Blaise Across America
Find some of our favorite spots documented below
National Parks
Petrified Forest National Park: No Forest But Plenty of Old Logs
Located near Holbrook, Arizona, and a stop along Route 66, Petrified Forest National Park offers a unique and fascinating glimpse into prehistoric times and is renowned for its extensive deposits of petrified wood.
White Sands National Park: A Sledder’s Paradise
Nestled in the heart of southern New Mexico, White Sands National Park is a surreal and captivating destination that stands out among America’s natural wonders. Famous for its expansive gypsum sand dunes that sparkle under the desert sun, the park offers a truly unique experience for everyone.
Saguaro National Park: East vs. West – Which Side is Better?
Saguaro National Park, located in southern Arizona, is a desert landscape home to the iconic saguaro cactus. The park offers a unique combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and educational opportunities that make it an ideal destination for everyone.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park: No Reservation, No Entry!
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, located in the Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico, offers a breathtaking underground landscape perfect for an adventurous family outing. This national park can be explored easily with kids of every age; ours loved it!
Guadalupe Mountains National Park: A Hiker’s Paradise
Tucked away in West Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Known for its striking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich history, the park offers a wide range of trails for those who like hiking. Within the park is the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef, the four highest peaks in Texas, and an environmentally diverse collection of flora and fauna.
Crater Lake National Park: The Bluest Water You’ll Ever See!
Crater Lake National Park, located in southeast Oregon, is home to the deepest lake in the United States. This breathtaking destination is famous for its crystal-clear blue waters, dramatic cliffs, and ancient volcanic history. The park was established in 1902, making it the fifth oldest national park in the United States.
Grand Teton National Park: Amazing Views and Epic Wildlife
Grand Teton National Park is, a breathtaking destination nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. This guide aims to provide you with an in-depth exploration of the park, offering insights, recommendations, and must-see attractions to enhance your experience
Yellowstone National Park
Picture spouting geysers, vibrant hot springs, verdant forests, and majestic waterfalls—this is just a glimpse of Yellowstone’s natural splendor. However, beyond its breathtaking vistas, Yellowstone offers boundless opportunities for families with young children to immerse themselves in nature and make lasting memories.
Unique Experiences
Prescott’s Frontier Days and Parade: The World’s Oldest Rodeo
Prescott, Arizona, comes alive every summer with the excitement and pageantry of Prescott Frontier Days, the World’s Oldest Rodeo. Established in 1888, this historic event has become a beloved tradition, drawing visitors from near and far to celebrate the rich heritage of the American West. From thrilling rodeo competitions to a festive parade, Prescott Frontier Days offers a week of entertainment, history, and community spirit.
Popular Attactions
Hermann Park – A Family-Friendly Oasis in the Heart of Houston
Nestled in the bustling city of Houston, Hermann Park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and recreational activities. The park spans 445 acres right in the heart of the Museum District. Here you’ll find lush gardens, picturesque lakes, gardens, a zoo, museums, a golf course, and a wonderful playground and splash pad.
National Ranching Heritage Center: How is This Free??
The National Ranching Heritage Center (NRHC) in Lubbock, Texas, offers a captivating journey through the rich history of ranching in the American West. Situated on the Texas Tech University campus, this 27-acre museum and historical park features nearly 50 authentic ranch buildings dating from the late 18th to the mid-20th century. Each structure has been meticulously relocated and restored, providing a vivid portrayal of ranching life over the centuries.
The Little Painted Desert: Abandoned But Not Forgotten
While Winslow is widely known for its famous corner and historic charm, just a short drive north lies a hidden gem that offers a breathtaking natural spectacle: The Little Painted Desert County Park. This often-overlooked destination has stunning vistas, vibrant colors, and a complete lack of tourists getting in your way!
Exploring Route 66 in Arizona: Must-See Stops Along the Way
Route 66, often called the “Mother Road,” is renowned for its historical and cultural significance. Established in 1926, it was one of the first highways in the U.S. Highway System, stretching approximately 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. This iconic route connected rural and urban communities across eight states, making it a crucial transportation artery during the early to mid-20th century. During the Great Depression, it became a key migration path for people escaping the Dust Bowl, symbolizing hope and opportunity as families sought better lives in the West.
White Sands Missile Range Museum and Missile Park: The Secrets Exposed!
Nestled in the heart of New Mexico, the White Sands Missile Range Museum and Missile Park offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of rocketry, space exploration, and military technology. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.
Paisano Pete: World’s Largest Roadrunner (Most of the Time)
As you journey through the vast nothingness of West Texas, there’s a unique roadside attraction that deserves a spot on your travel itinerary: Paisano Pete in Fort Stockton. This larger-than-life roadrunner statue has become an iconic symbol of the town.
Prada Marfa: An Abandoned Prada Store in the Desert?
In the heart of the Texas desert, off a desolate stretch of U.S. Route 90, lies a unique and surprising sight: Prada Marfa. This permanent art installation, designed to resemble a high-end Prada store, stands as a quirky and thought-provoking landmark. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a curious traveler, or simply looking for a unique pitstop, Prada Marfa adds a touch of unexpected charm to any road trip.
