nature – Vacation Vagabonds

A Local’s Guide to Visiting the Washington, DC Cherry Blossoms

March 10, 2020March 10, 2020vacationvagabonds

Cherry blossom season in Washington, DC is a much anticipated time in the nation’s capital signifying the start of spring. The cherry blossoms are one of the biggest tourist attraction to the nation’s capital with over 1.5 million visitors.

Every year, the National Park Service predicts the much anticipated “peak bloom,” which is the period when 70% of cherry blossoms flower along the Tidal Basin. NPS has updated information for the latest. Peak bloom varies annually depending on weather conditions. The most likely time to reach peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April, but if you visit DC outside this time frame, you may still catch sight of blossoms around the city. With self-guided walks to admire the blossoms up close plus lots of related events throughout the capital, cherry blossom season in DC will be sure to capture your heart.

Planning Ahead & Getting to the Blossoms

When it comes to one of the busiest times of years in DC, earlier is typically better (booking accommodations, visiting in the early morning, etc.). Plan accordingly!

The highest concentration of cherry blossom trees is along the Tidal Basin, which is a narrow path on the National Mall near the Martin Luther King, Jr. and Thomas Jefferson Memorials. Given the high volume of tourists, walking is the least stressful if it is an option. Metro to the Smithsonian (blue/silver/orange lines) or L’Enfant (blue/silver/orange & green/yellow lines) stations or bus to West Basin Drive near Independence Avenue SW. Enter the Tidal Basin area path from anywhere. Keep in mind that the area by the MLK Memorial is typically the most crowded. Equally beautiful spots can be found on the opposite side of the basin near the Jefferson Memorial.

If you want to take a break from walking, hop in a paddle boat from Tidal Basin Paddle Boats (1501 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024) — see photo bombers in background below.

Cherry Blossom Activities

The Cherry Blossom Festival is March 20 – April 12, 2020 and is full of events that honor both American and Japanese cultures. Highlights of the festival include the Blossom Kite Festival, which sees hundreds of kites take to the sky on the National Mall, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, and Petalpalooza.

In addition to the official festival, there are lots of other special events and drink and food specials around town to celebrate. One of our favorite cherry blossom related experiences is the seasonal exhibit at Artechouse, an art space displaying interactive technology. Bonus: sip on a creatively themed drink at their augmented reality bar. Restaurants and bars will also be getting in on the fun with themed food, drinks, and decor.

Etiquette

DO NOT TOUCH THE BLOSSOMS. Really, please don’t. The flowers are very delicate and only last for a short time. The blooms die a lot faster when people touch them. You may see others touching the blossoms or branches, but please be respectful and do not touch so that others can continue to enjoy. OK, we’re done.

It will be crowded throughout the city and especially near the cherry blossom trees, so be courteous and mindful as you snap photos away to your heart’s content!

Fun facts about Washington, DC’s cherry blossoms

The first donation of 2,000 trees, received in 1910, was burned on orders from President William Howard Taft. Insects and disease had infested the gift, but after hearing about the plight of the first batch, the Japanese mayor sent another 3,020 trees to DC two years later.
First Lady Helen Herron Taft planted the first tree in West Potomac Park. Many First Ladies, including Mamie Eisenhower, Lady Bird Johnson, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush, have officially commemorated the blossoms. On March 27, 2012, Michelle Obama took up the cause by planting a cherry tree to mark the centennial of the blossoms.
One of the earliest recorded peak blooms occurred on March 15, 1990, while the latest recorded peak bloom occurred on April 18, 1958.
The majority of the cherry blossom trees around the Tidal Basin are of the Yoshino variety. But another species, the Kwanzan, usually blooms two weeks after the Yoshino trees, giving visitors a second chance to catch the blossoms.

Tell us what you think? Any other questions about the DC Cherry Blossom Festival or visiting DC in general? Leave us a comment!

