TRACY SEES STUFF 👀

Tag: Featured

  • Capitol Reef National Park – Utah

    Capitol Reef National Park – Utah

    Capitol Reef National Park

    Celebrate National Park Week in April and explore a new park! Capitol Reef National Park surrounds a 100-mile-long “wrinkle in the earth” known as the Waterpocket Fold and is located in south-central Utah. It is part of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks, including Arches, Zion, Canyonlands, and Zion. If you love to escape the crowds, this park is for you!

    Top Things To Do – Capitol Reef National Park

    Get homemade pies and cinnamon rolls at the Gifford Homestead!! The pie is homemade from fruit grown in the orchards. The green orchards among the red rocks are so beautiful. Get there early because the pie goes fast! It’s the best pie I’ve ever tasted. So fresh and delicious! Our favorite flavor was the strawberry rhubarb.

    After pie, explore the Historic Fruita District. There are historic buildings, a visitor center, campground, and many hikes and trails. Eight families lived in the Fruita District until 1969 (Capitol Reef became a National Park in 1971) and lived completely off the land including the orchards and drinking unfiltered water from the Fremont River. There have been people living in this area for thousands of years as you will see by the petroglyphs below and they believe the first Latter Day Saints settler in this specific area was around 1879. At that time it was known as Junction and mail was delivered to the Fremont Cottonwood tree (“mail tree”), which still stands today.

    Scenic Byway 24

    Drive Scenic Byway 24 – This is the main road that runs through the park and the views are breathtaking. Some of the top sights along this route are Panorama Point, Sunset Point, and Goosenecks Overlook.

    See the Petroglyphs carved by the Fremont Culture in the 300-1300 Common Era. The more you look, the more you will see.

    We stayed at Rim Rock Inn located in Torrey, Utah at the entrance to the park. It’s a great location! There are regular hotel rooms and individual cabins. We loved the cabins, the view is incredible. The cabins are super spacious with cool antique furniture and are dog-friendly. There is a very good restaurant onsite plus an awesome bar/patio with outdoor patio with live music.

    There’s so much more- we only had one day to visit so this barely scratches the surface. There are a lot of scenic drives and hikes to do in this park. I can’t wait to go back and explore more! 

    While in Southern Utah, another fantastic drive is Cottonwood Canyon Road at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Read more HERE. Life is short, find what stirs your soul. ❤️

    © What Stirs Your Soul Media

  • Cape Cod, Massachusetts

    Cape Cod, Massachusetts

    Road Tripping through Cape Cod, Massachusetts

    Add Cape Cod to your Vermont road trip! While road tripping through Vermont and Upstate New York, we drove down to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and stayed for a couple of nights. It was nice exploring during the off-season (we visited in the fall) with fewer people. Of course, it wasn’t as warm, but it was still amazing. Top on my list- visiting the Cape Cod National Seashore and Provincetown.

    Girl with her dog at the Cape Cod National Seashore
    “My life is like a stroll upon the beach, as near the ocean’s edge as I can go.“ —  Henry David Thoreau

    Cape Cod National Seashore – Marconi Beach

    The Cape Cod National Seashore is a must-see. These 40 miles of protected rugged and pristine sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean with six swimming beaches and unique lighthouses offer so much to do. You can hang out at the beach, swim, kayak, bike/walk/run the trails, hike the sand dunes, explore historic areas, and more.

    Marconi Beach is gorgeous. The salty air, sand in my toes, dunes, and ocean views made for an unforgettable day.

    Cape Cod National Seashore sand dunes
    ocean view at Cape Cod National Seashore

    Wellfleet, Massachusetts

    There are many quaint villages to choose from with Provincetown being the most popular. We decided to stay in Wellfleet because it was close to Marconi Beach and only minutes from Provincetown. We stayed at Endless Coast, A Boutique Hotel. Endless Coast is dog-friendly and offers a lovely lounge/picnic area in the back of the hotel to hang out. We liked the hotel, but there was a large group staying next to us that were very loud partying late- plus, if you’re on the lower level, it’s pretty noisy with people going up and down the stairs. We left early because this made it difficult to work and rest during our stay. The staff was accommodating to our request.

    We ate at Wicked Oyster and Mac’s Shack. We really loved both and I especially enjoyed the “nester” from Wicked Oyster.

    Wicked Oyster – The Nester

    We visited Uncle Tim’s Bridge. Built in 1783 and listed on the State Historic Register, the bridge crossing Duck Creek connects Hamblen Island to Wellfleet. The island is beautiful, offering trails and beaches to explore. Timothy E. Daniels, known as Uncle Tim, had a retail shop across from the bridge in the 1800s and the bridge still bears his name.

