Category: U.S. National Parks
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Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park | Discovering St. Augustine, Florida
The first time I read about the Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Youth, I was in grammar school and I was intrigued. As with the many other stories of explorers and interesting places around the country, I wanted to visit historical St. Augustine. It was not until recently when I was…
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Yosemite National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Exploring California
Yosemite National Park in California is one of the most majestic, and breathtaking valleys on Earth. It is more than a place to camp and hike; Yosemite is a special place to recharge, to be grateful that you are alive, and are spending time in its valley. There are no words to truly describe the…
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Redwood National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Exploring California
I remember the first time I read about the Redwood National Park in elementary school, and how even back then I felt that traveler’s pull that I often speak about. I can still recall those photos of the giant ancient redwoods, and as a child I was struck by their enormous size and peaceful energy.…
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Rocky Mountain National Park | Exploring Colorado
Love that Rocky Mountain high! Colorado has been one of my favorite states to explore, and I have done it several times over. This state’s natural beauty and magnificent landscapes has always given me that ‘Rocky Mountain High’, thank you John Denver. Colorado offers a variety of remarkable sceneries from desert monuments, to urban cities,…
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
My sun is in Capricorn (an earth sign), and my moon, rising and Jupiter are in Sagittarius. What does all of that mean? It pretty much means that the desire for me to travel, be free, and in nature, particularly the mountains is instinctual. Being surrounded by a mountain range is grounding for me. The…
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Mingo Falls | Exploring North Carolina
I am not shy when it comes to road tripping, and exploring on my own within reason of course. While I was visiting the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, I decided to head into the Cherokee Indian Reservation, and explore Mingo Falls. Also known as Big Bear Falls by the Cherokees, heading to this beautiful…
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Zion National Park | Exploring Utah
After our first initial visit to Zion National Park back in 2010, this magnificent valley in Utah had become a favorite. I have come back several times with friends to hike the Emerald Pools trail, the Narrows, and to find a sense of grounding. My now adult daughter hikes, camps here with friends, and even…
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“The Rock” Alcatraz Island – San Francisco | Exploring, California
Alcatraz Island, AKA “The Rock”, has been many things over the past couple of centuries- from a Native American territory to a tourist destination. This small island located in the bay of San Francisco was initially developed with a lighthouse, which is considered the oldest lighthouse on the west coast. It was also a military fortification,…
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The Watts Towers of Simon Rodia – State Historic Park | Exploring Los Angeles, California
The first time I read about Watts Towers, I was in grade school and living in Glendale, which is a suburb of Los Angeles. Even at a young age I was intrigued by this public art work display, and the artist behind it, Simon Rodia. Although I am not an artist, I have always had…
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Cayo Costa State Park | Exploring Florida
Welcome to Cayo Costa! This unspoiled Gulf Coast island in Florida is a nature lovers paradise. It is peaceful, secluded, and can feel like you are on a private island. There are wind shaped trees, miles of white sand beaches, wildlife, and crystal blue waters. The best part of all is the freedom to explore…
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The Ernest Hemingway House & Museum – Key West, Florida | A U.S. National Historical Landmark
Located on the small Florida island of Key West, the Hemingway house and museum is the most popular tourist attraction on the island. This French Colonial home was the residence of Ernest and Pauline Hemingway during their marriage in the 1930s. After their divorce in 1940, Pauline lived here until her death in 1951. It…
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Mesa Verde National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Exploring Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park, was the first place that I can remember that intrigued my sense for travel and adventure. I can still recall sitting at my desk in the 5th grade, while my teacher was speaking about Mesa Verde, as I inquisitively turned the pages of the book. Looking at the photos of the…
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Jenny Lake at Grand Teton National Park | Exploring Wyoming
After I left the state of Wyoming, I had considered finding property close to Jackson Hole because the area was that impressive. Grand Teton National Park, which is located close to that upscale town of Jackson Hole, to which I fell in love with, was one of the reasons for my thoughts of relocation. This…
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Kenai Fjords National Park | Exploring Alaska
Exploring Kenai Fjords National Park, which lies just outside of Seward, was an extraordinary experience while traveling through Alaska. This is where ice, ocean and mountains meet and the best way to visit this national park is by boat or kayak. If water travel is not your thing, you do have the option to visit…
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Exploring Exit Glacier | Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Exit Glacier is a massive and active glacier that is located in the Kenai Mountains of Alaska. It is one of the Kenai Fjords National Park’s major attractions, and served as the “exit” for the first recorded crossing of the Harding Icefield in 1968. Exit glacier is one of the easiest accessible valley glaciers in…
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Denali National Park & Preserve | Exploring Alaska
Denali is the national park that is on everyone’s list! I know this because everyone has told me that they have either wanted to come here, or they have already been to Denali. I have been to many national parks throughout this country of ours, and Denali National Park was one of my favorites. It…
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Gateway Arch National Park | Exploring Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri– The Gateway Arch National Park is unlike its sister parks of Yosemite, Zion, or Yellowstone, which are glorious wonders of nature. This significant national park located in the heart of Saint Louis, Missouri is a reminder and acknowledgement of America’s expansion to the West. It holds an importance and remembrance to those…
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Death Valley National Park | Exploring California
Living in Las Vegas has given me great opportunities to visit many national parks. We are a few hours from the magnificent parks in Utah, and less than two hours away from Death Valley National Park in California. Over the past decade, I have taken various road trips visiting many of the wonderous natural sites…
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Scotty’s Castle – Death Valley National Park | Exploring California
Scotty’s Castle in Death Valley, California is an intriguing look into the luxurious lifestyle of the wealthy during the roaring 20’s. What is even more intriguing is the story behind this classic Mission Revival style home in the midst of nowhere. It was the secluded winter hideaway for Chicago millionaires Albert and Bessie Johnson, from…
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Capitol Reef National Park | Exploring Utah
Capitol Reef was the most peaceful of the National Parks that I had visited in Utah. Many people road trip it to the more popular parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, or Arches National Park, but Capitol Reef was just as stunning. It might be due to the location as it is not off the main…
Trixie Navarre 