You try to experience new and exciting things during the summer. You yearn for the thrill of experiencing that one new thing that will make the summer memorable. The new school year is about to come, and you will begin preparing to go back and hit the books once again. So have you had that one special experience? Have you succeeded in chasing a dream and truly having the summer of your life?

Looking for “Crazy Great”

I couldn’t wait for this summer! After a long and challenging school year, I was very eager for an escape. I began thinking about that one ultimate adventure that might be the one big highlight of the summer. In June, I took action and called my cousins in Ohio to plan a trip to go visit them and have an enjoyable time. I knew we would go fishing and kayaking, enjoy fireworks and bonfires, and maybe I would even have my first driving lesson. That all sounded great, but I was looking for “crazy great”. My cousin Nathan then told me about a ride at an amusement park called Cedar Point, near Lake Erie. It sounded awesome. That would be it. That would be the ultimate adventure.

Long Lines but Worth the Wait

On July 7th, I rode the Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster with my brother and three of my cousins at Cedar Point in Ohio. It is one of the fastest and tallest roller coasters in the U.S: 420 feet high and traveling 120 miles per hour. When I was pressed up against my seat waiting for my car to shoot out, I was extremely nervous and very scared. The two hour wait, though, was totally worth it. I will always remember the adrenaline rush I felt when the ride began, ascending straight up, curving over the peak, and then corkscrewing down as we plunged to the finish. My experience was so intense I was shaking from the thrill even after I got off the ride. Although the ride lasted only 17 seconds long, it was such a crazy experience that it absolutely made this summer unforgettable.

Still Time to Make the Summer Unforgettable

My family and I had a great time in Ohio, and the Dragster was more than I expected. I am certain that I had my special experience this summer. Have you? If you haven’t, make sure you get out there before the summer is over. Talk to friends and arrange something. Go online and find an adventure. Whether it is something like go-cart racing, white water rafting, or an insane ride at an amusement park, GO FOR IT! Do it locally or buy a plane ticket and explore. Just do something before you go back to school! Don’t be afraid to venture out and live on the edge. There’s still time for that last thrill of the summer!

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About the Author: Andrew Lacqua is 15 years old and is a sophomore at Xavier High school in New York City. Some things he likes to do are play tennis, hang out with friends, listen to music, and play paintball every now and then.

Related Articles: Brags–The-Dragster-Roller-Coaster-120-MPH

Discover More:

Are you interested in riding the Dragster or other world-class roller coaster ? Here’s some information to help you plan your trip.

• Things to Do in Ohio: http://consumer.discoverohio.com/
• Visit Lake Erie: www.shoresandislands.com
• View  Top Thrill Dragster Videos
• Visit Cedar Point:  www.cedarpoint.com
• Where is Cedar Point? Googlemap it.
• About the Dragster on Wikipedia
• Roller Coasters and Amusement Parks near you:  www.ultimaterollercoaster.com

Do you want to share the highlight of your summer? Share it with us.

Man-Made Lake and Delicious Treats

Lake Wallenpaupack, which means “the stream of swift and slow water”, is a large (13 ½ miles long), man-made lake developed in 1927 for hydroelectric power.  There are all kinds of water activities on and around the lake, but we took a nice leisurely boat ride.  It was relaxing, the scenery was beautiful, and even the boys enjoyed it (John had his iPod).  I love doing factory tours, so while we were up by the lake we visited Callie’s Candy Kitchen and Callie’s Pretzel Factory in Mountainhome.  They were fun and delicious, but not really a “factory tour”.  Of course, we bought all kinds of pretzels and very tasty chocolate.  If you have young children, there is a really nice little water park called Carousel Water and Fun Park in Beach Lake.  My boys are too big for it now, but they loved it five years ago.  There are two nice water slides and a pool, bumper boats, racing cars, batting cages, and a nice picnic area, so pack your own lunch.

