Anyone from the Mid Atlantic region of the United States knows that it is not that difficult to travel to the nearby states, despite the occasional traffic jams. We also realize that summer is just a few short weeks away for college students. For these reasons, I wanted to share some must-do's for Summer 2017 in this section of the country!
For our purposes, we are going to go as far North as New York, and as far South as Virginia, leaving us with boundaries of the following states: New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia. (Sorry West Virginia, I haven't visited you enough to know what's around.)
New York:
1. Ride the Ferris wheel in Coney Island (Brooklyn, NY)
Arguably the best beach in New York, Coney Island is versatile in that you can enjoy some food, get in the water, and ride the infamous Ferris wheel!
2. Go shopping in Times Square (New York City, NY)
Although it's the city that never sleeps, Times Square surely isn't as crowded at this time of the year when there's not a huge crowd here to see the Rockettes or enormous Christmas Tree. You'd enjoy a day of shopping and admiring the architecture of the Big Apple!
Pennsylvania
1. Eat a cheesesteak from Pat's or Geno's (Philadelphia, PA)
This is a MUST for me personally. I live relatively close to Philly and I've never had a Pat's or Geno's cheesesteak! The rivalry exists right across the street from each other. Who's got better 'steaks?
2. Ride the new Triple Towers at Hershey Park (Hershey, PA)
New in 2017, these rides are sure to cause "belly-drops!" The Hershey's Tower is projected at the 3rd highest ride in the park. The tallest is The Kissing Tower if you want to get cozy with loved ones and slowly experience the aerial view of Hershey Park. Be sure to visit Chocolate World afterward!
New Jersey
1. Ride Kingda Ka at Six Flags (Jackson, NJ)
If you're a thrill-seeker, try going over 120 miles per hour in just a few seconds and climbing to a height of over 450 feet. I need to conquer the "Ka" this summer!
2. Watch late night movies at Delsea Drive-In (Vineland, NJ)
Bring it back old-school style, pop open the trunk or grab some lawn chairs, and watch two (or three!) movies under the stars in South Jersey. What's great about this place is that it's the longest living drive-in theater that's still operating in the state.
3. Enjoy the Wildwood boardwalk (Wildwood, NJ)
Wildwood has a two-mile long boardwalk full of rides, food, and fun for the whole family! What better than to enjoy a day on the beach, fly a kite, and take a picture in front of the Wildwoods sign (if you live for the beach, check out Point Pleasant, Seaside, Ocean City NJ, and Avon too)?
Delaware
1. Attend Firefly Music Festival (Dover, DE)
If you're into today's pop, alternative, and hip-hop genres, Firefly is the place you need to be. The 4-day event is in June this year, and the lineup can be seen here. Psh, who needs Coachella?!
2. Chill at Rehoboth Beach (Rehoboth Beach, DE)
Rehoboth Beach is one of the cleanest, most friendly beaches I have ever been to. The shopping is sublime, the food is great, and there are a lot of activities to do in the nearby bays such as paddle boarding and jet-skiing (which I highly recommend!).
Maryland
1. Eat crabs at the Ocean City beach (Ocean City, MD)
Roll up your sleeves, get your crab mallet and some Old Bay seasoning, and devour some crabs! Maryland is famous for their crabs, and what better than to eat some crabs and hit up the beach?
2. Go to an Orioles baseball game (Baltimore, MD)
Whether you're an O's fan or not (don't worry, I'm not), Camden Yards is the perfect baseball atmosphere. Baltimore is an amazing city with lots to do (aquarium, tours, etc.), so there's more to do than just "catch" the ball game.
Washington D.C.
1. Visit all of the famous monuments (Washington D.C.)
If you have not been in the nation's capital in your life, I highly recommend visiting. All of the famous monuments are able to be walked to and it would only take a few hours. You'd get bonus points if you rode the metro into the city (because I had to learn how to do that this year).
2. Learn about America through museums (Washington D.C.)
Most of the museums in the capital are free! You can learn about natural history, American Indians, African Americans, air and space, the arts, wars, etc. I at least encourage you to check out one that even remotely interests you (just look at that elephant!).
Virginia
1. Visit Busch Gardens and Water Country USA (Williamsburg, VA)
Busch Gardens is my most favorite theme park ever. Each section of the park represents a different country, with the food, culture, and music influencing the feel of the area, including the rides and attractions. Water Country USA, a few miles down the road, is a huge waterpark that you wouldn't want to miss.
2. Hike in Shenandoah National Park (Markham, VA)
In the Appalachian Trail, these breathtaking views would make the hike worth it!
As you can see, there are lots of outdoorsy themes in this Summer 2017 bucket list. So get outside, pack the car, and do some traveling to these Mid-Atlantic states and have the best summer ever. What are you waiting for?
