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A Hiker’s Dream Come True – Thank you, Mother Nature!

Speaking from experience, making reservations ahead of time is a must for these popular destinations. Don’t forget to do your homework… you’ll need a plan. Find a map online and notate what trails you want to visit and how much time they will take round-trip. Depending on the time of year you wish to visit will also determine the necessary equipment you’ll need to make your hiking adventure all that more pleasant. Comfortable hiking and water shoes, thermal waterproof knee-high socks, and a refillable water bottle should all be packed in your lightweight backpack. Now with these tips, you are one step closer to a successful hiking trip to the following top must-visit places.

Havasupai – A Hidden Gem
Supai, Arizona

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Found within the Havasupai Reservation, at the Southwest corner of the Grand Canyon National Park, this hike is not an easy one, but it is the most rewarding. The water flows through Havasu Creek and rocks full of minerals which create the dreamy blue green colored waters that flow down their many waterfalls. From Havasupai Hilltop Campground to Mooney Falls (the very last waterfall on the trail) will take an experienced hiker over a day, so plan for an overnight stay along the way, preferably 2-3 days to enjoy the experience and picture perfect views. Havasupai Lodge is the closest lodging available, only 1.2 miles from Lower Navajo Falls “Rock Falls” and 1.8 miles from Havasu Falls. Luckily, there is also a campground available between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls. An affordable helicopter transportation service is available for those who lack the time or physical ability to hike one or both ways.

Zion National Park – Bring The Family With You!
Springdale, Utah

The Narrows at Zion by NPS

If you are into travel and nature, you must have heard of Zion National Park in Southern Utah. The top perks I appreciate from National Parks are that most offer shuttle buses through the park and free tours or programs to entertain and educate the little ones. The destination is popular for its trails leading to and through mountains, tunnels, waterfalls, and streams. Families and adventurers of all ages are welcome to go at their preferred pace thanks to trails offering easy, moderate, and experienced difficulty levels. Bring a swimsuit and safe-seal waterproof backpack during spring and fall, you may just need to go all in.

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Need a place to stay? Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is a great option. The ranch offers fun glamping accommodations inside tents, wagons, and cabins.

Image Credits: GoogleMaps, Campfirestyle.com, NPS

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UNPLUGGED IN ITHACA: Firelight Camps

After a long New York City week of conferences and meetings, I was itching for some space and nature, and embarking on my first journey to Ithaca, New York would prove to be the perfect solution. Prior to my trip, I only knew of Ithaca as the home of Cornell University. Leaving this adventure up in the air, as I have many times before, often do with my adventures, I rented a car and embarked on a solo road trip north to spend a few nights of glamorous camping, or Glamping, at Firelight Camps.

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Walking from the check-in area to my tent, I glanced up and noticed the trees were just beginning to turn their brightest spring greens. I breathed in the crisp fresh air. The lack of noise was enchanting. Immediately the noise also clamoring in my head followed suit and began to quiet. This plot of land had something special about it. It’s calm, cool, and collected vibe began to rub off.

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Setting aside my suitcase, I loosely fell back and unfurled atop the billowy comforter. Relaxation hit me hard- the birds chirping, a slow and steady breeze blowing, and the sounds of absolutely nothing else- I didn’t want to move.

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With eighteen tents in total, each complete with a forest-facing back porch and rocking chair, if you’d end up here by way of blindfold, you’d easily imagine you were in the middle of nowhere. The reality being you’re a ten minute drive from town, with the main road just up the hill.

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Firelight Camps offers a perfect stay for all types of travelers. For the food fanatics, breakfast is impeccable – homemade granola, local bread from Wide Awake Bakery, freshly baked quiches, and their special blend of Firelight Camps Nicaraguan coffee. Perfect fuel for a day in the outdoors.

Just outside of camp, I discovered a wealth of food and drink spots to visit in and around Ithaca. I enjoyed tasting Port at Ports of New York, grabbing a cider sampling at Finger Lakes Cider House, and tasting homemade cheeses from Lively Run Goat Dairy.

