Cosi Duci

In Ivanhoe, there is a small Gelati shop owned by a Sicilian family. In summer, this shop is open until 9pm but expect to cram with dozens of other hopeful Gelati fans, moving toward the counter.

There are traditional creamy varieties such as Black cherry, or Tiramisu. My favourites, Bacci or Baileys or……oh what the heck! I love them all. Then there are the fruity sorbets that taste like the fruit has been picked fresh that morning and frozen in time in sweetness and that disappear in cool melting spoonfuls.

The Best

Why do I think that this shop is so far above all the others? It is the quality of the taste. That's about all I can put it down to. There is an authenticity to the Gelati here. Try it.

A chance to spend three days in Palawan is an invitation that will make you shout with joy, but an assignment that will take you around Palawan for a whole two weeks and half, is one that you would not exchange for the world even if it means spending Christmas and New Year away from the rest of the world. So without thinking about the revelry that is the Holiday Season, we packed our bags, our cameras and our laptops, along with some good books and the excitement bursting in our hearts, to discover what is called the Philippine's Last Frontier. And in this issue, we will give you not just glimpses of what paradise looks like, but also the experience of being in paradise.

Palawan is the largest province in the country in terms of land area measuring 14,896.3 km². Stretching from the South China Sea to the Sulu Sea, Palawan is endowed with sprawling beaches from all corners. Its relative distance from its neighbouring islands, nearest of which is Mindoro, makes Palawan a sanctuary for all kinds of flora and fauna, shielded from the chaos of excessive population. It's nearness from Borneo meanwhile, makes its biodiversity more similar to Borneo than to the rest of the country. With the abundance of wildlife and fish that can only be found in Palawan, and not to mention its scientific importance especially in the continuous study of the marine life, the whole province was declared a Fish and Wildlife Sanctuary in 1967. Considered one of the cleanest provinces in the Philippines because of stringent implementations by the local government, Palawan is the one among the top three tourist destinations in the Philippines, famous not only with foreign tourists but flocked by locals as well.

Puerto Princesa: Gateway to Paradise

Puerto Princesa, the province's capital, will be the least favourite among the places in Palawan. Not only is it congested with vehicles during the daytime, but it almost looks like the Metro Manila cities, minus the garbage and the squatters. Most vacationers opt for the rustic, country destinations especially hard working professionals who can only get a couple of weeks to unwind. Undoubtedly though, Puerto Princesa offers a diverse selection of good food that you would not find in the corners of El Nido or Sabang especially if you are craving for quality variety at a lower cost. As the most common drop off point for tourists because of the Puerto Princesa Domestic Airport, Puerto Princesa also enjoys visits of tourists only on a shorter period. But there are those who stayed and opened up restaurants and bars for both local and foreign customers. So whether you are craving for an Italian, Filipino or exotic dish, Puerto Princesa surely has it.

Dining

Moana Hotel and Restaurant

Owned and operated by a true blooded Italian, Moana Hotel and Restaurant offers genuine Italian cuisine under the strict supervision of Eduardo Zanella and his wife.

Our hunger for a good cup of coffee or a shot of espresso (which is quiet hard to find in the city) led our feet to Moana on our first night in Puerto Princesa. And good espresso was what we had for a surprisingly low price of P30 and served by one of its owners Jorge. After a shot, we decided to study the menu and we just couldn't stop ourselves from ordering. Some favourites are Risotto Alla Pescatora, Lasagne and Penne Al Pesto. The prices range from P120 to P300 per dish but you are assured of really delicious, to say the least, Italian fare. When we went back to the place for our last day, the good owner treated us to a plate of Italian delicacies but with more variety than what is in the menu. We had the best serving of Artichoke, sun dried tomatoes, bacon strips with herbs straight from the Italian mountains, montadella, salami from duck, Gorgonzola, Valser, and other different cheeses and meat strips which I tasted for the first time. According to Eduardo, they have to import some of their ingredients from Italy to give their customers a real Italian dining experience. Even the wines are imported from his country and other parts of the globe, so when you decide to have either a red or a white wine to pair with your dessert, you will not be disappointed. And the pool view of the restaurant makes dining at Moana a great gastronomic treat.

