During the 1960s and '70s, Cocoa Beach became permanently associated with NASA and the United States Space Program, both in real life and fiction. The John F. Kennedy Space Center is just miles away from this Florida town, which also served as the television home for Astronaut Tony Nelson (Larry Hagman) on "I Dream of Jeannie."

Located on a stretch of the Atlantic Ocean that has become known as the "Space Coast," Cocoa Beach may not have beautiful blondes in harem pants, but it does offer plenty of fishing opportunities for mere mortals, many of which can be challenging.

Take, for instance, the redfish that like to hang out in the shallow water off the coast. For an inshore fish, these beauties do have plenty of fight in them and landing one is a real accomplishment.

If you love trout, Cocoa Beach has plenty to choose from, including the spotted and speckled trout. The appropriately named Gator Trout also has a mouth and teeth that make it resemble a small alligator. It definitely is not a real beauty, but the Gator Trout is a fun fish to find.

Though inshore fishing offers some real thrills, if you are in the mood for some serious fighting, head offshore in search of the amberjack. With an average weight of 142 pounds, you may want to strap yourself into the fighting chair before dropping a line, though.

With its ideal location on the Space Coast, Cocoa Beach also lets you combine your love for fishing with a family vacation. Some of Florida's most notable attractions, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, are within easy driving distance, but they also are far enough away from the good fishing spots.

Because this is a popular tourist destination, Cocoa Beach does have plenty of resorts and chain motels plus restaurants of all shapes and sizes. If you can't land the fish of your choice, you can take revenge by having one cooked up for dinner at a local eatery.

No matter if you head down to Florida to watch a space shuttle launch, hang out with Mickey Mouse or go man-to-fish with an aggressive amberjack, Cocoa Beach has plenty to keep you happy.

Resources:
http://www.cocoa-beach-fishing.com/fish-species.php
City of Cocoa Beach: http://www.cityofcocoabeach.com/FlashHomePages/visitors_home.html
Florida's Space Coast: http://www.space-coast.com/

Best known for pineapples, hula dancers and gorgeous sandy beaches, Hawaii has been a popular vacation destination for decades, even for Greg Brady and the rest of polyester-wearing "Brady Bunch." Besides 1970's sitcom characters, this group of islands in the Pacific Ocean also offers some challenging fishing opportunities, especially near the village of Haleiwa.

Located in Oahu's North Shore, the blue waters off the coast of Haleiwa attract surfers plus truly challenging fish, including skipjack tuna, striped marlin and sailfish. To test your skills with a line, go out in search out the yellow fin tuna, a strong, aggressive fish that can put up one heck of a fight.

You can't go to Haleiwa, though, without trying to land one of Hawaii's famous blue marlin. These beauties can reach the 1,000 pound mark and tend to get more than a little irritated when they are on the line. It's always a good idea, therefore, to have a couple of helping hands when seeking the blue marlin. You also can skip a trip to the gym after spending some time in the fighting chair with a marlin on the line.

The waters off Haleiwa are filled with other notable creatures including the mahi-mahi, amberjack, snapper and barracudas. With so many choices, this North Shore destination is truly the ideal location for anglers, no matter what kind of undersea life you have your heart set on. Slip on your deck shoes, grab your gear and give it a shot.

Because Haleiwa is one of the more frequently visited travel destinations in Oahu, it's quite easy to find charter boats to help you those locate big game fish. In the evening, stow your gear, take a hot shower and relax at a luau or one of Haleiwa's fine restaurants.

It's relatively easy to reach Oahu from the continental United States, but the flight time can be 8 hours or more, depending on your starting point. Still, with the blue marlin and other gorgeous sport fish, Haleiwa is a year-round fishing paradise and one of the places that every angler should try.

Sources:
http://www.sport-fishing-hawaii.com/hawaiifishingnewsreport.html
http://www.gohawaii.com/

Cold Mountain, North Carolina, became famous when the Charles Frazier book of the same name won the National Book Award. It became more famous when a movie was made from the book. Cold Mountain, North Carolina, not only has movie-worthy scenery and breathtaking views, it also has some of the most challenging hiking trails you'll ever experience. The trails are only accessible for six months of the year though (May to October.) At other times the severe snow makes them impassible.

