So, you’re walking into an airport for the first time, alone, and thinking, “What the heck am I supposed to do?” Don’t worry—I’ve got you. This guide will walk you through every single step, from packing your bag to picking up your luggage at your destination. Remember, knowing how to get through an airport is a basic life skill! Even if you’re not travelling soon, get yourself familiar with these steps! 

Before You Even Leave for the Airport

Here’s what you will need to bring with you:

• Your ID or Passport:
  • If you’re flying within the country, you’ll need a government-issued ID (like a driver’s license or state ID).
  • If you’re flying internationally, you’ll need your passport. Make sure it’s not expired! 
• Boarding Pass:
  • You can print this at home or keep it on your phone. (Tip: Screenshot it so you don’t have to worry about internet issues.)
• Luggage:
  • Carry-on bag: A backpack or small suitcase you’ll keep with you on the plane. Pack essentials like snacks, a water bottle (empty until after security), headphones, a phone charger, and a book or tablet.
  • Checked bag: A bigger suitcase for stuff you won’t need during the flight. You’ll drop this off at the airline counter when you get to the airport.

Step 1: Arrive at the Airport

Get there early—2 hours before a domestic flight, 3 hours for international. Airports can be busy, and you’ll need time to figure things out.

Walk Inside and Find Your Airline’s Check-In Counter

• • Look for big signs with airline names (like Delta, American Airlines, or Southwest).
  • Not sure which counter is yours? Check your confirmation email or boarding pass to see who you’re flying with.

Step 2: Check In for Your Flight

At the check-in counter or kiosk:

1. Provide Your Info:
   • Enter your confirmation code (found in your booking email) or scan your passport!
2. Print Your Boarding Pass!
   • This tells you your gate number, boarding time, and seat.
3. Drop Off Checked Bags:
   • Put your suitcase on the scale. The airline staff will tag it and send it to the plane.
   • Tip: Make sure your suitcase isn’t over 50 lbs, or you’ll have to pay extra!

Step 3: Go to Security (TSA Checkpoint)

Look for signs that say “Security Checkpoint” or “TSA.” 

1. Show Your ID and Boarding Pass:
   • The TSA officer will check these and wave you through to the screening area.
2. Prep for the X-Ray Scanner:
   • Take off your shoes, belt, and jacket.
   • Put your electronics (like laptops or tablets) in a separate bin. Make sure you’re keeping perfect visual track of where you put your belongings. Follow them with your eyes! 
   • Liquids must be in travel-sized bottles (3.4 oz or less) and packed in a clear, quart-sized bag.
   • Place everything, including your carry-on bag, in bins provided. 
3. Walk Through the Scanner:
   • Then, you’ll be asked to walk through a metal detector. Follow the TSA agent’s instructions.

Step 4: Find Your Gate

Now that you’re through security, it’s time to find your gate! You’re almost there!

1. Look at Your Boarding Pass:
   • It’ll have your gate number (e.g. Gate B12).
2. Check the Screens:
   • Look for your flight number on the big screens to confirm your gate hasn’t changed.
3. Follow the Signs:
   • Airports have signs everywhere pointing to gates. Follow them to the right terminal.

Step 5: Wait at Your Gate

Once you find your gate, sit close so you don’t miss any announcements. While you wait, you can double-check the boarding time on your pass or grab a snack or drink nearby if you have time.

Step 6: Boarding the Plane

When it’s time to board, the airline staff will announce groups or zones (printed on your pass). Follow these steps:

1. Line up when your group is called.
2. Show your boarding pass and ID to the gate agent.
3. Walk down the jet bridge and onto the plane.
4. Find your seat number (it’s on your ticket) and stow your carry-on in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Step 7: Picking Up Your Bag

At your final destination–

1. Follow signs to “Baggage Claim.”
2. Look for your flight number on the carousel screens.
3. Grab your bag and double-check the tag to make sure it’s yours.

General Airport Safety Tips

1. Stay Alert: Keep your belongings close and never leave your bags unattended. Don’t carry too much, or you might feel overwhelmed and as a result less alert. 
2. Ask for Help: Never be afraid to ask airport staff if you feel confused. They are there to help you! 
3. Trust Your Gut: If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, walk away and try to find an airport official. As a general rule, stay within a crowd and don’t look down at your phone for long. 
4. Emergency Contact Info: Keep your phone charged and a list of emergency contacts handy!

