Mount Desert Island, located off the rugged coast of Maine, is home to some of the most picturesque natural landscapes in the United States. Best known for Acadia National Park, the island offers visitors a mix of rocky cliffs, quiet forests, and, surprisingly, a few stunning sandy beaches. If you are looking for a day in the sun with some sand between your toes on your visit to Acadia, you’re in luck. Mount Desert Island has three beaches to relax and enjoy the summer read you’ve been putting off. Sand Beach, Echo Lake Beach, and Seal Harbor Public Beach are all relatively close to Bar Harbor and are the best beaches to visit in the area. Each provides a unique experience, making them must-visit destinations in between your outdoor adventures, whether it’s hiking along Park Loop Road or paddling the Porcupine Islands or in Somes Sound.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey to all three beaches, detailing what makes each special and how to best enjoy your time at these coastal treasures.

Sand Beach: Acadia’s Iconic Shoreline

Sand Beach on a foggy morning during a recent visit in May 2025. It may not always be warm, but it is always beautiful.

What to Expect at Sand Beach

Although it is a great place to visit in summer, the waters at Sand Beach are rarely warm, even in the height of July and August. The ocean temperature hovers in the 50s (°F), thanks to the cold currents of the North Atlantic. Still, many brave swimmers enjoy a quick dip in the cold water, followed by sunbathing on the sand or picnicking with a view of the ocean. If you have a young family with children who like to play in the water, Beehive Lagoon is located behind the beach and has much warmer water. I have taken my kids here several times, and the lagoon has proven to be a great place to get some splash time.

The beach is flanked by the iconic Great Head Trail on the eastern end, offering a moderately challenging hike with panoramic views of the coastline and nearby islands. Bring your hiking shoes for a little side trip that you can start right from the beach. To the west is Beehive Mountain, another favorite hiking destination with its iron rung trail system and dramatic vistas. Sand Beach is also close to other park highlights such as Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff.

Accessibility and Parking

Because it is part of Acadia National Park, you will need a park entrance pass to visit. Sand Beach features a large parking area, though it fills quickly during peak summer months. Arriving early or using the free Island Explorer shuttle from downtown Bar Harbor can save time and stress. Facilities include public restrooms and changing rooms, but no food services—so plan to pack in whatever you’ll need. And watch out for the seagulls that soar behind beachgoers on the prevailing wind, swooping down to steal entire sandwiches right from the hands of unsuspecting picnickers. I’ve seen it happen.

Why Visit?

If you’re seeking a classic Acadia National Park experience, Sand Beach is it. The blend of natural beauty, hiking access, and photogenic views makes this beach an essential stop on your Mount Desert Island itinerary.

Echo Lake Beach: Freshwater Relaxation on the Quiet Side

Echo Lake Beach provides warmer, shallow water for young families

Echo Lake's Unique Charm

Unlike the frigid ocean water at Sand Beach, Echo Lake’s water temperature is warmer and more inviting, particularly in July and August. The beach is relatively shallow, making it ideal for children and casual swimmers. Its backdrop of cliffs and forested hills gives it a secluded feel while still offering all the essentials for a comfortable day out. Also unlike the natural existence of Sand Beach, the sand at Echo Lake is brought in by truck.

One of the highlights near the beach is Beech Mountain, which features several hiking trails, including a family-friendly loop with an old fire tower at the summit. The mountain provides breathtaking views of the lake below and the surrounding terrain.

Parking and Amenities

Echo Lake Beach has a small parking lot, smaller than Sand Beach, so early arrival is also recommended here. Amenities are limited but adequate: public restrooms are available, and the picnic area is shaded by trees for those looking to escape the sun. An Acadia park pass is also required to swim at Echo Lake.

For those staying in downtown Bar Harbor, it’s about a 30–40 minute drive to Echo Lake Beach, but the journey itself is scenic and rewarding, especially if you take time to explore the Quiet Side's villages and shops along the way.

Why Visit?

Echo Lake Beach offers a peaceful, freshwater alternative to Acadia’s coastal spots. It’s particularly popular with young families and those looking to swim without the shock of icy Atlantic waters.

Seal Harbor Public Beach: A Local Favorite

Off the radar of most visitors to Acadia, Seal Harbor Public Beach lets you enjoy the quieter side of Mount Desert Island.

Features of Seal Harbor Beach

The beach itself is modest in size but offers soft sand and calm surf, ideal for relaxing walks or quiet contemplation. During low tide, tidal pools emerge, offering opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Though the waters are similar in temperature to those at Sand Beach, the shallower shoreline and gentler waves make for a slightly more comfortable experience. Visitors often enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding here, with easy water access from the shore.

Parking and Access

Seal Harbor Public Beach has limited parking area options, typically along the roadside. There are no formal facilities like restrooms or food vendors, reinforcing its local, low-key vibe. It’s advisable to come prepared and to treat the space with care, as its natural setting is one of its biggest assets.

From downtown Bar Harbor, Seal Harbor is just a 15–20 minute drive. The route is scenic and includes portions of the Park Loop Road, allowing you to combine your beach visit with stops at other iconic Acadia landmarks like Jordan Pond or the Wild Gardens of Acadia.

Why Visit?

If you’re searching for a peaceful alternative to the more crowded beaches or simply want to mingle with Mount Desert Island locals, Seal Harbor Public Beach is a perfect choice. And because it's close to the quaint town of Seal Harbor, you can stop at The Lighthouse Restaurant for a lobster roll or a bowl of seafood chowder, avoiding the large crowds typically seen in Bar Harbor.

Tips for Visiting All Three Beaches

• Arrive Early: Parking fills up quickly at all three beaches, especially during July and August.
• Use the Island Explorer Shuttle: This free bus service makes stops throughout Acadia National Park and downtown Bar Harbor, helping you avoid parking hassles.
• Respect the Environment: These beaches are part of a delicate ecosystem. Always follow Leave No Trace principles, especially when visiting lesser-maintained areas like Seal Harbor.
• Pack Smart: Bring water, snacks, sun protection, and extra layers—Maine’s coastal weather can change quickly.
• Combine with Hiking: Each beach is near at least one great trail. Sand Beach connects to Great Head and Beehive; Echo Lake is near Beech Mountain; and Seal Harbor is close to carriage roads and forest trails.

While Maine may not be the first place that comes to mind for a beach vacation, Mount Desert Island offers some of the most beautiful and diverse beach experiences on the East Coast. From the iconic oceanfront at Sand Beach, to the family-friendly freshwater of Echo Lake Beach, to the quiet elegance of Seal Harbor Public Beach, there’s a spot for every type of beachgoer.

Add in the stunning surroundings of Acadia National Park, the convenience of Park Loop Road, and the charm of downtown Bar Harbor, and you have all the ingredients for a truly unforgettable coastal getaway. So grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic, and discover why these three beaches are among the best-kept secrets of New England.

Whenever I travel, one of my favorite rituals is to find a restaurant or bar that serves the local brew on tap. If I can find a taproom where the beer is crafted on the premises - even better. Where I live on Cape Cod, there has been an explosion of craft breweries over the past decade. Cape Codders are swimming in microbrew, and visitors can now stop at a different taproom each day during a typical week-long vacation to explore the local offerings. No matter where you are staying on Cape Cod, there is a pint of local craft brew waiting for you on the counter.

Bad Martha Farmer's Brewery - East Falmouth

Beer Bacon Pizza at Bad Martha Farmer's Brewery. Its bacon, marinated in beer. What's not to like?

Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery is one of Cape Cod’s newest brew houses, opening in 2019. Located only minutes from where I live, I watched it’s construction from the ground up and eagerly awaited its opening. It did not disappoint. The location and atmosphere are one of the best on Cape Cod. With a post and beam construction and fresh brew served in mason jars, you’ll be momentarily transported from the beach to what feels like a cozy mountainside resort. But make no mistake - Bad Martha’s roots travel all the way across Vineyard Sound to the island where the first batch of craft ale was brewed.

Bad Martha also has outdoor seating with live entertainment, and when the temperature drops low enough, overhead heaters kick on to keep you comfortable. This venue also serves wood-fired pizza and a variety of sandwiches and apps, so feel free to come hungry.

This is a place where you won't mind hanging for a while. Cornhole boards and camp games are available to keep your group busy - and thirsty.

Aquatic Brewing Company - Falmouth

Aquatic Brewing may not be the sleekest brewery on Cape Cod. There are no ocean views, no mood lighting, and the atmosphere is a bit on the "warehouse-industrial" side, but the beer is first-rate. With about a dozen beers on draft at any one time, you're sure to find something that suits your tastebuds. I enjoyed their Defendable Draft, an American Pale Ale (6% ABV) during our visit. My wife, Amy, who does not self-identify as a beer drinker, was able to find and enjoy the Hibiscus Shrewd (5.2% ABV), a Saison-style beer.

Aquatic Brewing does not have a kitchen, but they do have a regular food truck rotation. You can also pack in your own food or order from a nearby restaurant. If ordering locally, here are a couple of suggestions:

• Steve's Pizzeria: Classic pizza joint with takeout pies and subs.
• DJ's Wings: You guessed it. It's wings on the menu, along with subs, nachos, salads, and burgers. Basically, all the stuff you would want while drinking beer.

Overall, this is a great place to come for an afternoon and try a few local beers, maybe as a warm-up prior to heading out to dinner. 

Aquatic Brewing also offers online ordering of their beers in 16-ounce cans, Growlers and Crowlers. Pick up your supply at the brewery, or have it delivered to the beach house for some high-quality brew during your vacation.

