The historic lighthouse at Sandy Hook and the nearby Twin Lights of the Navesink Light House are also museums that are open to the public. The Hook is also only a short distance from New York City and all its attractions. If you plan on going to New York City, one of your best options is to go to Jersey City and take the ferry to the city. You can also visit the Statue of Liberty via another section of the Gateway National Park in Jersey City.

AUGUST
MARYLAND
Janes Island State Park
How about a real out-of-the-way family adventure? Located in Somerset County near Crisfield, Janes Island State Park is another park that's history goes back to the time before the white man first set foot on this continent. The Paleo Indians first settled this region approximately 13,000 years ago.

As the Tangier Sound was transformed from a freshwater river to an estuary rich in shellfish, prehistoric cultures occupied the landmass that would become Janes Island. Historic artifacts that can be found along the shoreline of Janes Island provide evidence of activities by primitive man, from hunting mammals to shucking oysters.

The native people living on Janes Island were the first watermen to fish and clam Chesapeake Bay. Janes Island is part of the Beach to Bay Indian Trail. This trail recognizes travel patterns established by the American Indians and later followed by the first European settlers. Today the park is a mixture of the primitive and the modern.

When it comes to saltwater fishing you won't find any better fishing than that found in Chesapeake Bay. Stripers, weakfish, bluefish and summer flounder make up the big four in the bay; however, there are plenty of ground fish such as kingfish, croakers, drum and sea bass, not to mention the crabbing for which the bay is famous. Anglers wishing to fish the bay out of their own boat will find an excellent boat launch, as well as 25 boat slips that are available to campers for a minimal fee, along with a canoe-kayak rental.

Speaking of canoes and kayaks, if you are looking for a few hours of tranquil canoeing or kayaking in a pristine natural saltwater setting, the "Janes Island Water Trail" will provide some excellent paddling. The park is home to approximately 2,900 acres of marsh, beach and high land that offers paddlers an outdoor adventure through the small waterways within the island. Most of the waterways are protected from wind and current, providing ideal conditions for the novice as well as the experienced paddler.

The park offers 104 campsites that can accommodate tent or vehicle campers (49 sites w/electric hookups) and all have a picnic table and a fire ring. Several sites also allow pets.

Five cabins are also available. Four modern log cabins, which must be reserved in advance, each with a maximum capacity of six persons, are available year 'round.

For additional information about Janes Island State Park, call (410) 968-1565 or e-mail at PARK-JANES-ISLAND@dnr.state.md.us.