Monday, February 6, 2012

Intercourse, Pennsylvania

Spring break (a la Urban Dictionary):

The time of school year where college aged young adults and some high school students (In March or April) descend upon vacation resorts such as Cabo, Cancun, Miami, and other sunny locales to partake in much debauchery which usually results in hangovers, a burning sensation when urinating, strange discharge coming from various orifices, interesting pictures, and great memories!

Girl 1: "Hey, have you heard about the new spring break hot spot?"
Girl 2: "No, where is it?"
Girl 1: "Intercourse Pennsylvania! Amish country! I can't wait to get freaky at the barn raising! MTV is going to be there! I gotta go out and buy an apron to go with my dress!"

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When it snows like this,

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I want to be here.

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I spent my snow day dreaming of spring break destinations. Last year we did Costa Rica, which I LOVED and am still dreaming about. I could go right back to this spot until that volcano erupts on me or I have burning with urinating.

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That monkey on the right had a bad attitude. DO NOT sneer at me red butt!:

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Seriously, it does NOT get better than this:

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The two years prior to Costa Rica, we went to Mexico. This year we decided we’d just go back to Mexico to our favorite little haunt. I mean, who wouldn’t want some more of this?

Not a bad spot to hang out with a cerveza:

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The beach was not long enough to run on, but this was a good set up:

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Here is where you almost see my crack:

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Can you find what’s funny about this photo?

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I love this place, the Hotel Marina El Cid. I like it because it is small (unlike some of these resorts that practically have their own subway systems), has good food and is the ultimate in relaxation. Costa Rica and Mexico were two totally different trips: Costa Rica was all about adventure and side trips. Mexico was about lay on your ass and repeatedly say, “mas cerveza por favor.”

We decided to head back to the Hotel Marina El Cid on the Rivera Maya in Mexico. Only one problem, two words:

SOLD OUT

DOH! Here’s where you come in.

Do you have a favorite warm weather spring break spot? If so, please share. I’d like an insider’s perspective versus going to some travel site. I do look at Trip Advisor and while I love that, I’d rather hear from you. Give me some tips on your spot and of course, what the running is like there. I’ll be in the thick of marathon training and will need to get some good miles in.

SUAR

56 comments:

  1. I grew up in the British Virgin Islands. I recommend places like Tortola, St. Thomas, Virgin Gorda....I don't know about running though (that was before my running days). I know that you could do some wicked hill workouts there though!

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  2. Aruba. Curacao. Love them. Aruba has beach running, but the island is 9 miles long... you might have to get creative. This was before I was a runner, so I don't know what it would be like running in town.

    I did NOT enjoy the Bahamas. We found everyone there very rude, especially the staff at the Atlantis. It got to the point where we didn't ask them questions and found things on our own.

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  3. Iberostar Paraiso Lindo is just a little north of Playa Del Carmen. LOVE it there!!!!

    I also had a great time at the Melia in Cozumel. Where else can you rent a Mexican Harley (aka scooter) and wear a helmet that says "Thor" on it?!

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  4. So jealous that you're panning a vacation! Hope you find something great. I remember all of those photos... incredible!!

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  5. It looks like you are lookin for an exotic location...we love Costa Rica and have been twice. However, we have he World's Most Beautiful Beaches here in North Florida! If you are looking to kick back and enjoy life, check out Seaside. It is the ideallic location where The Truman Show was filmed...a beautiful community of pastel colored beach houses on the Gulf of Mexico. Coincidentally, also home to the Seaside Half Marathon sponsored by Vera Bradley, which I am running next month! GREAT RUNNING on the beach or on 30A :)

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  6. We love Grand Cayman. I ran on the beach several times- it was brilliant.

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  7. If you can't go to Nerja, Spain, I recommend Destin, Florida. I live 10 minutes from Destin and the athletic life here is FABULOUS. Seriously, you should check out Seaside and Watercolor. Not as exotic, but sunny and nice.

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  8. I promise, I did NOT see Jen's post when I posted. Good luck at Seaside Jen. I'm running it too : )

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  9. Captiva Island, Florida. Easy to get to from Fort Meyers Airport. Laid back. Try South Seas Resort, but go through Royal Shell Vacations for a rental. Going directly through the resort for a rental is too expensive.

