A Beach Is a Beach--Or Is It?
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
May 12, 2004
My rocky beach beginnings start in my coastal Connecticut hometown. It was a place to spend the day building sandcastles as much as a place to build memories.
As a child, my parents would pack my sister and me, dressed in our terry-sweat suits, into the car with a blanket and a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Those family times at the beach remain among my most favorite memories. Dad would read stories and entertain us while we munched on chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob. I usually ingested as much hair as fried chicken, but I didn’t care! Inevitably, the wind would pick up when the sun began to set, and I'd start to shiver. I'd pull up my hood and let my Mom tie it really tight. Together, we'd take the boardwalk to the playground, where the swing-set offered the best views of the sunset.
Nothing could deter my love of the beach--not even the time I got pushed into the water, hit my head on a rock and wound up at the hospital getting stitches. In fact, that was just another exciting beach memory, and I proudly displayed my scar at school in the fall.
When my parents split up, Dad took us on vacations, during which we got quite an education on the beaches of Mexico and the Caribbean. It was my introduction to postcard perfect beaches! I loved each one instantly. But imagine my surprise when I learned that not every beach contains beach glass. I had never considered it. I loved collecting it, the blue pieces especially. (In fact, I still do.) I'd spend the day getting sun-kissed and covered in freckles or frolicking in the surf. I attempted every water sport imaginable at least once. I walked the beach and was amazed at pure white sand so soft you could walk on it without ever feeling the sharp edge of a rock. Was this natural? Astonishing. The turquoise waters, palm trees, mountainous coastlines took my breath away. There wasn’t a beach I didn’t love.
I certainly haven't found one yet. Water has always represented freedom to me--wanderlust, exploration, promises, and serenity. I feel comfort around the water, so I seek it out wherever I go. A gurgling brook, small pond, or great lake can also do the trick. I like to empty my thoughts, perhaps a form of my own confession, I find that after a visit to the beach I feel better--different, renewed, hopeful.
From bonfires to body surfing, first kisses and fiery sunsets, cookouts to clamming, the beach offers something for everyone. These days, I'm a city girl and have to travel to the beach. And I do--every single summer. There are so many beaches, and no two are alike. I could spend my days walking jetties, exploring the sun and shade of our beaches and lakeshores, and gathering memories to share. But perhaps it would be better to remind you of the beach and all it's glory.
This summer, while everyone is worrying about budgets and rising gas prices, why not pull out the map, find the nearest watering hole, and make a plan. Pack the kids, the cooler, and all you'll need for a little beach-time fun. It doesn't have to be expensive to be a great day at the beach. And believe me, it's something you won't soon forget.
Beach Tips
- For privacy, go to the beach early or stay later in the day.
- To avoid crowds, try visiting popular beaches during shoulder season.
- Beaches tend to cool down significantly at night, so pack a jacket.
- Keep your sundries in a waterproof bag.
Top Beach Picks
- Canon Beach, Ore.
www.cannonbeach.org
- Montauk, N.Y.
www.licvb.com
- Driftwood Beach at Jekyll Island, Ga.
www.jekyllisland.com
If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at askamy@travelocity.com And remember to look here for your topic each week!
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