Get your Yellowstone Fix in Wyoming!

By BT Editor
October 6, 2022
Carbon County Wyoming
Carbon County - Courtesy of Carbon County Visitors' Council

Wyoming is the last bastion of the West, where bold, independent and curious spirits are encouraged to forge their own way to adventure both big and small. Wyoming is home to many firsts, including the country’s first national park (Yellowstone), first national monument (Devils Tower) and first national forest (Shoshone). In addition, Wyoming was the first government in the world to guarantee women their inherent right to vote and hold office. These special places, along with other natural wonders like Grand Teton National Park and the Bighorn Mountains as well as Wyoming’s heartfelt cowboy hospitality, welcome millions of visitors annually.

As the weather cools down and blankets of snow begin to cover pristine landscapes, Wyoming becomes a winter wonderland for all types of travelers. With fewer crowds, award-winning ski-resorts, new direct flights and winter events, the Cowboy State offers endless winter experiences. Here is a selection of new and notable this season:

Winter Events

Skijoring
Skijoring at the Sheridan Winter Rodeo - Photo Credit: @sprouseandneuhoff

Skijoring

Rodeo may be Wyoming’s official sport, but skijoring is the state’s unofficial winter sport. It is a uniquely Western athletic and cultural phenomenon combining two of Wyoming’s favorite pastimes: skiing and horseback riding. Travelers can spectate competitive Skijoring at the Sheridan WYO Winter Rodeo, Sundance Winter Festival, Saratoga Skijoring Races, Skijor Wars (Buffalo) or Pinedale Winter Carnival. Most Skijoring competitions are held in February with 2023 to be announced.

Pinedale Winter Carnival

Join Pinedale in February as they host their annual winter carnival. Enjoying skijoring, a blizzard bash and more. Enter the Cardboard Classic, where you can create your own sled out of cardboard, duct tape, glue and paint. See if you can build a sled worthy of the course and snag a prize in the process.

Sundance Winter Festival

For a fun twist on skijoring, join Sundance for their Wild Horse and Tube Race every February. While you can still catch traditional skijoring at the winter festival, you can now register for the tube experience. On this take of the sport, the horse and rider pull you in a tube instead of on skis.

For more information on Wyoming’s annual winter events, click here.

Ski Destinations

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort- Courtesy of jacksonhole.com

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort New Lift (Jackson, WY) - Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) will replace its Thunder quad chairlift with a faster and more powerful detachable quad chairlift ahead of the 2022-23 winter season. The speed of the new lift is 1,000 feet net per minute, twice the velocity of the original Thunder, and will cut riders’ time down from just over 7 minutes to 3.6 minutes.

Grand Targhee Resort's New Terrain (Alta, WY) - For the first time in over 20 years, Grand Targhee Resort is opening new terrain with the construction of the Colter Lift on Peaked Mountain. Construction is underway and the opening is slated for the start of the 2022/23 winter season. The Colter Lift will transport up to 2,000 people per hour and gain 1,815 vertical feet in just five minutes. The brand-new six-pack will give skiers and riders access to over 600 skiable acres of fall line skiing, open glades, world-class side-country, and extraordinary views of the Grand Tetons.

Snow King Mountain Expansion & Improvements (Jackson, WY) - Located in the heart of Jackson, Snow King Mountain unveiled a new, 8-passenger Leitner-Poma gondola and zipline, the steepest in North America (available in the summer months). The new gondola offers spectacular views of the Grand Tetons, the National Elk Refuge and the town of Jackson. In addition, Snow King will expand its operations with a new summit restaurant, observatory, planetarium and 100 acres of ski terrain.

Outdoor Adventure

Sandsurfing WY
Sandsurfing at Killpecker Sand Dunes - Courtesy of tourwyoming.com

Sandboarding on 2nd Largest Sand Dunes in the World (Rock Springs, WY) - With sand dunes reaching up to 100 feet high, the landscapes of Killpecker Sand Dunes are punctuated by towering rock formations in the form of buttes and spires, like the famous Boars Tusk spire, making it a can't miss experience. Visitors can visit the new attraction located in Southwest Wyoming on their very own sandboard or sled. The boards are like snowboards, with two-foot holds and curved edges, while the sleds are like winter downhill sleds. While surfing the dunes, keep an eye out for the desert elk. The area is home to one of the largest desert elk herds in the world.