County Fair and Flea Market

One of our very favorite things to do on vacation in the Poconos is to attend the county fairs.  We have gone to the Wayne County Fair in Honesdale and the Carbon County Fair in Palmerton.  There is actually a web site you can visit to find out if there is a fair going on nearby while you are vacationing, (www.countyfairgrounds.net). There are rides for all, games and prizes, delicious home-made foods, livestock, and lots of entertainment.  Last year we saw a demolition derby and stock car racing, and this year we saw the trotters racing.  The boys love to play the games, but who needs another stuffed animal!  The fairs are very reasonably priced, only $8 per person this year.

We have also stayed twice at Fernwood’s (time share) in Bushkill, which is more south.  There are endless things to do near here.  For those who like to shop, there is a fantastic indoor/outdoor flea market in Marshall’s Creek on Route 9.  There are all sorts of bargains (sneakers, socks, video games, jewelry, handbags) and more good eats.  There is a pretzel guy there with freshly grilled pretzels and great, refreshing brewed iced tea.  We spent a fortune!

Water Park and Micro Brewery Restaurant

The kids will love Camelbeach Water Park in Tannersville.  In the winter it is the Camelback Mountain ski resort, but come summer they turn it into a huge water park.  We had a great time, even though I am not all that fond of walking around in my bathing suit! You can take the ski lift up to the top of the mountain for great views, but don’t forget your shoes, there are lots of rocks!  As you leave the water park you have to pass the Barley Creek Brewing Company, also in Tannersville, a micro brewery and restaurant.  It is worth stopping for.  Also in Tannersville (and all over the Poconos) is a pay-to-fish lake.  Our boys had a lot of fun.  You just pay for what you catch, and they will filet the fish (trout) for you.  Daniel caught a golden trout and won a t-shirt!

Animal Park and Indian Museum

We also visited Claws and Paws in Lake Ariel, a large animal park with 120 species of animals.  The kids can feed the giraffes; there is a petting zoo, lorry parrots, reptiles– you just name it.  Remember to pack a picnic lunch. There’s a nice picnic area available.  There is also a very reasonably priced gift shop that you have to walk through to exit.  We also enjoyed the Pocono Indian Museum in Bushkill which details the history of the Delaware Indians.  There are lots of artifacts, history, and hand made crafts.  I bought a beautiful pair of beaded earrings (of course).

Waterfalls and Rafting in the Delaware River

Make sure you visit “The Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania”, Bushkill Falls.  There are 8 waterfalls, excellent hiking trails and bridges, and breathtaking views.  There are also exhibits: the Pennsylvania Wildlife Exhibit, the Native American Exhibit, and you can even take a paddle boat ride.

And don’t forget to do a rafting trip on the Delaware River.  We had never done one before. I was quite nervous, but it was fantastic. I am so glad I did not chicken out.  There are many rafting companies; we used Kittatinny Canoes in Milford.  We took the beginners’ part of the river. Everyone wears life preservers.  Our leisurely trip down the river took about three hours, and John and I used the oars.  It was relaxing, a lot of fun, and when we came to the rapids, sooo exciting.  The boys jumped into the river at the calm parts and swam around a bit, and there are places along the river where you can stop and have a picnic.

I can’t say enough about the Pocono Mountains for a fun, family vacation.  It is never boring; there is always something to do for kids of all ages and their parents.  You can relax, you can be busy– you can do whatever you like!  We all loved it!

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About the Author: Karen McGlynn lives in Bethpage, NY and has two sons, 16 and 11 years old. Thank you Karen for sharing your story with the K12Genie community!

Discover More

Thinking about visiting the Pocono Mountains? Visit the websites below to view more information about the area and see specific places that Karen mentions in her article!