And that’s it! With this guide, you’re ready to tackle any airport! Good luck, and happy flying!

The post How the Heck Do I Get Through an Airport? appeared first on GirlSpring.

A Thousand Miles Away…

A local fair, and Kendall Square
Swearing that I would meet you there
Will you find me, making my way
Through a crowd of thousands?

Through endless halls, I wanted all
The closed doors and hidden walls
Remember me, will you still?
After seeing thousands?

Time didn’t stall, two weeks of awe
I wish to see you in the fall
But I must return, while you meet
Everyone coming- the thousands

Everywhere, my mind is there
Reliving memories too good to bear
Very much again, wanting you
Wanted by the thousands
And me too

A Final Note

I hope you enjoyed the poem. Upon reflection, it sounds like a cute, wistful anime romcom theme song.
See if you can solve for what exactly it is about. It is hinted in the poem, and here are more hints:
1341 2141 3343
11 13 1 15 12 8 14 2
ChatGPT can’t solve it, so if you can, congrats! AI won’t steal your job.

For more original poems, check out our poems section.

The post A Thousand Miles Away… appeared first on GirlSpring.

Welcome to the Magic City! Birmingham is an amazing place filled with art, culture, great food, history, and great people! All of these definitely make Birmingham a bucket list place to visit, so here’s a local’s way of how to make the most of it!

Coffee – need some energy for your big day ahead of you? No worries, there’s plenty of options!

• O.Henry’s Coffees https://www.ohenryscoffee.com/ 
• The Red Cat Coffee House https://theredcatcoffeehouse.com/
• Santos Coffee https://linktr.ee/SantosCoffee
• Red Bike Coffee Co. https://www.redbikecoffee.com/
• Continental Bakery http://www.chezlulu.us/
• Wild Roast Cafe https://www.wildroastcafe.com/

Outdoor Activities

• Railroad Park https://railroadpark.org/
• The Market at Pepper Place https://pepperplacemarket.com/
• Red Mountain Park https://redmountainpark.org/
• Moss Rock Preserve http://www.hooveral.org/214/Moss-Rock-Preserve

Brunch

• Roots & Revelry https://www.roots-revelry.com/
• Ruby Sunshine https://www.rubybrunch.com/location/ruby-sunshine-birmingham/
• Big Bad Breakfast ​ https://bigbadbreakfast.com/
• Maple Street Biscuit Co https://www.maplestreetbiscuits.com/

Museums

• Birmingham Museum of Art ​​https://www.artsbma.org/
• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute https://www.bcri.org/
• McWane Science Center https://mcwane.org/

Shopping

• Downtown Homewood/Soho https://www.birminghamal.org/listings/downtown-homewood-soho-square/
• Pepper Place https://www.pepperplace.com/shops-services/
• The Summit https://thesummitbirmingham.com/

Sporting Events

• Baseball: Birmingham Barons https://www.milb.com/birmingham
• Football: Birmingham Stallions https://www.foxsports.com/usfl/birmingham-stallions-team
• Basketball: Birmingham Squadron https://stats.gleague.nba.com/team/1612709913/

Dinner

• Slice https://www.slicebirmingham.com/
• SAW’s BBQ https://sawsbbq.com/
• Cayo Coco https://cayococorumbar.com/
• Soho Social https://www.sohohomewood.bar/
• Gianmarco’s https://www.gianmarcosbhm.com/
• Real & Rosemary https://www.realandrosemary.com/

Dessert

• K&J’s Elegant Pastries https://www.kjselegantpastries.com/
• Cookie Fix https://cookiefix.com/
• Olexa’s https://olexas.com/
• Hero https://www.herodoughnutsandbuns.com/
• Edgar’s https://www.edgarsbakery.com/
• The Creamery https://bhamcreameries.com/
• Savage’s Bakery https://www.shopsavagesbakery.com/

View of the City

• Vulcan Park https://visitvulcan.com/
• Bluff Park https://www.bluffparkal.org/heathers_corner_lovers_leap.htm

Don’t forget to check out Girl Spring contributor Caroline Hellums Best Restaurants in Birmingham!