Lodging & Camping

Reid Creek Lodge
Reid Creek Lodge - Courtesy of wagonhound.com/reidcreeklodge

Luxury Property, Reid Creek Lodge, Opens in Central WY (Douglas, WY) - Reid Creek Lodge, a luxury property, opened in the summer of 2022. Reid Creek Lodge features an 8,000 square foot lodge with seven beautifully appointed bedrooms accommodating up to 22 guests and one group at a time. The exclusive experience includes a personal chef, curated programming, cozy gathering spaces and rustic mountain design.

Little America Hotel Unveils New RV Park (Green River, WY) - Featuring 42 spacious sites, including back-in and pull-through spots, Little America RV park provides a variety of hotel-like amenities, including marble showers, a heated outdoor pool, a kid’s playground, a fitness center, a fuel center and a 24-hour convenience store. Rates start at $55 per night.

Snow King Resort to Open New Spa (Jackson, WY) - Snow King Resort is close to unveiling its new Grand View Spa in December 2022. The resort’s new addition will feature six treatment rooms including a couple’s suite, locker rooms with experiential showers, hot tubs and eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, men’s and women’s private lounges, an infrared sauna, a boutique retail shop and scenic outdoor deck with a large hot tub.

    2023 Milestone Anniversaries:

    Carissa Mine - WY
    Carissa Mine at South Pass City - Courtesy of southpasscity.com

    30th Anniversary of the National Bighorn Sheep Center (Dubois, WY) - July 3, 2023 - The National Bighorn Sheep Center operates in Dubois, Wyoming. The Center features dioramas with full-scale taxidermy mounts that recreate bighorn habitats, interactive exhibits about wildlife management and special adaptations of wild sheep, and wildlife films the whole family will enjoy.

    30th Anniversary of International Climbers’ Festival (Lander, WY) - July 13-16, 2023 - The 30th Anniversary of the International Climbers’ Festival (ICF) is the longest-running climbers’ festival in the world and has stayed true to its grassroots origins

    110th Annual Fremont County Fair (Riverton, WY) - July 29 to Aug 5, 2023 - A celebration for those near and far that showcases all that Wind River Country has to offer. Plenty of things to do and see for all ages, such as children’s activities, entertainment, food and merchandise vendors, livestock and agriculture competitions, midway rides and much more.

    10th Anniversary of the Grand Opening of the Carissa Mine for Tours at South Pass City (South Pass City, WY) - May/June TBD- The Carissa Mine was the largest gold mine in the Sweetwater Mining District. The history of the Carissa Mine is tied to the hopes and dreams of many men starting in 1867, but it never truly took off. What remains today is one of the best-preserved historic mining operations in the world. Tours include a walk-through of the historic structures, a live demonstration of milling equipment, and a great story of life in a gold town.

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    Looking for Some Fun Things to do this Fall?

    Looking for some fun things to do this fall? Check out these events happening in New Orleans, Vermont and the Adirondacks. Unique ways to enjoy fall foliage. If fall colors are your thing, Stowe, Vt. and the Adirondacks, NY can’t be beat. Take leaf-peeping to new heights on a scenic flight with Adirondack Aviation Academy, traverse a path above the trees on swinging bridges and platforms at The Wild Center, or check out suggested activities and routes with the Adirondack Wayfinder. Khyber on Owls Head Mountain by Brendan-Wiltse Courtesy of grandadirondack.com The Adirondack Fall Foliage Report provides real time updates on the leaves turning. High Peaks Resort on the shores of Mirror Lake in Lake Placid is the perfect homebase for exploring the ADKs this fall. Or check out the Grand Adirondack Hotel, which reopened on Aug. 31 following a major renovation and rebranding. Over in Stowe, Vt., Topnotch Resort provides front-and-center viewing of Mount Mansfield’s stunning fall colors.Bayou Bacchanal - Courtesy of neworleans.com Quirky and fun fall festivals. Festival season is far from over in New Orleans, with lots of delicious food, local live music and cool weather. Upcoming favorites include the Fried Chicken Festival (Oct. 1), NOLAxNOLA (through Oct. 9), Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival (Oct. 14), Reggae Fest (Oct. 14-16), Krewe of Boo (Oct. 22), Tremé Fall Fest (Oct. 22), Top Taco (Oct. 27), Bayou Bacchanal (Nov. 5), Oak Street Po-Boy Festival (Nov. 6) and Hell Yes Fest (Nov. 8-14). The Great Adirondack Moose Festival (Sept. 24-25) in the Adirondacks includes moose calling and “count the moose scat” contests. Berger Residence by Paul Broussard - Courtesy of neworleans.com Haunted and spooky destinations. New Orleans goes all out for Halloween, with parades and parties, ghost tours, haunted pub crawl, haunted houses, festivals such as Krewe of Boo!, and fun events like Boo at the Zoo, the Zombie Run, Ghosts in the Oaks. The Adirondacks have their fair share of ghost stories, haunted locations and abandoned towns – check them out on the Haunted Adirondack Trail.

