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Summer Hotspots: 8 Cool Vacation Retreats
by Jan Gerner
You won't lack for fun things to do here. Take a dip ocean-side or bay-side. Big-game fishing out of Montauk happens to be some of the best fishing on the East Coast. Ride a horse along the beach, bike from village to village, rent a canoe or kayak, take a walk in the woods, or count windmills. You can be as active or as inactive as you choose.
Thanks to the East Hampton Historical Society, history has been well-
preserved here. Visit the complex of museums and historic sites to experience the Hamptons of long ago.
Other favorite pastimes include antiquing and tours of the local wineries. Long Island's maritime climate has produced some award-winning wines, making this the "Napa Valley of the East."
And if you want to wile away the day with a good book, drop into BookHampton, an independent bookstore where the friendly staff will have lots of recommendations. If curling up with a good book is a little too staid for you, get out and party. This hot spot has lots of hot nightlife. You can party into the wee hours of the morning, then get back to the inn in time for the complimentary continental breakfast.
 Winnetu Oceanside Resort
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
The Winnetu Oceanside Resort has been accommodating guests of all ages since June 2000. Once the site of a World War II Naval air-and-sea base, this sprawling New England resort is nestled among sand dunes and trails perfect for hiking and biking. Rental cars and cabs are available at the Martha's Vineyard Airport (KMVY) for the 15 minute drive to Winnetu. The complimentary programs for children and the special attention to meal times have earned the resort the number two spot on Child Magazine's 2006 top ten list of family friendly resorts.
From mid April to the end of October, families can choose from suites, studios, town homes, single family homes, and a private cottage. All are equipped with cooking facilities, but why cook when the award-winning Lure Restaurant and Osprey Room caters to families with special dining options? Kids have their own 3D menu, a kiddie-height buffet loaded with all their favorites, and there is even a make-your-own sundae bar. Parents have a serene dining experience, with some of the freshest seafood and island-grown ingredients available.
While children and teens are being entertained with treasure hunts, remote controlled boat races, a life-size chess set, ping pong, pee-wee tennis, and group games, parents have a variety of activities to choose from—golf, tennis, a state-of-the-art gym, and fitness classes with personal trainers. The "Farmer for a Day"program is one of many family activities. A hayride gets you to the working farm where you can learn the ins and outs of farming and, if you're so inclined, watch a live animal birth. A special birthing hot line will let you know when the blessed event occurs.
Other popular activities include guided bike tours of the island and lighthouse tours. Lighthouse keepers will give you a glimpse into their lives, along with an opportunity to climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the sound, Edgartown harbor, and the cliffs of Aquinnah.
Moby Dick was written here and Jaws was filmed here, so it's not surprising that water activities abound in this once-active whaling port. Guided canoe and kayak tours allow you to see salt marshes, tidewaters, and wildlife. Sailings on tall ships, ferries to Nantucket, and whale watching can be arranged at the resort.
Don't miss the clam chowder, steamed lobsters, mussels, clams, corn on the cob, and salads at the resort's clambake. Entertainment and a "sunset s'more party" top off this popular weekly event.
For those wanting to capture lasting memories of this hot spot, the resort can arrange a professional photo shoot of your family. It's a bit expensive but with the island's natural beauty as your backdrop, you will be creating a treasured family keepsake. 
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