1.  Sailing.  If you don’t know someone you can pay to sail, or do what we did and introduce yourself at any of the local yacht clubs.  If you have skills they will put you to work!  See our posts on how Darren got to sail in the biggest race of the year on the biggest boat in the race, 160′ Eleanora.  Cowes and Yarmouth are the top 2 towns on the island for sailing and world renowned.

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2.  Thatched roof cottages everywhere.  Straight out of Hansel and Grettle they are everywhere and gorgeous. so many I couldn’t pick a favorite!

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3.  Every town is so different and has a totally different vibe/feel.  Checking them all out and seeing which one is your favorite.  Yarmouth was my favorite and Cowes was Darren’s and Ventnor ran a close second for us both.

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4.  Needles battery.  A natural rock formation off the South West Point.  You can see it by land or by sea, by taking a boat ride out.  Nice hiking, great views but Windy!

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5.  Car ferry ride to get to the island!  If you’ve never loaded on to a giant freighter by driving you car into the bowels of the boat, its a fun experience.  Many levels to choose from on where to sit and view the ocean and the shore as you head over to the island.  While you are in Cowes, be sure to take the “chain ferry” to East Cowes.  a Tiny version of the big ferry and it takes about 2 minutes. So funny and efficient.  drive time is 20 minutes and you are there in 2 minutes!IMG_4741        IMG_4736

6. (suppose to only be 5 but had to add another.) Enjoying sitting in the countryside of our backyard.  Serenity and quiet of trees rustling and sheep baaaing, and even more, Darren outside baaaaing back at them!

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