Located just some few meters from the airport along Rizal Avenue, Moana's garden setting and native atmosphere makes staying there more than a stop-over to go to the nearest tourist spot, but a relaxing experience with the best of the Italian staples. They offer native rooms complete with all the amenities (air-condition, private bath with hot and cold shower and cable TV) and made of cool wood and native materials accented with Italian styled chandeliers. They also offer diving, snorkelling, water sports and other activities for the adrenaline junkie in you.

Balinsasayaw Restaurant

You wouldn't miss this native restaurant in the heart of Rizal Avenue because of its big sign and inviting little huts, small garden and pond with koi fish and turtles. They serve local delicacies and even exotic dishes. Our favourite (and also one of the cheapest) is the grilled tuna. Its smoky, succulent meat always hot from the grill (so you have to wait longer than necessary) served with atchara (pickled papaya) with your choice of freshly blended fruit or buko (coconut) juice, is a tempting alternative to the Continental, American or Filipino breakfast that is commonly offered in other restaurants. And to top it all, the prices are very much affordable especially for those who are on a tight budget. For P60 you can already have a full meal in a relaxing garden and in your own nipa hut.

They also offer El Nido Soup, the famous Palawan fare which was actually the nest of Balinsasayaw (swiftlet) birds that can only be found in the rocky cliffs of El Nido and other parts of the province. The nests of the birds are woven from their saliva. Although we didn't try it because of its heavenly price (P300+) we heard that El Nido Soup is so delicious and healthy and is often taken by conceiving women. The difficulty of harvesting the nests explains the high price, because it is often located at the end of hanging cliffs. These days, the harvesting of the nests is already regulated because of the rapid diminishing of the Balinsasayaw birds.

Kinabuch Restaurant

People flock to Kinabuch because of its famous crispy pata, live bands, pool tables and soccer games. Also along Rizal Avenue, a few meters away from Moana, Kinabuch is an al fresco restaurant that offers the best of Filipino food. We visited the place twice during our stay and we couldn't be more satisfied with their service. They have three pool tables near the bar where you and your friends can bet for who is going to pay the next day's food and a complete bar list for a nightcap before you hop on the bus to Sabang the next day.

Our last dinner in Palawan was as memorable as the place itself, especially that we spend it in Kinabuch. We had Bulalo, the famous Filipino soup of beef shanks and vegetables with meat so tender that it melts in your mouth and a tasty treat of bone marrow which is the real catch in a Bulalo soup. We also had Garlic Shrimps and two servings of Yang Chow with vegetables and a couple of refreshing fruit juices. It was, like what they say here in the Philippines, a meal you eat before your death sentence. We ended up taking out some of the food for breakfast.

Places to Go

Once you get out of the city proper, which is approximately a 20-30 minutes ride away, Puerto Princesa changes into a different surrounding stripped off its urban qualities. True to its claim, Palawan is a very clean province where you can't see any candy wrappers or used plastic bags out of their proper places, the trash can. The roads are lined with talisay and other local trees you can only see in the provinces as well as different species of wild flowers growing on the side of the road. For backpackers and tourists who are not on a tour package, the best way to go around the city is through tricycles (motorbikes attached to a body that can seat three people inside and two at the back of the motorbike). This vehicle will give you a clear view of the hills, the vast rice fields and the whole panorama of the city that is revered as one of the last remaining tropical paradises in the Philippines.

Honda Bay

It's true what they say that it is a different world down there. Visiting Honda Bay and snorkelling for the first time not only substantiate the statement, it also made me an instant snorkelling addict after a period of one hour. Needless to say, Honda Bay is one of the best places for aqua lovers.

It took us a tricycle ride of 30 minutes from the city proper to Santa Lourdes pier, the jump off point to the islands. When we arrived, our newly found friends, an Australian couple were already waiting in one of the orange boats on the dock. We headed to the tourist centre first where they are renting fins, masks and snorkels for snorkelling before joining them.

Dotted with small islands, three of the most famous are Snake Island, Pandan Island and Starfish Island. Honda Bay is the most accessible beach area around Puerto Princesa. A one-day island hopping tour is the best package to get when you want to see the three islands. A boat usually costs P800-P1500 depending on the size, but it is recommended to share it with another couple if you are tight on the budget.

