Off the Beaten Path | Utah

Many people believe that Utah holds the greatest number of natural wonders of any state in the U.S.  It certainly has some incredible national parks, stunning mountain ranges, and breathtaking desert scenery.  Here are just a few of Utah's greatest sights.

St. George

St. George is a city that is full of culture and history, it is also one of the larger cities in southern Utah. It is also a great gateway to many of southern Utah's treasures. St. George was founded by Brigham Young in 1861. The city is full of historic buildings, one of these is the St. George Temple. The city also has eleven nearby golf courses, great for golf enthusiasts. One the edge of town visitors can even find some dinosaur footprints. Within an easy distance of town visitors can find Snow Canyon State Park with its canyon and volcanic cones, as well as Sand Hollow Stat Park where visitors can dirt bike on the sand dunes. Zion National Park is also nearby, as is Bryce Canyon National Park and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. After visitors have had their fill of the culture and history in the city of St. George there are all sorts of recreational activities including camping, boating, hiking, fishing, golfing and rock climbing.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park is one of Utah's most beautiful destinations. The park preserves many sandstone arches, created through millions of years of exposure to the elements. Visitors can explore Arches National Park by car, there are many paved roads and viewpoints. A car tour of Arches National Park is a great way to enjoy many of the parks amazing vistas and arches. The park also offers opportunities to get even closer to the most amazing arches in the park, visitors can even hike out and stand beneath the Delicate Arch. For an even better understanding of the parks features visitors can make reservations for one of the parks Ranger-Led Programs. The Fiery Furnace Tours are especially popular, and the program offers a more difficult hike too.

Heber Valley Historic Railroad

This train, also called the Heber Creeper Train dates all the way back to 1899. It was a train that served the pioneers who first settled in the valley. Today vintage coaches pulled by vintage steam locomotives and vintage diesel electric locomotives, across some of Utah's beautiful scenery. Over 95,00 people ride the 16 miles rail line each year. A round-trip on the train takes about three hours, during these three hours riders can see a variety of wildlife, Mount Timpanogos, the Cascade Mountains, Deer Creek Dam and Reservoir and much more. The railroad also has special trips held during different times during the year, including the Haunted Canyon Train during the month of October and the North Pole Express. From the end of November through December riders of the Heber Valley Historic Railroad can make reservations for the North Pole Express to drink hot chocolate, see elves and santa while enjoy the classic Christmas tale.

Moab

Moab is a great destination for recreation enthusiasts. There are plenty of areas to enjoy mountain biking including the Slickrock Trail. Moab is also a great spot to go white-water rafting on the Colorado River. Visitors to Moab will also find plenty of off-roading and rock-climbing. The town has much to offer its visitors as well, from fine dining to enjoying a spa day. The city also has a large number of annual events to delight the residents and visitors.

Antelope Island

Antelope Island is the perfect place to view the Great Salt Lake. It is the largest of the Lakes nine islands and it is part of the Utah State Park System. Visitors can reach Antelope Island by boat or by crossing the causeway that extends west from the Layton area. The islands white sand beaches are perfect for sunbathing and plenty of beach recreation. Antelope Island also has plenty of hiking trails and biking options on its 28,000 plus acres. Throughout these many acres visitors can see a wide variety of wildlife while recreating, the island has the antelope which it was named for as well as a magnificent herd of American Bison which is managed by the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation.

Paria Canyon and Buckskin Gulch

This area is one of the best hiking destinations in Utah. Buckskin Gulch is the longest tributary to Paria Canyon. Paria Canyon is a long and narrow canyon that offers a challenging and interesting hiking experience. There are a number of hiking options in the area. If hikers want to hike in the canyon they should know that there is no trail, they simply have to follow the canyon to its end. The canyon is long with tall sheer walls, and it is very narrow at points a person can stand in the middle and touch both walls. For miles there is no exit from the canyon, hikers simply have to follow the canyon to its end. Hikers should be aware that hiking this canyon presents a danger of flash flooding. However, it is still a great hike, hikers can see a wide variety of birds and wildlife will wading throughout the muddy waters and many river crossings in the canyon.