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  10. Ahhhh the Carribean :-) My first sport and love, was and is scuba diving. My parents and I have been all over. Aruba is good and pretty easy to get to. But my first love has been and always will be Key West. My husband and I tied the knot on the beach there at the Pier House last June. It is where my family and I always stayed when we went down but there are other, slightly cheaper options. I don't know about running because I never ran down there but I know they just had a half marathon so there are plenty of routes you can take to add up the miles.
    And the whole island is amazing, did I mention that?
    No all inclusive places though, which is a bummer.

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  11. Tahiti is pretty awesome. But it might be monsoon season. Or maybe they don't have monsoons. It was beautiful when we went in May several years ago.

    Whew...no crack, but we do see your tag. I volunteer to come on your vacation with you to serve as your Tag Lackey to ensure that this does not happen again :)

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  12. We went to Barbados last year for 10 days. The beaches are beautiful and the people are SO nice! Would def recommend it! We rented a condo unit, not sure what they have for all-inclusive.

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  13. Belize! I don't know about the running aspect, but you can innertube through the 2nd longest cave in the world! Most.Fun.Ever!

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  14. Now all I am thinking about is travel destinations. I have heard Belize is really beautiful

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  15. Is it strange that I"m more drawn to the snow picture? I'm over hot hot, bring on winter.

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  16. Okay,as a fellow Gulf of Mexico/FL Panhandle junkie (I see there are several of us), my favorite gulf spot is St. George's Island. Totally relaxing and not built up AT ALL. Rent a house or condo and HANG. Unbelievable place to run, bike, swim. Right across the bridge from the island is Apalachicola a quaint little north FL town--home to the best oysters in the universe. Easy drive to Seaside, Destin--but you may never leave the island :) This is NOT the "redneck riviera"!!

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  17. Not cheap, but one of my favorite vacations to date was in the Dominican Republic:

    http://www.dreamsresorts.com/drelr/

    If you do decide to go, the only recommendation I'd make is fly in directly to La Romana. Because we flew in to Santo Domingo and it's another hour ride by bus to get to La Romana. That's how great the vacation was though, even with the extra hour bus ride, it's still my favorite. Did I mention it's an all inclusive, and that includes alcohol as well? :-)

    I lived in Puerto Rico for 6 years and I'd only recommend it at this point if you stay in the touristy areas. Crime has really gotten out of hand there lately.

    As for Mexico, I've been to several places in the past and had a great time (and maybe I'm just being paranoid), but all that drug war crime going on has me too scared to go back right now.

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  18. Just adding a P.S. One of the resorts we've been to in Mexico was called "Riu". If you're really set on Cancun, it appears they are opening a new Riu there this May:

    http://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/154000320/4054744.html

    Can't comment on how good this location will be obviously, but the other Riu we stayed at was great (also all inclusive, including alcohol) :-)

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  19. Alright last p.s. I promise! It looks like Dreams Resorts (the place I loved in the D.R.) also has a Riviera Cancun location. Just an FYI.

    http://www.dreamsresorts.com/drerc/index.html

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  20. I think my fave tropical location was Thailand-- any of the islands are awesome, the people are friendly, and the food is yummy :)

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  21. we just got back from kauai, hawaii and it was amazing! Ziplining, snorkling, hiking, it has it all!

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  22. Jealous!! I'd love to go anywhere ... anywhere!!!

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  23. Rent a condo in Longboat Key, FL! Fantastic -- directly on the beach where you can laze around all day and then head out on the town for some great drinks and seafood. Favorite spot ever, though, is Ocracoke Island, NC (part of the Outer Banks). Best seafood in the world and greatest locals! :)

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  24. if you like mexico and not much to do but swim, drink, eat, repeat then i would check out isla mujeres (but don't worry men are allowed!) it is just a ferry ride from loud, over- developed cancun but a world away in vibe, and really affordable! and actually there are a few fun trips to take on the 5 mile island. hey, you could run a marathon by running back and forth on the island a few times! btw, been loving your blog for a while now! thanks :)

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  25. Beaches Resort in Turks was our favorite family beach vacation! Closely followed by our stay at Marriott Vaction club villa (anyone can book them you don't have to have a time share, we don't) in Marco Island FL
    Love your blog! Hope this helps :)

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  26. I vote for Ko Olina. Or maybe, since you have kids, the new Disney resort next door. Hawaii is never a bad idea. ; )

    Or the Florida panhandle like other people have said. Destin is beautiful.