Planning the Perfect Trip to Yellowstone

July 17, 2019July 17, 2019vacationvagabonds

Morning steam rising from thermal features, an erupting geyser in the distance. Bison herds grazing across the plain. The occasional bear lumbering in the woods, pawing through fallen logs for insects. Cascading waterfalls plunging into a rising, hissing fog. Yellowstone is a magical place, full of beauty, wonder, and wildlife. There’s nothing like visiting this national treasure. Follow these tips to plan your Yellowstone trip like a pro.

Decide how to get there.

Whether you’re driving your own vehicle, renting one, or going with a tour group, this will be a huge factor in what you will be able to do or see in Yellowstone. Driving yourself will allow more freedom to make stops and detours as you please, while going with a group organized by a tour company allows you to relax and absorb your surroundings.

Go off grid.

Cell service is very limited in Yellowstone, so plan ahead to ensure you have what you need while in the park. Download the Yellowstone map and new app ahead of time as well as anything else you may need to access. Before arriving, in the app, select the “Settings” option and tap the choice “Download Offline Content” in order to access most of the app’s features while out of service range. Lastly, pick up a hard copy of the map for free at a park entrance or any visitor center for back up. Visitor centers typically also have some cell signal and pay phones.

Photo by ian dooley on Unsplash

Plan ahead.

If you want to overnight in Yellowstone at one of the lodging options, plan to make a reservation at least a year in advance. Even campsites quickly fill up. If you are having trouble finding availability, check back daily, as people frequently cancel reservations as plans change, or consider doing a long, full day and staying outside the park near one of the five entry points where there are more accommodation options.

Pack a picnic.

While there are some nice places to eat in the park, they can be crowded and eat into your time that could be otherwise spent exploring. There are plenty of picnic areas located throughout the park where you can pull off and enjoy a homemade lunch or snack along a beautiful river or overlook.

Photo by Lucie Capkova on Unsplash

Look for wildlife along the way.

Part of the fun of exploring Yellowstone is the opportunities for wildlife sightings. Keep a sharp lookout for bears, bison, elk, and more throughout the drive, especially in the middle and north parts of the park. Early morning and evening are prime animal-viewing hours. Remember to keep a safe distance from all animals, even if they appear docile. The National Park Service asks visitors to keep 100 yards between themselves and bears and wolves and at least 25 yards for everything else.

Consider human and wildlife traffic.

These can create delays in your itinerary. While ambitious travelers could feasibly drive the entire loop in one day, it is a very long day of driving, and these unexpected traffic jams can add delays to your trip.

Have more questions? Comment below and we’ll be happy to reply!

The West Texas Bucket List

August 19, 2017August 19, 2017vacationvagabonds

Your guide to the top things to do and see in West Texas.

Davis Mountains – Far west Texas isn’t just open desert like the movies would have you believe. Explore Davis Mountains State Park’s miles of trails, camping, and informational programming… More

McDonald Observatory – The stars at night are extra big and bright at this West Texas mountaintop observatory. Hundreds of miles from bright city lights, the McDonald Observatory offers unbeatable star gazing… More

The Gage Hotel – This historic desert oasis in Marathon, TX was voted among the top Texas hotels by Condé Nast. Talk about old country charm!… More

Marfa – In this tiny West Texas town, there’s a Gram-worthy photo around practically every corner that is sure to elicit jealousy from friends… More

Alpine – Explore the town of Alpine, located between Marfa and Marathon. Catch a semi-pro Cowboys baseball game at historic Kokernot Field… More

Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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Star Gazing at McDonald Observatory

August 19, 2017August 19, 2017vacationvagabonds

The stars at night are extra big and bright at this West Texas mountaintop observatory. Hundreds of miles from bright city lights, the McDonald Observatory offers stargazers unbeatable views. Plan your visit around catching a Star Party where you’ll have access to outdoor telescopes at the observatory’s park and an interactive overview of the night sky. Star Parties are offered on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Dress warmly with layers because nighttime temps dip, even in the summer. Daytime activities are also offered if you’re not a night owl.