The post A Day in the Life in Birmingham appeared first on GirlSpring.

A week and a half ago, I had the great opportunity to visit my country of origin, Peru. 

A visit 10 years in the making. 

Though I am glad to be back in the comfort of my own bed and room, I have never been more grateful or in love with an experience. Spending 5 days in a small village of the Andes Mountains, and 4 days in the bustling capital of Lima, I was blessed enough to see plenty. To learn plenty. 

Here are some snapshots of this trip of a lifetime. 

Memories in Peru

As special as the first two weeks of October may be in the United States, our trip was not prompted by the start of the autumn equinox or Hispanic Heritage month. My grandparents had made the generous decision to fly us out to my grandfather’s place of birth for the celebration of the Santa Rosa of Lima.

This saint, a figure respected not only in Peru but throughout Latin America, is one venerated by the Catholic Church due to her service, sacrifice and dedication to spreading the word of God. Festivals round the streets of my country’s capital in the US’ fall season but extend beyond the historical Spanish plazas and the notorious traffic.

Family

About a 12 hour bus ride north of Lima lies a plaza built not in the 17th century but just in the recent years. This plaza, surrounded by vibrant concrete houses, blue tarps atop intricate markets and dusk colored mountains, has come a long way since my grandfather’s boyhood.

His home of adobe clay stands strong against the chilly sighs of the Andes Mountains, and a teal colored church still celebrates the gracious work of Santa Rosa. The 5 day festival that consumed this small town captivated me in every way possible, opening my eyes to beautiful traditions that surpass any other one I have known.

We made food with each other, danced with each other, listened to the word of God with each other. All of us paraded across the dirt roads and grassy paths with street dogs, jammed to cumbia by a live band, played soccer, laughed, watched my 40 year old uncle get baptized. Through all the fun and work, I learned that life is good and anything can be done, through God and alongside my family. 

Food

A few months ago, I wrote an article on my favorite food of all time, Ceviche. Food, as anyone knows it, is a magical thing. It brings us together, makes us feel happy and healthy. Above all, however, food can bring a taste years in the past and thousands of miles away to a plate unbeknownst to the culture that developed the meal on top of it. If food is a magical thing, then my mom is a wizard.

Her ability to emulate what she considers home on her tongue is one that echoes the efforts of countless other immigrants in the United States. The effort to preserve their culture in the face of a new one. As delicious as the authentic Limean Ceviche was, it wasn’t very different from what I have had before. Thanks to my mom’s wizardry, most of the dishes I had in Peru were ones I had the pleasure of already knowing, just now with the added contentment of my family surrounding me.

Home

I have to admit, I did miss Birmingham and missed hanging with my friends. Mostly a reliably hot shower and the calmness I had. I could call it homesickness but I don’t believe Birmingham is home… yet neither is Peru. Missing some aspects of my life in Alabama made me who I am (maybe not the hot shower), but I realized that even greater than what I missed was what I had missed out on.

I had an entire family, a group of people that loved me for who I am, in Peru. Meeting uncles, aunts, cousins who shared a love for my culture and related to the experience of being a Polo (mom’s maiden name) was unreal. More than that, connecting to them, getting to know them as a teenager and not as a baby, felt as if they were family by choice and not by force. I truly enjoyed their presence and I take a piece of their personalities with me everywhere now. Home is where my people are, so I guess my home is everywhere. 

Final Thoughts

Having spent a few days with the places and people that make up me, I am already looking forward to coming back. There are more stories to hear, more foods to try, and more sights to see. As lucky as I am to have come to part of my home, I urge you to seek your home too. Take a few minutes to ask but most importantly, to listen to the people and the culture that make up you. Everyone has a story.

The post Peru: an album appeared first on GirlSpring.

Trip Planning!

As the day of departure crept closer, I felt a feeling I didn’t think was possible, since this was such an amazing opportunity. I began to feel nervous, having never been on a plane for an extensive amount of time. Even though I took Spanish classes in high school, I didn’t know the language very well. Above all else, I had never traveled outside the country.