When we got to Pandan Island, there were already a lot of tourists frolicking on the blue green waters; most of them were Japanese and Korean tourists. There were also some bird enthusiasts busy with their binoculars, while the beach is permeated with the smell of grilled pork, fish and vegetables, steamed rice and fresh fruits. We forgot to bring our food so we tried to forget the hunger for a while and focused instead on the view underwater. But the number of people snorkelling there somehow disrupted the enjoyment. The last thing you would want is a boy's foot stomping on the sands while you are posing with the fishes, driving them away turning your photo into a boring underwater snap. So we moved on to the next island.

Aptly called Snake Island because of its shape, Snake Island is a strip of white sand beach with a spectacular underwater view, when you talk about fishes. Never had I imagined I could see as much fish in the oddest combination of colours. Our boatman, who also acted as underwater guide educated me on the names of the fish flirting around me for a grain of sand (which the fish mistook for bread). There were groupers, butterfly fish, territorial fish with their lovely pink scales (who also bite and chase when you get near their corals), jack fish, gobies, angel fish, barracudas, damsel fish, parrot fish and many other different kinds. After a somewhat tiring but relaxing communion with the fish, we all felt hungry. But since an hour had passed since lunchtime, we were left with only one choice for lunch, huge live crabs, marinated in Sprite. We were not expecting too much because our stomach had been set to digest fresh grilled fish, but once the food arrived, it was scrumptious. Such a simple meal of steamed crab, rice and coconut turned into a gastronomic feast that left us all glued to our wooden benches for a while.

“This is life, what more can you ask?” exclaimed our Australian friend after the delicious lunch. I couldn't agree more.

Other islets worth visiting are the Starfish and Cowrie Islands.

Crocodile Farm

Spend an afternoon in the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre or more popularly known as Crocodile Farm and watch dead-looking crocodiles transmogrify into fierce animals when the piece of chicken lands at their midst. Or amuse yourself with hundreds of baby crocodiles at the centre's breeding area.

The Crocodile Farm is a joint venture between the Philippine and Japanese governments to rescue sick, disabled and illegally gathered crocodiles. They house the Philippine Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis), one of the most endangered species in the country as well as salt water crocodiles which can measure up to 5 meters long. At the centre's entrance is a huge display of salt water crocodile skin you could only wish in one of your shoes and bags.

An interesting note we learned from the crocodile farm is that the buying and selling of salt water crocodiles is allowed because, unlike the Philippine Crocodile, salt water crocodiles multiply faster.

The centre also houses other Philippine animals in a mini zoo around the 10-hectare property. Lay bearcats that wouldn't even move in their cages, ostriches gracefully flaunting their behinds, a lonely wild boar, chickens, avian species and playful monkeys. You might even chance upon a snake slithering down the tree near the adult crocodile cages. Entrance Fee: P40.00

Butterfly Garden

If a visit to the Crocodile Farm is a bit tiring for you with all the walking, photo opportunities and fast heartbeats, you can also relax and enjoy the serenity that comes with watching butterflies.

The Butterfly Garden is actually a small home garden cum greenhouse that is converted into a butterfly breeding area. Visitors are given a film lecture on the life cycle of the butterflies before entering. Inside is a collection of different flora that also serves as a food supply for the butterflies and a small man-made stream. Although it is prohibited, you can't stop yourself from touching the butterflies which are fluttering their colourful wings around you or clinging on your shoulders, your hair and even on your arms. Entrance Fee: P75.00

Puerto Princesa might not offer the wonders of Palawan that is nature at its purest, but it certainly has its own piece of adventure to boost. Besides, what better way to appreciate a Palawan trip but a stop-over in the heart of the province where every effort is concentrated to keep this paradise as beautiful for the next generation.

One of Singapore's main attraction is FOOD. As a tourist here, you will be bombarded by the number of shops that sell a very wide variety of Asian cuisines.

There are informal settings where you have to order you food and bring it to your table very much like ordering from a fast-food joint. Difference is that the table where you sit may quite far away from the stall itself. These stalls, it can be up to 20 different stalls, all share a common sitting area. You are spoilt for choice as you decide what to try first.

Noodles and rice are prepared in a number of different manner - fried, soup, dry, semi-dry, chilli, ketchup, clay pot, hot cast-iron plate, mini steamboat, and the list goes on.

Then if you want to pamper yourself, and not join in the hustle and bustle of things, go to a formal restaurant. It is air-conditioned and you have waiters who will take your order and then bring the food to you. Dinning at these restaurants is easily affordable.