Weather conditions can quickly change near the observatory, so if the skies are overcast in the morning, things may clear up by evening. If it happens to be cloudy during your visit, you’ll be offered alternative programming indoors, or you may be able to reschedule.

Stay the night at accommodations close to the observatory. Options include Indian Lodge, or for the more adventurous, pitch a tent at Davis Mountains State Park.

Nearby things to do:

Davis Mountains

The Gage Hotel

Marfa

Alpine

Alpine, Texas: “The Last Frontier”

August 19, 2017August 19, 2017vacationvagabonds

Explore the town of Alpine, located between Marfa and Marathon. Get a sense of place at Stylle Read’s wall mural Big Brewster outside of the Kiowa Gallery. This mural portrays notable town figures including visionaries such as Everett Townsend who spearheaded the creation of Big Bend National Park, successful rancher Herbert Kokernot who established the Alpine Cowboys baseball club in 1946, and local celebs such as Dan Blocker who became better known as Hoss Cartwright on the“Bonanza” TV series also appear in the mural. Keep an eye out for more murals scattered throughout Alpine.

Catch a semi-pro Alpine Cowboys baseball game at historic Kokernot Field during the season that runs from May through August. With inexpensive tickets, a boisterous local crowd, the Davis Mountains as the field’s backdrop and brews from nearby Big Bend Brewing Co., you’re guaranteed to have a good time. Fun fact: the 06 symbol found throughout the park tie in to the Kokernot family’s cattle branding from back in the day. Not in town during baseball season? You can still visit the field’s exterior intricate ironwork.

The Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross University is worth a visit. The Big Bend Legacy exhibit gives visitors deep insight into the natural and human histories of the region. Other temporary rotating exhibits include Terry Cockerham’s “Big Bend and the Terlingua Project” and “Early Education and the Annual Summer Normal in Alpine.” Admission to all exhibits is free!

Nearby things to do:

McDonald Observatory

The Gage Hotel

Marfa

Davis Mountains

The Davis Mountains in West Texas

August 18, 2017August 19, 2017vacationvagabonds

Far west Texas isn’t just open desert like Hollywood movies would have you believe. The Davis Mountains rise up above the open plain and exposing interesting rock formations along the canyon walls. Explore Davis Mountains State Park‘s miles of trails, camping, and informational Ranger programming. Trails range from easy stroll to challenging, offering something for every level of hiker. Remember to bring plenty of water on hikes, and keep in mind that burn bans may be in effect during your visit, so plan accordingly. For those looking for further hiking and camping, the Davis Mountains also serve as a gateway to nearby Big Bend State Park.

Checking information boards near the entrance of any park or campsite will give valuable information, such as check-in/out procedures, information on burn bans if applicable, maps of the area, and more.

We enjoyed a ranger programming event on our visit with a costumed Civilian Conservation Corps soldier. He discussed events of the particular time period and demonstrated what soldiers would have carried with them to set up camp. Check upcoming Ranger events before you go.

The McDonald Observatory is a short 15-20 minute drive away from Davis Mountains State Park. Plan to work this into your West Texas travels–it’s an incredible experience!

Other nearby things to do:

McDonald Observatory

The Gage Hotel

Marfa

Alpine

Check out more hiking inspo from our trip to Jackson Hole.

Top 5 Reasons to Ski Taos

February 11, 2017May 24, 2017vacationvagabonds

Quick Facts

Located in Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico
Elevation: 9,206 ft – 12,481 ft
Some of the best terrain in North America

1) Amazing terrain. With 300+ inches of annual snowfall and 1,294 acres of skiable terrain, the Taos Ski Valley slopes offer over 100 runs. Skiers enjoy light, dry powder, interesting terrain (including steep shoots, big bumps and challenging tree glades) and essentially no wait for lift lines, even during busier times.