Green River

Utah's Green River is a great place to enjoy white water rafting. The river runs from Flamingo Gorge National Recreation Area near Vernal to Dinosaur National Monument. It passes through some very remote landscapes and it meets with the Colorado River at Canyonlands National Park. There are several sections of the river that have good rapids and excellent options for kayaking and canoeing. The river passes through areas with unique geology, parts of the American Frontier and even Native American ruins. Rafting enthusiasts have a wide variety of options for rafting trips of different skill levels. The Green River Daily is a short trip on the lower part of the Gray Canyon, the nine mile stretch has seven mild rapids. The Labyrinth and Stillwater Canyons is a great spot for canoeists, with stunning scenery and calm water. This stretch is 100 miles of peaceful waters, and if the run is timed right visitors can even watch the Crystal Geyser erupt. Desolation Canyon and Lodore Canyon, which is one of the most scenic trips with three of the best rapids on the river, are also great rafting options.

Utah | Fun and Funky Things to Do

Utah is a state filled with a rich history and beautiful natural features. For those travelers seeking some unique, fun and quirky attractions here are some of the truly unique sights to be seen in Utah. Some of these sighs celebrate the history of the state, some are unique natural features and some are just fun.

Bonneville Salt Flats

The Bonneville Salt Flats are one of Utah's most unique natural features. The landscape, which covers over 30,000 acres are completely flat, dazzling white and barren. It is said that when gazing out over the flats you can almost see the curve of the planet. Visitors come from around the world to see this amazing landscape, and it is also popular for high speed auto racing. During your visit be sure to follow the rules laid out by the Bureau of Land Management to preserve this truly unique spot.

Gilgal Sculpture Garden, Salt Lake City

This excellent sculpture garden is located in the middle of a city block, behind the surrounding buildings. Today it is a public park open to visitors daily. Throughout the park there are 12 unique sculptures and over 70 engraved stones. For visitors looking to find some truly unique art in a secluded location, the Gilgal Sculpture Garden is truly one of Salt Lake's hidden treasures.

Bingham Canyon Mine

Visitors to Utah should all stop to admire the world's largest man-made excavation. This mine is over 2 miles accross and 3/4 mile deep. Visitors can stop at the visitor center from April through October to learn all about Kennecott Utah Copper's mine and see the amazing view of the gigantic hole in the ground. This mine is so big that it can be seen from outer space.

Moqui Cave

Moqui Cave in Kanab is a great place to learn about the history of the people's of Southern Utah. Visitors to the cave can also see artifacts, fossils, dinosaur tracks and a great collection of fluorescent rocks. This whole museum is located within the sandstone cave, so visitors can learn about history and enjoy Utah's interesting natural features.

St. George Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has played an extremely important role in the history of Utah. The St. George Utah Temple is the first operating temple, which was dedicated in 1877. Visitors can stop at the St. George Utah Temple Visitors' Center to learn about the history of the Temple. The temple is not open to visitors, but visitors can stop at the Visitor Center for a free tour, to walk through the grounds and look at the beautiful white temple.

Vermont Quick Facts

Uniquely Vermont: Vermont Maple Open House Weekend (held throughout the state in late March)
Must-See: the leaves turning colors in the fall
Most Unusual: Annual Strolling of the Heifers Parade & Festival in Brattleboro
Highest Point: Mt. Mansfield at 4,393 feet
Food to Try: Real maple sugar or Ben & Jerry’s ice cream from the flagship store

What to Do

1 Climb Green Mountain

2 Eat Vermont cheddar

3 Go ice fishing

4 Stay in a romantic B&B

5 Take a hike through the woods

6 Go maple sugaring

Off The Beaten Path | Vermont

Vermont is a state filled with rich history, beautiful natural landscapes and amazing culture. When you plan your trip to Vermont there are many sights and attractions that you won't want to miss. Here are just a few of the great places you can go during your vacation in vermont.

Bragg Farm Sugar House

One of the long traditions of Vermont is making Maple Syrup. Bragg Farm is a great place to visit to learn all about how maple syrup is produced. The farm is open year-round. Visitors to Bragg Farm can walk on the maple walking trail to see the harvesting of maple sap. Of course the best part of visiting the Bragg Farm Sugar House is the wide range of maple products that you can sample and enjoy. They have maple syrup tastings and even maple flavored ice cream shop.

New England Transportation Institute and Museum

This unique Museum in White River Junction illustrates the long history and importance of transportation in Vermont's upper valley. The Museum includes history of air, rail and river transportation. The exhibits span a period of over 400 years. Visitors will have a great time learning all about transportation in Vermont through the exhibits, equipment, memorabilia and artifacts.

Vermont Covered Bridge Museum

Another important feature in Vermont's history is its covered bridges. At one point Vermont had over 600 covered bridges, today there are over 100 that remain. Visitors to this museum will learn all about the history and importance to covered bridges. These covered bridges are an important aspect of the history and culture of Vermont, and through the exhibits at the museum visitors have the opportunity to learn all about these unique pieces of architecture and engineering. The Vermont Covered Bridge Museum also has exhibits on how visitors can find Vermont's covered bridges.