    Inspiration

    5 Unique Things to Do in Boston

    Boston may be known for its famous clam chowder, the Boston Marathon, the bar from Cheers, baseball (the Red Sox), Fenway Park, its rich history, and that it was the birthplace of the American Revolution. But take some time to go beyond what you know about Boston and discover these 5 unique Boston experiences. 1. Italian Dinner with Tiramisu Finale Cooking Class Italian Cooking Class - Courtesy of Fever Now – January 2023 Thurs - Sun at 19 Kingston StreetDuration: 3 hours Cost: $100 Everyone loves to eat Italian food, but learning how to cook it from scratch is just as much fun! Few are better to teach you and your friends the ins and outs of pasta than Chef Rudy Donalson, who has over 15 years of restaurant experience in the North End, Boston’s Italian district. In this fun-filled cooking class in the heart of downtown Boston, you’ll make a multicourse meal featuring Italian favorites. Saving the best for last, the classic Italian tiramisu will end an unforgettable night filled with laughter, smiles, and good food. Get Tickets for the Italian Dinner Experience 2. Boston Whale Watching Whale watching Boston - Courtesy of Fever NOW – October 13, 2022 at Long Wharf, BostonDuration: 3 hours and 30 minutesCost: $48 - $72 - all ages welcome Boston's ONLY Whale Watch on a high-speed catamaran. They will get you to and from the whales in half the time, which allows you more time to watch the whales! Set sail for the whale watch experience of a lifetime. Destination: Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground for whales, dolphins, sea birds and other marine creatures. You’ll have a good chance to view several different species of large whales, including humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, pilot whales and the critically endangered right whales. Get Tickets for the Boston Whale Watching Experience 3. North End Pizza Tour Pizza Tour - Courtesy of Fever NOW – End of November, 2022 at Boston Pizza Tours Meeting PointDuration: 2 hours and 30 minutesCost: $49 Easily digestible Boston history and award-winning food? You'll wanna make sure you get a slice of the action. The crew at North End Pizza Tours know that education is worst-served to those with empty stomachs. Enjoy a pizza-powered guided tour around Boston's oldest neighborhood. Visit five history-laden Freedom Trail sites including the oldest home and church in Boston and watch old-world chocolatiers work their tasty magic inside a 300-year-old home. Get Tickets for the North End Pizza Tour Experience 4. Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyoncé Candlelight - Courtesy of Fever November 18, 2022 at Old South ChurchDuration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)Cost: $30 - $60 - 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Boston. Get your tickets now to discover the music from Beyoncé by Listeso String Quartet at Old South Church under the gentle glow of candlelight. Get Tickets for the Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyoncé 5. Wicked Wine & Seltzer Fest Wicked Wine & Seltzer Fest - Courtesy of Fever November 12, 2022 at Revere Hotel Boston CommonDuration: depends what time you purchase your ticket for Cost: $35 - $59 - 21+ with valid ID Celebrate the best season in the best city with Boston's Wicked Wine and Seltzer Fest! Ring in the Fall with delicious wines and tasty seltzers. Enjoy music from a live DJ, take part in corn hole and other games, and even enter a tasting contest! There will also be a silent auction to benefit Project Smile! All guests will be entered to win a door prize giveaway with items valued at over $1,000! What better way to spend a Saturday? Get Tickets for the Wicked Wine & Seltzer Fest Note: If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission from our partners - thank you!

