The Salisbury Zoo is a hidden gem. It's a 12 acre zoo tucked in to Salisbury that houses over 110 animals from American alligators to flamingos and otters, ocelots and red wolves, two-toed sloths and jaguars, llamas, turtles, macaws, and the oldest living Andean bear in captivity. It's an incredible place.

Assateague National Seashore is a gem. It's 37 miles of coastal barrier island that's pristine undeveloped wilderness. There's miles of empty shoreline on the ocean side and hundreds of coves and inlets on the bay side. All that open space gives the local animals plenty of room to set up shop. One of them, the wild pony, is unique to the island. Take your family, spend at least a day if not a week, and see what the park has to offer. Make sure to check out the brand new visitors center and the Rackliffe House. Tours of the house are available on Thursdays through October from 1-4p.m.

TIP: If you plan in advance, you can camp!

Friday - August 5, 2011

Museum Exhibit: Skimming the Surface: Surfing, Skimboarding, and Floating off the Delaware Coast
When: 11a.m. - 3p.m.
Where: 511 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

First Friday - Art on the River
When: 5 - 8p.m.
Where: Snow Hill, Maryland

First Friday - Chestertown
When: 5 - 8p.m.
Where: Downtown Chestertown, Maryland

3rd Annual Marlin Club Ladies Tournament
Where: Ocean City Marlin Club - West Ocean City, Maryland

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Did you know that there are over 30 species of marine mammals and sea turtles that call Delaware's coast home throughout the year? Unbelievable right? Although they are generally better off when left alone, even the wild critters can use a little help from time and time.

With that in mind, Suzanne Thurman started The Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Organization, otherwise know as MERR. She has taught thousands of people through her mentoring and education programs and organized volunteers to help with rescue and research. MERR had it's 11th anniversary this Spring and now responds to over 100 stranded animals each year.

We recently joined her and a team of volunteers at Herring Point in Cape Henlopen State Park for MERR's annual dolphin count. The dolphins didn't disappoint. There's something majestic about seeing these creatures in their natural habitat. As several groups of them poked their dorsal fins out of the water, their movements were calm and slow. It's a real treat to see.

If you're interested in getting involved you can reach out to MERR to find out about their other volunteer opportunities. Or you can help support the cause by participating in their events and fundraisers or donating directly.

TIP: We returned to Cape Henlopen State Park this weekend for some beach time and were pleasantly surprised by more dolphin sightings near the bathhouse beach despite the crowds and the hot sun. If you happen to be out that way keep your eyes peeled!

So you're on vacation. You've been to the beach. Your kids Bobby and Susie are starting to lose interest in building sandcastles and your spouse is redder than a steamed crab. Throughout your travels you keep seeing all these beautiful inlets and bays all around you. "What's up with those?" you wonder. "They sure are beautiful," you exclaim.

You are most certainly right! They're stunning and one of the very unique gems of the area. You should pack up Bobby and Susie and your overcooked partner and take a pontoon boat tour with the Delaware Seashore State Park guides. The tours explore the bay and all they have to offer. The kiddos will get to learn about water quality and the wildlife in the bays. They'll get a chance to see some living specimens and help out with the water tests while you get to sit back and cruise on Captain K's pontoon boat. Sound good? I thought so.

TIP: The pontoon boat leaves on Thursday at 10am (Estuarine Ecology Tour $20) and 1pm (Rehoboth Bay Sightseeing Tour $18) Call 301-227-6991 to register. If boats aren't you thing, check out the other Delaware Seashore State Parks offerings. They have a ton of events!