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

This National Park opened in 1998, and is Vermont's first National Park. The park preserves a beautiful piece of Vermont property and visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the amazing landscapes. Visitors can stop at the Carriage Barn, which is now the visitor center. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park also preserves an amazing forest. Visitors can explore the forest, which is located on the slopes of Mount Tom, on the over 20 miles of carriage roads and trails throughout the forest.

Green Mountain National Forest

This beautiful Vermont forest covers more than 400,000 acres in southwestern and central Vermont. Visitors to this forest can enjoy the combination of forestry stewardship and back-country recreation. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Long National Recreation Trail and the Robert Frost National Recreation Trail all pass through the Green Mountain National Forest.

Quechee Gorge

Quechee Gorge is located within Quechee State Park, and it is the deepest gorge in Vermont. Visitors to the gorge can look down into the gorge to see the Ottauquechee River, which flows 165 feet below the visitor viewing points. The gorge was formed over 13,000 years ago by glacial activity. The area that the park is located on, was once the recreation area for the mill that once owned the land.

Stowe Mountain

Skiers visiting Vermont should stop to enjoy the slopes at Stowe Mountain Resort this winter. The resort is located on Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, boasting and elevation of 4,395 feet. Stowe Mountain has well groomed trails, good cross-country options and offers backcountry skiing. The mountain is particularly well known for the "Front Four," the four runs on the front side of the mountain, known as Goat, Starr, Liftline and National. The "Front Four" offer some of the East Coast's most challenging skiing.

Vermont | Fun and Funky Things to Do

Each state has many unique and fun destinations that you may not hear about on average, but are certainly places where visitors can have lots of fun. Here are a few of Vermont's fun and funky destinations.

New England Maple Museum, Pittsford

This entire museum is devoted to maple sugaring. The museum is filled with educational materials, history and even murals about maple sugaring. Visitors can enjoy the large collection of sugaring artifacts, watch live demonstrations of maple candy making, taste delicious maple syrup, and much more. Of course visitors can also purchase delicious Vermont maple syrup, maple products and more.

Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour, Waterbury

Ice cream lovers will not want to miss a tour of the Ben & Jerry's Factory. The guided tour takes visitors to see a film about the history of the company. Next visitors have the opportunity to see a view of the production room while learning all about the process of manufacturing ice cream. Finally, the tour ends with a chance to try the sample of the day.

Billings Farm and Museum, Woodstock

Visitors to the Billings Farm have the opportunity to see an operating farm. There is also a museum that features the rural heritage of Vermont. At the farm visitors can see the animals, including sheep, cows, horses, chickens and more. The barns and calf nursery are open for visitors, and visitors can watch the afternoon milking of the herd. The Billings Farm is a great way to experience farm operation first hand.

Hope Cemetery, Barre

Barre is often called the "Granite Capital of the World," as the town historically supplied granite to the expert sculptors in the world. The town attracted many expert carvers. One place to view some amazing examples of granite sculpture is at Hope Cemetery. There are a large variety of stunning memorials throughout the cemetery.

Santa's Land, Putney

Santa's Land is a Christmas themed amusement park. Visitors to the park will enjoy the amazing variety of Christmas and Santa attractions and amusements. North Pole Village is a fun stop. Children will love visiting Santa in his home. The sweets at Santa's Sweet Shoppe are delicious. There is also an arcade, a variety of rides and slides, and many more amusements for families.

Washington's Best Campgrounds

Campers Favorite Campgrounds in Washington + Great Tips for the perfect Washington Camping Trip.

Washington Quick Facts

Uniquely Washington: Geoducks, Orca Whales, Mt. Rainier
Must-See: Snoqualmie Falls
Most Unusual: Mt. St. Helens, sight of the 1980 eruption
Highest Point: Mt. Rainier, 14,410 feet
Food to Try: Clam Chowder and salmon from the Seattle Waterfront

What to Do

1 Ride the ferry boats

2 Hike in the rain forest

3 See a banana slug

4 Feast on seafood

5 Go whale watching

6 Sleep under the stars

7 Hike through a pine forest

Off The Beaten Path | Washington

Washington State is a great destination throughout the year. In the northwest region the weather is mild even during the winter, although there is quite a lot of rain. Summertime in Washington is amazingly beautiful with the warm sun and green plants. Visitors to Washington will find that although the eastern and western parts of the state are very different, there are all sorts of fun things to do on both sides of the mountains. Throughout the state visitors will find plenty of recreation, delightful towns, stunning island vistas and even ferry rides. Here are just a few of the state's amazing destinations in no particular order.