Naukabout - Mashpee

Naukabout has been an established brewing company for some time now. Located in Mashpee, the location is set amidst the trees for a secluded and intimate setting. The taproom itself is rather small, but Naukabout has created an outdoor beer garden consisting of four separate patios to allow guests to enjoy the outdoor space, which is where you will probably want to be during the warmer months of the year.

Naukabout serves a light bar menu including chili nachos, hot dogs, bar pizzas, and a few other items to keep your hunger at bay. They also host a rotation of food trucks during the busier months that are always on-site and ready to provide you with entree-sized dishes and heavy appetizers, so you do not need to find a different restaurant beforehand if you’re game for a casual meal.

The beer at Naukabout is locally made and the offerings include multiple IPA-style beers (IPA, New England IPA, Hazy IPA) that craft beer aficionados have come to enjoy. However, a few creative brews cycle through the taproom, such as their Pina Colada Milkshake IPA, or their Cape Creamsicle Milkshake IPA. On my most recent visit, I tried the Tides Voyage 70 (NE IPA), Cape Kettle Hole (Sour), and Y'all Open (NE IPA). All were very good. If you are not a fan of IPA beers, there are quite a few other options and even the IPAs range from a low of 12 IBUs (mild) to a hop beatdown of 70 IBUs. Hard seltzer and house-made, non-alcoholic root beer is also available.

At Naukabout, you can enjoy pours of 10 ounces or a half-pour of 5 ounces. The smaller pour is a great feature if you want to try multiple beers without getting tanked. My initial review of Naukabout was a bit lukewarm when I first wrote this article. My biggest complaint was the sky-high pricing. Since then, however, their prices have come back to earth, which somehow makes the beer taste better. Naukabout has also recently done a great job with providing entertainment, featuring live bands on the weekends (maybe even more frequent during summer), comedy nights, and even beer pong tournaments. With these changes, I can see myself coming here a lot more often. 

Treehouse Brewing Company - Sandwich

The Cape Cod brewery scene had a welcome addition with Treehouse Brewing Company.

A newcomer to the Cape Cod brewery scene for the summer of 2022 is Treehouse Brewing Company. Although well established elsewhere in Massachusetts, Treehouse opened its doors in Sandwich in the Fall of 2021 to much anticipation and excitement. The brews crafted by Treehouse have an almost fanatical following, almost on the order of Heady Topper by Vermont’s Alchemist Beer Company.

But with extreme popularity come some pretty extreme restrictions. You cannot simply decide on a whim to head on over for a draft. Much like a restaurant, reservations need to be made. Unlike a restaurant, you pay for your order ahead of time, online. Visitors can purchase either two or three drafts within a three-hour window. Reservations open up 2.5 hours prior to the start of the window, either 12-3 pm or 3-6 pm.

I thought that it wouldn’t be worth it. Making reservations to have a couple of beers? Purchasing ahead of time? I thought that Treehouse might be a little too drunk off of its own supply. I like beer just as much as the next guy, but I thought, “No beer is that good.” I was wrong.

First, before even taking the first sip, the location is outstanding. Situated on the ocean at the entrance to the Cape Cod Canal, the view is amazing and makes for a great beer-drinking session. Seating is ample due to the limited number of reservations and service is quick because everyone has already paid in advance. Inside is a crisp, whitewashed atmosphere with low background music, so guests do not need to yell at each other to have a conversation. There are also no sports games playing on wall-mounted televisions, keeping the noise in the taproom to a minimum.

The beers are truly delicious and there is generally something for everyone. My wife, who is not a beer drinker, found two brews that she genuinely enjoyed. There are about 14 brews on draft at a time, with pours ranging from 10-16 ounces based on alcohol content, which can get up to 8.8% for some of the heartier beers.

Arrive on the earlier side of your session window in order to enjoy the scenery as well as the beer. While not a full service restaurant, Treehouse does have snacks and deli sandwiches that can be ordered on site, or you are welcome to bring your own.

Breweries and bars are not known for being family friendly venues, but it is worth noting that during our visit, we saw several families with small children from newborn up to pre-teen here at Treehouse. Again, the atmosphere is relatively quiet and decidedly chill for a drinking establishment, so you can get away with bringing the kids along with some of their favorite snacks while you enjoy the afternoon.

Pro Tip: After enjoying a couple of beers at Treehouse Brewing Company, head on over to Off the Grid, where you can get the best burgers in Sandwich. This now permanent and year-round eatery started as a Caribbean food bus. The bus is still there, but now features an outdoor bar around it. There is excellent outdoor seating in the summer, and indoor seating in the “gallery,” which feels like someone’s living room. In addition to burgers, Off the Grid has barbecue sandwiches, ribs, Ramen Bowls, and a Mexican taco stand. Highly recommended!

Cape Cod Beer - Hyannis

Of all the existing brew houses on Cape Cod, this is the original. Even so, it’s history only dates back to 2004 when owners Todd and Beth Marcus began brewing, selling, and delivering beer to local restaurants and package stores. Today, the brand has expanded wildly on Cape Cod and you will likely find it on the menus of many restaurants during your vacation. However, despite its earned popularity, you probably won’t find it once you leave Cape Cod, and that is by design. As part of their philosophy of environmental stewardship, Todd and Beth are determined to keep the business local, independently distributing their liquid bread only 50 miles from the brewery.

Cape Cod Beer has a large selection of beers to sample during your visit and has an outdoor beer garden where you can enjoy your tastings. One of my favorite features about Cape Cod Beer is the variety of brew that is offered. While many breweries have focused on creating seven different styles of IPA, Cape Cod Beer has a complete selection of brew styles including classic ales and lagers, porter, stout, fruity mashups, cream ales, Belgian wheat, and yes - IPA is always available. The beer rotation is vast, and your palate will be pleased no matter what style of brew is your favorite. They also usually have a cider on tap for those who don’t like beer.

Food selections usually come from a rotating selection of food trucks, or you are welcome to browse their notebook of local restaurants and have food delivered.

Barnstable Brewing Company - Hyannis

A flight of beers at Barnstable Brewing is a meal on its own. Specializing in full-bodied, opaque creations that speak to the adventurous beer drinker, you’re sure to leave here with a greater appreciation for what is possible in the brewing arts. On tap are offerings like its “Rizzy” Russian Imperial Stout, Coffee Vanilla Milkshake IPA, cranberry German wheat, and “Sweet Night for S’mores” Stout. But if you like the traditional brew, Barnstable Brewing also has that, too. American Pale Ale, IPA, fruit-infused beers, and a traditional light lager are available for those that just want to sit and enjoy something a bit less risky.

Devil's Purse Brewing Company - Dennis

Another stop on the brew trail includes Devil’s Purse Brewing Company in South Dennis. This brewery is located in an industrial location and does not offer food to go along with their brews, so it’s more of a quick stop than a lunch or dinner outing with friends.

The beers on tap are European inspired and range from light German Kölsch to hoppy India Pale Ale. They do not have flights available, but they do have half-pours at reasonable prices for those that want to sample several beers in a session.

Another interesting note is that Devil’s Purse is located adjacent to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, making this a great stop on your bike ride along the 25-mile paved bikeway. If you want to enjoy a pair of Cape Cod breweries by bike, click HERE to read the article.

Hog Island Beer Company - Orleans

The courtyard at Hog Island Beer Company makes an inviting hangout after a bike ride on the Cape Cod Rail Trail

Further down Cape Cod in Orleans, Hog Island Beer Company produces some tasty brew along with a few pub favorites like pizza and lobster rolls. The site is also hosting a raw bar with Wellfleet oysters. Hog Island has all of the classic IPA, APA, and pils selections. Their location, spilling distance from the Cape Cod Rail Trail, features a large courtyard with umbrella-topped picnic tables. This is a nice hangout after a ride on the bikeway or as you are driving back from the Cape Cod National Seashore beaches.

Hog Island Beer Company is co-located with the Jailhouse Tavern, their full-service restaurant with a few more options on the menu.

Usually, Hog Island offers games like cornhole and lawn Jenga, but due to COVID-19 precautions in 2020, those activities are off the table for a while.

​

Provincetown Brewing Company - Provincetown

At the end of Cape Cod lies Provincetown, a town like no other on Cape Cod, or maybe anywhere else. P-Town, as it's called locally, is known for the LBGT community that resides and vacations there, and is home to Provincetown Brewing Company, which produces several in-house brewed craft beers and hard seltzers. Amy and I had the chance to visit this past fall (2024) during our annual excursion to P-Town. What we found was a legit craft brewery with a great rustic, semi-industrial atmosphere.

The beers on draft are typical of any other microbrewery. IPA, APA, fruited sours, and a pils for those who don't want the hop beatdown or are day drinking. The brewery and its beers reflect the values of the town. With brew names like The Bearded Mistress IPA, Double Rainbow IPA, and Asphalt Glitter, you can be sure that the brewery's mission of #draftivism is in full support of the LBGT community. But that doesn't mean you aren't welcome, no matter your orientation. Nobody gives a shit. Just enjoy the beer. It's delicious. 

Breweries on Cape Cod: Map

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SCUBA Diving

While SCUBA diving is mostly reserved for those who have been previously certified, some SCUBA outfitters offer a “dive in a day” course that will allow you to learn some basic skills in the morning, then dive on the reef in the afternoon with supervision from a certified instructor.

On a recent trip to Key West, we signed up for this experience offered by Southpoint Divers and loved it. I have been certified as an open water diver in the past, but it has been a while and Amy has never been, so for her, this was a good introduction to SCUBA, and for me, it was a good refresher. I had never been diving on a reef in tropical water before, so the experience was amazing. We saw a number of colorful, tropical fish, barracuda, and plenty of corals and sea sponges. We did not see any sea turtles, which was a bummer, but maybe next time.

