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[...]
Arizona is arguably one of the most iconic states, synonymous with the Wild Wild West and the American Southwest.Aside from being stunningly beautiful and richly historic, Arizona is also insanely diverse. Seriously, how many other places can you go from sweating in triple digits in the harsh desert to needing a jacket in the high alpine forest in just two hours?!Regardless of what draws y[...]
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[...]
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[...]
If you're anything like me, your sense of wanderlust has been stronger than ever in recent months. There finally seems to be a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, things are slowly but surely returning to "normal," and mannn those cheap flight deals are tempting. Let's be honest, though: everyone else has the same idea. No matter how tempted I am, what makes me hesitate to hit "c[...]
It's safe to say that after 2020 – AKA the year that just wouldn't end – people all over the world are experiencing a collective case of major wanderlust. Fortunately, infection rates continue to decrease and vaccines are being distributed on a wide scale, so international borders are slowly but steadily beginning to reopen to travelers. While that's wonderful, it also means that th[...]
I remember every detail of my lunch date on January 1st, 2020. That was the day I found out about winning The Wave Arizona lottery — the first time. As we waited for our food, my lunch date said, "I just got my email about The Wave Coyote Buttes permit!" I assumed it was a rejection letter, identical to the one I received. But he started reading and it wasn't a rejection at all. It st[...]
As soon as we settled on visiting Moab in November for a 30th birthday trip (not mine!), I began planning our itinerary. We agreed almost immediately that off roading in Moab was a priority — in addition, of course, to hiking and exploring two of the country's most iconic national parks, Arches and Canyonlands. For the uninitiated, off roading in Moab is legendary. The enchanting red[...]
There's the old saying that the journey is the destination. While I generally agree with that — y'all know I love a good road trip — there are exceptions to every rule. Take, for example, these six off the beaten path restaurants that aren't accessible by car. Getting to the unique dining experiences is certainly a journey, but the destinations themselves are pretty spectacular too.[...]
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