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For the active and early riser, you have unique access to sunrise trekking on trails, like Upper Buttermilk Falls, that lead to beautiful waterfalls with swimming holes.

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Those looking for family time there is plenty of community space where you can play bocce ball together or gather around a campfire sharing stories over dinner, a glass of wine and homemade smores. The latter is where I needed up my first night- spending time with someone else’s family, who immediately felt like my own. After all, community is what brought Firelight Camps to life.

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I had a chance to spend an entire day with co-founder Emma Frisch, a self-taught chef who appeared on Food Network Star. She and food and travel writer Simon Majumdar were sourcing and preparing dinner for a collaborative event the second night of my stay – part of Simon’s casual series #GiveUsABedIllCookYouDinner where he travels around when he’s not filming. When I asked Emma how her and her partner Bobby ended up here, she said, “We started this hotel so people could disconnect to reconnect – to tell stories to get to know one another.”

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After all of the literal tastes Ithaca and Firelight Camps had to offer, I left with a small taste of my own on what life might be like if I lived here – in a very comfortable tent. I’d return to experience this all over again in a New York minute.

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Firelight Camps not only offers overnight Glamping, but hosts other events, packages, and retreats.

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Final Morning and Parting Thoughts on Sierra Grande Lodge and Spa

The odorless geothermal waters did the trick and I slept soundly my second night at Sierra Grande Ranch. I woke up refreshed and a bit sad I did not have time for another soak and one of the massage treatments before departing.

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I took advantage of the coffee service in the lobby before heading downstairs to the restaurant for breakfast. Service was once again friendly.

Spending a few days glamping in Southern New Mexico was really enjoyable. I would recommend the Sierra Grande Ranch as a nice add-on destination on for anyone planning a visit to Santa Fe or Albuquerque. It was nice to explore a different part of the state. The geothermal spa waters are quite enjoyable and the privacy offered by the private pools made the experience very pleasant.

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Sierra Grande Ranch is intimate, friendly and comfortable but not posh. The casita offers the most privacy and space if you are staying for more than a few days or for families. The rooms in the main lodge are comfortable and have everything you need to be comfortable for a few nights.

Even if you don’t spend the night, I’d highly recommend a day visit to the spa ($30 for one to two non-guests) and a soak in the lovely scent-free waters.

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The Restaurant at Sierra Grande is definitely worthy of a visit if you are passing through. Chef Tatsu Miyazaki’s menu was innovative and his food delicious. The dinner I had at The Restaurant at Sierra Grande was better than any I ate in foodie-centric Santa Fe. The restaurant expects to have it’s liquor license by the end of the summer.

Truth or Consequences is an eclectic little town and the nearby Elephant Butte Dam is beautiful and recreation area is worth exploring.

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If you get a chance to visit, I would definitely encourage you to organize a tour or activity with Ted Turner Expeditions (TTX). My tour of the Ladder Ranch was fun, interesting, and gave me new insight into the southwest and the history of New Mexico. It was the absolute highlight of the trip. TTX is working on more active expeditions including mountain biking adventures. They can work with guests at the Sierra Grande Ranch and Vermejo Park Ranch to arrange personalized tours and activities based on specific interests.

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The most popular time to visit is October through May. New Mexico’s “monsoon” season is June 15- September 30th. July is the hottest month with the temperatures averaging 95. It’s not surprising that the hot springs aren’t as popular during these months.

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If you get a chance to visit, don’t miss trying the Hatch green chiles favored by the locals. They like to serve them on hamburgers and you can try them for yourself at the Owl Bar & Cafe in Sorocco if you are passing through on your way to Albuquerque. The locals like them hot so you might request mild if you are an inexperienced chile eater.

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Rates at Sierra Grande Ranch and Spa start at $155 for a Queen bedded room in the main Lodge. The Casita can be booked for up to four people with rates starting at $415 per night.

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The Ladder Ranch can be booked for $6,000 per night and is suitable for families or groups.

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Costilla Lodge at Vermejo Park Ranch is also part of the TTX property portfolio with rates beginning at $950 per night.