If you want to explore the underwater world beyond a snorkeling excursion, then I highly recommend this experience.

Snorkeling

These excursions take place from a boat to access the reef. Some are pretty large catamarans with live music, food, and beverages for the duration of the trip. Participants snorkel at their leisure with provided equipment including a mask, snorkel, fins, and buoyancy vest that can be inflated with air to float on the surface.

These trips make great water adventures for families. They are more affordable than SCUBA excursions and can be enjoyed by younger participants.

A couple of recommended snorkeling excursions include the Key West Afternoon Snorkel With Live Music and Cocktails, and the Key West Snorkeling With Breakfast and Unlimited Mimosas.

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Jet Ski Tour

Along the way, you may ride through an old Navy submarine base, pass Mallory Square, and ride alongside one of the docked cruise ships. You will also stop for a bit at a shallow sandbar where you can jump off and swim for a bit. This may be the only time on Key West where you can feel real, soft sand under your feet.

The jet skis can comfortably seat two adults and there are points along the way where you can stop and switch out drivers. If you want to save more than a bit of cash, ride two to a jet ski. This is what Amy and I did while on this tour and it was fine. Being on the back of the jet ski allowed me to look around more and get some GoPro footage. See the YouTube video linked on this page for more info on this tour.

The jet ski tour that we did while on Key West is linked here. The skis were nice and in good repair. The tour was two hours.

Paddling

Paddling is always one of our favorite water activities when we travel to new locations. It allows us to experience the marine environment at a more serene pace, without the drone of engines. And with the water around Key West being crystal clear, paddlers get to see quite a bit of marine life while out and about.

You could rent paddleboards or kayaks and go on your own, but a guided tour will likely take you to some cool mangroves or other sites that you would not otherwise find. We went with Lazy Dog Adventures for a paddling excursion. They offer a popular Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour through calm water that is suitable for all ability levels.

Sunset Cruise

This popular Key West water activity requires no athletic ability and you do not even get wet. It’s pure relaxation and fun. There are almost countless providers of sunset cruises on Key West, and they are not all the same. Who you choose to sail with will depend on the vibe you want to guide you into the evening. Amy and I were looking for a fairly chill sailing: quiet, a few drinks, but mostly a relaxing environment with some elbow room on deck. If this is what you are seeking, then go with a schooner sailing. We went with Schooner Appledore, a representation of an 1890s Chesapeake Bay oyster dragger. The Star is small compared to some of the sunset cruisers that you will see, but they only book 22 guests, allowing plenty of breathing room on deck. Most passengers were in their Middle Ages, like us, and just wanted to catch a great sunset and chill for the evening (well, at least before heading back into Old Town). For more information about this cruise, see the YouTube video linked on this page.

But if you want a party at sea, then that’s also available. Cruises with live music and dancing on the deck are also on the menu. One popular option is Fury Cruises, who operate a 65-foot catamaran with live music, appetizers, and bar drinks. If you’re looking to grab that special someone by the hand and lead them onto the dance floor (deck), then this may be your cruise.

Sunsets are incredible on Key West. You really need to take in a few of them while on-island. I would recommend at least one from land at Mallory Square during the nightly Sunset Celebration, and one from sea during a sunset cruise. You won’t regret it.

Sandbar Excursions

Like the sunset cruise, there are a few ways to enjoy this particular excursion based on your preferences.

If you like to mix your lounging around with some physical activity, then you might enjoy the Ultimate Key West Kayak Eco-Tour: Mangrove and Sandbar Adventure. On this half-day adventure, you will have access to kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear and explore some of the calm, backwater mangroves along with kicking back with a few included drinks on the sandbar. Lunch and drinks are included.

Smaller crowds are a big draw for some, so hopping aboard a schooner limited to 20 guests sounds like a great way to enjoy the Key West Full-Day Ocean Adventure: Kayak, Snorkel, Sail. Kayaks and snorkel gear, along with beer, wine, and lunch are included. After paddling a bit, you might enjoy floating lazily alongside the boat on a couple of pool noodles, beer in hand.

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Ocean’s Edge Resort & Marina is an incredible place to stay while visiting Key West, Florida. During a recent four-night stay, we were able to experience luxurious accommodations including a spacious room, the on-site full-service restaurant and bar, live music, beautiful pool areas, complimentary bike and paddle board rentals, and killer sunsets. The hotel has a concierge desk to help with last-minute planning and activity suggestions, and we found the hotel to have friendly staff eager to answer any questions. If you are planning a Key West vacation, then you should seriously consider Ocean’s Edge. Let’s dig into it.

Ocean’s Edge Key West Hotel on Stock Island

Ocean’s Edge is located on Stock Island, and while technically it is not on Key West, it’s pretty close. It’s a six-mile drive or bike ride from the resort to Mallory Square in Old Town and takes about twenty-five minutes. Ocean’s Edge runs a shuttle in and out of Old Town every hour until 11:00 pm, so you you will have easy access to all of the major attractions in Key West and won’t have to worry about driving or parking. 

One of the first things that we noticed right away about Ocean’s Edge is the relaxed atmosphere. Key West is a non-stop party, and that’s great. It’s probably what you’re looking for and it’s a lot of fun. That being said, you’ll want to have some chill-out time on vacation where you can relax by a quiet pool or sit out on your ocean-view balcony with a drink. This is where Ocean’s Edge excels. 

Although the resort was near full capacity, it never really felt crowded. Much of that can be attributed to its design. While most resorts have a central pool area that draws large numbers of hotel guests to a concentrated area, Ocean’s Edge has six, smaller pools that spread guests out over a wider area. The pool decks are beautiful, with plenty of lounge chairs, umbrellas, lounging pods, and sky chairs. We never had any issues with finding a place to hang out. 

Ocean's Edge is near Key West International Airport along the flight path. We did see several commercial jets on final approach into the airport, but it wasn't a big deal. They were relatively silent as they glided into the runway and I would not consider them a significant deterrent when making a decision on where to stay. 

Accommodations

We booked our stay using the American Express travel service. Because we used the AmEx Platinum credit card, we were eligible for a complimentary room upgrade, which was nice to have. The suite included a living room with a couch and television in addition to the bedroom, along with an ocean view balcony. While it was a welcome upgrade, I wouldn’t pay extra for it. The standard rooms are big enough and include a balcony or outdoor patio for a little extra space. We also received a $100 experience credit from AmEx, which we used on breakfast, but eligible purchases could include the bar or any merchandise from the resort.

The resort offers daily housekeeping service, so you will return to a tidy bed and a re-stock of toiletries, towels, coffee, and bottled water when it’s time to relax.

The rooms have a small refrigerator for cold drinks and snacks and a Keurig machine for in-room coffee.

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Amenities

On-Site Dining

Ocean’s Edge features a full-service restaurant, Yellowfin Bar & Kitchen, that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has indoor and outdoor seating on the marina. During our stay, we ate dinner off-resort while out and about in Key West, but we ate breakfast there several times. The service was friendly and prompt, and the food was excellent. They also deliver to your room or poolside. 

If you just need a cup of coffee and a pastry or breakfast sandwich to go, then the Ocean’s Edge Cafe has you covered. They have all specialty coffees including Cuban coffee and cafè con leche. Grabbing a coffee and going for a walk along the marina is a great option for some quiet time in the morning. 

Pools

As I mentioned earlier, the layout of Ocean’s Edge contributes to its tranquility. You won’t have 150 people crowded around a central swimming pool space. Instead, the resort features six small pools spread out along the hotel & marina, each with ample lounge chairs and pods, towels, and ice water available. There are no kids' features at the pools. No splash pads and no water slides. Although it is not an adults-only resort, Ocean’s Edge does not go out of its way to accommodate young families. That can be good or bad, depending on where you are in life. 

Although there is no cabana bar on the pool deck, the Yellowfin Bar & Kitchen is only steps away. You can even order a Key Lime Pie Piña Colada and have it delivered to your chaise lounge. 

Fitness Room

I'm not going to lie, here. It’s not great. The fitness options are limited to a few cardio machines, Peloton bikes, and dumbbells within a small room. It could be better, but there are other ways to stay fit while on vacation, and not a big deal for us, even though we both work out regularly. After all, it’s vacation. 

Activities

The pool dock at Ocean's Edge Resort & Marina

One of the niceties at Ocean’s Edge is the availability of beach cruiser bikes that you can ride around Stock Island or even into Key West if you’re feeling ambitious. For water sports, there are stand-up paddle boards and kayak rentals that can be launched from the resort and paddled around the marina or to a nearby beach. I call it a beach, but there’s very little sand. It’s mostly coral, so if you decide to venture over there, be sure to take along a pair of water shoes or flip-flops so you can get out and walk around in the water a bit. You won’t be able to go far if you are barefooted. You will get two hours per day complimentary with your stay. After that, there is a charge, but two hours should be plenty. We took the stand-up paddleboards out before heading into town and were able to see some small nurse sharks zipping along in the shallow water. Nurse sharks are harmless, so no big deal. 

They also offer a few guided classes and tours including a paddle board fitness class, guided kayak eco-tour, and complimentary morning yoga.

Golf Cart & Scooter Rentals

The resort also offers golf cart rentals that you can take into Key West for the day. While we did not take advantage of this during our stay, there are a lot of people riding along in golf carts on the streets of Key West. It’s something that you may want to enjoy, but even though it’s a golf cart, you will still be using it on public roads with big, metal cars. So unless you are sure you have a designated driver, stick to the resort’s shuttle service. 

