I can’t believe it’s September! Fall blew (literally—we had a huge wind and rain storm) into Seattle over the weekend and I can’t disguise my disappointment. We had over 40 days of 80 degree weather this summer and it was glorious. It seems nerdy that I know this, but everyone is talking about it because it broke a record! Summers are usually much milder (read: cooler), so this was a wonderful and fully welcomed anomaly.
To keep with the summer spirit, I want to share some pics of my recent vacation to Wyoming! I went on a road trip to Jackson, Wyoming, and camped in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Even though I’m a Wyoming native and I’ve visited all of those places many times, I felt like I appreciated it a lot more this time around. Maybe it’s because I’ve been gone for a long time, or my two-hour daily commute in the city is slowly killing me, or else I just really needed a break after a busy summer of blogging and fauxdori-making (the shop’s open, btw! Click HERE to check it out). I highly recommend adding this spot to your bucket list—it’s absolutely gorgeous, life is slow and meandery, and there’s no cell service or Wi-Fi in many areas, so you can totally unplug. YESSSSS.
Here a little recap of the trip. I have three-part series planned in the spring that focuses on the best things to see and do. But for now, here’s a little eye candy to get you pondering your next vacation. 😉
Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson is definitely a tourist town, but in a cute and quaint Western way. There are hundreds of people milling around the small downtown and town square every day, and the people watching is second to none. People travel from around the world to visit and it’s definitely entertaining. You’ll find lots of souvenir shops, beautiful art galleries, upscale boutiques, and world-class dining (really!). There’s even a shootout every night in the square! Talk about Old West. The downside: the customer service left a lot to be desired.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is just 13 miles from Jackson. This park is the home of the famous Grand Teton mountain range. It’s absolutely breathtaking. It’s also home to my favorite lake, Jenny Lake, a beautiful and serene lake at the bottom of the range. You can easily spend several days exploring the park–there are lots of beautiful stops–and a lot of wildlife too.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a short 9 miles from Grand Teton National Park! It’s the first national park in the world. It sits on the Yellowstone Caldera, which is considered an active supervolcano. The park is AMAZING. I have no words to really express the beauty of this place. The mix of forests, lakes and rivers, geothermal hot springs, geysers and mud volcanoes, amazing canyons, and animals is simply mind-boggling. It really feels as if you’re on another planet. The park has restored old buildings such as the Old Faithful Inn and the park headquarters that are reminiscent of old times, which I’m a sucker for, and adds to the otherworldly, time warpy feeling. And the gift shops? They have ONE MILLION gift shops. And I went to nearly every one. You know, in case one had something different than the others. 😉
I sincerely hope I put a bug in your ear to consider a vacation to Wyoming! In the spring, I’ll talk about the top things to see and do, and how to visit on a budget. It’s doable—if you’re willing to camp. I did and I’m not even a big camper!! I think I had more fun camping, and I experienced things only camping would allow–like sleeping under the crazy beautiful starry night sky.
Have a wonderful week! And look for a free printable on Friday! xo