2) Do a ski week. Al’s Run looming over the base area may intimidate skiers, but there’s plenty of skiable terrain for all levels. Take advantage of Taos Ski Valley’s renowned ski school and sign up for lessons. You’ll enjoy tailored instruction and perfect technical skiing skills on some slopes that may have been too difficult to tackle on your own. Overlap your visit with an Adult Snowsports Week and get 6 two-hour morning lessons in addition to “tech talk” evenings.

3) Affordability. Reasonable flights and hotel rates make this destination a no brainer. Lift tickets start from $54 if purchased online, and accommodations are just as affordable. Stay 10 min from Ski Valley in the unique town of Taos for as little as $60 per night. Hotel rates at the base of the mountain won’t take a chunk out of your paycheck either. We loved our chalet-style room at Alpine Village Suites and soaked our sore muscles after long days of skiing in the outdoor hot tub and sauna.

3) Nearby day trips. Easy day trips from Taos Ski Valley include Taos Pueblo, Rio Grande Gorge, and Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa to name a few. Santa Fe is only a couple hours away and on the way to Taos if you’re flying out of Albuquerque. Stop over in Sante Fe for jewelry shopping, pueblo architecture, native history, and delicious food. We stopped at the well-known restaurant Cafe Pasqual’s, nestled into a pueblo style building off the main square.

4) Bustling art scene. The town of Taos has a rich art history with notable artists having settled in the area, drawn to the region’s “drama of vast spaces.” Pop into an art gallery and marvel at the local artists’ talents.

5) Come for the slopes, stay for the memories. When planning our ski trip to Taos, there were plenty of articles boasting about the fantastic skiing. What we weren’t prepared for was the local culture of hospitality experienced throughout our visit. Everyone we interacted with, from ski shop employees and ski patrol to fellow skiers, was incredibly friendly. We even made some new friends sitting out by the fire pit at the base. We’ll definitely be back soon, Taos!

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Yellowstone

September 27, 2016September 27, 2016vacationvagabonds

We’ve visited Yellowstone dozens of times and have spent enough time in this park to consider ourselves professional Yellowstone tourists. We’ve compiled a list of the top reasons why you should plan your trip to Yellowstone!

yellowstone-entrance — Southern entrance to Yellowstone National Park

Only place in the world where can you see so many thermal features

Yellowstone contains half the world’s geothermal features and over 300 geysers. Grand Prismatic Spring pumps out over 4,000 gallons of water every minute, making it the largest hot springs in North America. Old Faithful is the most famous of the Yellowstone geysers thanks to its “faithful” timing; this geyser erupts regularly every 60-110 minute. Three of my personal favorite thermal features are Black Pool, Morning Glory Pool, and Castle Geyser. Our favorite geyser basins are West Thumb Basin and the Old Faithful area.

Vagabond tip: Download the National Park Service’s geyser app for up to date eruption predictions to time your routes around geysers accordingly. This was invaluable during our last visit to the park!

morning-glory-pool — Morning Glory Pool at Old Faithful

To see native animals in their natural habitats

Lots of open space which is also the perfect environment for other wildlife including elk, deer, moose, pronghorn, wolves, and more. The Yellowstone bison herd is the oldest and largest public bison herd in the U.S. Bison roam freely througout the park, and you may see at least a couple from the side of the road. Visitors seek out Lamar and Hayden Valley in particular for these areas’ large number of animal sightings. Wolves were only recently reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995 after being absent from the park for seven decades and are a big attraction.

Vagabond tip: Always be alert driving through the park, as you never know what animals you may sight from your vehicle. And never approach wildlife, even if they look peaceful–they can be unpredictable and may charge without warning.

DCIM101GOPRO — Elk in front of Mammoth Hotel

Camp under the stars

Have you ever seen the Milky Way with your own naked eyes? Grab a sleeping bag, pitch a tent, and star gaze in Yellowstone. The park offers several campsites, or if you’re an adventurous sort, take your gear backpacking to get away from the crowds. We camped out along a scenic river in between tall pine trees, but it was the view of the stars at night that took our breath away.