    InspirationRoad Trips

    Things to do in October

    North Lake Tahoe, CATahoe City Octoberfest - Courtesy of gotahoenorth.com Tahoe City is holding its Oktoberfest on Sept. 24. The free family-friendly event includes craft beer, live music, food, Bavarian-themed games and a craft village. Kids will be able to paint a free pumpkin, while supplies last. The event goes from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Made in Tahoe Festival is Oct. 8-9 at The Village at Palisades featuring all local artists. The festival will go from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and is free to attend. The Kentruckee Derby is Oct. 22 at the Truckee Community Recreation Center from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The event is $100 and raises money for Truckee non-profits. The Tahoe Chocolate and Wine Festival is Nov. 6 at the Lone Eagle Grille at the Hyatt Regency from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $175.Orlando, FloridaDark Arts at Universal Orlando - Courtesy of Universal Orlando DARK ARTS AT HOGWARTS CASTLE -The darker side of magic comes to life this fall in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Orlando Resort with the return of Death Eaters and the breathtaking experience “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” – a sinister spectacle of state-of-the-art projection mapping, special effects, lighting and more that brings awe-inspiring moments and creatures from the Harry Potter films to life on the majestic Hogwarts castle. “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” will run select nights September 16 through October 31 from dusk until park close in Universal’s Islands of Adventure.Aurora, Colorado - DALÍ ALIVEDalí Alive © 2022 by The Salvador Dalí Museum, Inc. St. Petersburg, FL and Grande Experiences. Worldwide rights ©Salvador Dalí, Fundacio Gala-Salvador Dalí. Stanley Marketplace in Aurora, CO is the permanent location of its second U.S. digital art gallery and fourth worldwide, dubbed LUME Colorado. For the grand opening of LUME Colorado, Grande Experiences will present DALÍ ALIVE, an immersive, multi-sensory look into the artist’s life and work, in partnership with The Dalí Museum. The immersive experience will open on October 21, and tickets are available now. In addition to the new LUME Colorado and the world premiere DALÍ ALIVE show, Stanley Marketplace is a collective of 50+ independent, local restaurants, boutique shops, bars and more. To enhance the DALÍ ALIVE experience, many of the businesses will also present Dalí-inspired activations, from cocktails to menu items to books, gifts and more. Maine to Tennessee - Fall Color TrailCourtesy of Spacious Skies Campground Spacious Skies campground has created a 13 stop Fall Color Trail from Maine to Tennessee. They have created a new way for travelers to celebrate the East's famous fall foliage with a campground to campground route called the Fall Color Trail. The Trail showcases where to stay ansd when to move on to follow the months-long progression of fall color. Campers who make a reservation and stay at two or more Spacious Skies Campgrounds just need to refer to the promo code FALL13 to receive the discount.

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    A guide to each of the Hawaiian Islands