• Where are the Pocono Mountains: View the location on Googlemaps
• Lake Wallenpaupack: www.lakewallyfun.com/
• Bushkill Park: www.bushkillpark.com/
• Bushkill Falls: www.visitbushkillfalls.com and www.bushkillfalls.com/
• Callie’s Candy Kitchen and Callie’s Pretzel Factory: www.calliescandy.com/
• Carousel Water and Fun Park: http://carousel-park.com/
• Wayne County Fair: www.waynecountyfair.com/
• Carbon County Fair: www.carboncountyfair.com/
• County Fair Information: www.countyfairgrounds.net/
• Fernwood’s Hotel and Resort: www.fernwoodhotel.com/
• Barley Creek Brewing Company: www.barleycreek.com/
• Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark: www.skicamelback.com/Camelbeach/Home.aspx/
• Flea Market in Marshall’s Creek: www.poconobazaar.com/
• Claws and Paws: www.clawsnpaws.com/
• Pocono Indian Museum: www.poconoindianmuseumonline.com/shop/
• Kittatinny Canoes: www.kittatinny.com/

Get everything you need for your next trip at The K12Genie Store at Amazon!
Do you have a story to share? You can submit it to K12Genie just like Karen did.  Send it to us.

13 Must-Ask Questions

Many beaches are governed by local or state regulations.  Here are 13 questions you should have answers to to avoid any problems that could prevent you and your family from fully enjoying the sun, sand, and surf.

1.    Are pets allowed?
2.    Is food allowed?
3.    Is the beach free to access or is there a charge for a day pass?
4.    Are there showers/bath houses, bathrooms, restaurants?
5.    Are glass bottles allowed on the beach?
6.    Are alcoholic beverages allowed?
7.    Is fishing allowed?
8.    What time does the beach open and close?
9.    Are Frisbees, footballs, kites, and other types of games allowed?
10.    Are there lifeguards on duty?
11.    Is barbequing permitted?
12.    Is parking free or do you pay?
13.    If someone in your family is in a wheelchair, does the beach have access and do they offer beach wheelchairs?

20 Things to Pack

Everyone wants to enjoy their time at the beach, so make sure  you packed all the essentials.  Here’s a suggested list.

1. A cooler
2. A leash, water, and other amenities (pooper scooper, treats) if you are bringing your pet
3. Beach chair
4. Beach hat
5. Beach towels
6. Beach toys—sand bucket, shovel
7. Beach umbrella
8. Boogie boards
9. Camera
10. Clean, dry clothes for the drive home
11. Flip flops or sandals
12. Lip balm with SPF protection
13. Plenty of drinks
14. Reading material
15. Snacks (for the beach and for the car ride)
16. Sunglasses
17. Sunscreen
18. Swim goggles
19. Swimsuit
20. Plastic bags for anything wet

With all of this stuff in the car, don’t forget to leave room for the family!

Related articles: Point Pleasant, New Jersey: a Photo Essay

Resources:

• Beach Information for New York City Beaches
• New Jersey Beach Guide
• Shop for Beach essentials

Do you have a beach or summer story you want to share? Contact Us.

Though the Northeast hasn’t had much “beach weather” to speak of this summer, this past weekend certainly brought out the crowds, at least at Point Pleasant, New Jersey.  Families from all over the region brought their kids, coolers, chairs, and their beach umbrellas to mark their spots.

Robert H., at his summer job as a game attendant at Jenkinson's Pavilion, watches the wheel with the crowd to see who will take home a prize.

Palm trees in New Jersey? It must be summer!

Strollers take a break from sunbathing to enjoy the rides, food, and games on the Jenkinson's Beach boardwalk.

Photo credit: Fernando DeGuia

Related articles: A Beach Guide: 13 Questions and 20 Thing to Pack

Resources:

• Where is Point Pleasant?  View on Googlemaps.
• Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
• Point Pleasant Beach
• Beach regulations for New Jersey Beaches
• Information for New York City Beaches
• Do you need something for the beach? Find it at the K12Genie Store

We welcome your submissions. Do you have a summer story or photos to share? Contact Us.