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A couple strolls along the Bar Harbor Shore Path.

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7 Fun Facts About Maine You Never Knew
Maine is the first state that sees sunlight every day…but did you know that the precise locations change throughout the year? Or that while lobster and blueberries are major agricultural exports, the potato is becoming just as popular? If you think you know Maine, it might be time to brush up on your knowledge. Read More
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Best Florida Vacation Destinations
The quest for the best Florida vacation destinations is a common inquiry – and deeply researched topic – among our guests. So we did the legwork to deliver these curated selections tailored to various travel interests. Read More
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Best Rooftop Bars on the Eastern Seaboard
If you’re looking for rooftop bars along the eastern coast of the US, we have six worthy waterside picks in Opal destinations, from Bar Harbor, Maine, down to Key West, Florida. Read More
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10 Experiences to Level Up Your Next Opal Escape
Opal Collection resorts and hotels are more than just luxurious places to lay your head. From private chef-led culinary events to hands-on outdoor adventures you’ll be raving about for years to come, here’s how our collection can craft and connect you to indelible experiences that discerning travelers covet. Read More
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Whether you're planning where to go next or what to do on an already‑booked vacation, discover the travel destinations with Opal

palm beaches

Hunting for Key West’s Lost Shipwreck

Everyone dreams of finding sunken treasure, but few get the opportunity like the one afforded by Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a wreck still lost in the briny depths off Key West. The Spanish treasure galleon was driven into shallow Florida waters by a hurricane in September 1622 and ultimately dashed… Read More

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Dali Museum Clearwater

Truly Unique: Clearwater & St. Petersburg

The beach is the first item on any Clearwater and St. Petersburg itinerary, but those who make a beeline for the sands miss out on these five unique attractions and one truly unique island paradise. A Jaw-Dropping One Man Show Plenty of Florida destinations boast piers, but few can touch… Read More

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© Ali Mitton for The Beach People Co.

10 Holiday Gift Ideas for Travelers

With several priced $100 or below, our holiday gift ideas for every Opal traveler range from stylish weekend getaway accompaniments to high-tech gadgets great for experiencing our favorite destinations. A Beach Towel Statement Price: Starting at $99 Most beach towels are so…rectangular. The Beach People’s hand-woven round designs let… Read More

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Lake Placid Lodge

Truly Unique: Lake Placid

Lake Placid’s pristine wilderness and isolation from the busy digital world make it the perfect escape, and these four attractions are unique to the rugged region. Authentic Adirondack Furniture Anyone can say that they have rustic decor, but can they say that their furniture was both inspired by and built in the… Read More

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Sagamore Resort credit Elaine Heintz

Our 2015 #H2OpalPhotoContest Grand Prize Winner

The photographer behind the 2015 #H2Opalphotocontest grand prize-winning shot sheds some light on the “happy accident” she captured at The Sagamore Resort. We received hundreds of entries – and many were downright amazing – but this image Elaine Heintz took at The Sagamore Resort two years ago of… Read More

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florida panther viewing guide

Finding a Phantom: The Endangered Florida Panther

Catching a glimpse of an endangered Florida panther is no easy feat, but you’ll be better equipped after reading our guide to the feline phantom, its growing population, and where to find it. There are now an estimated 100 to 180 Florida panthers living in the wild, compared to just… Read More

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Where to Stay: Opal Sands Resort

Situated on Clearwater Beach’s promenade halfway up Florida’s Gulf Coast, the brand-new Opal Sands Resort is mixture of calming ocean-inspired decor and sleek, modern luxury. So close to the gulf that you’ll feel practically suspended over it, the hotel has everything guests could ask in a Florida beach resort, including direct access to the white sand beach rated by USA Today as the “Best Beach in Florida.” Read More

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Persephone's Harvest The Artisans Restaurant Lake Placid Lodge

The Rustic and Culinary Treasures of the Adirondacks

At The Artisans at Lake Placid Lodge, Executive Chef Mark Hannon has embraced the farmed and foraged spoils of the mountains to create dishes distinct to the Adirondacks. Hannon has traveled the world, serving as the culinary mastermind for hotels and restaurants in Chicago, New York City, Australia, and Thailand,… Read More

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Camden, Maine and Delray Beach, Florida

This or That: Camden or Delray Beach

Despite being separated by more than 1,600 miles of Atlantic coastline, Camden, Maine, and Delray Beach, Florida, share beautiful beaches, thriving arts communities, and a treasured small-town feel. Best Glimpse of History Camden: Camden Opera House This 500-seat gem, built in 1894, boasts the stellar acoustics of a Victorian-style… Read More

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