Milky Way (unsplash).jpg — Milky Way (Unsplash)

Visit the only supervolcano on land in the world

There are only 30 active super volcanoes in the world, and the Yellowstone Caldera is the only one in North America, and is also the only one located on land. Did you know that the entire area of the park is located on top of this gigantic volcano that stretches about 34 by 45 miles (55 by 72 km)? So cool!

old-faithful-boardwalk — Walking along the Old Faithful boardwalk trail

Experience a part of history

Signed into law by Congress in 1872, Yellowstone was the first national park in U.S. history. Yellowstone’s history begins much earlier than that though, with Native American tribes in the area for centuries who were followed by pioneers traveling west. Many iconic greats in American history have left a footprint on the park since it was established. President Roosevelt laid down the first cornerstone of the Roosevelt arch located at the northern entrance in Gardiner, which is inscribed with a quote from the legislation which created Yellowstone.

Vagabond tip: It’s fun to stroll some of the tourist shops along the Gardiner main street with an ice cream cone of some of the best we’ve ever had!

roosevelt-arch — At the Roosevelt Arch located in Gardiner, Montana. “For the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”

Take a hike

Explore the back country of some of America’s most beautiful land. We recommend breaking up full days of driving with at least one hike to stretch and go exploring off the park’s paved roads. Some interesting hikes are Uncle Tom’s Trail, which is short but steep and descends 500 feet toward the base of the Lower Falls, and Mystic Falls, which is a moderate 2.5 mile hike and gives you an overlook of Biscuit Basin.

Vagabond tip: Safety first! Always carry bear spray and make noise throughout hike. Park rangers also suggest that hikers travel in groups of three or more. (P.S. Check out our favorite NPS Rangers, Christina Warburg’s Instagram account @christinaadelephoto for some of the most beautiful photos of U.S. national parks and interesting anecdotes.

91jutauskamh2yjb1c4a_img_9284 — Hiking (Unsplash)

Artistic inspiration

Inspiring landscape and wildlife sure to spark wonderment at all of the sheer natural beauty. Even the drives are stunning with roads skirting cliffs with canyons and rivers coursing below, waterfalls at bridge outlooks, and always scanning for a glimpse of wildlife. The park attracts artists from all over the world seeking inspiration. It’s no surprise, then, that one of the most iconic views of the yellow stone of the canyon is aptly named Artist Point.

Old Faithful Inn

Experience one of the most interesting American architectural feats for yourself. Old Faithful is constructed of lodge pole pine and looks like a giant wooden cabin. It was built in a unique style in its conception and inspired an entirely new architecture genre, National Park Service rustic. No two windows are alike, with the architect intending the building to reflect the non-parallel symmetry of nature. Another interesting feature of the Inn is the Crows Nest. Grab a spot on the outdoor deck facing Old Faithful geyser for the geyser’s nearly hourly entertainment. In the evenings, grab a drink and settle in for live music in evenings.

Soak in a natural hot tub

Ditch the spa for a dip in one of Mother Nature’s hot tubs. Most of the park’s thermal areas are way too hot to touch, but a few places are safe for a dip. We were thrilled to visit Boiling River just north of Mammoth Hot Springs, where hot springs enter Gardner River to create an enthralling experience. Imagine one side of your body icy cold from the mountain river, and the other half steeping in steaming water from hot springs. Winter visitors can also visit Boiling River, since the northern entrance from Gardiner into the park is open through the park’s colder months.

Gardiner River.jpeg — Hot springs converging with Gardiner River at Boiling River

Great trout fishing

Trout Fishermen claim Yellowstone to have some of the best fishing in the U.S. Test your skills and fling a cast into Yellowstone Lake or Madison River for either fly or lure fishing. Yellowstone waters are home to sizable native cutthroat, brown trout, rainbow trout and brook trout.

yellowstone_cutthroat_trout-by-waldemarpaetz — Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Waldemarpaetz, Wikicommons)

Make lasting memories

Reconnect with yourself, friends, and family in nature. Yellowstone is the perfect place to make lasting, timeless memories. Stephanie’s family has been visiting Yellowstone for decades, and we’re already planning our next trip to Yellowstone together!