Leavenworth

The little town of Leavenworth lies at the base of the Cascade Mountains. Leavenworth is an especially fun destination in Washington because the entire town has adopted a Bavarian Theme. Visitors to Leavenworth can enjoy the Bavarian homes, shops and even restaurants. Leavenworth is also a great destination for year-round recreation. The town is near to Lake Wenatchee, the Wenatchee National Forest and much more. It is a great rock-climbing spot, visitors can also try some ag-tourism to learn about the areas agriculture including berry farms and orchards. Leavenworth is also a great winter destination, the town has Bavarian themed holiday celebrations, and it is a great spot for cross-country skiing as well as many more winter activities. Visitors to Leavenworth may also want to take the short trip to nearby Cashmere, for a tour of the famous Aplets & Cotlets Factory and Country Store, where visitors can enjoy some of Washington's unique candy.

San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are an ideal northwest Washington vacation getaway. They are remote and filled with Washington's natural beauty. Located in the Salish Sea between Vancouver, BC and Seattle, there are over 700 islands, and less than 200 have names. Visitors will find that access to the islands is limited to ferry, private boat or plane, and only four of the islands are accessible by ferry. These four islands are Shaw Island, Lopez Island, Orcas Island and San Juan Island. Each of these four islands has unique character as well as unique geography. On the islands visitors can enjoy the extensive shoreline, wildlife and plenty of recreation. Visitors can enjoy biking, boating, camping and more. Each of these main islands also has a small town with unique shops, museums, local farms and the delightful local farmers markets. Whale watching is also a great activity that visitors to the island can enjoy.

Mount St. Helens

On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted, sending ash all the way into eastern Washington and beyond. The eruption and a large earthquake caused the north face of the mountain to collapse and creating a devastation pyroclastic mud flow. The eruption lasted for nine hours. After the eruption, in 1982 the President and Congress created the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, which set aside 11,000 acres for research, education and recreation, and the environment was left to respond to the eruption naturally. Today visitors to the mountain can climb the mountain with a permit. Those visitors that climb the mountain can see the lava dome that was building, but which now appears to have stopped. Visitors to Mount St. Helens that want to climb the mountain should always check mountain conditions and warnings before going up as it is still an active volcano. Other features of the mountain include the Johnson Ridge Observatory, the Silver Lake Visitor Center and the Coldwater Lake Recreation Area, all of which are great places to learn about the history of the mountain, and seeing how the environment has responded to the eruption.

Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island is located in the Puget Sound, just an easy 35 minute ferry ride from Seattle. A day trip to Bainbridge is a great way to enjoy the culture of the Puget Sound while getting away from the city. Visitors first have to take the ferry ride from Seattle to the Island. Riding the ferry is a fun way to see great vistas of Bainbridge Island and Seattle, you may even be lucky enough to see some whales on the ridge during certain times of the year. Visitors to Bainbridge Island do not have to drive their car, as the main town of Winslow is a very short walk from the ferry. Winslow is full of cute shops and plenty of local arts and culture. Visitors to Bainbridge Island will also find some excellent dining options. If you decide to drive on the ferry there are many more fun things to do on the Island. During the summer there are many nice beaches that visitors can have picnics and swim in the cold water. Bainbridge also has some very nice parks worth visiting including Fort Ward State Park on the south end of the island and Battle Point State Park, which has a nice walk and duck ponds.

Methow Valley

The Methow Valley is a particularly stunning part of the North Cascades and it is a great destination for recreation. The Methow Valley extends from the town of Mazama to the town of Pateros, with Twisp and Winthrop inbetween. Visitors to the Methow Valley will find that Lake Chelan, the Okanogan National Forest and the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area are nearby. At the northern end of the valley is the town of Mazama which is just 30 miles from the Canadian border. Pateros is located at the southern end of the valley and is nestled in a curve of the Columbia River. Visitors will find all sorts of recreation and fun throughout the area. In Chelan visitors can try some great Washington wines. One of the longest cross-country  ski trails in the world passes through Mazama, Cross-country skiers will love this 120 mile trail. Twisp, located at the confluence of the the Twisp and Methow Rivers is a great spot to enjoy some river rafting. The area is also a good spot to enjoy wilderness trips, golfing, hot air ballooning, hiking, biking, camping, nature watching, rock climbing, a variety of water sports and even winter sports.

