Big Sky Montana was on my radar for years. So when a friend's 30th birthday trip to Napa Valley was canceled last summer, I knew exactly where to go instead. With unbelievably gorgeous scenery, proximity to multiple national parks, and an endless number of outdoor (read: naturally socially-distanced) things to do in Big Sky Montana, it was the perfect destination. If you've heard of Big[...]
Have you ever traveled somewhere and fallen way more in love with it than you expected? That was my experience with South Dakota last fall. I suspect it's not just me, though (right?) — South Dakota is unequivocally, if not largely unexpected, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurous souls. I don't want to speak for anyone else, but prior to visiting, when I thought of South[...]
You truly can't go wrong with a visit to Montana. Any time of year, any part of the state, for any reason. Between its national parks (Glacier and Yellowstone, arguably two of the most spectacular in the National Park Service), epic hiking, jaw-dropping scenery, wildlife viewing, and Montanans' genuine niceness, Big Sky Country truly has something for everyone. One way you can make y[...]
In today's world where most of us are increasingly "plugged in" and stress levels are higher than ever, it's extremely difficult to truly relax — to unplug, if you will. So it's no surprise that camping is enjoying an unprecedented moment in the spotlight (and by association, so are camping must haves). After all, camping provides a long list of health and wellness benefits: it boosts yo[...]
In the last couple of years, more people than ever before have discovered the wonders of America's national parks. According to the National Park Service, 15 national parks set visitation records in 2020 alone! I'm thrilled that so many people have a newfound love for The Great Outdoors, but I honestly don't love the crowds. And the traffic. And having to reserve campsites as early as a ye[...]
You might be surprised to learn that I didn't get much exposure to Mother Nature as a child. I've always been drawn to the outdoors, but I didn't have many opportunities to experience it until later in life. We definitely weren't the family hiking and exploring national parks. I was born in New York, moved a lot — I lived in four states by the time I was 10 — and had what most would co[...]
Are you a National Parks Annual Pass holder? If not, and you're one of the 327.5 million people who visited a national park last year, you likely spent a substantial amount on admission fees alone. The average cost is $30 per vehicle, but some parks charge more. Keep in mind, that's just for a single park. If you were, say, road-tripping through Utah and taking on the best hikes in Arch[...]
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