    Are you still having that dream about Hawaii? The one where you’re at the beach sipping a Mai Tai? Hawaii is a rich and beautiful place with unique nuances between each island. Read more for a breakdown of what makes each island special and other essential things to keep in mind when picking your destination. Kaua'i Island Known for: Kaua'i is also known as "The Garden Isle" because of the tropical rainforest blanketing most of the land. Kaua'i is small at just 25 miles long and 33 miles wide, with roughly 77,000 locals, but represents the land of discovery for Hawaiian culture and the spirit of aloha. The iconic island scenery appears as the backdrop to several movies, including Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Blue Hawaii, and Lilo & Stitch. "The oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain is draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires, and jagged cliffs aged by time and the elements. Centuries of growth have formed tropical rainforests, forking rivers, and cascading waterfalls! Some parts of Kauai are only accessible by sea or air, revealing views beyond your imagination." Things to do: Kaua'i is full of small towns like Hanapepe and Koloa, where visitors can taste local cuisine and culture. Because of some exclusive access points, it's a great destination for water activities and sky tours like kayaking the Wailua River or ziplining across the valleys. Other activities include snorkeling, horseback riding, and hiking. Things to note: Most of the Kaua'i hiking trails require a permit. To obtain, call the State Parks Office at (808)-274-3444. To learn more about Kaua'i trails, go to their website. Major regions: North Shore (Princeville), East Side (Coconut Coast), Lihue (Kalapaki), South Shore (Poipu), West Side (Waimea). Airport: Lihue Airport, LIH with services from Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines Oahu Island courtesy of the Hawaiian Tourism Authority Oahu Island Known for: The heart of Hawaii is also known as "The Gathering Place," which is home to the capital city of Honolulu and the majority of Hawaii's diverse population. This melting pot fuses cultures from the East and West with the values and traditions of Native Hawaii. Oahu is the third-largest island with world-famous surf, Waikiki beach, historic China Town, and Pearl Harbor. "It's this fundamental contrast between the ancient and the modern that makes discovering Oahu — from bustling city life to laidback surf towns — so enjoyable. Oahu, the child of Papa and Lua according to one tradition, is honored in this chant composed by Kumu Hula Manu Boyd and performed by Kumu Hula Snowbird Bento." Things to do: Oahu's bustling from Honolulu's affluent culture where you can dine at farm-to-table restaurants, visit historic destinations, experience hula. Beyond learning to surf, you can explore the ocean by taking a group outrigger canoe ride off Waikiki Beach. Things to note: Oahu is the most affordable island for travelers. The competitive prices offer up the ideal budget vacation between the abundance of hotels, activities, city life, and attractions. Major regions: North Shore, Honolulu, Central Oahu, Windward Coast, Leeward Coast Airport: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, HNL. Also known as the Honolulu International airport. Molokai Island courtesy of the Hawaiian Tourism Authority Molokai Island Known for: Hawaii's fifth-largest island is only 38 miles long and 10 miles across its widest point, making it easily accessible by foot, bike, or car. The highest sea cliffs in the world populate the island and the longest continuous reef. The majority of Molokai's population preserves the island roots of rural lifestyles. "Whether you're led by a guide along the cliffs leading to Kalaupapa National Historical Park or discovering Papohaku Beach, one of Hawaii's largest white-sand beaches, Molokai is truly an island of outdoor adventure where Hawaii's past comes alive!" Things to do: The best thing to do in Molokai is to explore the deep jungles, cathedral valleys, beaches, and one of the most remote settlements in the world. The ancient Halawa Valley features one of Hawaii's most iconic landscapes. Anglers and divers celebrate Molokai for its diverse underwater landscapes. Things to note: This island is considered the "getaway" for inter-island travelers, with some of the most deserted beaches among the Hawaiian islands. Major regions: West End, Central Molokai, East End Airport: Hoolehua Airport, MKK. Mokulele Airlines services inter-island flights from Oahu or Maui. Lanai Island courtesy of the Hawaiian Tourism Authority Lanai Island Known for: This is the smallest inhabited island open for travelers to Hawaii. Located only nine miles away from Maui, yet it feels like a whole other world. Visitors can indulge at luxurious resorts or take a 4-wheel-drive to explore hidden treasures. Lanai is known for its serenity, adventure, and privacy. "Take the rocky road to Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach) for dazzling views of Molokai and Maui, go horseback riding amid lush valleys and ironwood forests near Lanai City, amble the Munro Trail through the lush rainforest to Lanai's highest point at 3,370 feet—the opportunities for adventure on Lanai are endless." Things to do: There are 400 miles of dirt roads, hiking trails, and 18 miles of secluded beaches. With that, the world is yours. You can hike, explore the parks and gardens, ride horses, go clay shooting or enjoy an archery adventure. Get on the water at sunset for a romantic boat ride or go whale watching. Things to note: Some of the best whale watching can happen in the ocean channels between Lanai, Maui, and Molokai when humpback whales travel to Hawaii in winter and spring. There are only a few ways to get here, and it's from another island. Major regions: North Lanai, Central Lanai, South Lanai Airport: Lanai Airport, LNY. Local flights services inter-island travelers from either Oahu or Maui. Maui Island courtesy of the Hawaiian Tourism Authority Maui Island Known for: Maui is the second-largest island in Hawaii and is affectionately called "The Valley Isle." The island is loved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakala. Haleakala National Park encompasses the island's tallest peak, volcanic Haleakala. "It's not surprising Maui has been voted "Best Island in the U.S." by Condé Nast Traveler readers for more than 20 years." Things to do: Whether you choose the spa route or the adventure route, there is a lot to do. Choose from 14 courses (several of which are ranked at or near the top of the "world's best" lists). One local tourist spot is the Haleakala Ecotours, an authorized concessionaire for Haleakala National Park. The scenic Hana Highway can take you all along the island's 30 miles of beaches, including golden-crescent Kapalua, sheltered from strong currents by lava-rock promontories. Major regions: Maui comprises five regions known as West Maui, Central Maui, South Maui, Upcountry, and East Maui. Airport: Kahului Aiport, OGG or the regional, private airport Kapula Aiport, JHM on the west side of the island. The Big Island courtesy of the Hawaiian Tourism Authority Island of Hawaii Known for: “The Big Island,”' is the largest and the youngest in the Hawaiian chain. It's nearly twice the size of all the other islands combined with four different climate zones, including a polar tundra resulting from the shielding effects of its massive volcanoes. "The island of Hawaii is an unrivaled expression of the power of nature. However you decide to experience the island, it is sure to leave you humbled!" Things to do: Travelers can ride horses along waterfalls trails or explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National park, which offers plenty of hiking trails like the Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube) or the Devastation Trail. You can stargaze on the mountain tops, tour a coffee farm, or hang out on the beach. There's more beach here than any of the other islands. You can even go on a Manta Ray dive at night. Things to note: Make sure you read up on safe hiking practices on the island trails. Some can be pretty difficult or unsafe. Don't hike alone and tell someone where you are going. Don't drink any of the water on the trails or wade in with open cuts. For more information, go here. Major regions: Kohala, Hamakua Coast, Hilo, Puna, Kohala, Kona, Kau Airport: Kona International Airport, KOA.