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  27. Maui!! Great places to swim, bike, run. Fun things for the whole family to do, plus me as your personal concierge! Seriously, I can tell you where to go and where to avoid.

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  28. We love Ft. Morgan. Ala. so much that we're going back after last year trying Anna Maria Island, Fla. (which was beautiful, just not our place). Ft. Morgan is at the tip of a tiny peninsula, off the beaten path -- not the main part of Gulf Shores -- which we like because it's quieter, not crowded in the least. White sand beaches for miles -- great running! In fact, two years ago I had some great runs from our condo to the tip of the peninsula and then came back along the beach. We stay at The Indies and every single room has stunning, panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. Super family friendly. Beautiful pool. We'd spend our mornings at the pool, afternoons at the beach. At night we'd take flashlights down to the beach and catch (and release) the crabs. Delicious seafood nearby. Kids loved it. I'll be logging some long runs while there because Boston is just a few weeks after we get back home. Good luck with your vacation plans! :)

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  29. Oh, if you stay in Lahaina, you can run from Lahaina to "Thousand Peaks" and back - 20 miles of flat, oceanfront glorious running.

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  30. Belize!!! Or the Florida Keys if you're looking to stay in the U.S. But Belize is amazing. Absolutely wonderful. Rainforest and beaches. NO McDonalds. Ahhh, I love it.

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  31. Also in PA: Blue Ball and Virginville- but not near each other.

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  32. Taking my chances on a place in Cancun...less then 2 weeks I CAN NOT WAIT! And my standards are low so unless it rains the whole time I will be thrilled!

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  33. Caye Caulker in Belize is just lovely, and very safe. The running is amazing--all dirt roads, through a quaint little town, near the ocean, out by the one-room shack airport. Amazing. Plus, everyone speaks English and the seafood is to die for--along with fishing, beach-laying, water sports, camping, diving the Blue Hole, etc. etc. etc.

    If you want remote, look into the Corn Islands in Nicaragua. Talk about untouched paradise!

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  34. All of our vacation spots MUST have scuba, so I'm not sure what would be good for running. Favorites for us have been Maui, and St. Maarten. This year we're trying St. John. God Bless Vacations!

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  35. We went to Costa Rica a couple of years ago and loved it. Last year for our 10 year anniversary, we went to Belize...It was amazing...a little like costa rica, but in an english speaking country....I have a pic album that could send privately if interested. Cave diving, snorkeling with sharks, maya ruins, friendly people, great food and liquor...a little paradise...amazing vacation....The flight was about 6 hours from west coast....You can veg on the beach, or explore the mayans jungle...or snorkel the blue hole....AMAZING!

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  36. OK, that last picture? It looks like- well, I'm not gonna spell it out, I just wish I could un-see it!

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  37. I don't like going on vacation, but I could use some sunshine and warm weather!

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  38. I just wanna go live in a cabana in the Keys, drive a jeep and live in sandals.. :)

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  39. We generally go to Playa Grande in Cabo San Lucas. The perfect place to plop your butt down by the pool and order mas cervazas!

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  40. god i loved costa rica - we spend time at the beach, and then volcano arenal... amazing adventure filled vacation. but i also got to relax in aruba - oh, and in cozumel, but i did an ironman there first.

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  41. The nature isle of Dominica, rosalieforest.com. It's unspoiled, tropical,and the best time I've ever had on vaction.