Dry Falls State Park

As you may have guessed from the name, the Dry Falls no longer carry water. In fact, these amazing falls are the remnant of what was once the largest waterfall know to have existed on Earth. Visitors to the Dry Falls will see the 3.5 miles of sheer cliffs that drop 400 feet, which is a little over twice the drop of Niagara Falls. The Dry Falls were created by the collapse of one of the ice dams that held back the waters of the Glacial Lake Missoula. The flood that followed eventually created the Dry Falls. Visitors to Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park can learn all about the geological process that created these amazing falls at the Interpretive Center located in Sun Lake State Park in Coulee City. At the foot of the Dry Falls visitors will find over 73,000 feet of freshwater shoreline. Visitors to this area might also want to stop and enjoy some of the areas many lakes, as well as the Grand Coulee Dam and Coulee City.

Dungeness Spit

The Dungeness Spit is the longest natural sand spit in the country, the spit extends five miles into the Strait of Juan de Fuca and it grows about 15 feet each year. The Dungeness Spit  is located just north of the town of Sequim and it is encompassed in the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge has over 200 species of birds as well as many species of marine animals. The refuge is over 600 acres and is open daily from dawn to dusk, but access is limited to horseback or foot. Visitors may wan to take the hike out to see the New Dungeness Lighthouse, the lighthouse is located near the tip of Sandy Hook and has a great little museum. Also near the spit is the Dungeness Recreation Area, which has over 200 acres of shoreline which is a great destination for all types of marine recreation. Visitors to this area won't want to miss a stop in Sequim. This town has a great downtown area, and be sure not to miss breakfast or lunch at the amazing Oak Table Cafe. The Olympic Game Farm is also a great destination. Visitors will find a wide variety of animals during their drive through the farm, including zebras, bears, elk, buffalo and much more.

Washington | Fun and Funky Things to Do

Washington is a beautiful state, filled with natural wonders and interesting activities. If you happen to be a visitor to Washington and are looking for some places and attractions to visit that are a little out of the ordinary, here are a few ideas.

Wild Horse Monument

This delightful sculpture collection is located on the east side of the Columbia River near the town of Vantage in Central Washington. The large sculptures were made by local artist David Govedare. Drivers on Interstate 90 can see the large silhouettes on the hill above. If there is enough time, drivers should stop to see the sculptures up close. When exploring the monument, visitors can see that the sculptures are made from welded steel plates and that no two of the sculptures are alike.

Fremont Troll

Visitors to Seattle should take the time to to explore this amazing sculpture located under the Aurora Bridge. The Fremont Troll peers to the south from underneath the bridge. Visitors to Seattle have been enjoying the unique sculpture since 1990. The head and shoulders of the troll stand 18 feet tall. Visitors and residents alike love to climb onto the troll to pose for unique Seattle photos.

Grand Coulee Dam Laser Light Show

The Grand Coulee Dam features a laser light show daily. Visitors can best see the free light show from the parking lot. The laser light show is displayed on the face of dam, with the water cascading down. Throughout the show there are fun laser light formations, with music and the show is narrated by the Columbia River brought to life.

Ye Olde Curiosity Shop

Located on the downtown Seattle waterfront, the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop is a must see destination for all visitors to Seattle. The shop is filled to the brim with amazing and quirky curios. These curios are displayed throughout the store, some even hang from the ceiling. Visitors come away from the shop with unique souvenirs of Seattle. Be sure to keep an eye out for the shop's resident Mummies.

Mima Mounds Natural Area

In the south Puget Sound, visitors to Washington can stop and visit one of the country's natural  curiosities. Each mound is six to eight feet tall, these mounds are spread across the over 600 acres of the preserve. Visitors to the Mima Mounds Natural Area can walk along the interpretive trail to really see the repetitive pattern of the mounds. There is also an observation deck where visitors can see the mounds from above. There are many theories about the origins of the mounds.

West Virginia Quick Facts

Uniquely West Virginia: Hatfield - McCoy Trail System
Must-See: Civil War Discovery Trail
Most Unusual: Indian burial grounds at Moundsville
Highest Point: Spruce Knob, 4,863 feet
Food to Try: Apple butter

What to Do in West Virginia

1 Go rafting on the New River

2 Explore the indian burial grounds found in the state

3 Enjoy fresh apples at the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival

4 Take a scenic historic train excursion

5 Learn about West Virginia history at Harpers Ferry