If you want to hike to the summit of Cold Mountain, it's a long hike. The trail runs for 11 miles in some of the most beautiful country in North Carolina. Streams, campgrounds and carpets of wild flowers line the trail, but if you go in the summer, be prepared for 100 degree heat. To get to the summit, it will take you a good six to eight hours of climbing, and your muscles will be screaming for you to stop by the time you get to the top. Make sure you're wearing the right hiking shoes before you set off.

If you are a Civil War buff, I don't think you can miss this hike. This area of North Carolina was patrolled by the Home Guard during the Civil War. Their goal was to capture deserting Confederate soldiers and return them to their units or kill them. Climbing this trail you can easily imagine how this incredible rugged country turned out to be a trap for so many soldiers who only wanted to return to their families instead of fighting a war they didn't believe in.

To get to the trail, you should drive from Asheville, NC, on I-40 West. Get off at exit 33 and head into Canton. I would ask someone in Canton how to get to the Cold Mountain trail, as it's around 14 miles outside Canton. When you get to the Scout Camp, if you park at the back, you'll see the hiking trail beginning right next to one of the last buildings.

I can't stress enough how beautiful this trail is. On Cold Mountain, you feel like you're in God's Country and also connect with the history of the South and the Confederate soldiers who were pulled into a war many didn't understand. When you get to the summit, even if you're not religious, say a prayer for the souls of those who lost their lives on Cold Mountain.

As summer days drift away, and you count down to the winter ahead, planning a trip to escape the season could be just what you need to keep up with your outdoorsy habits. A winter getaway to the ski slopes or a trip to the mountains for a hiking adventure are great ways to take in the crisp winter air and really get a taste of the great outdoors. Still, you'll need some basic supplies and gear to ensure your getaway is fun, safe and memorable.

If you're heading to Aspen for a ski retreat, you may need some ice fishing boots along with your ski poles and gear. Ice fishing boots help you avoid slipping and sliding your way across the ice and snowy banks, and give you a chance to explore the territory beyond the downhill slopes. Take along at least one pair of boots made with thick, insulated materials and adjustable straps to keep you well-grounded.

When you're hiking across the Rockies, don't forget to stock up on water bottles and beverages so that you're well-hydrated along your trek. Hiking in cold weather makes it easy to forget you need to drink up, so an insulated water bottle or coffee press can make it easy to stay hydrated throughout your venture.

Hitting the mountains in sub-zero temperatures demands apparel and weather-resistant accessories, and you can stay warm and toasty with goose down jackets and insulated sleeping bags. Jackets from Mountain Hardwear are designed specifically for courageous mountaineers and alpine climbers, and are filled with goose down insulation and plenty of extra pockets for your accessories. Look for windproof, tear-resistant materials that can help you stay warm at any altitude.

When you're making your way through a multi-day venture that includes camping, hiking and trekking, a multi-functional backpack gives you a chance to load up your gear without worrying that freezing temperatures and sub-zero climates will affect your goods. Bungee cord accessories, side water-bottle pockets and a top-loading design are a few necessary features. The Crestone 60 is one weather-resistant bag that will carry you through happy trails during winter season and beyond.

It seems like every time I turn around, I see an advertisement for yet another movie based on a comic book character. Why is this? From Spiderman to the Fantastic Four, it seems our culture is obsessed with super-human abilities, and why wouldn't we be?

I doubt there's a single man or woman in this world who hasn't imagined what it would be like to fly without the aid of an airplane or crush a tall building with our hands.

I can't help you with the crushing of tall buildings, but I can guide you to a place where you can fly just like Superman. Soaring Canopy Tours in Durango, Colorado is one of the best outdoor vacations you will ever embark upon.

