Tag: washington

5 Festive Holiday Getaways | Top US Christmas Destinations

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With Christmas right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to plan a festive holiday getaway. From the Pacific Northwest to the East Coast and everywhere in between, December is an excellent time of year to travel somewhere new. Whether you want a relaxing outdoor escape or an exciting city adventure, these Christmas destinations have it all.

Seattle, Washington

Festive holiday getaways, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap
Festive holiday getaways, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap
Festive holiday getaways, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap
Festive holiday getaways, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Seattle is one of my favorite cities, especially around the holidays. There’s so much to do around town and plenty of festive activities, from expansive markets to gingerbread house-building competitions and dazzling light displays.

I recommend grabbing a cup of hot cocoa to explore Candy Cane Lane, a row of 20+ houses in the heart of the city that go all out with the Christmas decorations. From Seattle, you can also take day trips to places like Mount Rainier National Park, Snoqualmie, Bainbridge Island, Leavenworth, and Stevens Pass Ski Resort.

Seattle Travel Guides

5 Fun Seattle Date Ideas

5 Seattle Tourist Traps to Avoid, and Where to Go Instead

Famous Seattle Filming Locations

Breckenridge, Colorado

Festive holiday getaways, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Breckenridge is a can’t-miss Colorado Christmas town. This charming ski destination has endless holiday cheer in December. Hit the slopes, sip local brews, go shopping downtown, and enjoy unique events like Race of the Santas and Ullr Fest.

Colorado Travel Guides

Top 5 Free Things to Do in Colorado Springs

Can’t-Miss Colorado Hikes, From Easy to Challenging

Ultimate Colorado Bucket List

Dahlonega, Georgia

Festive holiday getaways, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap
Festive holiday getaways, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap
Festive holiday getaways, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

While Dahlonega is quaint year-round, it shines during the holiday season. Situated in the North Georgia mountains, it’s a quiet college town famous for its gold rush roots and proximity to the Appalachian Trail. Dahlonega is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle, giving you an authentic small town feel. While there, make sure to check out picturesque nearby spots like Amicalola Falls State Park, Clayton, and Helen.

Georgia Travel Guides

Best Beginner Hikes in North Georgia

Backpacking in Georgia

Best Day Trips from Atlanta

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. offers festive fun for the entire family. With countless museums, historical sites, and cultural landmarks, you could spend weeks there and see something new every day. Whether you love history, art, or food, D.C. truly has something for everyone.

Park City, Utah

I’ve had the incredible opportunity to take two winter trips to Park City for the Sundance Film Festival, and it holds a special place in my heart. It’s tucked among the mountains, and its one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries overflow with merriment for the holidays. There’s excellent skiing in and around Park City, and many scenic outdoor areas for snowshoeing and skating.

5 Most Underrated National Parks to Escape the Crowds

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These are some of the most underrated national parks in the U.S. where you can get off the beaten path and unwind in nature. Great Smoky Mountains, the country’s most-visited park, saw over 13 million visitors in 2023. That’s a recipe for busy trails, limited parking, and sitting in traffic when you should be out exploring. If you want to leave some of the crowds behind for a more authentic outdoor adventure, plan a trip to these underrated U.S. national parks.

Underrated national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap
Underrated national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap
Underrated national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap
Underrated national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

5. Great Sand Dunes – Colorado

Visit for: otherworldly landscapes, stargazing, photography

While most tourists head to Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes is also worth visiting. It’s dog-friendly, which is rare for national parks, and offers unique views of the dunes against distant mountain peaks.

Don’t underestimate how challenging it is to hike to the top of a dune—from there, you can try sand-boarding to the bottom. There’s plenty of room to spread out at Great Sand Dunes, so it never feels crowded, and you can stay past sunset to enjoy incredible stargazing.

Underrated national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

4. Badlands – South Dakota

Visit for: wildlife, venturing off-trail, fossils

I consider the entire state of South Dakota underrated—especially Badlands National Park. From the striking rock formations to the fascinating exhibits on fossils and gems, the park has much to offer.

Watch for bison, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep while visiting. The Badlands are also one of the few outdoor areas where off-trail hiking is allowed, letting you wander to your heart’s desire.

Underrated national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap
Underrated national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

3. Black Canyon of the Gunnison – Colorado

Visit for: dramatic viewpoints, intense hiking

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is another Colorado national park worth adding to your sightseeing itinerary. Admire sweeping overlooks of the canyon from accessible viewpoints, ideal for travelers of all ages and fitness levels. For a physical challenge, consider hiking into the canyon to gain a new perspective on the stunning natural area.