*All pictures are our own unless stated otherwise.

Hiking Bradley-Taggart Lake Loop

September 21, 2016September 22, 2016vacationvagabonds

Distance: 5.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 585 ft

Difficulty: moderate

The Bradley-Taggart Lake loop is a phenomenal moderate half-day hike with stunning views of the Tetons throughout. The loop visits two of the six glacially-formed lakes that lie at the base of the Teton Range. We started from Taggart Lake Trailhead that took us along a bubbling mountain creek and dense aspen groves with some leaves just starting to transform the trail into autumn. The trail leveled out with terrain changing from forest to clearings.

The glass surface of Bradley Lake mirroring the mountains looming over the distant shore was mesmerizing. Low wind conditions and sunny skies made for the perfect photo op! By this point, we had befriended a couple from Ohio visiting the national parks for the first time. They kept us company for practically the rest of the hike and shared lots of laughs. Props to JJ for this shot of us!

We continued uphill to reach the second glacial lake: Taggart. After a couple miles of incline we reached the overlook which sits a couple hundred feet above the lake. Sadly, our new friends decided to return to the trailhead, while we opted to continue a little farther to find the perfect picnic spot. The extra distance was well worth it! We were rewarded with a boulder nestled on the shore overlooking the deep blue and green water. Feeling content from our tranquil perch, we lounged soaking in the views for the better part of two hours.

We retraced our steps back towards Bradley Lake since the bridge connecting the loop was out. Nearing the end of our hike, we found a clearing with a panorama that tugged on Stephanie’s need to bust out some yoga moves from a boulder.

Also, Brandon was challenged to a Macarena dance off. And won.

Top Things to Do in Jackson Hole

September 17, 2016September 22, 2016vacationvagabonds

By: Stephanie Keinz

Jackson Hole is a western town nestled in between the Teton Mountain Range and Gros Ventre Range. I’ve spent summers in Jackson for as long as I can remember, and always find fun new things each year. Here are some of my favorite classic Jackson Hole must-do’s in town.

Window shop on the Town Square

Dozens of tourist and specialty shops line the streets surrounding the Town Square, making it a perfect way to spend the afternoon. Some of our favorite touristy shops include Shirt Off My Back, Skinny Skis, and Jackson Trading Company. Most unique store on the square goes to By Nature Gallery which features fossils, meteorites, petrified wood, and gorgeous gems worked into jewelry pieces. Most recently, the store displayed a giant sloth foot and triceratops skull. It’s like walking into a museum with pieces you can take home…if you can afford it! For those daring to go off the beaten track and do some thrifting, there are some great hidden gems just off the square. Browse & Buy (associated with the Episcopal Church next door) offers an assortment of used clothes, books, and sports equipment. We’ve picked up a great hiking backpack there, and if you’re lucky, you can find great deals on skis and snowboards in the off season.

Western shoot out

The Jackson Hole Shootout has been a Wyoming tradition since 1957. Unaware spectators wandering the Square may be caught off guard by smoking gunfire, runaway horse-drawn wagons, and cowboys running along rooftops. The shoot out is put on by actors at the Jackson Hole Playhouse every summer evening, except Sundays. As the locals put it, there’s no shootin’ on Sundays!

*Fun fact: The Shootout is the longest, continuously running gunfight in the United States with an estimated 4 million spectators over the years.

Wander art galleries

Marvel at impressive western-inspired artwork, of which there’s no shortage. Jackson boasts over 25 art galleries, all with a unique flair. Many galleries join up for monthly Art Walks and other events to provide drinks and appetizers while you cruise the local art scene. My favorite gallery that I return to year after year is Altamira Fine Art (@altamirafineart). Altamira always has some gorgeous color-infused Nieto paintings (my absolute favorite) and other emerging and established artists. You can also drop by legendary nature photographer Thomas Mangelsen’s (@thomasdmangelsen) Images of Nature gallery to view his iconic work.