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  42. If you want away from it all... San Salvador, Bahamas. There is a research center there, but also a Sandals and a little inn called the Riding Rock. It is diving oriented. there is only around 1500 people who live on the island and then the crazy biologists, geologists, and other scientists who will be there during Spring Break. I never felt unsafe there and you could run forever and never see a car (or a person). Tired of running jump in the water! I love secluded places and this gets it. There is also Small Hope Bay Lodge in the Bahamas, wonderful place with wonderful people.

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  43. My all time favorite was the Dominican Republic....costly but worth it. Someday hope to go back.
    Bermuda is cool too if you plan the right time of year.
    I am in desperate need of a vacation and hoping to try Key West this next trip but will have to life through you at this time.
    Let us know where you decide.

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  44. The picture of you and your family and you ask "what is wrong with this picture?" Your bikini top is on upside down! ha-ha

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  45. We stayed at Nayara Hotel in Arenal for our honeymoon and absolutely loved it. Your photos reminded me of our stay (very similar set-ups, views, etc). We spent our afternoons at the swim-up bar. Pura Vida!

    We spent spring break a few years ago in Grand Cayman. It was pricey, but awesome. We actually rented an ocean-front condo at Plantana Condominiums on Seven Mile Beach. We saved some money by eating breakfast and lunch at home and going out for dinner. The condos are perfectly located and the beaches are AMAZING. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g147367-d151100-r62147872-Plantana_Condominiums-Seven_Mile_Beach_Grand_Cayman_Cayman_Islands.html

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  46. I can probably find you something here but it won't be luxurious. However, the price will be amazing. We might just pop over to Cozumel for a week during Semana Santa. Email me your info and I'll see what is available here. If you come down when we are planning to head to Coz you can stay at our house.

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  47. Oh, and if you like Coz, we always stay in a house there (1 of 3) at around $45USD/night.

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  48. BELIZE!!! My kids were the ages of your kids at time and had a blast. So much to do! We went fishing, cave tubing and did some awesome diving. I ran along the beaches every morning. I too will be in the mist of training for Boston while we're on our trip to Bonaire. My husband will tag along on the bike when I run long. I don't think you can go wrong wherever there is sun and ocean!

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  49. Well, let me just tell you about our 2 week honeymoon that we took this past December in Freeport, on Grand Bahama Island (note: not Nassau, which is one of the central islands and that's where Atlantis is, but the northern-most island, in line with Ft. Lauderdale)

    The Island Seas Resort are time shares (2 beds, full kitchen, etc) but there are always condos for rent - ours was right on the beach and if you are interested, friend me on Facebook and you can see the pics of our trip.

    In addition to the great spot on the beach, 2 for 1 drinks ($6) happy hour, one of our favorite parts of the trip was taking a run. To the right of us was public beach, and, there was some coral that made it seem impossible to keep running, and most everyone would turn around. My clever new husband got up on the road, (this action is not as easy or intuitive as it reads) and, we ran beyond the coral to the next bend in the island. This was a gamble as you couldn't see any further when you were upon the coral. Here is the good part: (well the good part I can write about, that is) After the bend lies another mile of totally deserted beach. (we later found out it is caught up title desputes)

    We had about a mile to ourselves of turquoise water, white sand, and a forest of palms and pines. Once in a while you would see other foot or paw prints, but for the most part, it was just us. The stretch of beach ends at a canal, and the whole trip from the resort was about 4 miles.

    Being a giant Duran Duran fan, the most appropriate music I could possibly listen to on my iPod was their early 80's stuff, because the sheer beauty made it feel like I was in one of their videos myself!

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  50. Oh you gave me the biggest Spring fever EVER!!

    Is your bikini stop upside down?

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  51. We loved Azul Sensatori in Mexico. It's small, friendly staff, and great food. They even have a restaurant that provides an 8 course meal for next's charge. My sister was married there in December so I have had the opportunity tivisit twice.

    Go Dukes!

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  52. I spent a lovely holiday in Mexico in Zihuantanjo and Troncones last September - really lovely - we were there in low season so CHEAP and loads of places to run - my first time to mexico so I can't compare it to Cancun but we thought it was lovely

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  53. how about a cruise - you can see all kinds of places, plus there is usually a running track on the ship. other than that i would agree with Cozumel or Belize for their great diving :)

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