At last, the day rolled around, and my exhilaration won over my anxiousness as I said goodbye to my parents. As I boarded the bus, I had never felt more independent. I was even with some of my best friends and we were about to fly to one of the most beautiful places in the world… what could go wrong?

The Truth about International Travel

Turns out, a lot could go wrong in a very short span of time. The unfortunate series of events started when our flight from Chicago was delayed five hours, causing our group to miss our connecting flight in Austin. When we finally arrived in Texas, we were forced to wait hours in the airport until the staff could find us a hotel. Luxurious, right?

Wrong. As our shuttle pulled up outside of our presumably fancy hotel, our hearts sank as we came to the realization we would be sleeping in a less-than-ideal motel. I wish I was joking about this part, but seriously, there were toads in our rooms, along with what looked like to be blood on the sheets and walls. It’s safe to say that none of our group received a good night’s sleep, and by the first light of dawn, we were ready to get out of there.

We were already half a day behind schedule, and when we returned to the airport, there was more bad news. The staff couldn’t find enough tickets for the same flight, meaning our group would have to split up. Half of us would fly straight to Costa Rica, while the other half would make stops in Guatemala and Panama City before finally landing at our final destination. Take one guess at the group I was put into.

Make Good out of the Bad

Following two long flights sitting in between two strangers who didn’t speak English, and consuming some sketchy Guatemalan McDonald’s nuggets, we had finally arrived. Nothing more could go wrong, right? Yeah, that’s what I thought. Some of our luggage had been lost within our group, and I was one of the lucky few to still have mine. I spent the first few days in Costa Rica rewearing outfits, borrowing from my friends clothes, and doing laundry in various bathtubs.

While this may seem like a cautionary tale that details why I’m never going to travel out of the country again, it was actually the opposite. Amid all of this bad fortune, I had the time of my life. Staying surrounded by my best friends who always keep a smile on my face definitely helped. Not to mention, I was always surrounded by some of the most spectacular sights in the world. It’s hard to be unhappy when you’re ziplining above the rainforest, cooking dinner with locals, or hiking among exotic plants and animals.

Take Precautionary Measures

There’s a lot than could go wrong when you travel internationally (In my case, most of those fears came true). No amount of misfortune could overpower the amazing experiences you’ll have. I have so many stories about my trip to Costa Rica, and I’ll be telling them for years to come.

If you have the opportunity to travel out of the country, it’s okay to be nervous – it’s normal, and apparent from my experience, justifiable. Don’t let that scare you away from making some of the best memories in your life.

Click here to read how you can prep for a first time flight if you haven’t been on a plane before.

The post The Truth about International Travel appeared first on GirlSpring.

When foreigners think of India, they think of the Himalayas, Cricket, Bollywood, and the Taj Mahal. However, it is so much more than just that. Today, I would like to tell you more about my homeland, India.

An Introduction to India

I chose this topic because I love learning about history and culture. Moreover, I was born in India and am being raised as a Hindu in a Hindi speaking North Indian Family. It’s important to learn about India because it’s a very important country in our world.

Not only is it the most populated country and the world’s largest democracy, but it’s also the birthplace of the four major religions of this world. Notably, the south Asian country has the fastest growing economy in the world, which has sextupled in size in less than 20 years. It’s more than just a country striving for economic and social success, it is a spiritual, social, and cultural home for millions.

From the Golden Temple in Amritsar to the Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad, speaking Hindi in Uttar Pradesh to Telugu in Andhra Pradesh, and wearing kurtas in North India to dhotis in South India, the south Asian country is essential to a myriad of people. In order to start exploring the various different reasons to visit India, we will start with its cultural diversity.

Then, we’ll learn about its architecture, history, and religious sites. Lastly, we will conclude with its geography. Let us dive into learning what makes India so culturally diverse.

India’s Culture & Diversity

India is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, as many different languages are spoken there. Not only is it home to various religious practices, more than 100 spoken languages, houses different ethnic and cultural groups, but it is also home to many different traditions.

