Roche Harbor Resort & Marina San Juan Island, Washington

The Roche Harbor Resort is situated on a protected bay on the northwest tip of the island. In the late 1800s, this was the largest limeworks west of the Mississippi. Today, visitors can hike the old lime quarry trails.

The Roche Harbor airstrip (private) is a ten minute walk to the resort. Seaplanes can be accommodated in the seaplane base (W39). A courtesy vehicle is available to arriving pilots. An alternate airport is Friday Harbor (KFHR). Car rentals are available for the picturesque ten mile drive.

Since 1886, guests have been staying at the Hotel de Haro. John Wayne and Teddy Roosevelt were among the celebrity guests. Rooms overlook the harbor and the rose garden. If you opt for one of the McMillin Suites, you will be able to enjoy the view from your private verandah, soak in the clawfoot tub, or relax by the fireplace.

The number one sightseeing adventure here is whale watching in a sea kayak. From May through September, orcas gather to dine on salmon in the Haro Straight. If by chance you miss the orcas, and it does happen on occasion, all is not lost; you're likely to encounter otters, sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise — and bald eagles flying overhead.

If whale watching in a kayak is a little too adventurous for you, try spotting the killer whales from Lime Kiln Point State Park. This is the only park dedicated entirely to whale watching.

McMillin's, once the home of John S. McMillin, president of the Lime and Cement Company, is the resort's fine-dining restaurant. McMillin's serves up a wonderful combination of spectacular seaside views, sunsets, northwest cuisine, and locally grown organic vegetables and herbs. It's a winning combination for both guests and locals.

Samoset Resort Rockland, Maine
Welcome to the lobster capital of the world and Samoset Resort. Situated between rolling green hills and the blue waters of the Atlantic and Penobscot Bay, this four-diamond resort is just minutes from the Knox County Airport (KRKD). Complimentary shuttle service is provided by the resort.

A $3 million renovation is scheduled to be completed by this summer, and all 178 rooms are being upgraded with features like 32-inch, LCD flat screen TVs, lighted makeup mirrors, luxurious down bedding, and private balconies.

Outdoor enthusiasts will not lack for things to do and see. Since Rockland is home to the country's largest fleet of windjammers, you can set sail on a national landmark. Landlubbers can check out the Owls Head Transportation Museum, which has earned Rand McNally's "Best of the Road" designation for its extensive collection of vintage cars and airplanes.

For those who want to improve their golf game, Samoset hosts the renowned ESPN Golf School. The oceanside course has been rated one of the top ten courses by Golf Digest for aesthetics. A variety of golf packages are available for adults and juniors.

If you brought the kids, they'll be treated to a wide range of supervised activities at Sam-o-Camp. Or, if you left the kids at home, you may want to rent the Flume Cottage, a romantic hideaway built out over the Atlantic Ocean. This exclusive two-bedroom, two-bath bungalow offers a wood-burning stove to ward off chilly evenings, a hot tub on the deck, lots of privacy, and scenic views from every window.

Scenic views are also available from Samoset's three restaurants. From casual to elegant, guests can dine on gourmet delicacies, steaming chowders, hearty New England fare, and lobster right out of the ocean and off the boat.

Grand Hotel Mackinac Island, Michigan
Looking for a very special getaway? Try the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, where you'll be transported back to an era of old-world charm and gracious living.

When you land at the Mackinac Island Airport (KMCD), hire a horse drawn taxi for the short ride to the resort. There are no cars on the island. Transportation is by foot, bike, or horse-drawn carriage.

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