Additional Charges

Ocean's Edge does have a couple of fees that you won't see upon booking. They have a $50/night resort fee and a $27/night parking fee. I think that given the amenities, the resort fee is appropriate and in line with other major resorts in the area. The parking fee is a bit steep for self-parking in an open lot. If you'd like to save money, you can get away with not having a car in Key West. Uber, golf cart rentals, and the complimentary shuttle to downtown Key West should cover all of your transportation needs. 

Ocean’s Edge was an incredible place to stay while enjoying Key West. While doing your vacation planning, you will undoubtedly find countless opinions on where to stay. Many will advocate staying in Old Town, within walking distance to Duvall Street, Lazy Way, and all of the other nightlife activities. If you plan to close the bars down or stay after, say, 11:00 pm, then maybe that’s a good idea for you. But I’m glad that we stayed in a relatively low-key resort that was a bit tucked away from the action. The downtime was therapeutic, and we were able to enjoy all the sights of Old Town with a short and comfortable shuttle ride. I would definitely return to Ocean’s Edge. 

If you have any questions about staying at this property, feel free to post in the comments or send me an email directly at gregg@knockabout.blog

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Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida, is the area’s most laid-back theme park. You will not find any rides, slides, or characters roaming the grounds. There are no parades or fireworks. But there are also a few other things you won’t find at Discovery Cove either. Crowds, queues, and exhausted children melting down into little balls of frustration are also conspicuously absent. Instead, you will find tropical reefs, bottlenose dolphins, exotic birds, and sandy beaches. It’s not perfect, but this park keeps families entertained while allowing them the opportunity to recharge their batteries in a breathtaking tropical atmosphere during an otherwise fast-paced Orlando, Florida, family vacation. Let’s dig into some of the positives and negatives.

All-Inclusive Day Resort

Discovery Cove is closely associated with Seaworld, Orlando, and although both parks have the same ownership, they are completely separate. Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort and includes free parking, food and beverages, including some basic beer and wine. Your day starts off after check-in with an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. You already paid for it, so you will want to take advantage. I found the menu to be pretty decent with some egg dishes as well as eggs to order, along with the usual accompaniments including bacon, sausage, potatoes, waffles, oatmeal, bagels, etc. The quality of the food is good as long as you temper your expectations. It’s better than a complimentary hotel breakfast by far, but it’s not Sunday brunch, either. 

Lunch had a good selection of proteins including salmon, jerk chicken, and Jamaican Pepper Steak, various sides including actual vegetables, salad, and a section for short-order items. Again, the quality met expectations. 

There are also a few snack stations around the park that offer soft pretzels, chips, pizza, and soft drinks if you want to keep snacking throughout the day.

Now, for the alcohol. This was disappointing. Discovery Cove touts the fact that alcoholic beverages are included with admission. They do note that it is only beer and wine and that a premium upgrade package is available for an additional cost. However, the beer is limited to Bud Light, Yuengling, and a couple of other sad choices. Beer with flavor costs extra. Red and white wine is available, but it’s just not the type of environment that invites wine drinking. Spiked seltzer is an extra cost, as is any type of mixed drink. Given the high cost of admission, we did not get the alcohol upgrade for $45 and I would not recommend it, either. There’s a lot to do and you won’t want to stop and drink that much. If you desire a premium drink, just pay for the one or two you want. 

Discovery Cove is divided up into three sections: The Grand Reef, Dolphin Lagoon, and Serenity Bay. Each section has places to grab a snack or a drink as well as places to lounge around when not exploring. 

Grand Reef

This is where you can free swim with tropical fish, rays, and even a few small sharks. Water depth ranges from inches to a few holes of about 12 feet or so. But much of the Grand Reef is shallow, allowing younger kids to comfortably stand and get some time up close with the rays, some of which have a several-foot wingspan. Snorkel gear is included, but if your kiddo prefers a full-face snorkel mask, they are allowed so be sure to bring it along. 

There are plenty of rays that will swim past you as you stand or swim. Touching the rays is allowed. 

Dolphin Lagoon

We did not opt for the dolphin swim experience while at Discovery Cove, so I cannot really speak to the quality of the program. We have done this type of dolphin encounter in the past at other locations and although it’s a pretty neat experience, I do appreciate the ethical concerns around dolphin captivity. 

Serenity Bay

One of the best lazy rivers that I have experienced, Wind-Away River is a great place to float and hang out with family. The water is heated to 80-85 degrees in the winter months, making this tropical river an ideal location to warm up if the air is a bit chilly. Rather than use bulky, inflatable tubes, Wind-Away River has guests float on long, skinny floats similar to pool noodles, but with a bit more floatation. This keeps people from bumping into each other and is much more pleasant. 

Water depth is variable from only a foot or two leading to deeper water that is overhead in some spots, so keep an eye on your kiddos if they are weak swimmers. There are two waterfalls that you must pass under along the way and there is no way to avoid getting your head completely soaked. The reason is that the aviary is between the two waterfalls and the walls of water keep the birds from flying away. 

Adjacent to the lazy river is the Freshwater Oasis, a warm, shallow tropical paradise that includes white sand beaches, lounger chairs, and a bar. There’s also a shallow pool with built-in loungers in the water. We tried to stop and have a drink here, but our wetsuits were too buoyant and we were slipping out of the chairs. I’m sure in the summer it’s pretty great, though. 

Aviary

Located within the Serenity Bay section of the theme park is the aviary, housing a wide variety of tropical birds. Guests can feed the birds with small bowls of food, often attracting them to land on your hand. We found that the best technique is to stand with the bowl raised high and the smaller birds will fly over and land on the rim of the bowl. You can access the aviary by land or just after passing under the first waterfall in Wind-Away River. 

Complimentary Animal Encounters

While the most exciting animal encounters are add-ons at an extra cost, there are a few neat experiences included with your admission. 

• Conservation Kiosk is periodic throughout the day and features small animals such as armadillos, sloths, and exotic birds. A staff member handles the animal and guests are free to ask questions.
• Marmoset Island is located in the Freshwater Oasis and features marmoset feeding and handling at various times throughout the day. Be sure to check the park app for these enrichment sessions. We were not there during a scheduled session and there were no marmosets to be seen. 
• If you would like to see playful otters, then head over to the otter habitat in Freshwater Oasis. Again, it's best to look at the Discovery Cove app to figure out specific times of the enrichment sessions to ensure that you will see plenty of otters. However, with a bit of patience, we did see a few as they scrambled through the habitat on their own accord. But, most were hiding or sleeping out of sight.

Pricing and Value

At first glance, Discovery Cove seems way too expensive, especially compared to other Orlando theme parks. We visited in early January just after schools reopened from Christmas break. The base prices, without add-on experiences, were about as good as they were going to get at roughly $160 per person. However, the price calendar on their website goes as high as $449 per person during the spring break season in March. During summer, it splits the difference at around $250. Multiply that by a family of four and you get…What the $@#&!

However, there is some value to be had here. For an extra $50 per person, you can purchase the Day Resort Plus Two Parks option that grants one day at Discovery Cove plus unlimited access for 14 days to Sea World and Aquatica Water Park. 

Realistically, SeaWorld is a one-day park, as is Aquatica. That equates to $100 per day if we use the average price of $250 plus the $50 add-on fee. That's not too bad and could be a lot of fun if you are not planning on spending most of your vacation at Walt Disney World. 

It’s an expensive day no matter how you slice the pie, but if you are looking for a unique experience and about as relaxing a day as a theme park can deliver, then it may be enough to justify the cost. 

SeaVenture

One of the add-on experiences available at Discovery Cove is the underwater SeaVenture. During this underwater walking tour, you are fitted with a dive helmet that supplies air from the surface and a guide and safety divers lead you in small groups along an underwater path with marine life that includes thousands of tropical fish, rays, and some nurse sharks (these sharks, even though not a threat to humans, are behind a glass wall, so no worries). 

Along the underwater trail, be prepared to have fish peck at your legs. It tickles a bit, but you will get used to it easily. The final section of the tour is the fish-feeding frenzy, where you will be surrounded by tropical fish as they feed inches from your face. It’s pretty cool. 

SeaVenture was a completely immersive experience, and unanimously the highlight of our day at Discovery Cove. Even though the tour is an additional $49 per person, I do think that it’s worth the extra cost. 

Can or Should I Visit Discovery Cove in Colder Weather?

Our family visited Discovery Cove in January and the weather was not ideal. At about 55 degrees and mostly cloudy, it honestly could have been better. Discovery Cove does allow you to reschedule your visit without penalty, however, the weather wasn’t getting any better, so we rolled the dice and went. 

There are plenty of reviews on Trip Advisor saying that they had a great time with weather in the low to mid-50s. While I wished that it was warmer, I am still glad that we went. While it was too cold to just lay around in a lounger under an umbrella, we still stayed all day and were pretty busy the entire time. 

Wet suits are included with your admission. On chilly days, the full-length suits go quickly and we had to suffice with shorty wet suits, but I was glad to have them. While wetsuits keep you warm while in the water, they have the opposite effect when on land, so the short sleeves and legs were welcome as we walked around. 

The place to go and warm up on a colder day is Wind-Away River, which is heated to around 80 degrees. Here, you will warm up quickly. You can access the aviary from the lazy river, but if it’s cold, I suggest waiting until you are finished with water activities for the day, then change into dry clothes and access it from dry land. 

The Grand Reef, Dolphin Lagoon, and SeaVenture areas are maintained at 76 degrees, a bit cooler but still enjoyable when chilly outside. 

Another benefit to visiting on a chilly day is that the crowds are very thin. We had no competition while swimming with the rays, sharks, and hundreds of tropical fish in the Grand Reef. 