Language

There are 29 states, each with their own unique, official language and a slightly different culture. For instance, in Uttar Pradesh, a state in northern India, the official languages are Hindi and Urdu. Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India, the official language is Tamil. If you traveled east to Bengal, you would find Bengali speakers. Travel in the opposite direction to the west, and you’d see people speaking Gujarati or Marathi.

Clothing

Clothing is different in every region. When you travel across states, you’ll realize that language isn’t the only thing that changes, the people’s clothing, festivities, and ethnic makeup also change. In northern India, you’ll find women in salwar kameezes and men in kurtas. However, in south India, you will find women in sarees and men in dhotis. In addition to clothing, various parts of India celebrate different things. Hence, each region has its own unique festivities.

Festivals & Celebrations

Some famous festivals of North India are Diwali, Holi, Lohri, Baisakhi, and Teej. Although, Onam, Utsav, Mysore Dasara, and Pongal are celebrated in south India. These festivals are not only specific to the region but also specific to the state. For instance, Gujarat, a state in west India, is big on celebrating Navaratri, a nine-day festival to celebrate divine femininity.

The Ethnic Divide

Lastly, the ethnic makeup of Indians varies a lot. The most distinct difference is between north and south Indians. North Indians have more caucasian features because they live in a cooler region, therefore, they have longer faces, lighter skin color, and longer and sharper noses. Now that we have discussed the people, it is time to discuss their architecture.

Architecture in India

The second reason to visit India is to witness its magnificent architecture, and visiting the Taj Mahal is a must. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. UNESCO describes it as an, “immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.”

Another architectural marvel from the Mughals is the red fort, the lal qila. It is a famous fort in Old Delhi, Delhi, India, which served as the Mughal Emperors’ main residence. Indo-Islamic is the style of its architecture.

Another architectural marvel in Delhi is the India Gate. At the center of New Delhi stands the 42 m high India Gate, an “Arc-de-Triomphe” like archway in the middle of a crossroad. According to the Government of Delhi, it was made to, “Commemorate the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during World War I.”

Lastly, you must visit India to see the lotus temple. This a lotus-shaped temple, as the name would imply. The temple complex is made up of 27 separate marble “petals” that have been grouped into three sections to create nine sides. As the meaning behind creating the architecture suggests, India has a vibrant history.

The History of India

Furthermore, another reason to visit India is to learn about its interesting history. Its lengthy and varied past includes numerous ancient civilizations, such as the Indus Valley Civilization, as well as the Mughal Empire and British colonial control. The Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished in what is now northwest India and Pakistan, was the first known civilization in India. According to Devi Course, “…this civilization dates back to 3300 BC and was known for its well-planned cities, advanced drainage systems, and the use of a writing system.”

The Vedic Era, which spanned from 1500 BC to 500 BC, is another crucial era in India’s history. At this period, Hinduism came into existence and the Vedas, a collection of historic Hindu books, were compiled. The Mahajanapadas, India’s first kingdom, was founded during this time, along with the expansion of the Hindu caste system.

The Mughal Empire, which was succeeded by British colonial control, had a considerable impact on Indian culture and art, as did the Mauryan Empire.British Raj and Independence Movement India finally gained its independence from British rule in 1947 as a result of the independence struggle, which was championed by individuals like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Based on India’s history, we can tell that it was introduced to a lot of different people, and these people had different religious beliefs.

Spirituality

India is home to many different religions, thus, it has many religious sites. Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a center of Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage, is the spiritual and cultural center of India.Varanasi was allegedly founded by Lord Shiva and is known as the “City of Gods.” There are numerous saints who reside there. Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple, is the most sacred site for Sikhs, another religious city. Because of the Golden Temple, Amritsar is regarded as a location of immense spiritual significance.

Geographics

Clearly, India is a huge country and has vast geographical features. So… Lastly, India is a very geographically diverse subcontinent, and thus it has many natural attractions. The most popular attraction are the Himalayas, the highest mountain range in the world. When you visit the mountain range, you’ll notice amazing scenery, rare wildlife, and beautifully chilling rivers.

