Exploring the World’s Most Beautiful Places: A Journey Through Home Away from Home
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to call some of the world’s most stunning places home: Aspen, Colorado, Lake Tahoe, California, St. John in the Virgin Islands, Southeast Alaska, Maine, Utah, Boston, NYC—and, depending on who you ask, maybe even Los Angeles. Each place captivated my spirit and holds a special place in my heart. But there was a downside: I rarely had visitors while living in these amazing places.
Memorable Family Visits and Missed Moments
My parents once visited me in New York City, and we had a blast exploring the city together. My sister spent a summer with me in Aspen in 1994. Two close friends visited in LA, and five others eventually moved there, and we all shared a place. Good times! My parents were also set to visit me in St. John, USVI, in the spring of 2020, but as we all know, COVID-19 had other plans.
Of course, not everyone can just pack up and go on vacation. Life, routines, and responsibilities can keep us all tied down. Over time, I started realizing just how many moments, events, and laughs I’d missed with family and friends. It’s something I’ve struggled with.
Prioritizing Family Visits: A Caribbean and Utah Connection
As I get older, sharing these beautiful places with my parents has become a top priority. I’ve found a sweet spot in the Caribbean during hurricane season, when my boat is docked, allowing me time to visit New England and reconnect with family. The rest of the time, I’m in Utah, surrounded by breathtaking natural wonders, and spending time with my lovely lady.
Guiding My Parents Through Utah’s Wonders
Back in 1994, my first view of Utah was after a long nighttime drive from Aspen. If we had avatars back then, mine would’ve been stumbling out of a tent, mind blown like it was the 4th of July. Utah is packed with natural treasures. This year, I convinced my parents to join me for a five-day mid-September getaway in Utah. Once they agreed, I booked direct flights from Boston to Salt Lake City.
Family Introductions and Exploring the Manti-La Sal National Forest
The plan went off without a hitch. My parents met my lady’s family, we cheered on her youngest daughter at a tennis match, and took a quick drive to the mountains of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. We explored the site where they discovered a Columbian mammoth, strolled around Fairview Lake, marveled at the aspen grove, and visited the Fairview Museum of History and Art, home to the mammoth display and a unique collection of seashells, rocks, art, and antique farm equipment.
A Road Trip Through Utah’s Scenic Byways
On Friday, we set out for Bryce Canyon, where we’d spend the night before continuing through Grand Staircase-Escalante and Capitol Reef National Park. Utah’s Route 89 offers breathtaking scenery and access to some of the state’s most awe-inspiring landscapes, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument.
Stops Along the Way: Fremont Indian State Park and Big Rock Candy Mountain
Our first stop was Fremont Indian State Park and Museum, where we walked trails and admired ancient petroglyphs. In the museum, I even made a little cornmeal—a fun nod to ancient traditions. We continued, passing Big Rock Candy Mountain and stopping at Butch Cassidy’s childhood home, where we tried unripe pears from the backyard tree (not recommended).
After cruising through parts of the Dixie National Forest, we reached Red Canyon, with its striking red rocks and iconic arch. My favorite part of this stretch is where the black volcanic rock meets the red stone—a geological spectacle that’s truly awe-inspiring. We paused to appreciate the vivid color contrast.
Exploring Bryce Canyon’s Majestic Views
After settling into Bryce Canyon Resort, we ventured into the park to take in its breathtaking colors and formations. I’d booked the rooms in advance but was disappointed to see they were $30 cheaper on Expedia that very night, and Best Western had even lower rates. Lesson learned: don’t check last-minute deals after booking in advance.
Once we got past the minor room disappointment, we dove into exploring Bryce Canyon. Starting from Bryce Point, we worked our way north, visiting major viewpoints accessible by car, spending around 45 minutes at each.
Sunset Point and Thor’s Hammer
Our visit to Sunset Point coincided with the soft glow of evening light, casting the hoodoos in an enchanting orange hue. This point holds a special place in my heart, especially with Thor’s Hammer standing tall. Sunset Point also marks the start of the Navajo Trail to Queens Garden, one of my favorite hikes.
Magical Sunset and Stargazing Over Bryce Canyon
We ended our day back in the park, witnessing the last rays of sunlight disappear over the horizon. It was magical as the stars and planets gradually emerged. We even counted double-digit shooting stars—a fitting close to an unforgettable day.
After hours of stargazing, we returned to our hotel to rest, sore but fulfilled from a day of adventure.
Sunrise and Short Hikes at Sunrise Point
The next day, with coffee and hot chocolate from Valhalla Coffee Shop, we returned to Sunrise Point to enjoy the morning light over the canyon. My lady and I hiked down part of the Navajo Loop Trail for a short but incredible experience, surrounded by the canyon’s vibrant colors. I convinced my parents to join us for a short walk to experience the beauty up close.
Scenic Drive Through Grand Staircase and Capitol Reef
After a quick breakfast at Rustler’s Restaurant, we headed out, taking Scenic Byway 12 through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to Capitol Reef National Park. The ever-changing landscape and stunning colors make Scenic Byway 12 a journey worth every mile. We paused at overlooks like Head of the Rock, Calf Creek Viewpoint, and Homestead Overlook before wrapping up our journey.
Cherishing Family Connections on the Road
Our lives often get wrapped up in routines, work, and responsibilities. This recent road trip through Utah’s stunning landscapes with my parents reminded me of the joy in family connections. This journey started with a map, an idea, and my loved ones by my side.
Plan Your Next Adventure!
Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, exploring beautiful landscapes can create memories that last a lifetime. So, don’t wait for the “right time.” Pack your bags, grab a map, and make it happen! Adventure awaits, and the beauty of nature is out there, waiting for you to discover it.