    Uncle Tim's Bridge in Wellfleet, Massachusetts
    Uncle Tim's Bridge in Wellfleet, Massachusetts

    Provincetown, Massachusetts

    It was so fun to walk around Provincetown and see the houses, architecture, shops, and vibe.

    row boats in Provincetown, Massachusetts

    Race Point Beach Provincetown, Massachusetts

    After walking around town, we headed out to Race Point Beach.

    This is another incredible spot to explore and watch for dolphins!

    Race Point Beach Provincetown, Massachusetts

    We grabbed a pizza from Ptown House of Pizza and then headed to the beach. The pizza was fabulous!

    If you’re planning a Vermont fall road trip, click HERE for our favorite stops.

    And make sure to add a couple days to visit the Cape!

    Life is short, keep searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

    ©What Stirs Your Soul Media

  • Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile – Dog Friendly Hotel in Southern Utah

    Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile – Dog Friendly Hotel in Southern Utah

    Top Dog Friendly Hotel in Southern Utah

    Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile is an awesome dog-friendly hotel in Southern Utah. It’s not your typical dog-friendly hotel, pets are not only welcome but expected. Located in Kanab, Utah, it is the perfect base camp while volunteering at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and exploring Southern Utah. The recreation options are endless! Plus, while you’re enjoying Best Friends Roadhouse hospitality, you’re also supporting their life-saving animal work. 🧡

    Sunrise in Kanab, Utah
    Sunrise at the Roadhouse

    We have stayed at the roadhouse multiple times, along with other hotels in Kanab, during our visits over the last 10 years. Here is why we love and recommend Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile (besides being dog-friendly): first-rate customer service, easy online booking, unique and well-appointed guest rooms, a walkable location, and convenient onsite services. Let’s get into the details.

    “The only reason we invite people is to open the doors for the pets!” 😉

    – JoAnne Rando-Moon, Front Desk, Best Friends Roadhouse

    Picture of Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile

    We all love the small touches. Our top two favorite activities at Best Friends Roadhouse are kitty bingo and s’mores by the bonfire. The smell of cedar, pine, and juniper in the evening, surrounded by the red rocks, is the best and warms the soul. Kitty bingo is hilarious- a fun night of community, meeting new people, lots of laughs, and kittens running around the Mercantile. Keep an eye on their calendar because they also offer live music and other events!

    Kitty Bingo-

    Pet-Friendly Hotel Amenities in Southern Utah

    For pets: a fenced, spacious park, a personalized nameplate, a pull-out bed and cubby holes, welcome treats from the staff, a pet-washing station, and their very own drinking fountain. The fenced pet park offers plenty of room to run and a splash zone for hot summer days. There is also a small run area. ALL of this and the pets stay free.

    From the cozy beds to the outdoor park, our dog Allen gives the Roadhouse 5 paws up.

    For people, shopping and a continental breakfast at the Mercantile, a laundry station with products included, technology (An INTELITY® in-room control and information tablet), and excellent Wi-Fi (which is a priority for us because we work while traveling).

    Here is Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile employee, Michael, to tell you more –

    Another huge plus for us is being able to walk to the many wonderful restaurants in Kanab. You can read about our favorites HERE.

    Charcuterie tray from Kanab, Utah Restaurant

    Best Base Camp to Explore Southern Utah

    Location, location, location! Kanab is ideally located close to National Parks and Monuments, Public Lands, State Parks, Geological Attractions, and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. We’ve visited many times, and our “things to do list” is still long. There is so much history and some of the most beautiful areas in the country. Below are a few ideas for your next visit.

    Zion National Park. If you want to bring your dog hiking, there is one dog-friendly trail. Read more HERE.

    Man walking dog in Zion National Park

    Explore Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon National Park.

    Bryce Canyon National Park Hoodoos
    Hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park
    Grand Canyon National Park
    Grand Canyon View

    Hike to the Sand Caves, Hidden Lake, and around Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.

    Hidden Lake
    Sand Caves

    You can also go ATVing or sledding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.

    Man walking dog Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

    Escape the crowds and take a drive through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. We loved driving and hiking, and we hardly saw anyone. Below is one of the coolest stops at Grosvenor Arch. Incredible!

    Camping, Swimming, and House Boating at Lake Powell. There is so much to do in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

    Volunteering at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

    And our favorite thing to do is volunteer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary! If you don’t have time to volunteer, we highly recommend scheduling a tour of the sanctuary. You will learn about the inspiration behind Best Friends and meet animals along the way. If you’re interested in volunteering, make sure to schedule ahead of time- they fill up quickly and book out a year ahead of time.

