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Places to Go: Pawleys Island

Pawleys Island is one of the original relaxing beach resort areas in the United States. It was a time when estate owners escaped the business of plantation life and brought the family to the beach. There were the soothing sounds of the ocean, the anticipation of searching for that special sea shell and the satisfaction of enjoying the day’s catch for dinner. All these were part of Pawleys family traditions passed down and memories cherished. Today, families conothers choose to explore the tinue to enjoy vacationing on marshlands or take a dip in the Pawleys Island, spending time ocean. At the end of the day, together and making memogather on the porch or around ries. Just as many of the classic the dinner table where stories beach homes on the island have are shared, plans are made and been shared among and passed bonds are formed. down through generations, The beach houses and historvisitors share family time here, ic inns on Pawleys offer a feeltoo. Its convenient location on ing of home and a nod to island the South Carolina coast make tradition. Known as “arrogantthis a natural gathering place. ly shabby,” they have the charHere, you can spend time acter and comfort you’d expect together without distractions. here. The Sea View Inn, with Once on Pawleys, there are no its 20 private guest rooms, and flashing lights or ringing cash the eight-bedroom Pelican Inn registers. No lines or reservaare traditionally open through tions. It’s laid-back, kick-offLabor Day. They are flanked by your-shoes time. beach houses, large and small, The beach and marshlands available all year. set the stage. They provide The unmatched natural common ground, with somebeauty and peaceful atmosthing every generation can enphere of Pawleys Island are the joy. Some relish lounging in loperfect spot for unforgettable cally-made rope hammocks or family time. While changing ambling along the beach while tides bring new views and new

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adventures, time seems to stand still.

If you go

Local lore makes for interesting family discussions and imaginative speculation. Be sure to quiz the native islanders (the island has a permanent population of just over 100 residents) about favorite local tales, including the ghost story of The Gray Man and the legend of the Pawleys Island shell. Then, gather your crew on the porch for a little embellishment of your own. Enjoy a Shelling and Lighthouse Tour (Rover Tours, 735 Front Street, Georgetown, SC 29440) departing from historic Georgetown, just a 15-minute drive from the island. This four-hour tour takes guests through the waters of Winyah Bay to explore uninhabited barrier islands. Views of the historic lighthouse and playful dolphin add to the trip’s allure.

Where to eat

Pawleys Island Tavern (10635 Ocean Hwy) is known locally as The PIT and is a favorite among islanders. The atmosphere is casual and the menu features low country favorites.

Bistro 217 (10707 Ocean Highway), adds a fine dining option in a comfortable setting. Steaks, seafood, pasta and specialty desserts are served.

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Go, Do, See: Arches National Park

MOAB – Arches National Park in the world’s favorite red rock playground of Moab, Utah, opens to visitors on Friday, May 29. Guided tours of this iconic park will once again resume. In addition, a variety of half-day, fullday and overnight river rafting programs along the Colorado River have also begun again.

Moab Adventure Center, a full-service resource for the adventure-minded, suggests three guided park tours to nudge the housebound into the outdoors. The company is also armed with newly instituted COVID-19 mitigation and operations protocols (see: https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/covid-19

Guided Tours of Arches National Park

Daily morning and sunset tours of Arches National Park help interpret the 150 million years of geology and nature that have created this masterpiece of more than 2,000 arches - the highest concentration on the planet. Tour rates are $89 for adults and $79 for ages 5 to 12. See: https://www. moabadventurecenter.com/arches-national-park-tours

A third tour offers a breathtaking aerial tour of the park. Departing mid-morning, the half-hour flyover views formations such as Courthouse Towers, North and South Window Arches, Delicate Arch, Devil’s Garden, the Colorado River, Fisher Towers, and Castle Valley. Youth two and under fly free on a parent’s lap. Tour rates are $109 for adults and $55 for youth 3 to 12. For details see: https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/arches-national-parkair-tours with a BBQ lunch. Rates are $89 for adults and $79 ages 5 to 12. A full day on the river, with lunch, is a memorable seven-hour excursion. Rates are $109 for adults and $79 for age 5 to 12. For details see: https://www.moabadventure

Colorado River Tours

Full and halfday rafting adventures on “The Moab Adventure the Colorado River along the Center Counts On Nature southern border of Arches National to Restore the Pandemic Park can also be arranged Weary.” through the Moab Adventure Center. A half-day morning tour showcases the center.com/moab-river-tours mild to moderate rapids under a background of red rock cliffs, “The benefits of getting into naspires and buttes. Rates are $74 ture for a few days are just what for adults and $64 for ages 5 to 12. the doctor ordered – especially Another half-day option comes now,” said Cort Wright, Manager

Arches National Park

of the Moab Adventure Center. “As depression and anxiety diminish, our renewed vitality gains a foothold and positive attitudes surface. It will be a joy for us this summer and fall to see our guests transformed by the activities we provide.”