That being said, warmer is probably still better. Take advantage of the complimentary rescheduling option and go on the warmer of winter days if your plans allow. 

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Military service members and retirees will want to consider staying at Shades of Green Resort during their next family vacation to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. For many families, a trip to the House of Mouse is a costly adventure, but eligible military members have the option to stay at the Armed Forces Recreation Center Resort on Walt Disney World property for a fraction of the cost of a comparable Disney resort. Originally built as the Disney Golf Resort, it was sold to the DoD in 1996 as the first stateside military resort.

Does Shades of Green Feel Like a Military Installation?

Disney's Palm and Magnolia Golf Courses surround Shades of Green. Military members receive 15% discount to play.

Those considering Shades of Green for the first time invariably have one looming concern: Does it feel, look, or otherwise give off a military vibe? After all, it’s your vacation. Military families want to be free of the service hassles for a week, right? Good news. My family and I have stayed here on five different occasions and it’s about as casual as it gets. Besides a higher-than-average number of short haircuts walking around, you won’t even know that this is a Department of Defense property. You also might not realize that you are at Walt Disney World, either. Shades of Green has a few Disney decorations in the main lobby, along with a television where kids can watch classic Disney flicks, but other than that, you won’t find a lot of Mickey here.   

One surprising observation that you will have at Shades of Green is the surprisingly relaxing nature of the resort. For a Walt Disney World resort, there are fewer children here than you might expect. Maybe it’s the high percentage of military retirees that stay here without children, or perhaps it’s simply because the resort does a good job of spreading its guests out over a very large area. Compared to other resorts such as the Polynesian, which you will surely visit during your stay to catch the monorail or enjoy a Dole Whip, Shades of Green is a country club. More space. More quiet.

Should I Stay at Shades of Green, or a Disney Value Resort?

The prices are comparable. Because pricing at Shades of Green is dependent upon pay grade, some military personnel might even pay less at a Walt Disney World value resort such as Disney’s Pop Century or Disney’s All-Star Sports Resorts. However, these resorts have smaller guest rooms, less total space, and food court-only dining options. They are also notorious for having worn-out, screaming kids running through the property. Shades of Green simply offers more in a relaxing environment that is completely welcome at the end of a Disney day. You might enjoy the break from the constant Mickey theme. But rest assured, you can still feel like you are in the “Disney Bubble” while staying at Shades of Green.

At the time of this review, the nightly rate at Shades of Green was $174 to $224 (based on rank), while the nightly rate at Disney’s Pop Century for the same dates was $251. With a military discount of 30% off of Disney’s value resorts, that brings the cost to $176. Roughly equal, but don’t forget 12.5% Florida sales + resort taxes. At Shades of Green, there are no added taxes. The price you see is the price you pay.

Bottom line: Shades of Green is a better deal. It compares with some of the Disney Deluxe resorts such as Animal Kingdom Lodge. Unless you really want to immerse yourself in fairy dust and magic, you should definitely book here.

Eligibility Requirements

To stay at Shades of Green, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Active duty military member including the National Guard or Reserves. Public Health Service officers and NOAA officers are also eligible.  A valid military ID is required upon check-in.
• Retired military service (i.e. have a 20-year letter)
• Purple Heart Recipients
• Former Prisoners of War
• Veterans with a VA Disability Rating (i.e. service-connected disability)
• Primary family caregivers of eligible veterans

All military veterans with an honorable discharge are also eligible during January and September. Bring your DD 214 upon check-in.

Shades of Green Guest Room Accommodations

Standard Guest Room at Shades of Green

Each standard room is large by Disney standards at 450 square feet, way more space than the standard Disney hotel room. For reference, a standard room at a value Disney resort averages 260 square feet, and at a deluxe resort, it's around 425 square feet.  Shades of Green rooms are enough to fit a family of four comfortably and you will appreciate the extra space. Hotel rooms are furnished with two queen beds and a single sleeper sofa. With families in mind, split bathrooms with double sinks are common in many rooms so you can brush your teeth while your significant other browses wait times on the My Disney Experience app while using the throne. Rooms also come equipped with a small refrigerator to store leftovers or drinks.

The resort underwent a major refurbishment in 2007 and has had intermittent updating to the guest rooms and common spaces at regular intervals since then. During my last stay for four nights over New Year’s Eve 2022, I found that our guest rooms had recently been overhauled with new furniture and looked great. One downside was the mattress and linens. The mattress was firm to say the least, while the bed sheets were a bit rough. Jumping into bed did not conjure images of luxury, but by the second night, I didn’t care, and overall it was a minor drawback.

Can I Reserve Extra Rooms and Bring My Extended Family?

Yes. You may reserve multiple rooms for family and/or friends. The eligible service member must be present upon their check-in, but after that, they can enter and exit the property without you. 

Resort Amenities at Shades of Green

The Mill Pond Pool features a water slide and a large patio for lounging.

Pools

Shades of Green guests have a variety of niceties to make your Walt Disney World vacation a pleasant experience. The resort has two full-size, heated swimming pools. The zero-entry, or walk-in Magnolia pool is generally less crowded, with a relaxed atmosphere and nearby hot tub. The Mill Pond Pool has a fairly large water slide and splash pad, as well as a shallow toddler pool where families can hang out. There is also an arcade located at Evergreen’s sports bar, adjacent to the Mill Pool.

My son and his cousins shooting baskets at the Mill Pool on one of our trips to Shades of Green

Ticket Service

Purchasing your theme park tickets to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, or any of the other attractions in central Florida can be handled directly on-site at Shades of Green. Of course, you don’t just show up at Walt Disney World without buying tickets in advance. Purchasing your tickets greater than 60 days in advance used to be critical to compete for the most popular Fast Pass+ attractions. However, as of October 2021, the Fast Pass system no longer exists. It has been replaced by Disney’s Genie+ Lightning Lane service that allows guests to purchase priority access to popular attractions. Genie+ can be purchased (or not) on the day of arrival, so advance ticket ordering is not critical to reserve ride times anymore. However, at least for the foreseeable future, guests will have to make reservations for each park that they want to visit. I know, Walt Disney World did away with the reservation system in January 2024. However, military tickets are not dated and you will still need to make a reservation. This requires a ticket in hand, so advance ticket ordering is still highly encouraged. This is done by filling out the ticket request form on the Shades of Green website and sending it via email. The ticket office will verify your eligibility and then call you to complete the order. Tickets are then sent to you electronically so you can load them into the My Disney Experience app and begin planning.

Shades of Green is considered a Disney resort for most perks. You can participate in early theme park entry, as well as make your Genie+ selections at 7:00 am on each day you will visit the park. Non-Disney resorts have to wait until 9:00 am. To take advantage of this perk, you will need to link your Shades of Green reservation to your ticket on the My Disney Experience website. This function seems available in the mobile app, however, with Shades of Green it does not work. You will have to use a desktop or laptop to complete this step. This is a disadvantage of the resort not being a native Disney property and using different reservation systems. However, rest assured that it still does work. 

Shades of Green also sells tickets for Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and other Orlando area attractions. The one park for which you do NOT want to purchase tickets here is SeaWorld, which allows one free day of admission for each service member and up to three dependents every year. Get your free passes by clicking HERE.

Fitness Center

Shades of Green has a sizable fitness center with treadmills, bikes, and strength training equipment. Whereas many hotels have a workout area that consists of a half-broken treadmill and a pathetic multi-gym, you can get a respectable workout at Shades of Green. A 3.1-mile jogging trail that runs along Disney’s Polynesian and Grand Floridian Resorts is also accessible from Shades of Green.

Spa

Whenever our family has gone to Walt Disney World, we take one day to simply hang out at the resort, go for a walk or run, and avoid the crowds. Shades of Green has a full-service spa to help recharge your batteries that includes massage, facials, and hair and nail services. All services are priced for the real world rather than “resort pricing.” While I have never taken advantage of the spa here, I have to admit that the massage with the hot stones looks pretty tempting. Maybe next time.

Transportation Throughout Walt Disney World

Shades of Green operates its own network of buses that run throughout Disney property. Shades of Green buses run to and from the Transportation & Ticket Center run every 20 minutes, which gets you to the monorail for the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Service to other locations including Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and waterparks operate on a 60-minute schedule. For these locations, timing your departure is a bit more important, but there is always a cheap Uber nearby if you miss your bus.

Shades of Green is also located directly across from Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, where you can hop on the monorail. Walking there takes 10-15 minutes, mainly to negotiate the long driveway into Shades of Green. If the bell service is not too busy, you can stop at the desk and ask for a shuttle to the front of the property, cutting off several minutes. However, with bus service running as frequently as it does, you won’t have to do this unless you enjoy the walk.

For those who arrive by vehicle, a parking garage is located on the property. Parking is currently $17 per night, so I'd recommend taking advantage of the Shades of Green buses. Uber or Lyft is also super convenient in the Disney/Lake Buena Vista area and the answer to your next question is: Yes, Uber can get through the security gate to pick you up and drop you off. I have done it several times. 

Rental Car

Many families will not need a rental car when vacationing at Walt Disney World. However, you may want to venture off Disney property for the day to take advantage of your free SeaWorld tickets, visit Universal Studios, or check out downtown Orlando. Shades of Green has an on-site rental car service where you can pick up some wheels and go wherever you would like.

Exchange On-Site

A small store is available where you can purchase some of the items that you will need for the week. Rain ponchos, mouse ears, snack food, and beverages are available. Beer, wine, and liquor are also sold to keep in your room, as is ibuprofen for the morning after.