    Volunteering with the dogs fills my heart. There are many different jobs to be done, from cleaning to taking them for walks. I don’t like to do my own dishes, but I could wash dog dishes all day long. My volunteer days at the sanctuary are my best days. It’s emotional and hard to put into words- it’s so fulfilling. I love working the morning shift and then grabbing lunch at Angel Village Cafe. Lunch is always vegan, delicious, and is only $5! You can find the menu HERE.

    Life can change in a blink; do more of what stirs your soul.

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Best Sedona Hiking Trails

    Best Sedona Hiking Trails

    Sedona Hiking Trails

    We have visited Sedona, Arizona, for extended stays over the years. One of the best parts about Sedona and the surrounding area is that there are endless adventures and things to do. Our favorite activity is hiking! We love how accessible the hiking trails are and the range of difficultly. Below are highlights from some of the best Sedona hiking trails.

    Views of snow on Courthouse and Bell Rock in Sedona

    Bell Rock and Courthouse are the first two iconic formations that you see as you drive into Sedona coming north on the Bell Rock Scenic Byway/SR 179. The Courthouse Butte Loop is a moderate 4.3-mile trail. This area is very popular so depending on the time of year, it’s best to go early morning (plus it’s the best time to beat the heat). We normally visit in January when it’s not quite as busy or too hot.

    There are pay machines for parking that take credit cards. Parking can sometimes be a challenge but if you wait a few minutes, turnover usually happens quickly. Another option is to purchase a Red Rock Pass to display in your window or America the Beautiful passes are also honored.

    Dog-Friendly Sedona Trails

    Almost all the trails in Sedona are dog-friendly as long as your dog is on a leash. Please make sure to clean up after your pup. #LeaveNoTrace

    If you love climbing rocks, Bell Rock Trail is the hike for you! Look how small all the people look in the picture below. You can see all of Sedona as you make the climb. This hike is considered moderate but if you’re afraid of heights, you might find it difficult.

    Bell Rock in Sedona

    Little Horse Trail tends to be our go-to hike. We love the views. This is a 3.8-mile moderate hike. You can make it easier by not going as far, the view below is less than a mile on the trail. It’s incredible to hike this trail at sunset, the rocks turn a beautiful orange.

    Picture of Little Horse Hiking Trail sign in Sedona, Arizona.
    Picture of man hiking Little Horse Trail in Sedona, Arizona
    Picture of red rocks at sunset in Sedona, Arizona

    I was super excited to hike Soldier Pass and see the Seven Sacred Pools. They are easy to walk past, so keep an eye out for them. There’s also a large sinkhole on your way called Devil’s Kitchen which is very cool. This trail is considered moderate but we felt like it was a little more difficult especially beyond the pools. We ended up turning around on our first hike (which was still an amazing hike).

    Picture of Seven Sacred Pools in Sedona, Arizona.

    Red Rock Crossing/Crescent Moon Picnic Site is another go-to spot for us. This is a great area to relax, picnic, leisurely walk, swim in Oak Creek, or play with your dogs. There is a lot of open area with grass, picnic tables, and benches. All of this with the beautiful backdrop of Cathedral Rock. This is also a vortex site and a sacred area in Native American history.

    Picture of Cathedral Hill in Sedona, Arizona.

    My favorite thing to do is to visit after it rains and take pictures of all the reflections in the puddles. You have to find the perfect angle to see them.

    ALWAYS be careful after a rain, pay attention to the news, and ask questions before you go. Even when the rain stops, the runoff can be very dangerous and catch you by surprise.

    The staff and owners at The Hike House are super helpful. They will answer any questions and make sure you are geared up correctly for your hike. It’s important to be prepared even if you think the hike will be short.

    Another great resource is the Sedona Hiking App. This app gives you all the details of each hike, directions to the trailheads, and a map to follow as you hike. You can also search by the difficulty of the hike. For more details about Sedona, visit the official Sedona Tourism Site – visitsedona.com

    If you’re looking for other fun things to do besides hiking, visit my blog post HERE.

    Enjoy your travels!

    Please don’t hesitate to email me with questions.

    ©What Stirs Your Soul Media

  • Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park Southern Utah

    Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park Southern Utah

    Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Southern Utah is a natural, 3,730 acre, beautiful “sandbox” that opened in 1963. The dunes were created by the erosion of the nearby Navajo sandstone cliffs. As a result, the sand is a unique bright orangish pink color that pops against the blue skies.

