By Glenn H. Kipps

Curious about Germany's Love Parade and other fun zone activities? Can't go because the kid's college tuition has fractured the budget? Why not try Berlin, Maryland on the Eastern Shore?

Berlin has a rich colonial history, and visitors can relive it right on Main Street, which was the path the Assateague and Pocomoke Indians traveled before the colonial period. Also on the main street is the Burleigh Inn, where colonial travelers stopped to refresh themselves. It is said that the name of the town, Berlin, was derived from a contraction of the words "Burleigh" and "Inn".

Berlin's beautiful tree-lined streets, Victorian town center museum and historic homes are popular with visitors. There are 47 individual structures that are noted in the National Register of Historic Places and represent two centuries of architecture. An audiocassette walking tour is available for tourists.

From Berlin, it takes just minutes to get to Ocean City and Assateague Island National Shore. Assateague is where the wild ponies live. Many herds can be seen along the island each day. Besides the ponies, wildlife refuges on the island include dolphins and bald eagles. Also, tours of the island's lighthouse are available.

The renovation of the town center of Berlin and its historic preservation is the result of the cooperative efforts of local citizens, who welcome visitors to their town.

Perhaps you have been thinking of driving through the Blue Mountains of Kingston in Jamaica, and sampling its famous coffee. No available funds? Why not visit Kingston, New York in the shadows of the scenic Catskill Mountains? As residents there will tell you, "The welcome mat is always out".

Kingston was the first capital of New York State (1777), and has restored the waterfront, museums, and shops, making it a peek into the past for tourists. It is part of the trail of Henry Hudson when he sailed north on the river in1609, and the location of the first Dutch trading post seven years later.

Today, Kingston invites visitors to stop at the Heritage Area Visitor Center for personal assistance in planning a journey through the city. The holiday spirit is especially alive in Kingston, where a tour of the light displays is a rewarding experience. The historic Rondout Waterfront can provide an enjoyable stroll, or you might find an antique to your liking in one of the shops along the pier, as well as fine dining in the restaurants there.

"Hickory Uptown" is a favorite dining place in Historic Kingston's Stockade District. With pride in their food service, residents say, "We hope you enjoy the recipe for Ma Hickory's Roasted Potato Salad".

Once there, Kingston residents guarantee that you will quickly discover what so many visitors already have grown to love about the area.

About The Author
Glenn H. Kipps is the owner of http://www.validtravel.com/, a travel resource. There are over 100 articles to browse through and over 700 products by Coleman to look through in our new adventure travel catalog. ValidTravel.com is also affiliated with Samsonite. There is a free newsletter.