Beach

by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels

The fact that the beach at Harry Harris Beach is man-made makes it no less attractive than other Florida Keys beaches. In fact, the coral rock barrier that surrounds beach protects it from wave action and large fish. With its protected lagoon, wide expanse of white sand, half-moon sweep of stately palms, covered picnic tables, BBQ grills, showers, and bath house, this Tavernier beach approaches perfection. And that is no small compliment in the Keys, where beaches are few in number and marginal in quality.

A rock jetty creates this placid man-made lagoon in Harry Harris County Park

But that’s not all! This pleasant County facility also has playground equipment, basketball courts, a softball field, volleyball net, a bike path, and even an in-line skating park for sports enthusiasts, while boaters will find an excellent boat ramp that provides access to both Key Largo and Islamorada.

Palms, pavilions, and picnic facilities dot the sand beach

To reach Harry Harris County Park turn east on Burton Drive at the 92.5 mile marker on the Overseas Highway and follow it to the end. The park is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset.

On Saturday, Sunday, and Federal Holidays, an entrance fee of $5 per person is charged for non-residents over the age of 16.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Weibel

by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut

The Kennebunk River separates the upper village of Kennebunkport and the lower village of Kennebunk

Say the word Kennebunkport and most people immediately think of the summer home of ex-President George H. W. Bush. Nestled between the shores of the Kennebunk River and the ocean, the village is home to historic riverfront shops where everything from fine art to precious gems are sold, and historic mansions that stand like sentinels along the windswept ocean shores.

On the other hand, say the word Maine and people usually think of fine restaurants and mouth-watering, fresh lobster. Strangely, neither Kennebunkport nor Maine conjure up visions of lovely beaches, despite the fact that  the village is home to a wide arc of talcum powder sand that forms Gooch’s Beach and Mother’s Beach.

Even on a blustery fall day, people stroll along the wide crescent that is home to Gooch's and Mother's Beaches, here seen from the jetty on the north side of the Kennebunk River

Gooch’s, at 3,346 feet long, is the main beach. During the summer months it attracts beachcombers, sun worshipers, swimmers, and skim boarders. It is also the favorite haunt of surfers because most days the waves are big enough to ride.

Shops fill historic buildings along the waterfront, leading to the town's tiny harbor

To the north, the jetty at the mouth of the Kennebunk River is a perfect place to watch luxurious yachts sail in and out of the town’s tiny harbor, while at the southern end of the crescent, Mother’s Beach is tucked into a sheltered cove. With a playground right on the beach and gentle waves, Mother’s is a favorite of families with small children.

Both Gooch’s and Mother’s Beaches have lifeguards from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day from July through Labor Day. A permit is required to park at the beach and can be obtained at the Chamber of Commerce or through local merchants. Better yet, just hop on the town trolley and ask to be taken to the beach

Maine, and especially the Kennebunkport area, is great for lobster and shopping and spotting celebrities, but its beaches should not be overlooked, because they rank among some of the finest in the country.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Weibel

by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut

Nokomis Beach on Casey Key from the top of the boardwalk that crosses the dunes

One of the pleasures of roaming around Florida’s Gulf Coast is discovering smaller, lesser-known beaches scattered throughout the region. Since the recent Florida cold snap had chilled me to the bone I was badly in need of sunshine, so this past Sunday I went in search of another such jewel. On previous excursions I had checked out the beach in the very popular winter haven of Venice, but this time I turned off of US Route 41 onto Albee Road at the tiny community of Nokomis, located just north of Venice. To my surprise, the road led me across a drawbridge and to the center of Casey Key, ending at the entrance to Nokomis Beach.

Upon pulling into the oceanfront parking lot, I was delighted to find that unlike the Tampa area, which has pricey metered parking at most beach accesses, this parking lot was free.

Colorful umbrellas poke from the khaki-colored sand

Mom and daughter swing in the playground at North Jetty Park

From the top of the boardwalk I surveyed the beach. It was wide and clean, backed by residences and the occasional mom and pop motel. Because there are no high-rise condos or hotels on Casey Key it tends to be a less crowded beach. Khaki-colored sand, aquamarine water, and riotous beach umbrellas created a colorful scene as I walked along the shore, stopping occasionally to examine shells tossed on the sand. Stopping to chat with the lifeguards, I learned that Casey Key is also home to a North Jetty Beach, located on the southern tip of the island where the Intracoastal Waterway divides the island from Venice. Never one to leave before thoroughly investigating an area, I hopped in the car for the mile or so drive to the jetty.