According to a study conducted by the University of Minnesota, “Being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases Center Counts On Nature pleasant feelings. Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to to Restore the Pandemic your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.” For the full report see: https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-doesnature-impact-our-wellbeing.

As of May 1, 2020, the Southeast Utah Health Department authorized a phased reopening of businesses in and around Moab. Lodging, commercial campgrounds, restaurants and activities are now available and operating within recommended guidelines. The town is seeing quite an influx of visitors as so many now are choosing an outdoor vacation as the best escape with loved ones.

Moab Adventure Center is offering most of its regularly scheduled activities along with new private tours (www.moabadventurecenter. com/private-tours). These include exclusive Hummer Safari outings for up to nine people; private canyoneering adventures; exclusive Arches National Park morning tours; private stand-up paddle boarding lessons for up to six people; and private Moab rock climbing outings for up to four people. UT 84532. For information and reservations please call (435) 259- 7019 or (866) 904-1163. The center also has a 2,000-square-foot retail space selling adventure related gear, clothing, maps and souvenirs.

Moab Adventure Center is a division of Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver. com/) an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab and Fredonia, AZ. The company is the largest single tour provider in Moab, Utah. The Moab Adventure Center is located at 225 South Main St., Moab,

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Things to Do: Things to Do: Take a Scenic Safaris Tour

JACKSON – Scenic Safaris, the year-round outdoor and wildlife tour operator for wildlife and scenery of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and environs, plans to open around June 15. The company will offer van tours into the parks, as well as guided and self-guided tours for ATV’s and side-by-side rentals. Also available are self-guided tours for side-by-side rentals in Bridger-Teton National Forest. Scenic Safaris is operated by national park service concessioner Forever Resorts.

Due to public health and logistical considerations, Forever Resorts’ Jackson Hole river rafting outfitter, Mad River Boat Trips, will not operate for the 2020 season. Mad River typically offers whitewater and smooth-water scenic float trips on the Wild and Scenic Snake River with departures from Jackson Hole.

“We are pleased to be able to offer Scenic Safaris tours this summer into some of the American West’s most dazzling national parks,” said John Schoppmann, executive vice president, Forever Resorts. “Our company has always adhered to the highest standards and continually monitors new developments to ensure the health and safety of our guests and employees. While we made the difficult decision to shutter our Mad River operation for this season, we look forward to welcoming our river passengers back to ride the river with us next year.”

In addition to using cleaning and sanitizing chemicals recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Scenic Safaris has implemented the following supplemental standard operating procedures: • Guides and guests will be expected to wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), where applicable. • Guides will maintain a six-foot minimum social distance from guests. • Transport vans will be outfitted with social distancing dividers – separating guests from

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each other and from the guide. • Guests will be greeted by office staff wearing PPE. • Guests riding ATVs and side-by-sides will be handed disinfected and clean helmets from a secured helmet fitting area. When guests return to the office, they will be instructed to leave helmets outside.

To book a tour, call 307-734-8898. For information on all of Scenic Safaris’ tours click here.

Based in Jackson, Wyoming, Scenic Safaris offers summer and winter tours in the majestic Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, as well as the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Take a Scenic Safaris Tour

Summer tour options include backcountry ATV tours and wildlife-viewing hikes and tours. In the winter, Scenic Safaris offers guided tours aboard its state-of-the-art snowcoaches and quiet, fuel-efficient snowmobiles. All equipment utilized meets the National Park Service’s newest noise and emission requirements. To ensure each tour offers guests the most informative and enjoyable experience possible, all Scenic Safaris’ tour guides are certified by the National Association for Interpretation and are Wilderness First Responders. For more information on all tour options available, go to www.Scenic-Safaris. com, find us on Facebook or call (307) 734-8898. To make a reservation inquiry, send an E-mail to reservations@scenic-safaris.com.

Forever Resorts is an exceptional collection of destinations providing hospitality services throughout the world. The company focuses on properties with access to nature and oneof-a-kind surroundings for vacations. For more information, go to www.ForeverResorts.com or www.Facebook.com/ForeverResorts, and follow us on Twitter @ForeverResorts.

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