Photo by Thomas Jandl

A higher level of fish and chips

Until the 1960s, tourism was a mainstay of the Isle’s economy. Then, cheap trips to the beaches of Spain and even more exotic places cut into the Isle’s position as Britain’s favorite vacation spot. The Isle does not offer summer heat, guaranteed blue sky and a roaring nightlife, but pretty much everything else, including a travel through time and a microcosm of England on one small island.

Attractions natural and supernatural
The island sports glens, cliffs and castles, all linked by a well-marked, incredibly scenic web of hiking paths. Even if the weather is not great, the landscape just looks like it is taken out of a medieval novel – with a drizzle being part of the scene. But there are also the fairies, the Black Dog of Peel Castle, the wicked sorcerers of St. John’s and more. But who should wonder, knowing that the Isle was created when the fearsome Irish giant Finn Mac Cuill threw a clod of earth at a fleeing enemy. The clod became the Isle, and the place he scooped it up from is now Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland. No word about the fleeing enemy – so don’t dig too deep.

Living history
If you saw Waking Ned Devine you know Cregneash. It’s a real village with real people farming real farms – the old way. There are also wonderful castles and the award-winning House of Manannan. They all tell the story of Man surrounded by breathtaking scenery. And to get there, there is a steam train, a horse tram and an electric railway, all from Victorian times. Plus a bus network featuring two-story buses.

Power sports
Since 1907, the best motorcyclists battle it out on the narrow island roads for the Tourist Trophy. The TT is no longer part of the world championship, due to the high death rate.

Leisure sports
For those who prefer activities below the 120 mph limit, there is angling, hiking, bird watching, sheep chasing (comes with irate-farmer-evading) and of course – you are in the Irish Sea after all – sailing. With eight (soon nine) golf courses for 76,000 people, no place beats the Isle for holes per capita. Green fees are minimal (nothing over $25) and reservations are not necessary. But don’t play with a Manx. It is said that they have the best average handicap in the world. There is eating, too. Thanks to the many business travelers, there is more than fish and chips on the island. Try Ivaldi’s in the Penta hotel for surroundings, food and presentation.

Culture
Lots of theater, festivals and beer drinking throughout the season. Check the government’s web site at www.gov.im for an events calendar.