Another geographical marvel is the Thar Desert, known for Camel Safari, Desert Safari, and Jeep Safari. Located in the northwest of the Indian subcontinent, the Great Indian Desert spans 205,000 km^2 in both India and Pakistan. It ranks as the world’s ninth-largest hot subtropical desert and the world’s 20th-largest desert overall.

Moreover, you must visit the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world. The severely endangered indigenous river terrapin, estuary crocodiles, Ganges and Irrawaddy dolphins, and Royal Bengal Tiger are just a few of the endangered species found in the Sundarbans.

India as a Whole

The South Asian nation of India is fascinating to learn due to its rich culture, history, and religion. One billion people call it home, but despite their many linguistic, cultural, and racial backgrounds, they are all united by a shared love and loyalty for India. This is because India is a diverse country where many communities have come together to create something more and better than themselves.

As a whole, India is a culturally varied gem that is home to stunning architecture and a wide range of religions as a result of the combination of history, people, and tradition. The country also has a variety of geographical features, thus there are numerous natural attractions there. India is just like a work of art, created with several brush strokes from different people. Between learning English from the British conquerors, to adapting the salwar kameez from the Mughals to learning peacemaking from Gandhi, India is a diversified masterpiece.

Even if their individual contributions are modest and unique, when they combine, they create a collective Indian identity that is interesting to learn about. As a result, everyone should travel to India, a country with a rich diversity.

Click here to check out more travel destinations that may peak your interest!

The post India: A Place Worth Visiting appeared first on GirlSpring.

It’s the end of the summer. Everyone is coming back from vacation. All you can say is you’re sad.

“Post-travel blues” is a term used to describe the sad feeling after returning from vacation. It can be hard to leave and return to reality and the old routine. You might be feeling unmotivated and miserable, but this article is here to help you. 

1. Cleaning Therapy 

Photo by Josue Michel on Unsplash

I swear by this. After traveling, your house is typically full of messes– clothes to unpack, dishes to clean, neglected dust. Clean space = clean mind. However, cleaning can be quite boring. Thus, put your earphones in and listen to music that reminds you of the place you traveled. Listen to music in the language spoken in the travel destination. This idea makes cleaning fun and gets you an organized house quicker! 

2. Go Out  

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Don’t stay in the house! Plan an outing with your friends, go eat at a restaurant, take a walk, go for a drive, watch a movie. There are so many things you can do. Getting out of the house changes the usual routine and gets your mind off of your previous travels. You can go do something fun and come back with a recovered mindset! 

3. Take a Rejuvenating Shower 

A shower after being in an airport is a great idea. Wash off all the germs and start fresh. Take your time and try something new like a body scrub or a hair mask. A shower makes everyone feel better! 

4. Call Relatives 

Photo by Patty Zavala on Unsplash

If the trip was to see your family, give them a call. Just because you’re not physically in that place anymore doesn’t mean you aren’t there spiritually! Simply hearing their voice will immediately remind you of your home country and heal your soul. 

5. Plan the Upcoming Days 

Photo by Melanie Deziel on Unsplash

Don’t let the days slip away! Keep yourself busy by writing down what you’re going to do each day. Whether that be productive or fun, having a purpose for each day will ease you back into your return. 

That’s it! Hopefully, this list got you up off your couch and living life again! Remind yourself that you can always go again and that time will come. 

The post How to Overcome Post-Travel Blues appeared first on GirlSpring.

This photo was taken at the Birmingham Zoo on a field trip for my photography class.

It is a picture of the zoo’s iconic flamingos, but more specifically, a close up image of the birds shape. The shape of the bird is more ambiguous and its eye feels more ominous to look at.

Overall, I’m pretty happy with this photo; flamingos are very photogenic to begin with, so it’s really about thinking of different ways to capture their beauty.

The post Piercing Eye appeared first on GirlSpring.

However, when you come to this beautiful city, you might feel overwhelmed by the activities that are available to do. To help you prepare a perfect itinerary for your vacation to Ocean City, here are 10 of the best things you could do with friends and family.

Spend Some Time on the Beach

Imagine yourself resting on the sand, looking at one of the best breathtaking views. Does that sound exciting? This is how you will start to feel when you begin your day at the beachside.

