As a relative newcomer to AC, my pleasant surprises might be old hat to some of you, but I get a kick out of "didn't see that one coming" kind of things, stuff I didn't anticipate but find cool.
I'll start with number 2, as my number one isn't the best starter, but I'll get to it.
The way everyone seems to pitch in to keep the beach area clean of debris was a pleasant surprise. The ocean always brings stuff in yet the beaches are always pristine.
Anyone have pleasant surprises to share?