Four Corners Monument: Be In Four States At Once!
One of the more unique landmarks you will find in the United States is the Four Corners Monument. This is the only point in the country where the borders of four states—Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado—meet.
San Antonio River Walk: You Can Stand on the Bottom of the River!
The San Antonio Riverwalk is more than just a scenic spot in the heart of the city—it’s the soul of San Antonio. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and endless entertainment options, the Riverwalk is a must-see destination when you’re visiting the city. Whether you’re there to explore its winding pathways, indulge in Tex-Mex cuisine, or simply soak in the lively ambiance, the Riverwalk offers something for everyone.
Hemisfair: A Playground in the Heart of San Antonio
Hemisfair is a sprawling urban park in the heart of downtown San Antonio, Texas, that offers a wide range of activities. It was originally developed for the 1968 World’s Fair and has been transformed into a vibrant public space that combines green areas with cultural attractions and modern amenities.
Biosphere2: A Replica of Biosphere1 Known Better As Planet Earth
Originally conceived as a way to study and develop self-sustaining space colonization technology, Biosphere 2 has evolved into a center for research, education, and public outreach focused on understanding Earth’s complex ecosystems.
Multnomah Falls: Second Tallest Year-Round Waterfall in the USA
Experience the natural wonder of Multnomah Falls in Oregon. Find out how to access the falls, get tips for parking, and discover family-friendly amenities.
Carhenge: An Exact Replica of Stonehenge Made With Cars
Discover the quirky world of Carhenge: a unique attraction in Nebraska that pays homage to Stonehenge with vintage automobiles.
Cool Towns
Taos Pueblo: Still Standing After 1,000 Years
Taos Pueblo is an ancient, continuously inhabited community, that offers a unique glimpse into Native American history and traditions. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
Tombstone, AZ and the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
Nestled in the southeastern corner of Arizona, Tombstone is a town steeped in history and legend. Known as “The Town Too Tough to Die,” Tombstone offers a unique glimpse into the Wild West era with its preserved buildings, historic sites, and vibrant reenactments.
Los Alamos: Secrets of the Manhattan Project
Los Alamos, New Mexico, is a town most known for its pivotal role in the Manhattan Project during World War II. We made a quick stop here after visiting Bandelier National Monument just a few miles down the road. One of the first things you’ll encounter is the Los Alamos Main Gate. This historic site marks the entrance to the once top-secret laboratory where scientists developed the atomic bombs during World War II. Established in 1943, the gate symbolizes the intense secrecy and groundbreaking work that took place in the area.
San Antonio: 24 Hours In The 7th Largest US City
San Antonio, Texas, offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern attractions, making it an ideal stop on any road trip. Whether you’re wandering along the picturesque Riverwalk, exploring historic sites like The Alamo, or enjoying the green spaces and fun-filled activities at Hemisfair, San Antonio provides endless opportunities for adventure!
Historic Sites
Chaco Culture National Historic Park: A Shaky Adventure
Chaco Culture refers to the ancient civilization of the Ancestral Puebloans who inhabited the region now known as Chaco Culture National Historical Park, located in northwestern New Mexico. This culture flourished between approximately 900 and 1150 AD and with some of the structures still standing, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Visiting The Alamo: Has Anyone Found The Basement Entrance?
The Alamo is often referred to as the “Shrine of Texas Liberty” because it was here that a small group of Texan defenders held out against the Mexican army in a 13-day siege during the Texas Revolution. Though the defenders ultimately fell, their sacrifice became a rallying cry for Texan independence, with “Remember the Alamo!” inspiring future victories.
National Monuments
Petroglyph National Monument: Parking is Behind the Valvoline
Petroglyph National Monument, located on the western edge of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a 7,200-acre park and home to one of the largest collections of petroglyphs in North America, with over 25,000 images carved into the volcanic rock by Native Americans and early Spanish settlers.
Aztec Ruins National Monument: Not actually the Aztecs
Despite its name, Aztec Ruins has no connection to the Aztec civilization of Mexico. Early European settlers mistakenly attributed the site to the Aztecs, but the structures were actually built by the Ancestral Puebloans between the 11th and 13th centuries. The monument preserves a large complex of ruins, including a Great House with over 400 rooms, a Great Kiva, and various smaller structures.
Bandelier National Monument: Exploring Cliff Dwellings
Bandelier National Monument is located near Los Alamos, New Mexico. This 33,677-acre monument preserves the homes and artifacts of the Ancestral Puebloans who lived here from approximately 1150 CE to 1550 CE. The park features cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and beautiful landscapes, making it a great stop if you are in the area.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument: A Should-Be National Park
Canyon De Chelly (pronounced “d’SHAY”) is one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes in North America. The canyon has been home to Native American peoples for over 5,000 years, from the ancient Ancestral Puebloans to the modern-day Navajo Nation. The name “Canyon De Chelly” comes from the Navajo word “Tséyi’,” meaning “rock canyon.”