The model is pretty ingenious, really: the entire adventure consists of five hours of riding various zip lines through a gorgeous, woodsy piece of property. You'll take the Durango & Silverton Railroad to the property itself and during your zip line adventure you'll get to stop for drinks and snacks, and the entire experience culminates in a gourmet feast for all guests.

This type of outdoorsy vacation is fun for the entire family, and although it might not be right for someone who is deathly afraid of heights, it's a one-of-a-kind experience. If you can't imagine yourself swinging from tree to tree like Tarzan, you can accompany your group on foot for a discounted price.

Tennis shoes or hiking boots are recommended for the Soaring Canopy course, so make sure you raid the stock at Zappos before you head out. You might want to try something with a high ankle, such as the Scarpa Barun GTXsScarpa Barun GTXs, which are equipped with bi-directional ankle flex.

The Soaring Canopy zip line adventure includes 22 lines and 28 platforms, making it the "largest, longest and safest" zip line course in the entire world. It operates seven days a week, rain or shine, and costs $339 per person for the entire adventure. You can visit their web site to make a reservation, or you can call 970.769.2357.

Who knows? This might be the unique outdoor vacation you've been looking for!

In 1923, when asked about his desire to climb Mount Everest, George Leigh Mallory answered simply "Because it's there." Dedicated mountaineers like Mallory feel strangely drawn to certain peaks, and in the case of Eiger, you almost can hear the mountain whispering "Do you feel lucky? Well, do you, punk?" at you as you stare at it.

Made famous by the 1975 Clint Eastwood thriller "The Eiger Sanction," this mountain is located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland and has a name that means "Ogre." One of the most challenging routes up Eiger is the north face, an area with such a high death toll that it rightfully earned the nickname of "Murder Wall."

When preparing to tackle Eiger, you won't need Dirty Harry's famous .44 Magnum, but with an elevation of 13,024 feet, you do need to be prepared for this one. Anyone wanting to climb up to the summit should have experience with walking on glaciers. Ice axes, crampons and mountaineering boots also are highly recommended pieces of equipment to have on hand.

Besides the infamous north face, there are several ways to reach Eiger's summit, including routes up the West Flank and the Mittellegi Ridge. You can get a good head start on your climb by taking the Jungfrau Railway, which lets you begin your ascent from a higher altitude. Alpine guides also are available to help you on the journey to Eiger and their knowledge and experience can be life saving at times.

Accommodations around Eiger range from simple huts to elegant hotels, depending on how much you want to spend. It's also possible to camp in and around Eiger before you start your climb.

Though you may not be hunting assassins like Clint Eastwood did in "The Eiger Sanction," this Swiss mountain offers plenty of challenges just by itself. A successful climb up the north face of Eiger could, in the words of Dirty Harry, really make your day.

Sources:
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150228/eiger.html#chapter_1
http://www.askoxford.com/worldofwords/quotations/quotefrom/mallory/?view=uk
http://www.peakware.com/peaks.html?pk=71

When people think about Santa Monica, California, they think of sun, sand and surf but not hiking trails. In fact, Santa Monica is famous for the Santa Monica Mountains and has some of the country's best hiking trails. The mountains are also known for incredible ocean views, varied plants and wildlife and fresh air (quite rare in Los Angeles, I might add).

One of the best hiking trails is up to Parker Mesa Overlook. It's a hiking trail that's five miles round trip but really isn't that difficult climbing-wise. It can be steep in places though so will give you an awesome aerobic workout. The trail runs along the old fireroad, with spectacular views of the ocean as you get further up. The most incredible view though is at the top, on the Parker Mesa Overlook. From here, on a clear day (and I have to mention 'clear day' as, with all the smog it ain't always so clear!) you can see all over Santa Monica Bay - Venice, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and if you're lucky to get a super clear day, way out in the distance is Catalina Island.

The hiking trail is easy to get to as the turnoff for it is right off Sunset Boulevard. If you're coming from Pacific Coast Highway and turn onto Sunset, you take the second turning on the left which takes you up a dusty road and into a small parking area. If you get there early, you'll be able to get a parking space. Any later than 10am though, and you'll be unlucky, so it might be better to have somebody drop you off.