With around eight miles of beachfront, you have a variety of areas to explore, wander, or find yourself in a peaceful spot to watch the water roll in.

In fact, there are no shortages of golf courses, amusement parks, and kid-themed programs here. Whenever you visit this beautiful city, always choose to rent a beach house near the beach. If you choose Ocean City, NJ rentals, you’ll allow yourself to see the first orange blaze on the horizon. Additionally, the best part of these rentals is that you can opt for various options such as half-week rentals, daily rentals, nightly rentals, seasonal rentals, weekly rentals, and even last-minute ocean rentals.

And hey! You can even bring your pets along and enjoy some time at the beach condos.

Experience a Series of Fun Activities at the Famous Boardwalk

Ocean City is a place that offers incredible beaches. Here you will find a two and a half-mile boardwalk where you can engage yourself in a number of activities like culinary treats, shopping, and fun adventures.

This area is also home to a variety of rides. The indoor rides usually cater to kids, while the midway rides are suitable for older kids and teens. You can explore everywhere to create lasting memories. So, are you up for yet another adventurous trip?

It might sound a bit childish, but when your feet are under the sand, and you can feel the cool breeze around you, you begin to relax from head to toe. Even if you are looking for a lazy day, you can purchase a giant kite with trailing streamers on the beach. Seeing your kite riding along the Atlantic winds will give you a peaceful feeling.

Visit Corson’s Inlet State Park

This is a 341-acre park that came into existence to protect and preserve the land along the oceanfront. It is a natural habitat of a variety of breathtaking views and wildlife. You can also take part in popular activities with groups like hiking, crabbing, and boating.

Wrapping up

No matter what interests you, Ocean City has something to offer to each of its travelers. From boating to golfing, shopping and surfing, you’ll always find an activity that suits your preferences.

Whenever you wish to take a break from your monotonous life, book a flight and get yourself a beach house to enjoy some fantastic time in this mesmerizing city.

If you happen to visit the beach this summer, here’s some fun things you can do with friends and family!

The post Visiting Ocean City NJ, Don’t Miss Out on these Activities! appeared first on GirlSpring.

Bluff Park Ice Cream Shoppe – 9.5/10

Whimsical. Inspired. In a word: delightful. They have a ton of flavors that are not super rich, but are still bold and creamy. The inside of the store is super cute, and they have color changing spoons. They also make a killer milkshake.

Big Spoon Creamery – 9/10 (Homewood)

Big Spoon serves more “grown-up” flavors of ice cream and their menu changes constantly. They have more complex and delicate flavors than most places. My personal favorite of their flavors is the tiramisu, which is easily the best ice cream I’ve ever had. 

Mountain Brook & Edgewood Creamery –  8/10 (Homewood)

Located just across the street from the Big Spoon in Homewood, this is an iconic mom and pop shop that everyone has come to know and love. Just like Mountain Brook Creamery, they sell all of our traditional childhood flavors, and they also offer snowcones and freshly made waffle cones! Peppermint flash is a must here. Here, they have all of the iconic traditional flavors, and they taste pretty good too. Can’t complain about this one.

Bendy’s – 8/10

This one is on par with Big Spoon. Their ice cream is very rich and sweet, and they give you a good amount of ice cream for your money. They have a constantly changing menu, but a few classics always stay in season. They also make amazing cookies.

Doodle’s – 7/10

Doodle’s isn’t exactly ice cream, they serve sorbets and ice! Everything they have is kind of like a creamy snow cone. It’s pretty good, but it’s not my favorite. It’s a great place to go if you like something lighter, because they have a great selection of sherbet.

The Marble Slab Creamery – 6/10

This store is unique amongst the others in this list because you  get to choose a base and add whatever toppings you would like. They mix it on a cold stone (which is why it’s called the marble slab). The flavors are super interesting! 

Bruster’s – 6/10 (Caldwell Mill) 

A classic. Easy to get on the go with a decent selection of flavors and a drive-thru if you are in a particularly in a hurry to go somewhere.

Check out more summer dessert recommendations here from our GirlSpring contributors!

The post A Brief and Incomplete List of the Best Ice Cream in Birmingham appeared first on GirlSpring.