Scenic America Travel Blog

The Clean Beach Council releasesd their annual list of the nation’s cleanest beaches in conjunction with National Clean Beaches Week.  In its tenth year, the program rates beaches based on water quality, beach and intertidal conditions, hazards/safety, services, habitat conservation, erosion management, public information and education.  As people begin to get ready for their 4th of July trip to the shore, this “Earth Day” for beaches reminds people to think about the vital role the ocean plays in our lives.   

Pacific Coast Beaches include Point Reyes and Redwood National Parks in California,  Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast, and Rialto Beach and Kalaloch Beach in Washington’s Olympic National Park.

Two beaches from Maine’s Acadia National Park made the list, Sand Beach and Echo Beach.  They are designated as “Blue Wave” beaches and meet the standards of the Council’s environmental certification program.

Pere Marquette Beach makes the list again this year, the Lake Michigan beach is the only certified “Clean Beach” on the Great Lakes. The beautiful beach and park covers 27 acres and features a new bike trail to enjoy spectacular sunsets and outdoor experiences. 

See if the beaches in your state are Blue Wave beaches and what you can do to help even more beaches make the list next year.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial will again kick off America’s birthday party and Fourth of July celebration with one of the largest fireworks displays in the country. The twelfth annual event will take place on July 3rd with thousands of shells creating a stirring and memorable half hour show. This year’s events include military aircraft fly-overs, music, dances, historic re-enactments, children’s shows and a ceremony to honor a special group of WWII veterans.

“The fireworks and events of the weekend put an exclamation point on what, for many, is the classic all-American family vacation,” said Richard Benda, secretary of the Department of Tourism and State Development. “It is truly our privilege to host this event in such a beautiful and historic place as the Black Hills.”

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that the National Park Service will offer three fee-free weekends this summer to encourage Americans seeking affordable vacations to visit these national treasures. There are 391 national parks located across the country in 49 states. “During these tough economic times, our national parks provide opportunities for affordable vacations for families,” Salazar said at a press conference at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. “I encourage everyone to visit one of our nation’s crown jewels this summer and especially to take advantage of the three free-admission weekends.”“National Parks also serve as powerful economic engines for local communities and we hope that promoting visitation will give a small shot in the arm to businesses in the area,” he said. The 147 National Park Service sites across the country that charge fees for entry will waive these entrance fees during the weekends of June 20-21, July 18-19, and August 15-16, 2009, Salazar said. Meanwhile, many park partners including tour operators, hotels, restaurants, gift shops, and other vendors will offer additional discounts and special promotions on those dates. More information on the fees and discounts can be found at http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm.

Traveling across I-70 on the way to a number of Rocky Mountain vacation destinations, it’s easy to skip right over Glenwood Springs, a cozy little town of about 8500 sitting at the head of the Roaring Fork Valley.   The Glenwood Springs Resort Association is aiming to make sure you don’t do that this year with the Glenwood Springs Free For All!  They’ve put together a fantastic list of activities, events and attractions that are absolutely free and guaranteed to be a hit with every member of the family.

Hike to Hanging Lake in the White River National Forest, Watch the wildlife from the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Trail or feed the trout at the Mitchell Creek fish hatchery.  Bring your kayak or surfboard to the new Glenwood Whitewater Park for an exhilarating white water experience.

Take a drive on the West Elk Scenic Byway to America’s newest national park, Black Canyon on the Gunnison. 

Visit Doc Holliday’s memorial in the historic Linwood Cemetery or take a self-guided walking history tour.

Sample regional produce and listen to music at the Downtown Market on Tuesdays.

Dance under the stars at the Summer of Jazz concerts on Wednesday. Watch movies outdoors on a blanket at Friday Night Flicks in August.