The weather in Southern California is perfect for hiking. Not too hot and not too cold, but with a nice breeze that'll keep you cool even when you warm up from all the exertion. The bottom of the trail is a little rough but as it opens out, it gets wider and more airy and the views also are easier to see. Make sure you pack your backpack with water and band-aids for any minor accident but don't bring dogs as they're not allowed. There are occasionally mountain lions spotted up here so make sure you keep your eyes and ears open - would be awful to be surprised by one. Oh and look out for mountain bikers - they come down fast and you wouldn't want to be carried away by one.

If it's time to escape the late summer humidity, why not take a trip to the mountains or hit the dry desert for a weekend adventure?

Snow-capped mountains and hills covered in snow can be a welcome retreat from the hot summer blitz, and setting up camp and hiking your way through mountainous territory could be just the break you need. If you want to hold onto a few more days of heat, a trip to the desert for your heat fix without the humidity might be a better choice for your adventure.

Still, no matter where your late summer travels might take you, you'll need to pack a few essentials for survival.

When you're hitting the slopes in Colorado, make your way to the cabin with the essential survival gear; a survival kit, camping gear and some well-insulated clothing are the absolute musts for your adventure in the mountains. Ski cabins are usually equipped with the basic amenities, but you'll need to stock up on snacks, pick up a first aid kit and make sure you have some quality outerwear to keep you warm and toasty. If you do plan to set up camp somewhere in the hills, be sure to take along a weatherproof tent that won't break down in inclement weather.

Trying your hand at hiking in the Rockies? Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park both offer plenty of spots to set up camp and take in a few mountain sports, but hiking is still the activity of choice for many traversing this territory. Make sure you're well prepared for the adventure with the right hiking boots and a sturdy backpack to tote all your gear.

Skip the humidity of summer without missing the heat with a trip to the desert. New Mexico is a prime destination for nature lovers, a place to explore national and state parks, head out on a wilderness adventure or even take an eco-tour - unguided, of course. When you're preparing to survive in the desert heat in New Mexico, you'll need a backpack full of sun block, a wide-brimmed hat to ward off sun damage and a sturdy water bottle. Better yet, pick up a water bottle belt for easy access to basic supplies on your travels.

On June 11th through June 16th several Zapponians, vendor reps, a customer winner, and a couple guides journeyed to Washington state in an attempt to summit Mount Rainier. Very well known around the world as a must-do for the hiking enthusiast, Mount Rainier is located approximately 54 miles southeast of Seattle. With a peak sitting at 13,210 feet at it's highest, Rainier is an excellent journey for those looking for a tough, but rewarding expedition and definitely serves as a must-have feather for any adventurer's cap.

Zappos was lucky to be represented by Andy H., Kelly., Lindsay R., Braden M., Megan R., and Alicia M. Jesse and Ed, two of our vendor reps from our new outdoor gear brand C.A.M.P. USA and well known footwear company La Sportiva, respectively, also lent themselves to the journey. Some time ago there used to be a button on the outdoor vertical site that allowed people to click on it to enter into a drawing to join everyone on the trip to Rainier. A gentlemen named Hugh, who amusingly could not say what he did for a living, but only that he worked for the government, was the lucky customer winner of that contest. Hugh joined the group along with mountain guides Jason, Eric, and Bob.

"It was like rollin' with a posse, all that luggage and our big group," says Alicia. Due to the imposing nature of this trip, however, the size of the group was necessary and the preparation was intense.

"They did a gear check on what we already had and what we would need...and we hiked up to clearing with areas that had some steepness to them, specifically for ice arrests, techniques and how to actually walk on snow," Alicia explained.

"Day two we were just practicing our snow skills," she continues, "we did different techniques for walking on snow in high terrain. We did a cross-over walk in crampons...then we did what's called a duck walk. We practiced without our crampons on descending from steep areas in the snow...we roped up together and did rope work...then we did self arrests, which is when you fall and your sliding down and you have to dig your ice axe into the snow and really kick your feet to stop yourself."

