Destination Vacation Linky

Y'all know how much I love a good linky, and when I stopped over to visit my friend, Alison at Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin', I discovered that she and Miss Nelson (another favorite blogger) are having a fantastic linky going on, all about vacation destination spots! So, of course, I had to join the fun.

If you've visited my little blog before, you know how much I love the beach. Dreaming of spending long days in the sun is what gets me through cold, snowy Maryland winters. Thankfully, I only live fifteen minutes from a wonderful little local beach, in Oxford, Maryland. 

1. Oxford, Maryland 

Beautiful, quaint, Oxford!

So, when I can't make the drive to the ocean, I head to "The Strand" (that's what the locals call it) for some fun in the sun with my little ones.

It's quiet and calm here, and it's perfect for families with small children. We've been taking Princess A and Deedle since they were tiny.

Must See: The Oxford-Bellevue Ferry, Waterfront Park and Playground

Must Eat: Highland Creamery (best ice cream I've ever had, anywhere!), Schooner's, Robert Morris Inn (amazing brunch menu)

2. Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland

We are really lucky to live only an hour and a half from the ocean. KShaf and I aren't big fans of the hustle and bustle of Ocean City, so instead, we take the family to Assateague Island National Seashore. Several years ago, we discovered that it is way more convenient to drive onto the beach than to walk on (particularly with two young children in tow...they have so much stuff!), so we purchased an OSV (Over Sand Vehicle) pass, and we can drive KShaf's truck right onto the beach.

We usually pack a cooler full of food and drinks (there's nothing like a cold Corona and lime at the beach), and we spend the entire day, hunting for shells and digging for mole crabs. 

Did I mention there are wild ponies roaming around? Oh, right! You will see them just about everywhere: in the marsh, on the beach, and usually in the parking lots, looking for handouts from unsuspecting tourists (just don't forget that they're wild and they do bite!). It's pretty amazing to see!

3. Outer Banks, North Carolina

 Ah, paradise. My favorite place ever.

My family started visited the Outer Banks of North Carolina every summer since I was six years old, and it holds a lot of great memories for me. KShaf and I took Princess A when she was only six months old (not the easiest thing we've ever done, but it was still fun!).

That face! That hat! That bathing suit!

We try to go back as often as we can. Sadly, this summer, we didn't make it (we had about a million home repairs that took priority), but since next summer, KShaf and I will be celebrating our ten year anniversary, we've committed to make a family trip (and staying oceanfront, if this lady has her way!).

Coquinas!

Must See: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, The Ocracoke Ferry, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Ocracoke Lighthouse, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Must Eat (my favorite!): The Captain's Table (to die for hushpuppies), Orange Blossom Cafe and Bakery (the Apply Ugly is a breakfast lover's fantasy), Gingerbread House Bakery, The Fish House (steamed Carolina shrimp the size of your head)

Crap. Now I really, really want an Apple Ugly and a big plate of steamed shrimp. Guess I'll have to wait until next summer!