Before we know it the daffodils will be blooming and the school doors will be flung open, ending the school year. Now is the time to start planning your family’s next summer vacation. Here are some destinations to consider. There is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy!
For those who like roughing it, backpacking might be your next family adventure. The Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming offer scenic rock formations, abundant wildlife, and pristine rivers and lakes for fly fishing. In Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park captivates with ancient Pueblan ruins along with its beautiful scenery. Sequoia groves and waterfalls will greet you at Yosemite National Park in California. Heading east to the heavily forested Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina will introduce you to the Appalachian mountain culture. It is a culture still strong today. This is the birthplace of the blues, so you are well aware that the Appalachian mountains have a way of smoothing things over. There are many historical forests in this area, especially the mountain forests that cover the eastern part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is a bird watcher’s paradise, and will please the most veteran of hunters. However, this is a wilderness area, and there are regulations on where you may hunt. Please inquire at the Visitor Center whenever you plan to visit this park. There are many activities there, but by far the most popular is to take a “pick your own” fish from one of the stands. They will sell buckets and all necessary supplies you will need. This is a very different experience from the angling of the streams and rivers you usually fish at. This is also good for people who cannot tolerate the taste of an enormous hooked fish–gag, risqué tops, and black bass fishing are bound to make you faint! There are also many deer camps in Georgia, Oregon, and North Carolina that cater to people interested in deer hunting, as well.
By far, the most popular destination for all hunters is the multitude of state parks throughout the US. Most of these have deer lodges on site, and many even offer hunting and fishing access for guests. Even the most avid fishers will be fishermen at heart, and cannot resist the chance to go on a 3-day ice fishing trip. There are even beautiful, state-park-operated outfitters that travel along the major components of the trails, so that you can have a one-day lunch, and go on a completely different adventure the next day. Many of these also offer daily tours, which mix the adventure out of any adventure and into a relaxing trip.
Obviously, this does not include the many, many activities that are offered within the parks themselves. The five national parks alone provide the basis for many enthusiasts to get out and see the national parks from their own means. Many also boast historical sites and certain amenities that are readily accessible. Still other parks are typically inaccessible, even to those who have ventured to the other side of the fence. You must take the judgment of your chosen park authorities when it comes to making the appropriate judgment call on whether or not you will be allowed to enter. History is everywhere in these parks.
Fortunately, most parks are relatively inexpensive, dollar wise. Yosemite is particularly true. It is just as much a tourist attraction as it is a place to live, a place to visit for five years at least. grand Canyon safari in particular, despite it’s $20 entrance fee is something that you cannot afford to miss. If you are able to get past the entrance fee, you will be able to see the inside of most of the59 parks. The general rule for national parks is that if you pay for a day-use fee, you will be able to see whatever you pay for.
As far as your everyday tourist attractions go, it is best to stay within your own state. Most of the national parks are very popular among tourists from around the country. If you plan to travel to a popular resort, town or city, it is best to stay to the east side of the town or city. The tourist areas of the popular resort or city are generally very crowded and loud, while the quiet, rural areas are usually less visited. Even the most unspoiled area or valley can have a historical or cultural outcome. By staying to the “east side”, you will assure that there is no excessive tourist congestion while you are enjoying your leisure time away from home.
It is just as important to plan your vacation wisely as you are traveling. You should always consider the difficulty or inconvenience you may cause. No one wants to come home after a fun filled day of hiking and discover that the nearest hotel is uptown.
