Choose Your Own Adventure:  
         A Summer Story

By: Stephanie Bolmer

If you’re lucky, after you’ve packed up your locker for the year, Mom and
Dad will tell you to pack up your bags and whisk you off to a well-earned
vacay.  This summer, put your two cents in and let them know where you’d
like to go.  Here are some locales that will make every kind of girl -- and her
folks -- happy:

The Outdoorsy Type
Far off the beaten path, McCall, Idaho is an
ideal destination for the girl who likes to get
away from it all-- or who likes to jump into
the action.  In McCall, you can do some world-
class kayaking in “the wildest place in the
continental United States,” in this beautiful
protected bit of nature.  If you’re not up for
whitewater, you can stay on land and sun on the
beach.  Or, make your way into the woods and
pick as many huckleberries as you can eat.  Be
sure to pick up some real huckleberry soap, body spray, and other  on your
shopping trip into town while Dad’s out on one of the four golf courses in
the area. ~ discovermccall.com

The Fashionista
Sure, you’ve heard that the largest mall in America
is in Minnesota.  But did you know that the Mall of
America in Bloomington, Minnesota has four levels
of stores, frequent book signings of famous
authors, five mini-theme parks, and an aquarium?!
That’s right.  After you’ve shopped ’til you’ve
dropped, you can recharge exploring the boundless
attractions.  LEGO® blocks can be found on ever
level of the mall, the NASCAR Silicon Motor
Speedway and A.C.E.S. Flight Simulation fulfill
your need for speed, and Moose Mountain
Adventure Golf lets you indulge in a little friendly
competition.  And when you’re ready to break
some records, visit Underwater Adventures®
Aquarium, the world’s largest underground
aquarium, and the brand-new Nickelodeon
Universe®, the nation’s largest indoor family theme
park.  If you’re visiting in August, you can try to land a spot on next year’s
Teen Board, a group of 50 teens who get an insider’s experience into the
fashion industry! ~ mallofamerica.com

The History Buff
Does the sight of women in bonnets and men in breeches set your
imagination soaring back in time?  Then Williamsburg, Virginia is the spot
for you!  The Berkeley Plantation, Historic Yorktown, Historic Jamestowne,
and the Jamestown Settlement will soak you in living, breathing history.  
Colonial Williamsburg is the nation’s largest living history museum, and it
features over 500 buildings restored to their 18th century likeness
inhabited by historical interpreters and craftsmen who make the place truly
come alive.  And when you’re ready to re-enter the 21st century, you can
catch some thrills at Busch Gardens amusement park or take a quick stroll
through campus at the College of William and Mary and get a head start on
your college search.  

The Rollercoaster Queen
If you truly love roller coasters, there is no other option for you but Cedar
Point in Sandusky, Ohio.  Boasting seventeen coasters in the park, more
than any other park in the world, three of which are ranked among the top
ten steel coasters in the world, this is the place for you to conquer!  Their
Magnum XL-200 has been voted the “Best Steel Coaster in the World,” and
it is one of the tallest and fastest rides you’ll find anywhere.  Of course,
there are plenty of rides for those of milder taste, and you can even make
another day trip to Cleveland’s Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame or see a baseball
game in Wrigley’s Field. ~ cedarpoint.com

The Beach Babe
There is really something for everyone
in Newport Beach, California.  Close by
to all of the well-known attractions
southern California has to offer, this
popular area combines traditional beach
bumming with fun nightlife on the
boardwalk.  Couture shopping, whale-
watching cruises, surfing lessons, and
the 1936 Ferris wheel at Balboa
Peninsula are just some of the
highlights of this dynamic beach community.  And if you feel like ducking
out of the sun for a little while, check out the Newport Sports Museum
Foundation, which has one of the largest sports memorabilia collections in
the world or tour the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum and see their 22kt
gold battleship! ~ visitnewportbeach.com