Courtesy of Maine Island Kayak Co.

Take It Easy

The Peaks Island House
Peaks Island, Maine

No man is an island, but most would like to own one—or at least visit one from time to time. Peaks Island, off the rugged 3,500-mile coast of “Vacationland” (Maine’s license plate slogan since 1936), offers just such an opportunity for solitude and renewal—part civilized, part wild. Located in Casco Bay (a 20-minute ferry ride from Portland), the island is home to fewer than 1,000 people year round. Stay at the Peaks Island House ($125–$245 per night; 207-766-4406; www.thepeaksislandhouse.com), which has an on-site restaurant (serving locally harvested seafood) and a private beach. What’s there to do besides eat lobster and paint seascapes? Because the island is just 2 square miles, we suggest kayaking. Check out the Peaks Island-based Maine Island Kayak Co. ($60–$395; 800-796-2373; www.maineislandkayak.com), which offers expert-guided half-day, full-day or multi-day trips. New to paddling? Not to worry. They’ll teach you the basics and then help you enjoy the steely blue waters of the northern Atlantic. The more adventurous should consider a Casco Bay three-day tour, which explores the bay’s secluded passages and vast array of islands. Oh, and on your way home, don’t forget to gear up at the L.L. Bean Flagship store in nearby Freeport (877-552-3268;  www.llbean.com).

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Get Dirty

Mountain Bike the Poconos
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

In 1963, at the Caesar’s Cove Haven Resort in the Poconos, true love was bequeathed a new symbol—the first ever heart-shaped tub. Nearly half a century later, we think it’s time a new symbol was introduced. One with two fat tires and a set of riser bars. Take your mountain-biking sweetie to Jim Thorpe and you’ll see what we mean. This renovated Victorian town is the gateway to some of the East’s best terrain for two-wheel warriors, starting with nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park’s (570-443-0400;  www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/lehighgorge.aspx) spectacular 25-plus-mile ride along the Lehigh River, which follows an abandoned railroad route (read: easy-pitch pedaling) and leads you past several waterfalls en route. If singletrack is what you’re after, warm up on either the 11-mile Coal Cracker loop or the out-and-back
9-mile Flagstaff Mountain ride, and then head over to Mauch Chunk Ridge for a titillating 14-mile loop with technical descents and stunning views of Lehigh Gorge. Bike rentals and trail advice can be procured from Blue Mountain Sports & Wear in Jim Thorpe ($15–$27/day; 800-599-4421; www.bikejimthorpe.com). Camping is available April–October in Mauch Chunk Lake Park ($12–$26/night; www.carboncounty.com/park/camping.htm). Or reserve a room at The Inn at Jim ($115–$299/night; 800-329-2599; www.innjt.com), where you can soak off all of that bike grease in the hot tub.

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Quick Escapes


Boston, Massachusetts:
Run, Bike or Skate
So, you’re in Boston with your little sis’, touring the city’s famed colleges? Don’t let her monopolize your daily need for endorphins, too. After you drop her off at MIT, head to the Charles River path and challenge your travel-stiffened muscles to a 17.2-mile-loop workout. (There are several bridges on which to circle back around for shorter loops.) Don’t forget to stop in at Lucky’s at 355 Congress St. (617-357-5825)—a hip underground bar without a sign out front where you might rub elbows with one of the Red Sox. Then, make a pact with your new bar-buddies to come back for the Boston Marathon in April.
www.communityrunning.org.

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New York, New York:
Tai Chi
Next time you’re in the Big Apple, escape the high-stress hustle with a trip to the center of Central Park for a Tai Chi class. Tai Chi is a martial art that promotes health and relaxation. Classes convene at the North Meadow Recreation Center (mid park at 97th Street). $7; 212-348-4867, ext. 10; www.centralparknyc.org/thingstodo.

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Washington, DC:
Run, Bike or Skate
While you’re in DC lobbying for research dollars for Biosphere 420, check out the extensive system of multi-use trails that spider through the capital and connect to nearby Annapolis and Baltimore. For a scenic tour, take the 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail, which follows the Potomac from downtown DC to George Washington’s country estate. For information about trails and to locate bike rentals, go to the visitors page at www.bikewashington.org.

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Courtesy of Howard Kanner/Go Vertical.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
Climb
After you’ve visited the American Helicopter Museum and the Betsy Ross House, chances are good you’ll need some activity to raise your pulse above 70. Instead of playing in traffic, check out one of the largest climbing gyms on the East Coast, Go Vertical, which features 240 routes on 50-foot walls. The gym offers daily beginner classes ($50) and even has a separate kid’s climbing wall. $12–15/day pass; 215-928-1800; www.govertical.com.

Last Updated: Feb 24th, 2006 - 14:18:11
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