Ostend

My father-in-law was fond of saying that once you crossed the channel, those few miles of water made a huge difference when you took a vacation.  He was right and the very first Continental holiday I spent was in Ostend, which is just across the sea from England on the coast of Belgium.

The usual first sight of the resort is from the deck of one of the regular ferries.  They turn around out in the sea and then charge full speed backwards down a narrow channel, until the captain puts it into reverse at the last moment and comes to a stop within inches.  The ramp drops down and the many cars on board depart.

One of the great delights of Ostend is the quantity of seafood available.  There are many small family restaurants along the waterfront and the food is always delicious.  Belgium sometimes gets a bad rap, as it's a country Brits mostly drive through, but it is a great place to visit, and they do make the best "Pommes Frites" in the world (French Fries.)  That is if you like to eat them with mayonnaise!