May 30-31, watch the US Freestyle Kayak Team Trials competition at the Glenwood Whitewater Park. June 12, enjoy free train rides from Glenwood Springs to Dotsero as Operation Lifesaver teaches train safety for drivers, pedestrians and bikers. June 13-14, car buffs can admire vintage vehicles at the MG Rallye, an annual event. June 19-21, celebrate Colorado’s oldest festival at the annual Strawberry Days event that includes a parade, a juried craft show, free strawberries and ice cream, and live music. July 4, observe the fireworks from a seat in the park at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers.

For just a few dollars you can take the family to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.  Take a guided walking tour of the Glenwood Caverns where you will see amazing formations, ride the Iron Mountain Tramway, ride the Canyon Flyer and other thrill rides, tackle the 32-foot climbing wall, or enjoy the giant maze, the new 4D theater, and the new Laser Tag.

The Best Western Antlers is located right across the street and has its own array of recreational activities, including outdoor heated pool and children’s heated pool, horseshoes, volleyball, platform tennis, and two playgrounds.

Or take the family to the AmericInn Splash Bay Adventure, family friendly lodging that includes a spacious indoor pool, whirlpool and a 2-story high waterslide.  Guests also enjoy fitness center, high-speed internet, in-room frig and continental breakfast with waffle bar.  Kids Stay Free, pets welcome.

Finally, everybody can use a FREE vacation, so be sure and enter “Top 10 Reasons Your Family Deserves a Free Vacation at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park”  http://glenwoodcaverns.com/contest.html

“On July 4th, we are giving America a special gift,” Salazar said. “We are once again inviting the public to celebrate our great nation and the hope and opportunity it symbolizes by climbing to Lady Liberty’s crown for a unique view of New York Harbor, where the forbearers of millions of American families first saw the new world.”

The Statue has been closed since 9/11, but after an analysis completed last month, it was decided new safety precautions could be implemented to keep the public safe.  Access to the crown will be limited to 10 people at a time, guided by a National Park Service ranger and additional rangers will be placed throughout the Statue.  “We cannot eliminate all the risk of climbing to the crown, but we are taking steps to make it safer,” Salazar said.

In addition to the opening of the crown, New York will also be celebrating the anniversary of the exploration of the Hudson River and some old traditions like Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.  With the 4th on a Saturday this year, it’s the perfect time for a New York City getaway.

Macy’s will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the exploration of the Hudson River by returning the fireworks returns to the river for the first time since 2000.      The nation’s largest 4^th of July fireworks display erupts from six barges, set up between 24th and 50th streets, with the New York Pops providing the musical accompaniment.  9:00 pm 

Conveniently located on 39^th Street, the Comfort Inn Times Square is also within easy walking distance of the Theater District, Times Square, Madison Square Garden arena, the Empire State Building, and the Rockefeller Center. Guests enjoy free deluxe continental breakfast, coffee. and free high-speed Internet.  They even allow pets.  Special Discount Rates from $189!

4^th of July Fireworks Cruise –  Enjoy a special five-course dinner featuring delicious New American dishes created by the yacht’s Executive Chef; a premium open bar and music for dancing.   Impeccable service and amazing view of the fireworks.
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Check out the vintage vessels docked at Hudson River Park’s Pier 63, including the lightship Frying Pan and the fireboat John J. Harvey. The Festival also features music, dancing, food, face painting, art contests and a scurvy pirate.   July 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Hudson River Park

12 minutes, a plateful of the juiciest hot dogs on the planet and twenty ravenous contestants and there’s only one place you could be, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island.  Be sure to get there early as this event is always packed.  July 4 Nathan’s Famous, 1310 Surf Ave., Coney Island

For a more traditional 4th, you’ll feel like one of the country’s founders as you celebrate in Historic Richmondtown on Staten Island.  This historic village was the county seat of Staten Island through the 1800s and contains many original buildings which have been carefully restored.  4th of July festivities include a participatory parade for children and a homemade ice cream.  July 3  and 4, 1-5 p.m. $5 for adults, $4 for kids over 5.