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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

Jupiter Beach Sunset

Meet Our 2015 #H2Opal Photo Contest Finalists

Whether it’s on the lakes of New York, the beaches of Florida, or the rocky coast of Maine, on-the-water experiences are at the heart of every OPAL Collection resort and destination. So it’s little surprise our #H2Opal photo contest saw us flooded with great entries. After careful consideration,… Read More

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Treasure Island Beach

Lay of the Land: Treasure Island, FL

The aptly named Treasure Island is home to sparkling beaches, one of the best Cuban sandwiches in Florida, and a classic beachfront bar scene you won’t find anywhere else. Orientation Between the Gulf of Mexico and Blind Pass, eight miles west of St. Petersburg. Nearby Shell Key Reserve, St. Petersburg, and… Read More

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National parks for kids

Our Picks: National Parks For Every Child

Inspired by the National Parks Service’s new “Every Kid in a Park” initiative that grants free access to parks nationwide for every fourth-grader in America, we share our picks for the best natural wonders around for every family. Acadia National Park [Bar Harbor, ME] Best for Families looking for a National… Read More

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pumpkin festival

Our Picks: Fall Festivals for Families

We offer you five great reasons to get the gang in the car – or even on a plane – for a fall weekend getaway built around everything from Florida’s tastiest crustacean to Maine’s most magnificent boats. September Windjammer Festival [Camden, ME] September 4–6 Sidle up to magnificent schooners… Read More

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clearwater sarasota

This or That: Clearwater Beach or Sarasota

These two Florida gulf gems sit on either side of Tampa Bay from each other, but where Sarasota has its eye on arts and culture, Clearwater Beach turns to classic beach options. Here’s your guide to choosing your ideal beach adventure. The Biggest Thrills Clearwater Beach: Sky Surfing Take to the… Read More

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folding kayak

Travel Smart: Products for the Outdoor Enthusiast

Waterproof phone cases. Folding kayaks. Our outdoor products guide has everything you need to enjoy your next great adventure at six OPAL destinations. Bushnell 6x 50mm Equinox Z [Naples, FL] You can spy on alligators, ibises, and deer in the sprawling Everglades National Park on clear mornings and inky nights… Read More

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downtown Naples, Florida

Lay of the Land: Naples, FL

This Southern Florida, Gulf Coast city is home to some of the country’s most luxurious shopping and endangered orchids. Orientation Less than an hour south of Fort Myers on Florida’s west coast. Nearby Marco Island and the Everglades. Date incorporated 1925. Namesake Naples, Italy. Notable for Swamp buggy races, the ghost… Read More

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Florda and Maine beers

Battle of the Brews: Florida & Maine Craft Beer

Maine and Florida are two of the most hopping (and hoppy) states in America’s white-hot craft beer scene, but also a study in contrasts. We sample some highlights. The Maine craft beer scene dates back to the early ’90s, with legendary brewers like Allagash and Atlantic Brewing Company doing high-quality… Read More

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Jupiter and Naples

This or That: Jupiter or Naples

While vibrant Naples and sunny Jupiter are just two-and-a-half hours apart, two of Florida’s most popular beach cities boast very different Florida vacations for those seeking adventure in the Sunshine State. Best Wildlife Adventure Jupiter: Loggerhead Marinelife Center June Beach has become one of the most active nesting beaches for… Read More

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