Underrated national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap
Underrated national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

2. North Cascades – Washington

Visit for: rugged wilderness, year-round activities

I technically haven’t been to North Cascades National Park, but the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that borders it is one of my favorite places to hike in Washington. I’ve heard fantastic things about the North Cascades area and its hiking trails. It also gives visitors the opportunity to rock climb, bike, boat, and more.

1. Canyonlands – Utah

Visit for: epic views, off-roading

Many overlook Canyonlands for other Utah national parks like Arches and Zion—this vibrant desert area is as captivating as the Grand Canyon but far less popular. I visited over July 4 weekend and it was almost empty compared to Arches.

Canyonlands boasts picturesque viewpoints, hikes, and remote roads leading you through dramatic canyons. It will make you feel like you stepped onto the set of a thrilling Western movie!

Have you been to any of these underrated U.S. national parks? Let me know what you thought in the comments.

Looking for more national parks info? Check out my other travel guides:

Top 5 U.S. National Parks (Plus 3 On My Bucket List)

One Day in Yellowstone

Skyline Trail – Mount Rainier National Park

10 Best National Parks I’ve Visited (So Far)

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From Washington to South Dakota and everywhere in between, these are the 10 best national parks I’ve visited (so far). Over the years, I’ve seen 16 of the 63 national parks located throughout the United States. I’d love to visit them all someday, and I try to explore at least one new national park every year.

Regardless of how many national parks you’ve visited, I hope this inspires you to plan a trip of your own!

10. Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Best national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap
Best national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado was a pleasant surprise. My husband and I visited during a road trip and had no expectations—we were blown away by the dramatic scenery. While I didn’t have much time to explore Black Canyon, I was in awe of the views from each overlook we stopped at.

I recommend visiting Black Canyon if you’re in the area, as it makes a great itinerary add-on. However, I don’t think centering an entire trip around the park is worth it unless you plan to do some serious hiking.

9. Badlands

Best national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Badlands National Park holds a special place in my heart, as I have family in South Dakota and first visited the area as a kid. I consider South Dakota a criminally underrated travel destination, and the Badlands are a must-visit.

Expect to see wildlife like bighorn sheep and bison, unique rock formations, and centuries of history while exploring the park. Don’t forget to visit the nearby town of Wall, a quirky location that’s famous worldwide.

8. Rocky Mountain

Best national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap
Best national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap
Best national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

You can’t go to Colorado without seeing Rocky Mountain National Park. There are many beautiful hikes ranging from easy to strenuous, and the mountains are stunning year-round.

In the summer, you can swim in alpine lakes, while winter is the perfect time snowshoe or cross-country ski. Rocky Mountain is an excellent vacation spot for adventurers of all ages.

7. Joshua Tree

Best national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap
Best national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap
Best national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Joshua Tree National Park is another one that took me by surprise. I only spent 24 hours in the park, but it was an unforgettable experience. The rocky landscape looks otherworldly, and I loved seeing all the cacti and desert plants. My favorite thing about camping in Joshua Tree was staying up late to watch the night sky—I’ve never seen so many shooting stars in my life!

6. Olympic

Best national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap
Best national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap
Best national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse parks I’ve been to. It has everything from coastlines to glaciers and rainforests. The scenery here is lush and captivating—you could spend days exploring without seeing the same thing twice. Make your way out to the Olympic Peninsula next time you’re in Washington.

5. Arches

Best national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap
Best national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

You’re probably familiar with Arches National Park for its iconic Delicate Arch formation. It’s definitely a bucket list-worthy sight, but the park offers so much more.

Regardless if you’re exploring on foot or by car, you’ll be awestruck by the colorful rocks and desert views around every corner. Of Utah’s five national parks, Arches is one you can’t overlook.

4. Grand Teton

Best national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Seeing Grand Teton National Park in person feels like stepping back in time to the 1800s. The jagged peaks, rushing rivers, and rugged forests are so stunning, you’ll never want to leave. Grand Teton boasts some of the country’s most picturesque scenery and feels like a true wilderness area.

3. Canyonlands

Get off the beaten path to explore the best that Canyonlands National Park offers. This park ranks so highly for me because my husband and I embarked on a spontaneous journey along an unpaved, 4WD road while there. The canyon views were like nothing I’ve ever seen, and we had the best time escaping the chaos of the park’s main paved roads.

2. Yellowstone

You probably aren’t surprised to see Yellowstone National Park in second place. Yellowstone is an incredibly famous park, and for good reason. The geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and wildlife areas throughout it offer something new with every visit. This is another park I only had one day to explore but would 100% return to.