    Coral Pink Sand Dunes Views

    There is something fun to do for everyone at Coral Pink Sand Dunes, including dogs. We explore, hike, take pictures of the ever-changing landscapes, and love watching our footprints disappear in the wind moments after leaving them. The elevation is 6000 feet, and the sand is deep. As a result, we tire quicker than we expect, especially being flatlanders. 😉

    Things to do at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

    Rent a sand sled, ATV, or Dune Buggie for some adrenaline-pumping fun, or schedule a repelling tour in the park. Have a picnic, walk and read all the signage to learn more about the native plants and animals, or relax at the overlook, taking in all the sights. Dogs are welcome if kept on a 6-foot leash. Our dog had a blast running, playing, and watching all the ATVs driving up and down the dunes.

    Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is open 7 days a week during daylight hours. The entrance fee is $8.00 and camping is $20 a night.

    Look how small the people look! It gives you perspective on the size of the dunes. Don’t forget your backpack with water and snacks.

    hiking coral pink sand dunes state park
    sand boarding southern utah

    Sand sledding.

    sand sledding southern utah

    Read about our favorite pet-friendly hotel is Southern Utah, Best Friends Roadhouse and Kanab’s Best Restaurants. All are less than 30 miles from Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.

    To help plan your next trip to Southern Utah, visitsouthernutah.com. You can also search my blog using the words Kanab or Southern Utah.

    ©What Stirs Your Soul Media

  • Glamping – Yellowstone National Park

    Glamping – Yellowstone National Park

    Glamping Yellowstone National Park

    We turned off Highway 20 in West Yellowstone onto a dirt road and drove under the log archway for Bar N Ranch. We could see the canvas tents in the distance of this beautiful, secluded, wide-open space. There were pops of colorful wildflowers, horses running in the pasture and the mountains layering the horizon. From that moment, we knew we were in for a unique camping experience.

    The Under Canvas Yellowstone safari-inspired glamping accommodations are located on the Bar N Ranch property and are only 10 minutes from the West entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas
    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas
    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas

    Luxury Camping Experience at Under Canvas Yellowstone

    We checked in at the lobby tent which is open 24 hours a day and offers coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and a happy hour in the evening. This is a high-end camping experience so our service expectations were high and were exceeded from check-in to check-out. The lobby tent is also filled with cozy couches and blankets, fun oversized swings, board games, albums and a record player, plus a little store. There is an awesome patio with beautiful lights to enjoy the views.

    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas
    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas

    Parking from the individual tents is a good distance so the staff meets you at your parking location with a golf cart to bring all your belongings to your tent. We stayed in the Safari tent which comes with a king-size bed and wood-burning stove. The community bathrooms (with private stalls, hot showers, flushing toilets, and sinks) are very nice and clean. There are plenty of stalls so there was no waiting.

    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas
    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas

    The Deluxe, Stargazer, and Suite tents have their own ensuite bathrooms plus private decks. They also offer tents for larger families that include an adjacent hive for extra beds and space.

    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas

    We arrived just as a storm was moving through and we were fortunate to see a rainbow. The sunsets in West Yellowstone, Montana are incredible and when the sky turns dark, the milky way lights up the big sky.

    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas
    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas

    Where to Eat and Things to Do while Glamping Yellowstone National Park

    Dinner is served at the Bar N Ranch restaurant with a nice variety of options. We had the Fries with Trio of Dips, Pan-Roasted Trout, and Bruschetta Grilled Chicken.

    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas
    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas
    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas
    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas

    After dinner, you can enjoy s’mores around the campfire or relax in a hammock. There’s also volleyball, horseshoes, and badminton. You can rest, play, or plan your adventures at Yellowstone National Park.

    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas

    The resident fox greeted us early in the morning as we walked over to the lobby tent for coffee!

    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas
    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas

    The breakfast buffet is included in the rate and also served at the Bar N Ranch. It was a lovely chilly morning and all the smoke from the wood-burning stoves created a fantastic view.

    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas
    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas

    Ranch reflections…

    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas

    After breakfast, we walked down to the other hammock hangout by the river.

    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas
    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas
    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas

    Thank you, Under Canvas, for such an easy and unique camping experience! And for all of the small touches and customer service. We look forward to seeing you again!

    Glamping Yellowstone National Park Under Canvas

    Learn more at Under Canvas Yellowstone. Enjoy the road!

    If you’re a fellow Minnesotan or visiting, here is one of our favorite unique camping experiences locally – Whitetail Woods Regional Park.

    Originally posted on September 3, 2019.

    © What Stirs Your Soul Media

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