Of course, if budget is not an issue, go for fine dinning. You will be pampered as you enjoy the wonderful service and the relaxing pace.

No matter which is your choice of dinning experience, the food tastes simply delicious. You'll be putting on weight when you visit Singapore.

It doesn't matter if you are vegetarian, you will find vegetarian food stalls easily. Singapore is a multi-racial, multi-religious mix, thus the food is catered to all people. There are also internal cuisines easily available as well.

Now you see why Singapore is a food paradise?

The other main attraction in Singapore is SHOPPING. Clothes and electronic gadgets are the top picks for tourists from US and the UK.

Next to every shop that sells food, there is one that sells clothes or other things. It's like there is a master plan that predicts that after you do your shopping, you will be hungry and thirsty, so have the food stalls nearby so that you can replenish your body with food and drink before heading for the stalls again.

Branded clothing like Asley Isham and Wykidd Song to cheap t-shirts for tourists to purchase, branded make up to branded shoes are mainly located at Orchard Road. It is a place where budget is not an issue for you. You will fall in love with these shops here. Another newly opened shopping mall is at the Changi Airport Terminal 3. This is mainly for businessmen who are in Singapore for a one day or half-day transit. It has over 100 retail and food and beverage outlets.

You have to watch out for the Great Singapore Sale (June), Singapore Fashion Festival (July) and the Christmas Light up. These sales are really worth the effort!

These are just 2 main attractions of Singapore and because it is the hottest 2 past times, there is even a shopping mall and a great number of food stalls that are open 24/7.

Speaking of hot past time, Singapore's nightlife (some of the world's best is at Clarke Quay), shopping and fine dinning is ranked top 5 in the world (reported by Country Brand Index by FutureBrand).

These are just 2 top picks why you may want to visit Singapore. Have fun!

The first thing I tell people is don't pay the asking price. That means, don't just walk up to a car rental counter and ask for the price. You will always get ding'd if you do that. Instead, find a computer that is connected to the internet and book it online.

If you are looking for a cheap rental, check out Dollar, Thrifty, Budget and Enterprise. Each of these companies provide pretty new vehicles at their locations for a low rate.

1. The first place when you reach the company's website to check is their Specials page. Depending on how long you need your vehicle, check if there are any dollar savings off a weekend, weekly or monthly rate. Most of these specials are in the form of a promo code or discount code. Take note of it before you leave the page.
2. If you work for a large corporation, check with your company and see if they have a preferred car rental agency and what the discount is. Most large corporations have corporate accounts with Hertz or Avis, and not any of the discount ones that I have listed. With the right corporate code, you may be able to get better rates with their companies or you may get special privileges. I would compare the prices with these discount companies just to see which one offers the better deal.
3. If you don't have a corporate code then ask your friends if they know of any. For example, if you belong to Costco, they have codes for Alamo, Budget, Avis and Hertz. And if you golf and belong to the USGA, you can use their special code for Hertz. (I believe the last time I looked, the code was printed on the USGA site under benefits.) Having a code will save you up to 25% off your total rental costs.
4. When you pick up your car, stay firm on your booking. Because their rates are substantially discounted, they will try to encourage you to upgrade the vehicle for an additional cost. Or if they ran out of the size that you had booked for, they will try to charge you for a larger size car. Either way, stay firm and demand that they honor your booking.
5. Check with your car insurance company and credit cards to see if there are any car rental coverages that are included. For instance, most gold credit cards offer comprehensive coverage on car rentals. This will save you up to $10 per day if you decline the coverage from the car rental agencies but remember to use the gold card to pay for the rental. Also, some car insurance policies allow you to take the coverage you have on your home vehicle and transfer it to the rental car. This could potentially save you another $20 per day.

I personally take no coverage when I rent because my AllState insurance allows me to take my coverage and transfer it to the car rental and my gold American Express card covers the liability. I have to stay firm at the counter, and decline their coverages and not flinch when they say I am responsible for the whole car in case something happens to it. I know AllState and American Express are behind me on it.

1. Lamborghini Murcielago



First on the list the Lamborghini Murcielago witch delivers a whopping 640-horse power engine.

2. Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano



Ferrari is well known for its speed machines designed from the racing world but no one would expect the 620 horsepower this car delivers.