Arcade

Co-located with Evergreens sports pub, the arcade has a decent selection of video games, pool tables, air hockey, and foosball.

Shades of Green Dining Options

Shades of Green has several places to eat, from grabbing a quick bite on the go-to sitting down to a table service meal. Food prices at Shades of Green is generally lower than what you will find at the theme parks or Disney Resorts, and while you won’t find the best meal of your vacation here, the quality is generally good. Besides, it’s Disney – you’re eating turkey legs and Mickey bars all week. My family has sampled menu items from all of the restaurants here and has had no major complaints.

Mangino’s

Featuring Italian cuisine, steak, and seafood dishes, this is Shades of Green’s full-service restaurant. It’s a good option if you want to have a sit-down family meal together. The atmosphere is OK, and it’s generally pretty quiet at Mangino’s.

Evergreens has full bar service, pub food, and live sports.

Evergreens

This is Shades of Green’s sports pub, located next to the Mill Pool. Here, you can find pizza, burgers, and other pub fare along with pitchers of beer and a full bar. Several televisions line the walls playing live sports. This is a great hangout for families who want a casual meal or adults who want to sit at the bar and catch up. Three of the six times that I have stayed at Shades of Green, I have bumped into old friends that I have served with or met at Army schools. Evergreens is the place where we go to catch up and tell stories. This is my favorite location at Shades of Green.

The Rest

Garden Gallery – Breakfast and dinner buffet with plenty of options for everyone. The breakfast buffet menu features omelets made-to-order and waffle stations. Dinner options rotate, with a different theme each night of the week.

Express Cafe – Running late, or maybe you just need a quick pastry or sandwich on the go? Located near the bus stop, this is an ideal place to grab a bite before enjoying your day at the parks.

Java Café – Typically, this is where you will come for Starbucks coffee, probably every morning of your vacation. Espresso coffees such as Americano and cappuccino are also available. But this small kiosk also serves ice cream in the afternoon and has a couple of beer taps and wine selections to enjoy in the common areas or back in your room.

Bistro to Go – At Walt Disney World, you will have to spend a lot of time waiting in line. That’s just the way it goes. But if you have had enough waiting around for the day, then this may be the way to go. Open for breakfast and dinner, the bistro offers a full menu of hot breakfast items and entree dinners, sandwiches, and pizza that you can pick up at the counter and take to your room or one of the poolside tables. Beer, wine, and cocktails are also on the menu for takeout.

Let’s wrap it up by saying that if you are eligible to book a vacation at Shades of Green, then I do recommend it. It is considered to be on par with Disney’s Deluxe resorts in terms of amenities. If the pricing were equal, I would probably choose the Grand Floridian or the Polynesian, but it’s not. Even with a 40% military discount at Disney Deluxe resorts, it’s not even close. Disney’s moderate resorts like the Caribbean Beach Club are also significantly more expensive. Disney’s value resorts come close but offer much less.

If you have had a recent experience at Shades of Green or have any questions, let us know in the comments.

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Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. Just a few, no biggie.

Bottom Line: Marriott’s Grande Vista Resort offers hotel-style guest rooms plus one, two, and three-bedroom villas that provide vacationers the much-needed maneuver space and resort amenities that add to a great vacation experience for families. Recommended.

Over the years, my family has taken quite a few trips to Orlando. Of course, Walt Disney World had been at the center of our Orlando vacations when the kids were young. As a military family, we always got excellent deals on Disney tickets and stayed at Shades of Green military resort, located right on Disney property across from the Polynesian Resort. However, we are not a young family anymore. With two college-age kids, we are all adults now and need some additional space and less theme park commotion. These days, the “magic” comes from having some space to relax and everyone having their own bed, if not their own room.

We traded in our timeshare week and booked a three-bedroom villa at Marriott Grande Vista, part of the Marriott Vacation Club. Unlike many timeshare resorts, Marriott’s properties are well-maintained and give a true resort feel for a relaxing week. In this article, we'll run through the major areas at Grande Vista and I'll tell you what we liked and what we thought could have been better. But overall, it's a great place and I would have no problems returning the next time I feel the need to escape the chilly New England winter.

Resort Amenities

Pools

Marriott's Grande Vista doesn't forget about the adults. At the Main Village Pool, football streams across the big screen.

With four swimming pools plus a two lane lap pool, Marriott Grande Vista accommodates all guests with minimal congestion. We visited after the New Year in January, so the resort was not likely filled to capacity, but the pools were spacious and had plenty of tables, chairs, and loungers available. There was no need to grab your spot at the pool early.

All pools are heated, making swimming possible even on chilly days. In addition, there are hot tubs at each pool location, so you will never have to walk very far to enjoy the therapeutic effects of hot water on sore muscles after a day at the theme parks.

Young families will likely enjoy the Village Center Pool by the lighthouse. This pool area has a jumbo outdoor television that streams kids movies, sports, and hosts video game tournaments, and also has a sauna for adults. Poolside food and drinks are offered at The Grande Cove Restaurant and Mist Pool Bar.

Equally fun for families is the Plaza del Sol Pool. Themed like an old Spanish fort, it has a fun atmosphere and hosts a splash pad for the little ones. Poolside food and drinks here are from the Copa Loco Bar and Grille.

Two other pools are available for use, but are generally only used by guests staying in the Club Village or Golf Village. These are smaller and quieter, so if you need a break from larger crowds, then these may be a good option. Each are about a five minute walk from the Main Village Pool.

Restaurants

Once you get back to the resort for the evening, the last thing you’ll want to do is get back in the car and go to a restaurant for dinner. Although you’ll have full equipment to cook in or grill, Marriott Grande Vista has three restaurants and a coffee shop so that you can eat by the pool or get takeout for the room.

The Grille at Grande Vista

This is the main restaurant located along the golf course, with sit-down table service. The menu has a few main entrees but is heavily weighted toward burgers and sandwiches. If you are looking for a gourmet meal, this isn’t it. But for slightly upscale dining on property, it gets the job done.

Copa Loca Bar and Grille

Open until 9pm, this poolside bar & grille has burgers and sandwiches, along with a few specialty cocktails that rotate with the season. We went just after the Holidays, so the peppermint mudslide was on the menu and pretty tasty. Copa Loca has outdoor seating only, but the resort has propane heating stations around the tables in case you want to hang out on a chilly evening. 

We ordered burgers and drinks here during one of our nights at Grande Vista. The food was decent and the drinks were good. The bar itself has a few televisions for watching sports.

The Grand Cove

Located centrally in the main village, the Cove has take-out orders to eat poolside or in your room. My son, always hungry, came here a few times later at night for a second dinner. Menu items include sandwiches, salads, and pizza. We also enjoyed soft-serve ice cream as a late-night treat.

Brewcoast Coffee

While we made coffee in the room every morning, Amy and I did head over to this specialty coffee shop one day while walking. We got lattes, but they have everything that you would expect from a real coffee shop (not Dunkin’).

The Spa at Grande Vista

We were planning for a rainy morning on one of our days, and Amy decided to get a pedicure. She was originally going to head into town and visit one of those strip mall nail outlets that do the job quick and cheap, but I convinced her to visit the Spa on property. She was glad that she did.

Activities at Marriott's Grande Vista

Actually putting together a schedule of things to do is one of the areas that Marriott Grande Vista really excels. Adults and kids alike will have a daily or nightly list of activities hosted by the resort.

During our stay, we took advantage of the live music by the fire pits and the Stand-Up Comedian (18+).

Cool kids activities include matinee movies at the Village Center Pool, video game tournaments, S’mores by the fire pits, and a full slate of other things. Adult activities include Boozy Bingo, Aqua Fit classes, Karaoke (be careful), live music, and Fireside Wine Time.

Below is a full schedule of activities over a two-week period to get you acquainted with the resort’s offerings.

Outside Activities To Do Near Grande Vista

Everyone needs a break from the theme parks when in Orlando. Check out some of these nearby adventures and attractions to round out your vacation. 

1. Take an airboat ride with Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures. These rides are super fun and this one is pretty close to Orlando. If it seems a little too "Florida Man" for you, then think again. See some gators, learn about the sensitive Florida ecosystem, and get a bit of wind in your hair. Pro Tip: Time your airboat ride so that you can see the 5:00 pm Medieval Times show on the way back to Grande Vista.




2. Visit the Kennedy Space Center. Who doesn't dream of being an astronaut? About an hour's drive from Grande Vista, you can save a few bucks off the standard admission with this link.




3. Medieval Times: This is a pretty cool night out. It's like a mini-renaissance fair. Watch a medieval tournament with jousting and sword-fighting, falconry with an actual falcon that zips by your head as you eat a roast chicken dinner with your hands. The chicken is so good, that I looked up a copycat recipe and have cooked it at home several times. Very fun for adults and kids alike.

Room Accommodations

Photo courtesy of Marriott's Grande Vista

We stayed in a three bedroom villa, which was great. This is basically a two bedroom suite with an attached hotel-style guest room. We stayed in the Club Village section of Grande Vista in building 98.

Now, if you look on the unofficial Marriott Vacation Club Grande Vista Orlando Owners & Guests Facebook group page, you will find quite a few negative comments about the resort being dated, dirty, and generally going to shit compared to years past. This was not our experience. I find that most of the negative comments are from actual Grand Vista timeshare owners who, in their defense, have to pay quite a hefty annual maintenance fee. After writing that check every year, it’s likely that no level of cleanliness will be good enough. To be fair, at my home timeshare resort on Cape Cod, I believe the place to be a dump given the maintenance fees.