With all that intense training, the proper gear was definitely a must. Fortunately for the group, Jesse from C.A.M.P. USA was there to provide ice axes, crampons, and helmets. Even so, there were still the basics to be met, as Alicia again explains. "I had my backpack, my Jansport Whittaker, I had base layers, tops and bottoms, and Grandoe gloves. We had to get plastic, heavier duty boots that had an insulated inside. I ended up having to by an extra water bottle and I forgot to buy silverware and a bowl so I was borrowing other people's," she finishes with a chuckle.

Fortunately for the group, everything went really well and there were no accidents or problems. "We had perfect weather, we got really lucky," Alicia says. "It was cold, but as far as wind and any other kind of weather it was perfect. Another group...was going a day before us to the summit. The night they left it was freezing cold and the wind was just brutal. We were all in the tents sleeping, but I couldn't believe they went up, it was just crazy. Not all of them made it, but the majority of their party did," she concludes.

In the end the trip was a great success. Would she do it again? "Yes!" she replies emphatically, "it was an unforgettable experience. As hard as part of it was, I just kept thinking I would do this again in a heartbeat. I’m so happy I was lucky enough to experience this with old friends, new friends, and got to build relationships with reps and customers! The guides said we were one of the craziest and most fun groups they’d ever had. What would you expect though, we’re from Zappos!"

Who doesn't love animals? You might have a brand new puppy at home or a curmudgeonly cat who feels he runs the entire household, but how often do you get to see wild animals up close and personal? Animals are a feature of many U.S. outdoor vacations, and Arbuckle Wilderness is no exception.

We used to go to Arbuckle at least once a year when I was a teenager, and some of my favorite memories include staring out the window of my parents' minivan, watching the animals as they grazed on lush vegetation or herded one another from one end of the park to another.

Animals you'll find in Arbuckle Wilderness range from giraffes to monkeys to lions and tigers to zebras, goats and even rhinoceroses.

Arbuckle Wilderness offers a number of activities, from hay rides with knowledgeable park rangers to walk-thru and drive-thru tours of the animals. Visitors can purchase feed cups with which to charm the more docile animals, and they arrange cook-outs for large parties and family reunions. The walk-thru zoo allows you to pet and sometimes feed the animals, including monkeys and lemurs.

Even if you aren't quite as fascinated by animals as I've always been, you and the kids will probably enjoy the amusement park at Arbuckle Wilderness. It doesn't hold a candle to Six Flags or Disney World, but Go-Carts and Bumper Boats have a certain charm. The walk-thru zoo allows you to pet and sometimes feed the animals, including monkeys and lemurs.

If you want to stay in the Arbuckle area, you might want to check out the log cabins, cottages and lake houses they offer for rent throughout the region.

It gets chilly in the evenings at Arbuckle Wilderness, even in the summer time, so you'll want to pack a sweatshirt or two, such as the Ezekiel Nevermind Reversible Hoodie (for women) or Adio Repent Hoodie (for men.) You might also want a pair of sturdy hiking boots to protect your feet and a camera to capture the event.

Make sure you also bring some spare cash if you want to feed the animals or ride the rides! Arbuckle Wilderness is located off Interstate-35 in Murray County, Oklahoma, about one hour from OKC and about two hours from Dallas, Texas.

Heading off to a camping adventure and going solo ?

Be prepared for an ultimate test of courage and patience as you make attempts to survive in the great outdoors alone. This type of trip is enough to put your inner survival skills to the test, but the experience is one you'll (hopefully) remember forever. Without a troop of fellow campers or team of outdoor enthusiasts by your side, you're left to battle nature, pitch a tent and snuggle into that sleeping bag all alone.