1. Mount Rainier

Of all the parks I’ve visited, Mount Rainier National Park is the best, in my opinion. Seeing Mount Rainier in person for the first time was a dream come true, and I fall in love all over again every time I return.

Something about the mountain’s imposing beauty sparks my sense of adventure, and the surrounding glaciers, meadows, and forests feel like a fairytale. If you only have time for one hike in the park, make it the Skyline Trail (Naches Peak Loop Trail is another favorite).

What do you think of my national parks ranking? Let me know which one I should visit next down below!

Top 5 U.S. National Parks (Plus 3 On My Bucket List)

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Over the years, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to visit 11 of the 63 National Parks that can be found throughout the U.S. While all were unique and interesting in their own way, there were definitely some I loved more than others. This is my ranking of the Top 5 U.S. National Parks that I’ve visited so far. As a bonus, I’m also sharing the top 3 National Parks on my travel bucket list that I haven’t yet been to!

Top 5 U.S. National Parks

5. Badlands

Fun fact: I actually used to live in South Dakota as a kid! I have a lot of family there and still love going back to visit because I think South Dakota is a super underrated state. Similarly, I don’t see too many people talking about Badlands National Park, even though it’s one of my favorites. The landscape is super unique and looks like something you might find on another planet. Plus, the park is full of wildlife ranging from bison and bighorn sheep to prairie dogs.

4. Yellowstone

I would actually love to return to Yellowstone National Park and explore some more because my husband and I only got to spend one day in the park when we visited. Still, Yellowstone is such a classic that I highly recommend everyone take a visit. There’s a huge variety of wildlife and landscapes, and it’s unreal to see the massive hot springs and geysers in person. There’s a reason Yellowstone is one of the most popular National Parks!

3. Olympic

Olympic National Park is one of those places you have to see for yourself to believe. I mean, where else in the U.S. can you spend a day exploring rocky beaches, snow-capped mountains, glacial rivers, and thick rainforests? Olympic National Park is full of biodiversity that makes every visit unique from the last.

2. Grand Teton

In my humble opinion, Grand Teton National Park is probably one of the prettiest areas in the entire country. The mountains look absolutely unreal in person, and the whole park feels wild and rugged. Grand Teton is another park I’d love to return to and spend more time exploring because there’s so much to see and do!

1. Mount Rainier

Of all the National Parks I’ve gotten to visit so far, Mount Rainier National Park is undoubtedly my favorite. Seeing Mount Rainier up close and personal is an amazing experience, and you truly can’t fathom its grandeur until you’re seeing it with your own eyes. Plus, Mount Rainier National Park is where I saw my first wild bear! The whole park feels so magical and is absolutely stunning year-round.

Top 3 U.S. National Parks Bucket List

3. Glacier

Glacier National Park in Montana is one National Park I’ve been wanting to visit for years. The mountains look insanely dramatic and I’ve heard the park is absolutely full of wildlife. Plus, I’d love to pay a visit to RightOnTrek’s EDGE Backpacking Gear Rental Facility that just opened this year. I love that RightOnTrek works to make the outdoors accessible for as many people as possible. And, they make delicious backpacking meals!

2. Yosemite

As someone who loves both hiking and rock-climbing, Yosemite National Park sounds like an absolute dream. I’ve seen so many documentaries about Yosemite and I would love to pay the park a visit in the next couple years. I’ve actually never been to California, so I hope to make a trip out of it and explore a few different areas throughout the state!

1. Gates of the Arctic

Image courtesy of Travel Alaska

Alaska seems to be one of the last truly wild places left in the U.S., and I would absolutely love to spend some time exploring Gates of the Arctic National Park. The wilderness of Alaska looks intimidating but also incredibly beautiful, and I definitely plan on taking a trip to the state – hopefully, sooner rather than later!

What’s your favorite U.S. National Park, and which one would you like to visit next? Let me know in the comments!

Pike Place Market: 5 Things to Know Before You Go

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When you think of the city of Seattle, a few images probably come to mind: the Space Needle, rain, Starbucks, and, of course, Pike Place Market. Pike Place Market is the most popular tourist attraction in Seattle, and one of the most popular in the entire world! Every year, more than 10 million visitors from all over the world come to Pike Place Market to experience this iconic place for themselves. Pike Place Market is one of the few tourist attractions in Seattle that I actually consider worth the hype, and I think everyone who finds themselves in Seattle should make time to stop by. If you’ve never visited, here are 5 things to know about Pike Place Market before you go.

Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously-operated farmer’s markets in the entire country! Pike Place Market has an incredibly rich history dating all the way back to 1907, when the market first opened. The market presents the amazing opportunity for visitors to experience a slice of Seattle history firsthand as they walk through the various levels consisting of local vendors, shops, and restaurants.

The unofficial mascot of Pike Place Market is Rachel, a bronze piggy bank statue! This isn’t your average childhood piggy bank, though: Rachel weighs 550 pounds and receives anywhere from $6,000-$9,000 every year in the form of all different kinds of currency. Rachel can be found under the “Public Market Center” sign where she was first placed in 1986.

Image courtesy of Pike Place Market Foundation

Inside the market you can find Pike Place Fish Market, which is world-famous for its fish-throwing fishmongers! The quirky tradition first began in 1980 when the former owner decided it would be more efficient to toss the seafood rather than walk it over to his employees on busy days. Since then, the fishmongers – who can be identified with their signture orange waders – have become known for this practice which they do when a fish is purchased, a donation is made, or randomly for tourists who may be watching.

Pictured is Jack’s Fish Spot, another fish vendor in Pike Place Market

Just across the street from the market is the “original” Starbucks. Technically, the first Starbucks originally opened in another location before moving to this storefront on Pike Place. There is almost always a massive line out the door of visitors who want to experience the original Starbucks for themselves. I’ll be honest – it’s not too special, and resembles pretty much any other Starbucks you can find in the country. If you’re a lover of Starbucks, I recommend visiting the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, which is right down the street, instead!

Pike Place Market is truly a cornerstone of the Seattle community. For years it has been a place where locals and tourists alike can gather to support the local economy by purchasing from small businesses. Pike Place Market has undergone a number of renovations and restorations over the years, but its original purpose has remained through it all. When you go to Pike Place Market you’re not just visiting any other tourist attraction: you’re supporting the community by putting money directly into the pockets of local business owners!

Skyline Trail – Mt. Rainier National Park

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With summer quickly approaching, I want to highlight one of my favoite hikes in Mount Rainier National Park: Skyline Tail. Skyline Trail, also know as Skyline Loop Trail, is a 5.5-mile-long loop in the Paradise area of the park. Skyline Trail is a challenging hike, but along the way you’ll experience some of the best features that Mount Rainier National Park has to offer, from glaciers to alpine meadows and waterfalls. If you only have time for one hike in Mount Rainier National Park, and you’re up for the challenge, I highly recommend the Skyline Trail.

The Skyline Trail begins at the Jackson Visitor Center in Paradise. If you choose to hike the loop clockwise, as most do, you’ll immediately begin gaining elevation as you make your way to Panorama Point. Panorama Point is an amazing viewpoint, and some even choose to turn back here after stopping to rest and enjoy the views. It was actually along this section of the trail that we encountered a bear, which was my first ever run-in with a wild bear!

If you choose to continue your hike past Panorama Point, you’ll head east on the Skyline Trail. You’ll soon come across the junction with Golden Gate Trail, which can be used to shorten the hike. To complete the full loop, continue heading east and you’ll eventually reach the Stevens-Van Trump Memorial. You’ll begin to descend into Paradise Valley, with a brief uphill portion taking you Myrtle Falls, before finally arriving back at the Jackson Visitor Center.

All in all, Skyline Trail is an amazing hike that highlights some of the most beautiful natural features of Mount Rainier National Park. I highly recommend adding this hike to your summer bucketlist, and I would do it again in a heartbeat! Let me know in the comments what your favorite hike is in Mount Rainier National Park.

Seattle Bucket List: 10 Must-See Sights and Experiences

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Seattle is an amazing town with so much to offer, it can often feel overwhelming when you’re trying to decide what to do and see. If you need some inspiration for your Seattle bucket list, here are 10 must-see sights and experiences to add ASAP!

  1. Journey to the top of the Space Needle – you can experience this iconic Seattle landmark through general admission or by grabbing a cocktail in their revolving lounge
  2. Do some shopping at Pike Place Market – Pike Place Market is full of unique shops, vendors, and restaurants, making it a great place to wander around for an afternoon
  3. Visit the Museum of Pop Culture – MoPop is truly one of the coolest and most unique museums I’ve ever visited
  4. Picnic at Gas Works Park – Gas Works Park is one of my top recommendations for first-time visitors to Seattle because you’ll get fantastic views of the skyline and Lake Union. Plus, you may recognize it from the movie 10 Things I Hate About You
  5. Hike through Discovery Park – an outdoor-lovers oasis right in the heart of the city! The Discovery Park and Lighthouse Loop Trail is a great day hike
  6. Take in views of the city skyline at Kerry Park – Kerry Park is a gorgeous spot to enjoy sunrise or sunset
  7. Sample some coffees at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery – the Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a great alternative to the Original Starbucks
  8. Pay a visit to the Ballard Locks – the Ballard Locks are interesting and educational, truly the best of both worlds
  9. Admire the architecture of Seattle Central Library – visiting the Seattle Central Library is the perfect rainy day activity: check out my photo diary from a recent visit by clicking right here
  10. Go sailing or paddle-boarding in Lake Union – enjoying Lake Union is a classic summertime activity

