Everyone loves a good recommendation for their next trip. BCPL staff tells the must-visit places.
Lesa, Circulation Assistant
Prague, Czech Republic is a regular destination for my husband’s work. Recently we turned this into our summer vacation. We visited the Prague Castle which is the official office of the President of the Czech Republic and is also a popular tourist and scenic destination. I have a favorite bench in Rudolfinsky Park where I can view the city and take in all the majesty of Prague.
Andrea Callan, Reference Librarian
My family and I checked off a bucket list item when we went on an Alaskan cruise. We were lucky enough to see over 20 bald eagles and even a pod of orcas! It was an unforgettable experience that we will cherish forever!
Kaitlin, Outreach Librarian
Holland, MI on Lake Michigan is a great alternative to the ocean! My kids, 2 and 4 at the time of our trip, really wanted to go to the beach. The drive isn’t as long, there is a little less to worry about when it comes to the water (no jellyfish or sharks, stays shallow near the beach), and the town is very walkable. There are lots of things to do with the kids, and they really enjoyed blueberry picking. We liked it so much, we plan to visit all of the Great Lakes.
Jennifer Cheek, PR and Marketing Director
The New England States are a must see! We traveled along the east coast and saw the most beautiful light houses, beaches, covered bridges, water falls, fish shacks, lakes and mountains while driving through Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. In addition to the beautiful scenery, we checked out Plymouth Rock, Salem Witch Museum, Salve Regina University, the Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard and so much more. We managed to do the trip in 5 days, but truly need a month!
New England States Travel Books
Jill Frasher, Youth Services Manager
I studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa and it was one of my favorite trips ever! While not “technically” a vacation, since my classmates and I worked in a library archiving documents about apartheid, we found plenty of time to enjoy ourselves and get immersed in the culture. We saw all the sights, hiked Table Mountain, and tried local cuisine (ostrich, impala, or crocodile anyone?). At the end of the trip we traveled to Kruger National Park and went on a proper safari, which is one of my favorite experiences ever! I highly recommend going if you get the chance–I 100% want to go back someday!
Hillary Delaney, Local History Associate
Our extended family took a trip to Italy when my kids were a little too young to appreciate the history around them, but it was an amazing trip. When we went to the Roman Forum, my daughter said “This is the biggest mess I’ve ever seen!”
Marissa Winfield, Public Service Associate
Last June my family went on a Disney Alaska Cruise that was unforgettable. Alaska was just so beautiful, and I am so thankful that I got to visit. One of our excursions was a helicopter ride to a glacier where we went dog-sledding!
Allison Walker, Outreach Driver
Not a summer vacation but a “husband returned from Iraq” trip. Garmisch, Germany is my favorite place in the world. It is absolutely gorgeous, and I would move there tomorrow if I was able. While living in Germany, we visited there several times and stayed in hotels and even camped.
Liza Pruiksma, Local History Associate
In the summer of 1993, my parents and I went to Florida. We saw family, ate at Captain Nemo’s restaurant, went to the beach, and visited Disney World. What could be more memorable than a trip to the happiest place on earth for a 6 year old? How about swimming with stingrays in the ocean? While going for a swim in Tampa, my dad noticed that a group of stingrays began circling around us, giving us a thrill we didn’t expect. As exciting as it was, my dad decided not to take any chances and got me safely to shore. We didn’t get any pictures, but the incident was well documented by a very colorful drawing.
Samantha Sizemore, Business Services Director
We almost always take a trip to the beach. The last two years we have gone to Panama City Beach, FL. Our 2021 trip was the first time my oldest son had seen the ocean and he was so excited and so in love with it. Our 2022 trip was my youngest son’s first trip to the beach, but he was too young for the activities. He clearly enjoyed relaxing at the beach though.
Karen Helmle, Page Supervisor, Public Service Associate
We took our 5 daughters on a 3-week camping trip out west. We went up to the Badlands, General Custer, Yellowstone, The Grand Tetons, The Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. The United States is full of adventures but it was a lot of time spent at campground laundry facilities! It was exciting, amazing and exhausting!
More BCPL blogs at BCPL Undiscovered.