Maui offers some very diverse landscapes. One side of the island is similar to the mountain deserts of Utah. The other is lush and green as far as the eye can see. Iao Valley State Monument is so beautiful that you’ll want to hang out for days just enjoying the steep, towering mountains and lush…
Utah has some of the most unique landscapes. Red rock arches, meadows full of wildflowers, rocky mountain peaks and more. But Goblin Valley State Park is almost from another world. The nearly three-square miles of park provides visitors with room to explore. At night, the sky comes alive with stars, planets and the Milky Way….
Custer State Park is a staple for people traveling to South Dakota. The Black Hills provide an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with hiking, swimming, kayaking, fishing and much more. Sylvan Lake is the northwest area of Custer State Park, and our family enjoyed a fantastic hike. Some of the activities weren’t available during our…
The Oregon coast is perfect for a road trip. There are so many things to explore along the way, like tidepools, beaches, and forest. But if you’re a fan of lighthouses, you’ll find a good showing of those along the coast, too. The Cape Meares Lighthouse is one of eleven lighthouses along the Oregon coast….
The Oregon Coast is riddled with spots to camp, hike and explore. My wife and I enjoyed a night at Bullards Beach State Park. After setting up camp and eating dinner, we went down to the beach for a sunset walk. Bullards Beach State Park is more than a campsite and beach. I’ve outlined a…
I’ve done bits and pieces of Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 throughout my life. But it wasn’t until this summer that we made a day trip out of driving the full length of this famous and beautiful highway. It would take more than a single day to explore all of the stops along the way, but…
Utah summers are scorching. So a day at a beautiful lake is refreshing. Hyrum Lake State Park near Logan, Utah, is a wonderful spot for some summer fun. We brought our kayaks and kids to the lake earlier this year to check it out and can see why it’s a hot spot to cool off…
Two decades ago, my wife took a family vacation to the Oregon coast. Last week, my wife and I took a couple’s road trip to the same coast. She talked about a beautiful botanical garden we had to visit. We made sure Shore Acres State Park was on our itinerary, and we were so glad…
Kayak at Sand Hollow State Park and enjoy one of the many activities available in southern Utah. I’ve been there with my kids, and on another occasion my wife to enjoy a day on the water during a couple’s weekend. If you’re looking for some year-round fun on the water, add “kayak at Sand Hollow…
Kodachrome Basin State Park is a short 30-minute drive east of Bryce Canyon National Park. It offers a variety of hiking trails in landscapes boasting a variety of colors, rock formations and wildflowers. If you stop in the visitor’s center to grab a souvenir, I caution you: Paul Simon’s song, Kodachrome, may end up stuck…