Seattle Central Library – Photo Diary

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Looking for a unique (and free!) activity in Seattle? Consider paying a visit to Seattle Central Library. Seattle Central Library is a public library in the heart of downtown Seattle that features some stunning architecture. The building, which is constructed largely out of glass and steel, has a very geometric and striking appearance, giving you plenty of great photo opps. The library is also massive with 11 stories and capacity to hold over 1 million books. Seattle Central Library is well-known for its unique architecture and is visited by millions of people every year. I love wandering around the library and people-watching on a rainy day, and I highly recommend a visit if you’ve never been.

Deception Falls

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Despite the ominous name, Deception Falls is a beautiful waterfall and hiking area located near Skykomish, Washington. At only half a mile roundtrip, the hike to Deception Falls is a great spot to stretch your legs, take some photos, or bring friends and family who are visiting from out of town.

The Deception Falls Recreation Area is located along the north side of US Highway 2 by mile marker 56. There is a large parking lot with restrooms and picnic tables, making it a great lunch spot, and an interpretive trail that leads you through the forest and to the falls.

Even though the falls are located right off the highway, you’ll feel as though you’re worlds away from civilization. When I visited Deception Falls in late October/early November, the water was incredibly high thanks to a lot of recent rainfall.

Deception Falls is a great option for those seeking beautiful waterfall views without a significant hike, and is well-suited for hikers of all ages and experience levels.

5 Fun Seattle Date Ideas

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Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and whether you have a significant other in your life or not, it’s always a fun excuse to celebrate and share the love. Even if you’re celebrating solo, I encourage you to take yourself out on a date and really treat yourself, because you deserve it! If you need some inspiration for Valentine’s Day or otherwise, here are 5 fun date ideas in the Seattle area.

Dinner and a show at The Pink Door

Image courtesy of ThePinkDoor.net

The Pink Door is a well-known, speakeasy-style restaurant located along Post Alley in Pike Place Market. The restaurant is cozy and eclectic, with gorgeous waterfront views. I took myself on a date here a few months ago and thoroughly enjoyed their antipasto of the house and linguine alle vongole (pasta with baby clams and garlic in a white wine sauce), though the menu does change regularly to feature fresh seasonal ingredients. The Pink Door is also known for providing some spectacular entertainment ranging from aerial performances to jazz bands and burlesque shows.

Catch sunset at the top of the Space Needle

Image courtesy of Trip 101

I know, I know – the Space Needle has a reputation for being a major tourist trap in Seattle. But sometimes it pays to be a tourist in your own city, and experiencing sunset from the top of the Space Needle is truly incredible. You’ll be rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of the Puget Sound and surrounding mountain ranges that are hard to find anywhere else in the city. You can enjoy the Space Needle through general admission or by sipping on some drinks at the Loupe Lounge, a rotating cocktail bar located at the top.

Walk through the Volunteer Park Conservatory

I recently visited the Volunteer Park Conservatory for the first time (enjoy my photo diary here!) and was blown away by how beautiful this spot is! Volunteer Park is located in the heart of Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood and the greenhouse pictured above is over 100 years old! The conservatory is very peaceful and features all kinds of trees, flowers, cacti, and everything in between. This is a great spot to go solo or with a loved one, especially on a rainy day.

Hike to West Point Lighthouse in Discovery Park

Discovery Park is a gorgeous area of hiking and walking trails, and one of the highlights is West Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse is perfectly picturesque, and the hike there will lead you through forests, meadows, and sandy beaches. At 4.4 miles roundtrip, it’s definitely a solid hike to get there, but the stunning views will make the effort well worth your time. While the trail is especially beautiful in the spring and summer when wildflowers are abundant, you’ll still catch some beautiful sights if you go before then.

Picnic at Gas Works Park

For first-time visitors to Seattle, Gas Works Park is always at the top of my recommendations list. The park, which used to be Seattle Gas Light Company plant, is a super cool spot that mixes industrial with the outdoors. The park offers fantastic views of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline, and is an awesome place to fly kites, walk, bike, or picnic. I love visiting Gas Works whenever I’m in town, and have enjoyed several picnic dates on its rolling hills.