Is it possible? Of course. Do you dare to take on the challenge? Only if you're well-prepared with these essentials for survival:

Versatile Backpack:

The North Face Heckler is a must for any outdoor adventure, the ultimate carryall with plenty of compartments for your camping basics. From water bottles to
blankets, you can stuff nearly everything into this versatile and durable bag. There's even enough room to stash away your iPod and cell phone.

Thermal Sleeping Bag:

The Diamond Spring sleeping bag is just one of several cocoon-like sleeping bags that will keep you warm and toasty on those lonesome nights. These sleeping bags also roll up tight and are fairly lightweight, making that daily trek much easier to manage.

Solo Tent:

The big benefit of going solo for that camping adventure is you end up needing
far less 'stuff' - tent included. The extra-light Solo 12 tent from the North Face is an ideal match for the solo traveler, and can be set up in a snap. The seam-sealed canopy and high-low venting make this ideal for nearly any type of campsite.

Cooking System:

After a hard day of hiking, setting up the tent and settling in around the campfire, all you need is a home-cooked meal. Whip up a hearty chili or settle for some hot chocolate with the Jetboil Personal Cooking System. This efficient system can cook up your favorite meal in minutes.

First Aid Kit:

If you snag your skin while pitching the tent or just find yourself covered in mosquito bites, delve into a medical kit and save the day.

With Tropical Storm Edouardo drenching Houston, I got to thinking about how often rain can ruin fun family vacations. Whether you plan on hiking in the Adirondacks or riding the rapids in Tennessee, rain can put a halt to your plans and leave you staring through the windows of your hotel room until it's time to catch a plane back home.

Of course, every rain storm isn't as torrential as Tropical Storm Edouardo, and as my mother and I drove to San Antonio to visit family this afternoon, we brainstormed ways to keep the fun in your vacation regardless of the weather.

Hiking in the Rain

Just because the sky is leaking doesn't mean you can't go on that nature hike you were planning. Watch the weather forecast to make sure there isn't any thunder or lightening in the vicinity, then gear up for a hike in the rain.

You'll need sensible shoes that won't easily slip on mud or exposed rock, such as the Scarpa Barun GTX hiking boots. The Gore-Tex lining will make sure your socks and feet don't get wet, and the tread will keep you safe from falls.

Additionally, make sure you wear a rain slicker that will keep the rain out of your eyes and protect you should the weather turn ugly while you're climbing the side of a mountain or roaming deep in a forest. A padded lining with plenty of pockets will be perfect, and don't forget extra batteries for the flash lights.

Camping in the Rain

You don't have to seek out more cozy lodgings if the weather turns foul--a great tent and plenty of food that doesn't need to be cooked will suffice even in the wilderness. Make sure that your tent doesn't have any leaks before you start to pitch, and make sure to head indoors if you see lightening or hear thunder close by.

Games in the Rain

Visiting a state or national park during inclement weather can be almost as fun as when the skies are clear and blue. Send your family on a wet-weather scavenger hunt or take a jog through the trails in the rain. Again, as long as there isn't any thunder or lightening, you'll find that the rain is actually invigorating.

Rain doesn't have to spoil your next outdoor vacation. Just make sure you're geared for any type of weather with coats, sensible shoes and luggage that won't ruin if it gets soaked heading for the car.

A hiking or trekking trip makes for a great Labor Day weekend adventure, and you don't have to go too far from home if you make your way to a national or State Park in your area. You'll need some basic survival gear, a camera and a few packets of trail mix to get you through that final outdoor challenge of the season.

Heading off to rocky terrain with the right trekking poles is an absolute essential. Whether you're tackling cliffs and hills, or just making your way through terrain filled with boulders, you'll need a pair of non-snagging poles to navigate your path. Trekking poles made with solid handgrips and lightweight materials work best for most terrain and can help you get through some of the tougher parts of the trail with ease.

If you plan to spend the night at a campsite, don't forget the all-important sleeping bag. Cocoon-shaped bags are a great way to trap in the heat and keep you safe, snug and comfortable on any stormy night. Just pick your favorite color and style, and make sure it rolls up tight for your backpack or tote.

