It’s a question many have been asking this past week. “Coop, what would you do if you won Host Our Coast?” They’re referring to the travel journalism/videography/photography/summer recreation contest I’ve entered (and am thrilled at having a winning chance!).

I believe that DLITE and the Delmarva (Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia) tourism boards, who are running the contest, will give the winners an itinerary. In the meantime, however, there are always places to explore, activities to try out, and museums to visit that may or may not be on “the list.” So here’s my idea of fun things that everyone would like to try!

–Cape Henlopen State Park near Lewes, DE, would be a fantastic place to play their 18-hole disc golf course and then climb to the top of the WWII Observation Tower for stunning views in every direction.

-I would love to see unique wildlife such as mink, black bear, and bobcat at the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Suffolk, VA.

-One of the nation’s largest specialty food shows, the NASFT Fancy Food Show, will be taking place this year in Washington, D.C. With representatives, chefs, and specialty food purveyors from every state and over 70 countries, the show will be a wonderful way to meet local food artisans from the Chesapeake/Delmarva area while sampling incredible delights.

-Who’s never been parasailing? I haven’t, but I’ve wanted to ever since I can remember–especially if they let you flip upside-down while in the air. The beaches in Virginia look like a great place to start, espcially if I can support a family owned and operated business with a perfect safety record.

-While out on Chincoteague Island in late July, I’d attend their 24th Annual Blueberry Festival and enjoy mouthwatering treats, activities, and music festivites. The following week? It’s the legendary Chincoteague Pony Swim, of course–an event I’ve wanted to see since I was a little girl.

-Why not go hiking on Boxes Point Trail in Kent County, MD, then get a rush speeding downhill during a Pocomoke State Park mountain biking adventure?

-Freshwater catch-and-release fishing for walleye, trout, large mouth bass, catfish, and more? I’d elect to do that in the Savage River Reservoir in Big Run State Park, where only non-motorized boating is allowed. Nothing like a secluded afternoon of fishing in the Maryland hills!

-I love the thrill of catching crabs (I let them go, don’t worry), so it’d be great fun to go crabbing on Chick’s Beach in Virginia Beach, VA.

-For a chance to see a demolition derby, taste terrific fair food, and listen to an outstanding music and entertainment selection, there’s the Delaware State Fair and quite a few others to enjoy.

-Visiting the Delmarva Discovery Center on the Pocomoke River would be a great way to learn about heritage, history, river ecology, and more. Plus, there are guided nature trail hikes ever weekend.

-The Annual Maryland Bottlenose Dolphin Count was down last year (though numbers widely vary, so we shouldn’t panic yet), so why not help out this summer and join in on the count contest? It’ll help bring awareness to such a beautiful animal, and while there, I’d absolutely love the chance to see the dolphins up close–but not if it’s risking their well-being.

I could go on and on, but this is my ‘starter’ list of places to go and things to see. Now all I have to do is win this contest so I actually have the chance to show off the amazing coast!

Interested in helping me win? I would be eternally grateful, so please vote here daily through May 8th.