AMERICAN DREAMING!

Six dream destinations North Americans can reach by river ship or RV. No matter where you are on the continent, you’re a short trip from the vacation of a lifetime.

- ALEX DARLINGTON

1. ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

Located just southwest of Bar Harbor in the breathtaking mountains of Central Maine, this magical place relieves stress better than any tranquilizer ever concocted. The park is dotted with scenic islands, including about half of Mount Desert Island (where you’ll find Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the eastern coastline). Visitors can watch the sun come up over Thunder Hole, an inlet carved out of the rocks, and listen to the waves crashing at high tide.

If you enjoy biking, you can wheel your way over the Carriage Roads — 57 miles of woodland roadways where you won’t encounter a single motor vehicle.

And if you’d rather have more of a workout in the woods, take the challenge of Beehive Trail. It’s only eight-tenths of a mile through the wilderness … but takes you across cliffs with iron rungs on the ledges.

2. SAVAGE RIVER LODGE

You might call Savage River Lodge the best of two worlds. It combines the privacy and comfort of first-class accommodations, fine wine, and good food with the ruggedness of unspoiled nature.

Imagine yourself nestled in one of 18 private cabins, deep in the midst of 700 acres of pristine Maryland State Forest.

It’s ideal for either a wholesome family vacation, or a romantic getaway with your sweetheart. Some couples even get married there.

One of the most impressive things about this idyllic haven is the way the architecture of the lodge blends seamlessly with the rustic surroundings.