Originally we were awestruck at the natural beauty of Zion and Bryce, some of our nations most beautiful and unique national parks. Now having seen more including Salt Lake City and Park City, we can honestly say Utah struck all of us as the work of G-d's paintbrush. In the spring and summer, beautiful colors, especially reds, oranges and yellows are transposed on magical rock formations. I still have yet to see … [Read more...]
National Buffalo Museum and Frontier Village (Jamestown)
Visiting The National Buffalo Museum and Frontier Village was a memorable and moving experience. Before entering the museum there is a small frontier village with a few shops that sell arts and crafts made by the local tribes of the Sioux and the Lakota. I got a really great pair of handmade buckskin moccasins that I love so much I am afraid to wear them for fear of ruining them. Isaac got a little drum that … [Read more...]
Medora Riding Stables (Medora)
We arrived in Medora in the early afternoon and had a little time to explore the town before the Medora Musical that night so we decided to do a 1 hour trail ride at the Medora Riding Stables. Everyone got saddled up on our trusty steeds, even Avrille, and we set out on the trail on a gentle and leisurely ride. Heading out, our guide gave us a brief history of the area and it's connection to President Teddy … [Read more...]
Bryce Canyon National Park
Not far from Zion is Bryce Canyon National Park, one of the most interesting and unique landscapes my kids and I have ever seen. As we hiked into the park, for a moment it seemed like staring out at another planet with a million rock spires right out of a science fiction movie. The unique shapes at Bryce are caused by natural erosion, so over time, the water and wind have washed and blown away layers of rock … [Read more...]
Medora Musical (Medora)
I once met Senator Kent Conrad from North Dakota. When I told him we would be visiting his state and asked him what were the top three things we should see, he listed them in this order, 1. Medora, 2. Medora, and 3. Medora. Well, I guess you could say Medora was not to be missed and after visiting there myself I can totally understand the Senator's response. The town of Medora is charming and beautiful but … [Read more...]
Virgin Trading Post (Fort Zion Utah)
This was a fun little stop on our way to Zion National Park. The Virgin Trading Post is a cross between a petting zoo and a Wild West park. It's a quirky little mishmash of animals and western kitsch perfect for a million photo opportunities and a great place for everyone to stretch their legs. The kids had a great time feeding carrots to miniature horses, and petting sheep and other animals-the carrots by the … [Read more...]
Valley City Fish Hatchery (Valley City)
The Valley City Fish Hatchery was one of those places where we needed a stop to break up a long car ride and there wasn't much else to see or do in the area. We checked it out and were really surprised at how unexpectedly cool, interesting, and educational it was. Apparently, fish hatcheries like this one grow baby fish to release into the lakes and rivers in the surrounding areas to help the ecosystem and to … [Read more...]
Little Hollywood Movie Museum (Kanab)
On our way to the Grand Cayon we stopped in Kanab to stretch our legs, grab a bite to eat, and explore a bit. We discovered a fun little stop called the Little Hollywood Movie Museum—This is a funky little place to explore if you are in the right frame of mind. It’s full of all kinds of western movie sets and props anything from old farm tools, wagon wheels, you name it—even a noose. It’s a great place to … [Read more...]
Backcountry Snowmobiling (Park City)
Before I get too far into this amazing and breathtaking experience, let me first mention that Backcountry Snowmobiling (click here to check out their website) really is in the back country. It's about 1 hour away from Park City on the outskirts of the tiny town of Coalville. Once off the highway and past Main street you'll head up Chalk Creek Road for about 18 miles past ranches that keep getting more and more spread … [Read more...]
Deer Valley Ski Resort (Park City)
Rated the #1 ski resort by Ski Magazine, it's no wonder everything seemed like a skiers paradise up at Deer Valley Ski Resort. The ski area itself is huge and is broken up by lodges and lifts all over the mountain and it is all just breathtakingly beautiful. Deer Valley is a "ski only" resort that does not allow snowboarding, so to best enjoy it you should do what we did and embrace the ski culture. A word of … [Read more...]