you definitely want to visit Resorts Casino.  It's recently been retrofitted to bring you back to the days of gangsters and prohibition.

Most think that you have to be a serious gambler to visit AC.  That theory couldn't be farther from the truth.  Bring a $20 to the casino and try your luck.  Visit the stores and awesome restaurants at The Pier Shops at Caesar's or The Quarter at Tropicana.  After you turn that $20 into $200 visit the Atlantic City Outlets that are only a few blocks from the boardwalk.

Ahhhhh, the Atlantic City Boardwalk.  One of the first of its kind.  It's definitely changed since it opened in 1870, but you still can't beat the sights, sounds and smells.  Cabin fever is about to set in and the first nice weekend of spring you are going to want to get away.  Go get the sand between your toes and take in the salt air!

Have you ever walked through and elephant?  You can now! 

The coolest thing about this resorts town is that it can be a hop, skip and jump away.  Unlike flying the airlines or driving hours, Way to Go Air Charter can get you there on a moments notice.

Way to Go Air Charter is the way to go.