And of course, you'll need a solid pair of hiking boots or hiking shoes. Light hikers are versatile, durable and can help you step up to that challenge like a pro. Look for low-cut hiking shoes if you plan to climb for most of the trip, which can help your joints move with ease. If your route involves tackling trails and hills, a pair of hi-cut boots may be a better match. No matter what style you go for, just make sure it's the shoe that fits!

Go ahead, play weekend warrior just one more time and say goodbye to summer with a memorable trip under your belt.

Just because you love the great outdoors doesn't mean that you relish 100 degree heat and sun so bright you can't leave the house without sunglasses. August is the hottest and most miserable month of the year for some of us, particularly if you hail from Texas, California, Florida or any of the other southern states.

So what's the solution? Pack up the family and head somewhere cold ... like Alaska!

One of the most beautiful states in the U.S., Alaska is also a major tourist magnet, drawing thousands of visitors throughout the year. The south central area of the state, in particular, is perfect for the month of August, with highs in the 60s and about 15 hours of daylight. Anchorage, Seward, Talkeetna and Kenai are some of the most popular cities for travel at this time of year, and I can guarantee you'll never be bored.

Some of the most beautiful bald eagle sightings occur in Homer, Anchorage and Seward during August, and you can't miss a boat journey around Gull Island, where you'll see some of the most diverse populations of birds in the world.

Trails for both hiking and biking are plentiful in Alaska, and can be quite refreshing when you aren't dealing with summer heat. The Eagle River Nature Center is a great place to start if you're looking for guided tours or if you want to learn about the wildlife on Alaskan trails. Chugach State Park is also a lot of fun, encompassing more than 500,000 acres of trails and beautiful scenery.

Of course, if you'll be going to Alaska in the summer, you'll have to be prepared for the temperature change. Transitioning from 98 degree heat to mild weather can be a shock to the system. Bring a versatile coat, such as the Hurley Interpol Spy Coat for women, or the O'Neil Report Jacket for men. You might also want a windbreaker if you plan to go out on the water.

Summer vacations in Alaska are a lot of fun, and will provide you with immeasurable relief from the heat.

Do you prefer to pick your own fruits and vegetables? Are you calmed and centered by the presence of animals? Does the idea of never-ending beautiful scenery fuel your desire for the ultimate vacation? Agritourism is almost as big as whitewater rafting and cross-country skiing, but not nearly as dangerous.

Working farms are scattered all over the Vermont countryside, some of which are geared toward crops and gardens, while others focus on animals. Regardless of the farms you visit, you'll feel like joining an Amish community after you stay in home-style bed-and-breakfasts and spend your mornings shelling green beans.

When you decide to go on an agritourism vacation, prepare to travel a lot, and make sure to research rental car agencies in the area before you arrive. You'll save money staying in small farm motels where everyone feels like family, and you'll also find that this is a great way to relieve stress and relax tension.

In Waitsfield, Vermont, the Mountain Valley Farm (802-496-9255) is about as close as you can get to the backdrop of a Christmas holiday card, and twice as enjoyable. Horse-drawn sleigh rides are popular for winter travelers, and those who visit in the summer will enjoy hay rides, long hikes through the mountains and valleys and cider-making classes.

You can stay in one of the Mountain Valley guest suites overnight, then continue your vacation in the great outdoors at nearby attractions, such as kayaking down the infamous Mad River.

For those who are charmed by endless acres of apple orchards, the Apple Barn (802-447-7780) in Bennington, Vermont gives you the opportunity to pick your own berries, apples, oranges and tomatoes-and don't forget to save some to bring home to friends and family. Or, if you prefer attractions of the four-legged variety, saddle up at the Denlore Morgan Horse Farm (802-763-2516) in Sharon.

As you can see, agritourism is flourishing in Vermont, and also in the rest of New England. The best thing about this type of outdoor vacation is that you can visit in any season of the year and still find things to do. Of course, if you want to bring home plenty of fresh produce, you're better off taking your vacation in the spring and summer months.