Marriott’s Grande Vista has been and will continue to be under ongoing renovations, with entire buildings closed for refurbishment. The building we stayed in was recently renovated and the rooms were clean, furniture updated, and everything was in working order.

Kitchen

One, two, and three-bedroom villas have a full kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, oven and range, microwave, 12-cup coffeemaker, toaster, dishwasher, full-size sink, and stocked with pretty decent cookware. Many timeshare resorts fill the cabinets with the cheapest pots and pans that they can find, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that Grande Vista provides cookware that you can actually use to make a meal without burning the hell out of your food.

Of course, it’s a vacation and you probably do not want to spend too much time in the kitchen, but it is nice to not have to eat out at every meal.

Grills

Each section of the resort, called a village, has multiple gas grills for use, making it easy to cook outside. There are a few tables and chairs located at the grill sites, so the whole family can picnic right there, or take it back to your private balcony or room. The grills are scrubbed clean every night, so you don’t have to deal with someone else’s scorched barbecue sauce all over your burgers. Call the front desk and they will provide you with grilling tools.

Helpful Tips

• Order groceries online before leaving home at Publix and pick them up after check-in. The grocery store is just over 1 mile away, so it’s quick and easy. Some folks will have groceries delivered to the room, but as non-owners, we did not know the room or building number where we would be staying, so it was easier to pick them up. Let’s face it. You’ll probably forget something anyway and have to go and get it. Grab a couple of pool noodles while you’re there for lounging in the pool or spa.
• Walgreens across the street is set up for vacationers. They have quite a few grocery items, so if you run out of something, you can just head there during the week.
• The water in Orlando is disgusting. It tastes like matchsticks. If you have ever stayed in Orlando or Disney in the past, you will know that this is a regional issue and not specific to Marriott’s Grande Vista. Due to the high volume of rain in the area, organic compounds naturally seep into the aquifer and eventually break down into sulfur. Grab a Brita filter at Walgreens or Publix and use it for the week. Alternatively, grab a few gallon jugs and re-fill them at the Sports Complex (tennis courts) where there is filtered water available.
• Club Village and Golf Village have smaller pools without kids' amenities, so they tend to be less crowded and quieter if you are looking for that sort of thing.

Marriott's Grande Vista Resort Map

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One of the most popular reasons to visit Florida in the winter is to enjoy some of that famous sunshine and warm weather. A great way to get outdoors and see one of Florida’s most famous residents, the manatee, is with a manatee kayak or stand-up paddleboard tour. While manatees take up residence throughout the state’s inlets and streams during the winter, one of the most popular locations is in the small town of Crystal River, located on the gulf coast approximately 75 minutes north of Tampa. A Crystal River manatee tour on a paddle craft is one of the easiest ways to see these gentle mammals up close and is a great family activity when not enjoying the theme parks or beaches.

Why Choose a Kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard

There are plenty of manatee parks in Florida where visitors can walk along the shore in search of these large mammals, and Crystal River is no exception. Manatees can be spotted from shore, but doing it this way can be a bit underwhelming. Manatees spend most of their time submerged, only surfacing long enough to get a breath of air, leaving viewers to see only a small section of their backs as they swim. While the first manatee that you spot can be exciting, the feeling wears off quickly. I did this in Fort Myers last year, and well, not terribly exciting. 

Renting a paddleboard or kayak allows you to get within a few feet of the manatee, giving you a much better view and seeing the animal for a longer stretch of time. Also, if you bring a dive mask and snorkel, you will be able to jump off into the water and see the manatees in their entirety from below. Swimming with the manatees is offered as a guided tour through local outfitters, but you can also do it on your own. Just be sure to view from a distance and not harass the animals.

Between the two paddle craft, the stand up paddleboard allows better viewing. The higher vantage point definitely allows the paddler to see through the glare on the water and with Crystal River being so crystal clear, you can best see the manatees with this rental. The kayak on the other hand is more stable and is best for those with little to no paddle experience, diminished balance reactions, reduced stamina, or even just a bit of nervousness on the water. Kayaks are generally about twice as fast as stand up Paddleboards, so if time is an issue, you may want to go that route as well.

Kayak and Paddleboard Outfitters

There are several outfitters in Crystal River that will be happy to get you on your way to see the manatees. During our family trip, we used Paddles Outdoor Rentals. The check-in process was quick and easy, and we were on our way to the launch site in a matter of minutes. They are listed below along with a few others.

For a general listing of all Crystal River manatee toure, click HERE. 

What to Bring

Here’s your packing list for a great Crystal River manatee tour:

• Mask & Snorkel: Not only can you paddle with the manatees, but you can swim with them as well. Stand-up paddleboards are easy to mount and dismount in the water, and the paddle outfitters at Crystal River rent sit on top style kayaks, so a wet entry and exit is also not very difficult (but a bit more difficult than a paddleboard).
• Go Pro or waterproof cell phone bag: With the manatees being almost entirely submerged, the best photos are taken underwater. Unfortunately, my GoPro broke earlier last year and I have not gotten a replacement yet, so we were only able to get surface photos on our trip.
• Picnic lunch: Paddlers renting from town-approved outfitters will launch from King’s Bay Park, which has plenty of tree canopy for shade and several covered picnic tables. Pack a cooler or grab sandwiches prior to arrival, and enjoy the afternoon following your paddle tour.
• Bottled water: It’s Florida and the sun shines hot. Stay hydrated.
• Polarized sunglasses: Polarized lenses assist greatly in cutting through the glare on the water and being able to see below. They can be purchased cheaply at any Walgreens or CVS. 

Should I Get the Guided Tour or Rent?

The first 10 minutes of paddling can be a bit choppy, but it's all calm water as you approach Three Sisters Spring.

If you feel comfortable in the water and have some paddle experience, then I would choose the rental option. It’s cheaper and I don’t think that you lose much by going it alone. There are plenty of other folks paddling in the area, so even if you are a bit nervous about being in unfamiliar water, that feeling should fade quickly. Crystal River manatee sightseeing is very popular, and the sheer number of paddlers during the winter months should put your anxiety at ease. The other paddlers also make it very easy to spot manatees. “There’s one over here!” is something that you will hear often as you paddle through the streams, so you do not have to worry about missing out.

Most rental companies will have options ranging from 2-8 hours. If you are looking to just see a few manatees at the Three Sisters Springs, then a two-hour rental should be sufficient. You will see several manatees in this amount of time, provided you go at peak season, December through March. If you want to spend a bit more time on the water, then you can paddle to Hunter Springs after viewing the manatees, where there is a park with a nice swim area. Three hours is sufficient for this itinerary, with four hours being about the longest I would recommend.

That being said, guided options are available, and you may learn a bit more about manatee habits and lifecycle with a knowledgeable guide.

Swim With Manatees Tour

Photo by John Brandaur. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Not only can you paddle with these gentle giants, but you can swim with them too. This adds an entirely new perspective to the animal encounter. With. a mask and snorkel, you can actually see their faces. Although swimmers are instructed to not approach or initiate contact with the manatees, it is very common for the manatee to initiate contact with you.

My family and I returned to Crystal River in January 2023 to do the swim tour and even though the weather was a bit chilly at 55 degrees, it was still worth the time and expense. The water was still at 75 degrees, making it fairly comfortable once in the river. There was no shortage of manatees, either. The first two manatees approached the boat as we were anchoring and hung out with us for the first ten minutes. We then swan a few yards from the boat, encountering more of the sea cows nearly constantly. These animals are quite used to human encounters and were not shy about visiting, so even though visitors are expected to practice "passive observation," there was still plenty of literal face-to-face time.

The water clarity during our swim tour was a bit degraded due to the lingering effects of Hurricane Idalia back in August 2023, making the river a bit less "crystal" than I remember it from two years prior. However, Boat Captain Kevin said that the river is steadily recovering and should continue to get better with time. Water clarity also was further diminished during our tour when the manatees were spooked by something (probably someone) and created a manatee stampede. Every manatee suddenly bolted (they can move very fast, apparently), causing a lot of sediment to stir in the water. In a few seconds, every manatee was calm and back to normal, but visibility was not too good after that. Manatees were still everywhere, but it was hard to see them until only a few feet away, causing me to hit a few of them with my hands and feet inadvertently.

We toured with Crystal River Watersports, and I recommend that you do as well. Boat Captain Kevin and Tour Guide Dakota were personable, engaging, and knowledgeable about the local ecology and all things manatee. The outfit itself is designated as a Guardian Guide by the Save the Manatee Club and the Manatee Ecotourism Association. Out of 31 manatee tour operators, Crystal River Waterports is the only outfitter to attain this designation.

Are There Alligators in Crystal River?

Of course, manatees aren’t the only famous river dwellers in Florida. You’re probably wondering if there are alligators in Crystal River along with the manatees. The answer is that yes, alligators do exist in Crystal River, but they are generally not located in the tributaries where you will be paddling and swimming with manatees. They prefer the swampier areas of the river over the kayak and boat congested water of the spring-fed tributaries. There are no barriers preventing alligators from showing up, but it is unlikely that you will see one.

Three Sisters Spring Wildlife Refuge

For those that want to see the Crystal River manatees but don’t want to get in the water, there are other options. The Three Sisters Spring wildlife refuge offers land access via a boardwalk to a prime viewing area. The spring itself is closed off to boat and paddle traffic during manatee season, November through March, so this is the only way to see them at this location unless taking a guided swim tour. It is also a great alternative for members of a party that do not want to paddle while others do. The refuge is about a three-minute ride from King’s Bay Park, although parking is only available offsite at the Three Sisters Springs Center behind City Hall. From there, a shuttle will take you to the refuge.