3. Mercedes-Benz SLR



This car delivers the third biggest horsepower of 617.

4. Maybach 57 S



This one comes with a beastly 604 horsepower engine.

5. Maybach 62 S



Just like his brother, the Maybach 62 S has 604 horsepower.

6. Mercedes Benz CL



Mercedes Benz is know for its beauty and class but the Mercedes-Benz CL proves to be about class and power with a 604 horsepower engine.

7. Mercedes Benz S



This car delivers a 604 horsepower engine.

8. Mercedes-Benz SL



It seems Mercedes-benz has taken three top ten spots with the Mercedes-Benz SL This car also delivers 604 horsepower.

9. Bentley Continental GT



Who can honestly forget about the style and class of Bentley who would think it's all about looks? The Bentley Continental GT has a 600 horsepower engine.

10. Dodge Viper



And in 10th place comes the Dodge Viper delivering a 600 horsepower engine.

Best Steel Roller Coaster: Millennium Force

Cedar Point Sandusky, Ohio

This coaster has an 80-foot drop at an 80-degree angle, almost straight down! The “train” moves mostly without motors because of the great amount of change from potential energy to kinetic energy. The highest point on the ride is about 310 feet high: the same height as 763 soda cans stacked on top of one another.

The Best Ride in the Dark: The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

Islands of adventure Orlando, Florida

The indoor ride used 3-D glasses and special effects to put you in the middle of New York City. When Spider-Man jumps at you he's not really there, he's just an image that forms an illusion in your brain. To make all the images of the ride, they use 25 film projectors and 13 screens.

Best Indoor Ride: Rock "n" Roller Coaster

Disney-MGM studios Orlando Florida

The ride is mostly upside down and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. It is six cars long and uses electromagnetic power. By placing many magnets close to each other you can shoot the coaster like an arrow. Each limo train (six cars) features 120 speakers that blast Aerosmith music.

Best Wooden Roller Coaster: Boulder Dash

Lake Compounce, Bristol, Connecticut

The boulder dash is the only wooden roller coaster built entirely on the side of a mountain. So instead of climbing up the mountain, you can just ride up your way. At the beginning of the ride a chain pulls the coaster up the hill and when it begins to descend, gravity sends the coaster the rest of the way-no motors needed. This ride features almost a mile of track.

Click Here for the ride of your life!

Best Water Park Ride: Master Blaster

Schlitterbahn Water Park Resort New Braunfels, Texas

Unlike most water rides the Master Blaster takes you uphill and downhill. At the bottom of each drop there is a gust of water shooting out to push you forward. The reason why it has enough force to bring you up is because; water comes from a large tube to a small tube, thus creating high-pressure water blast. The ride is made out of 25,869 nuts, bolts, and washers, wow.

Best Place to See One Million Bricks: Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Corolla, 252-453-8152

Lighthouses are synonymous with the Outer Banks, and many people search them out for good reason. The furthest north of the Outer Banks lighthouses stands on Currituck Beach. Completed in 1875, the lighthouse at Currituck Beach filled in the last section of the North Carolina coast from which a lighthouse was not visible. Unlike most lighthouses that have a very distinct and decoratively painted daymark, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse has been left unpainted to expose the brick out of which the structure is made. This has the dual effect of giving the structure a very unique look and showing just how many bricks went into the construction, which is about a million.

Best Place to Mispronounce a Name: Bodie Island Lighthouse, Manteo, 252-441-5711

Despite how the name looks, "Bodie" is actually pronounced like "body." The name comes from the Body family, early inhabitants of the island. In those days, it was called Bodies Island, named after the family in a mix up of the plural and possessive forms of the name. Through the years, the final "s" was dropped, and we are left with the somewhat confusing name today. The lighthouse, painted with three white and two black horizontal stripes, takes its name from the island. Anyone who is not familiar with sailing might wonder why the Outer Banks has so many lighthouses, but the question can be answered with a simple trip to a Bodie Island gift shop, which sells maps to many of the shipwrecks in the area. There are so many, in fact, that the Outer Banks area has been given the nickname “The Graveyard of the Atlantic.”