Skim boarders try their hand in the gently lapping waves

Immediately upon arriving, I was intrigued. Scattered around the wide grassy expanse separating the parking lot from the beach were picnic tables, barbecue grills, shelters and a large playground. On the other side of the dune, twin fingers of a long rock jetty reached into the Gulf, pointing the way to the Intracoastal entrance. Saliboats and speedboats motored between the rocky arms, alert for manatees bound for warmer inland waters. From atop the jetty fishermen cast lines, hoping to snag one of the giant Mullet that swam by, haughtily ignoring the dangling smorgasbord. On the near side of the jetty a breathtaking turquoise crescent glistened tranquilly in its protected cove. Children waded in the shallow water as parents dug through shells heaped at the base of the rocks. Where the shoreline straightened out, skim boarders tried their hand. Further back, older residents unfolded lawn chairs and plunked down ice chests under the Australian Pines, all set for a day of people and yacht watching.

Fishermen cast from atop the jetty, while families congregate in the sheltered cove, with its calm, shallow water

Woman digs through mounds of shells that have been deposited at the base of the jetty rocks

All in all, this is one of the most pleasant beaches I have ever been to. There was so much to see and do and the beach and facilites were well maintained and idyllic. My only complaint – if forced to come up with one – would be the lack of restaurants in the area. But given the choice of a noisy, crowded beach with lots of restaurants and bars, and a pristine, quieter beach with fewer facilities, I’ll always opt for the latter. And in this case, if I get hungry, there are dozens of restaurants just ten minutes away in Venice. Visitors looking for a true “Old Florida” laid back experience will prefer lodgings in Nokomis, while Venice tends toward more upscale accommodation choices.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Weibel

by Barbara Ann Weibel of Hole In The Donut

Just north and west of Lisbon is Cascais, Portugal, long a playground for the rich and famous. Built on a slight hill, the streets leading down to the town square and beach are paved with chunks of white marble that have been laboriously hand-placed to create a relatively flat road surface. Over the years, thousands of cars and pedestrians have polished the marble to a high sheen that reflects the colors of the houses lining these narrow curvy streets, hugging each other like one big, happy family.

Huge purple, lavender and peach blooming Bougainvillas overhang fences and balconies and provide some little privacy between the structures. Everything is sun-splashed and the quality of the light here gives the impression of row after row of whitewashed houses with red tile roofs, although many are painted in a palette of pastel hues.

Cascais' Town Plaza overlooks Ribeira Beach

At the foot of town lies tiny Ribeira Beach, tucked between the main square and the Atlantic Ocean and lined on both sides by regal old mansions owned by the Portuguese aristocracy who have been coming to Cascais for summer vacations since its inception. More commonly known as pescaderos (fisherman’s) beach, Ribeira is not considered good for swimming, as it fronts the harbor that is still actively used by fishermen. It is, however, a wonderful place to lie in the sun and watch people.

The view from the town's working fisherman's pier shows the small size of Ribeira Beach

From the central square, walk southeast along the high rocky cliffs upon which multi-million dollar mansions perch to Rainha Beach, a minuscule pocket of sand snugged into a notch in the rocky cliffs that is just large enough for a dozen or so beach umbrellas.

Adorable little Rainha Beach is sheltered from the breeze and has crystal clear waters

The most popular of the three, Conceicao Beach attracts crowds of beach-goers each weekend and during the summer vacation months

Still further down the coastline is Conceicao Beach, a much wider strip of golden sand with an elevated boardwalk running the length of the beach. Conceicao is by far the most popular of Casacais’ beaches, as it provides restrooms, changing facilities, equipment rentals, and beach activities such as volleyball and parasailing. Numerous shops and restaurants line the boardwalk, making it the perfect place to spend a day lying in the sun, eating, and people watching.