Crystal River manatee tours can be enjoyed throughout the winter when manatees migrate to the warmer inland waters from the Gulf of Mexico. They are generally present from November through March. Our family went the week after Christmas and it was one of the highlights of our trip.

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The Annual Nantucket Daffodil Festival will be held from April 24-27, 2025.

Nantucket is largely known as a summer haven for wealthy vacationers and seasonal residents. Known for its beautiful coastline and pristine beaches, Nantucket is certainly alive with activity throughout the summer season, attracting crowds of travelers that ferry over from Cape Cod for a week or even just a day to enjoy the island’s quaint downtown area with its cobblestone streets and abundance of shops and restaurants. Many walk to Brant Point lighthouse to enjoy the nearest beach areas, and others rent bicycles and ride out to Sconset, Madaket, or the Cisco Brewery. It’s a busy place with a population that blossoms from 11,000 in the off-season to over 80,000 during peak summer.

Then, as summer vacations wind down and fall begins to chill the air, Nantucket settles in for its long slumber. Restaurants close and seasonal workers head home. No doubt, it’s a welcome reprieve for some hardy islanders, but quite a harsh winter for others.

As April nears its end, Nantucketers celebrate the arrival of springtime with the largest seasonal festival on the Cape & Islands. Coinciding with the island's daffodil bloom, the Nantucket Daffodil Festival is celebrated with great excitement. Not only islanders partake in the celebrations, but visitors from across the region travel to Nantucket to celebrate longer days, warmer air, and the bright yellow of over 2 million Nantucket daffodils. Finally, the Grey Lady isn’t so gray anymore.

When is the Nantucket Daffodil Festival Held?

The Nantucket Daffodil Festival is held annually on the last weekend in April. Officially, it is advertised Thursday through Sunday. However, if coming from off-island, most folks will hop on the fast ferry on Friday morning, stay two nights, and leave on Sunday morning. Thursday and Sunday do not have a lot of activities and can be skipped. While this may seem a bit too early in the year to visit a summer paradise, it may be the only time that many folks can spend a night or two on the island. In 2023, my wife and I stayed for two nights during Daffodil Weekend at the Brass Lantern Inn. While nothing is ever cheap on Nantucket, the cost per night was about $200 less expensive on Daffy Weekend than during peak summer. We attended the festival again in 2024, this time staying at the White Elephant Resort. While more expensive, the rooms are more spacious and the location on Nantucket Harbor is tough to beat.

While you won’t care to spend hours on the beach in late April, much of downtown Nantucket is open for the weekend. Restaurants, shops, and bars are filled with people looking to have a great time.

What to Do During the Nantucket Daffodil Festival?

There are also outdoor activities to enjoy. Nantucket has 35 miles of bike paths leading to every corner of the island. While you may not want to ride out to some areas in April,  there are two places that are worth it, even in early springtime.

Sconset Bike Path and Sconset Bluff Walk

Ride your bike along the six-mile paved bike path to the village of Siasconset, known locally as Sconset. This adorable village is still pretty sleepy in the springtime and you won’t find many shops or cafes open for business. However, the Sconset Bluff Walk is always open. This is a one-mile path along the bluffs facing the open Atlantic Ocean. The path is actually a right of way that traverses the backyards of some of the most desirable properties in the nation. There is a public access point to the beach near the beginning of the Bluff Walk, but otherwise, you will be confined to the dedicated path with private property on either side.

If the wind and temperature are agreeable, then this is a great walk to take on the Saturday of the Daffodil Festival. The car parade that starts in Nantucket village ends in Sconset with a large neighborhood picnic along Main Street from 12:30pm to 3pm. Be sure to pack some food and drinks (there’s an open container waiver for Sconset only on Saturday). Picnickers can also take the WAVE bus from Nantucket Village to Sconset, or even bike there and load the bikes onto the bus for a quick ride home.

Cisco Bike Path and Cisco Brewers

Cisco Brewers is OPEN during the Nantucket Daffodil Festival

One of Nantucket’s main attractions is Cisco Brewers, the island’s own craft brewery, winery, and distillery. That’s right - a triple threat. Cisco Brewers will be open for the weekend, with its wide selection of craft beers on tap, outdoor seating, and resident food vendors on site serving elevated, hot grub to go along with your drinks.

Nantucket Vineyards is Cisco’s wine subsidiary, and you can get pours of great tasting wines on-site. Just head across the courtyard to the wine counter and check out the blackboard to see what’s available/

Triple Eight Distillery crafts organic and flavored vodka, rum, gin, and bourbon along with a branded single malt Scotch. A bottle for later use back at home makes a great, and functional, souvenir.

Living fairly locally on Cape Cod, I like to visit Nantucket every now and then. When I do, I always take my bike on the ferry and head to Cisco Brewers. It’s certainly one of Nantucket’s highlights, especially when the weather is a bit cooler. For those who do not want to pedal to the brewery, Cisco offers a free shuttle to and from Nantucket village that runs every half-hour, so no Uber is necessary to get there.

Brant Point Light

It’s about a 15-minute walk to Brant Point Light from the center of town. This lighthouse is New England’s shortest, measuring only 26 feet tall. And although the architecture is modest, it has its own charm and is worth the walk. The lighthouse is decorated with a huge daffodil wreath for the weekend and makes for an excellent photo opportunity. It is also surrounded by a sandy beach, so if you are looking to get a little sand between the toes, this is the place to conveniently do it.

Brant Point Light is also the most rebuilt lighthouse in the US. Originally constructed and commissioned in 1746, it is now in its ninth iteration, having been destroyed by weather and erosion several times.

Lobster Bloody Marys at the Brant Point Grill

While you’re walking over to Brant Point Light, stop in at the Brant Point Grill, the main restaurant within the White Elephant luxury resort. Sit at the bar and enjoy one of their signature drinks, the Lobster Bloody Mary. Almost a meal in itself, it is actually served with a plate and fork. With a rim dipped in bacon salt, this is a quintessential Nantucket experience not to be missed.

Antique Car Parade

On Saturday, the Antique Car Parade is a highlight of the official Daffy Weekend events. It kicks off at 12pm, but much of the fun is getting up close to these heavily decorated vehicles and talking with their owners and other spectators. The cars stage on Main Street beginning at 9:30am and the street is packed with spectators shortly thereafter. Vintage cars and trucks are decorated with daffodils or are otherwise just very cool to see. One of our favorite cars from 2023 was decked out in a Candyland theme, with the crew in full costume.

After parading through the downtown village, the parade ends in Sconset with a large street-side picnic.

Sconset Picnic

If the weather is nice, then the Sconset Picnic is not to be missed. This is the event that really makes it feel like a festival. As the car parade leaves downtown, so should you. Follow the cars out to the eastern edge of the island to the incredibly quaint village of Siasconset. Here, the parading cars will park, pop the trunks, and unload tables of food and drink along Main Street. When the sun is shining and the temps hit anything approaching 60 degrees, it can be glorious after a really long winter.

The most difficult part is getting there. You probably won't have a car. I recommend bringing a bicycle for two reasons. First, it gets you on the ferry before everyone else, so you can grab a choice seat. Second, it gets you around the island quickly. Although the bike ride to Sconset is 45 minutes, most (not all) is along a dedicated bike path, separated from traffic. It's a nice ride if you want to incorporate some movement into your weekend. The alternative is taking the bus , taxi, or Uber. 

Sconset has an open container privilege for the duration of the picnic, so feel free to bring a few pre-mixed cocktails in your backpack along with some snacks. You can also generally help yourself to the offerings from the tables along the road. We were able to grab some hors d'oeuvres, finger sandwiches, gin cocktails from Drumshanbo, and even dropped in on a backyard barbecue where we got a hot dog and beer. 

Don't forget to visit the beach while in Sconset. Facing the open Atlantic, this section of Nantucket has some amazing beaches where you can plop in the sand with a drink and dream of the warmer weather up ahead.

Daffodil Flower Show

On Saturday and Sunday, the Nantucket Garden Club sponsors a daffodil show with a juried competition to see who can grow the best-looking flowers. It is located at Bartlett’s Farm, which just happens to be right around the corner (walking distance) from Cisco Brewers. I am not a horticulture enthusiast, and to be honest, a daffodil is probably one of the only flowers I can positively identify along with a rose and tulip. I have not been to the show, but you may wish to check it out before heading to the brewery for food and drinks.

Noteworthy Locations on Island

Brotherhood of Thieves

A proper dimly lit basement-level bar and grill is not to be missed on any travels, and on Nantucket, this is the place to go. Serving pub food as well as local favorites such as raw oysters and clam chowder, Brotherhood of Thieves makes for a great lunchtime stop. Be sure to get your name added to the wait list well before hunger strikes. This is one of the “must-go” places on the island and there was a two-hour wait the last time we visited.

Nantucket Whaling Museum

European settlement of Nantucket began with…farming. That’s right, farmers wanted a place to graze sheep without getting attacked by wolves. But it didn’t take long before whaling completely took over the island as the primary industry and propelled Nantucket into one of the most prosperous societies in the American Colonies and the fledgling US. Nantucketers dominated the whaling industry until the discovery of petroleum as a main source of fuel.

The Nantucket Whaling Museum pays homage to Nantucket’s roots as a community and houses many artifacts from that bygone era.

Let’s face it. Winter around here can get pretty long. Any excuse to celebrate the coming of longer days and at least some mildly warmer air is a welcome relief. With two Daffy Weekends in the books for us, we are thinking that this might become an annual tradition. If you plan on visiting in 2024, please feel free to drop a comment below. You can also DM or email me and we can figure out a time to link up for a beer on the island. See you there in 2024.

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