Best Place to See a Baby Lighthouse: Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, Manteo, 252-475-1500

Not all lighthouses are old. Not all lighthouses are of the traditional tower structure, either. Dedicated in 2004, the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse in Manteo is the youngest of the group, and also the most structurally unique. Unlike the other tall brick tower lighthouses that dot the coastline, this lighthouse is a recreation of a 1857 screwpile lighthouse that was decommissioned by the Coast Guard in 1955. The name screwpile comes from how the lighthouse is constructed. The supports, or piles, are equipped with a screw on the end of them, and when placed are screwed into the ocean floor or river bottom for extra support. Currently, the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is home to the North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island.

Best Place to Walk with Pirates: Ocracoke Lighthouse, Ocracoke

So, maybe "with" is not quite the correct word, but you can certainly walk on the same land that the famous Blackbeard once lived. The Ocracoke Lighthouse was built on the Ocracoke Inlet entrance where Blackbeard, also known as Edward Teach, once called home. It was built in 1823 by Noah Porter, making it the second oldest operating lighthouse in the United States, and the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina. As the light is located on the remote island of Ocracoke, you will have to ride the ferry over from Hatteras to see it, which is an experience in itself.

Best View from a Lighthouse: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton, 252-995-4474

The most famous of the Outer Banks lighthouses, and possibly the most easily recognized lighthouse in the United States, is the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. It is painted with the familiar black and white spiral daymark. Besides being so well known, it is also the tallest lighthouse in the United States, stretching 208 feet into the air. While visiting, be sure to take the time to make the climb, which requires pulling yourself up the 268 steps to the top. The inside of the tower is not air conditioned, and has very few windows, so it is dim, humid, and hot, but steeping out onto the observation deck, breathing in the fresh air, and seeing the Outer Banks from 200 feet make it worth the effort.

Best History Lessons: Roanoke Adventure Museum, Manteo, 252-475-1500 and Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center, Frisco, 252-995-4440

The race between these two museums is really to close to call. The Roanoke Adventure Museum covers over 400 years of Outer Banks history. Exhibits begin with English settlers coming to the islands and work their way gradually up through the ages. Learn about Civil War history, including the Freedman's Colony, or, if you like, become a surfman for a Lifesaving Station, or shop at a store straight out of the beginning of the 20th Century.

The Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center takes in another aspect of the islands history. Long before the Outer Banks was a vacation hot spot, it was home for many Native Americans. Included in the museum is a dugout canoe and tools found on the grounds, as well as displays on Native American cultures throughout the United States. Native American arts and crafts can be purchased in the gift shop. The Center is also host to the Annual Inter-Tribal Powwow.

Best Science Lesson: North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island, Manteo, 252-473-3494

Why not learn about the ocean while you are at the ocean? But do not worry, kids; this museum is not all about learning, just mostly. The North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island is home to the largest saltwater tank in North Carolina. While many aquariums now have a touch tank to interact with sea creatures, this aquarium takes the experience one step further; with advanced reservations, you can feed the animals you usually only get to touch. Other special programs, including the the chance to take in the weekly feeding of the sharks, are also available.

Best Place to Dream about Hidden Treasure: Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, Hatteras, 252-986-2995

So what if all of the boats do not contain hidden treasure. It might just be that none of the shipwrecks off the coast have hidden treasure, but maybe the do. Who did not grow up dreaming of finding that hidden treasure? While most of us will never have the chance to attempt deep sea treasure hunting, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum gives a glimpse into why the Outer Banks got the title “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” Included in the list of ships at the bottom of the ocean in the area are Civil War ironclad USS Monitor, German U-boats, and maybe even pirate ships or two. I could tell you that you don't really have any hope of finding treasure, but I won't. Hey, I'm not going to keep you from dreaming.

Best "Best Things in Life Are Free" Attraction: Fishing ships unloading their catch, Hatteras Village Marinas, Hatteras, NC

Here is a sight that will make you feel reassured that, in fact, the best things in life are free. Make your way to the Hatteras Village Marinas between 4:00 and 5:00 P.M. and find yourself a good spot to watch the local fishing boats unload their day's catches. Most of the fish you will see will be wahoo, tuna, and mahi-mahi. While the big game fish such as saltfish are all catch and release for these business ships, they will fly a flag for each of the sport fish they had managed to catch during the day, so look close to see them. You did not really come on vacation to drive go-karts around all night, did you?