Not only is Cascais home to some of Portugal’s best beaches, it is the perfect location for anyone seeking  days full of sun and nights full of entertainment. Just a few miles down the road the famous Estoril casino beckons, and Lisbon, which is an easy 30 minute train ride away, is home to world class museums, entertainment, and shopping.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Weibel

by Barbara Ann Weibel of Hole In The Donut

Historical photo of Wiblur Wright achieving motorized flight

The Town of Kitty Hawk has been the home to a number of unique facilities. One of seven original Lifesaving Stations on the Outer Banks was constructed on a beach opposite Kitty Hawk in 1874 and the US Weather Bureau located there in 1875-1904. But the village’s real notoriety is drawn from the successful flights made by Orville and Wilbur Wright in a heavier-than-air machine in 1903. Visitors are often intrigued by the fact that the world knows the site of the Wright Brothers flights to be Kitty Hawk, yet the National Monument commemorating the site of their flight is in the Town of Kill Devil Hills. To long time residents this is no mystery. When the Wright Brothers conducted their experiments, Kitty Hawk was the only incorporated town and the site of the only Post Office on the Outer Banks, from which the famous telegraph announcing the successful flight was sent.

A series of wooden walkways lead over the dunes leading to Kitty Hawk beaches

Today, Kitty Hawk is best known for its beaches – mile after mile of unspoiled shoreline where you can enjoy surfing, body boarding, bird-watching, para-sailing, kite surfing, and fishing in some of the best angling waters in the world. Or, just spread out a blanket, lie down, and close your eyes. Enjoy the sounds of the ocean waves crashing against the shore and the seagulls squawking as you soak up the sun on your personal patch of this sandy paradise.

The town provides 12 ocean beach accesses, two of which have bath houses with restrooms and changing rooms. Permanent lifeguard stands are provided from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend at three of the beach accesses, while roving lifeguards on ATV’s keep an eye on the rest of beach. Complete information about parking, beach campfires, driving on the beach, and other beach rules and regulations is available on the website for the Town of Kitty Hawk.

Walk over the dunes to gain access to mile after mile of unsopiled beaches fronting crystal clear Atlantic waters

The Outer Banks is one of the most popular vacation destinations on the Eastern Seaboard, not only for its beaches, but also because it offers great shopping, restaurants, attractions, family-based activities, and a wide range of accommodations to fit every budget.

Photos not otherwise credited courtesy of Barbara Weibel

by Barbara Ann Weibel of Hole In The Donut

Grab a chaise lounge and prepare to relax in the shade or bake in the sun

If the packed public beaches of Jamaica are not your style, then Rose Hall Beach Club will give you a relatively secluded option. Billed as one of the top four beaches in Montego Bay, Rose Hall is located a bit off the beaten path but the amenities are worth the trouble to get to there. The white-sand beaches and crystal waters are as good as any on the island, and beach-goers have access to a restaurant, two bars, a covered pavilion, and a variety of rental equipment and activities. Whether you want to sunbathe, snorkel, sail a catamaran, wind surf, or join in a beach-volleyball match, Rose Hall ensures that the crowds won’t spoil your beach experience.

A short distance from the beach, the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course offers challenging play and spectacular scenery

Rose Hall is also located next to the exquisite Cinnamon Hill Golf Course, where rolling fairways parallel the Caribbean, offering challenging shots as well as stunning scenery. In the evening, the Rose Hall Resort lights giant bonfires on the beach and coordinates a variety of entertainment, including limbo competitions and treasure hunts. Rose Hall Beach Club is located on the northwest coast of Jamaica, 11 miles east of Montego Bay.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Weibel

by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut

Magens Bay on the island of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Island has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the most stunning beaches in the world. Although located on the northern side of the island, a narrow arm of land protects the bay from the Atlantic’s rough waters. Deep within this wide sheltered bay, Magen’s white sand beach stretches for nearly a mile. With its clear water, soft sand, and palm trees, the beach is the island’s most popular destination.

Looking down at Magens Bay from Mountain Top, Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

This lovely beach offers something for everyone. While there is plenty of beach for sunbathing, there are also plenty of shaded areas under the trees. Families with young children especially love this beach for its gently sloping bottom, shallow water, and year-round life guard service. Coral reefs scattered along the rock formations on the northern and southern end of the beach provide snorkelers the opportunity to see conch, sea turtles, grouper, snapper, sharks, barracudas, parrot fish, doctor fish, surgeon fish and other marine species such as humpback whales and dolphins.

Behind Magens’ shimmering strip of sand is a restaurant and beach bar that is famous for its tropical drinks. In addition to food and drink, the local family that operates the facility also offers rentals of sail boats, sail boards, chaise lounges, masks, fins and snorkels. Showers, changing rooms, and restrooms, and camping sites area also available on site.

Whether vacationing on St. Thomas or day tripping from a cruise ship, Magens Bay is an absolute must see.