One of the neatest attractions in the area is Shore Acres State Park. This estate was constructed by Louis Simpson for his wife, Cassie. The original house was destroyed and the gardens fell to ruin. The state took over the property and restored the gardens some years ago. The gardener's house still exists and is open to visitors at certain times of the year including the Christmas season. The gardens themselves are open year round.
Shore Acres is a neat experience throughout the year. In the early spring tulips and other bulbs abound. A few weeks later the rhododendrons begin to blossom. They are followed by the beautiful roses and finally in late summer the dahlias blossom. It seems like there is never a time without something in bloom.
In November volunteers start putting up the lights for the annual Christmas lighting. Other volunteers bake cookies for the visitors. Something in excess of 1/4 million lights are put up. It is something to see and fun to help with as well. Janet helped with lights two years. I only helped one. Some people are there every weekend of every year since they started. The lights are on nightly from the day after Thanksgiving through the first of the year.
In addition to the gardens, there are beautiful ocean vistas and neat shore formations. This is a primo spot to watch for whales on their annual migration too.