Best Historical Mystery: Lost Colony Outdoor Drama and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Manteo, 252-473-3414 and 252-473-5772

Over 400 years ago, the first English colony in the United States was founded on Roanoke Island and, shortly after it was founded in 1587, leader John White returned to England for what he assumed would be a three month resupply mission. It turned into a three year excursion after his ship was confiscated by the British Navy to wage war against Spain. Once he did return, he found the colony deserted, and the word "Croatoan," referring to the local Native American tribe, carved into a post of the fort. To this day, the disappearance of the colonists remains unsolved. The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama retells the story of the missing settlers in the Waterside Theater of Roanoke Island, while the National Historic Site is a 513 acre park built to remember the 116 settlers who disappeared.

Best Place to Spread your Wings: Wright Brothers Memorial, Kill Devil Hills, 252-441-7430

On December 17th, 1903, Orville Wright climbed into the Wright Flyer that he and his brother, Wilbur, had constructed, and became the first person to fly a controlled, powered, and heavier-than-air flight. Now, over 100 years later, people zip all over the world in airplanes, but it all started on the sand dunes of Kill Devil Hills. The visitor center houses full size replications of the 1903 Wright Flyer, as well as the 1902 Glider. Best of all, it is a great place to take the family and not spend a lot of cash. Visitors 16 and over get in for just a few dollars for a seven day pass. Everyone 15 and under is free.

Best Place to Find Something You Will Not Find in History Books: The Freedmen's Colony of Roanoke Island, Maneto, 252-475-1506

To this day no one knows exactly where the freed slaves founded their colony on Roanoke Island, which eventually grew to a population of 3,500, but we do know that it existed. All evidence of the colony has been removed, and the historical records that have been passed down do not give any hint as to the location. For whatever reason, this mysterious colony that ended up becoming government sanctioned and protected by Union soldiers during the Civil War is left out of most history books completely. Today the often forgotten portion of history has a heritage trial dedicated to it on Roanoke Island.

Best Place to Perform a Planing Gybe: Haulover Day Use Area, Avon

Feel like trying your hand at windsurfing? Maybe kayaking? Or maybe you just like to lie around on the beach? You can do all of these at the Haulover Day Use Area, which is better known as Canadian Hole. With a public bathhouse and plenty of parking, this area has become the center of the windsurfer's world on the Carolina border. If you are not feeling that adventurous, it is also a great place to just swim and enjoy watching others windsurf.

Best Free Boat Ride: Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry, Hatteras, 252-986-2352

Not only is it the only way to get your car from Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island, it is one hundred percent free (if you exclude local taxes, that is). If you are familiar with traveling by ferry, do not expect the luxury you get at other “pay-to-ferry” places, such as the Cape May-Lewes Ferry between New Jersey and Delaware. You will get a nice 45 minute boat ride between the islands, but it will actually feel like you are on a ferry, not a glorified floating bar. Get out of your car, sit on your car hood, or tail gate, and talk to the strangers around you. This is what traveling is all about.

Best Place to Stay: The Avon Motel, Avon, 252-995-5774

Being a great motel is all well and good, but if you are the best motel in the middle of the Mojave Desert, I am still not staying there. The first reason that I picked the Avon Motel as the best place to stay is the town of Avon itself. Avon is a lot further south than most Outer Banks visitors venture, and even if they do travel this far south, they usually just blow through Avon on their way to Hatteras. Being there is somewhat like finding a diamond that everyone else has missed, despite it being right where everyone is looking. The beaches are beautiful and, depending on if you are on the ocean side or the sound side of the island, either brutally rugged or amazingly peaceful. Fantastic restaurants are everywhere, or you can have a cookout on the beach, if you like.

Now, all that location is well and good, but if the hotel is not up to par, you can throw all of it out the window. The second reason that I picked this motel as the best is, oddly enough, that it is a great place to stay. Family owned and family friendly, the Avon Motel provides a place to clean all the fish you can catch, kitchens to cook them in, and great hospitality to boot. It was built in 1954 and it keeps hold of the feeling of a motel from the United State's glory days of travel without being shabby. In fact, the rooms matched the beach perfectly; wonderfully clean and beautiful, but still with a little rugged edge to it. You are, after all, below mile marker 57 on the Outer Banks.

That wraps up the best of the Outer Banks. Pack your bags, and don't forget the sunscreen. The Outer Banks are calling.