beartooth highway

The Ultimate USA Travel Bucket List: 25 Epic Adventures

After traveling to all seven continents, I can honestly say that the United States remains one of the most diverse and breathtaking destinations on Earth. From the rugged coastlines of Maine to the desert landscapes of Arizona, from the towering peaks of Alaska to the tropical beaches of Hawaii, this country offers an incredible variety of experiences that could take a lifetime to fully explore.

As someone who spent a year road-tripping across America with my two dogs in a Eurovan, I’ve had the privilege of discovering hidden gems and iconic landmarks that showcase the true beauty and diversity of this amazing country. Here’s my ultimate USA travel bucket list – 25 epic adventures that every traveler should experience at least once.

ADVENTURE AWAITS!
50th in coeur d'alene

Top Things to Do in Coeur d’Alene

History of Coeur d’Alene

Coeur d’Alene is located east of Spokane, Washington in Northwest, Idaho.  With a population of 50,000+, it is the largest city in Idaho’s northern region and is the county seat of Kootenai County.

Coeur d’Alene was named after a Native American Tribe who lived along the rivers and lakes in the region.  The city began as a fort town when Fort Sherman was constructed on the north shore of the lake.

Thereafter, it morphed into a mining town when silver was discovered in the Silver Valley.  With the arrival of the railroad in 1883, Coeur d’Alene expanded further.  In 1920, the discovery of white pine transformed the town into a logging community.

Coeur d’Alene relied heavily on logging for decades.  It wasn’t until the 1980’s that its economy became more balanced with an influx of tourism.

Currently, Coeur d’Alene is known for its premier golfing, the nearby Silverwood Theme Park, the Ironman Triathlon Event, one of the largest holiday light shows in the USA, and for the surrounding ski mountains.

There are many other things to do Coeur d’Alene as well, and we made the most of our three-day stay for my 50th birthday.

EXPLORE!

Top Things to Do in Hilo, Hawaii

A year ago, I was on my way to the South Pacific via Hawaii.  I spent a week on the Big Island, including three days in Hilo.  Now that visitors with a COVID check may travel to Hawaii, and Hilo is a popular winter destination, I thought I’d write about things to do in Hilo. Find the list below:

EXPLORE!
Me and Annie dressed as a SCUBA diver and shark

Halloween Hike: Matthew/Winters

One of my favorite “holidays” is Halloween.  With COVID, the parties were non-existent and the status of trick-or-treaters was unknown, so I made the most of it with a Halloween hike.  I’m thankful my friends Mike and Paula could join me at Matthew/Winters Park.  We connected several trails to make a 4.4 mile lollipop loop.

HAPPY HIKING!
colorado sake co tasting

Colorado Sake Co: Tour and Tasting

With my knee surgery coming up in a week and consequently my hiking ending for the next month, I realized I need to find other things to do and to write about.  As a result, I signed up for a sake brewery tour and tasting at the Colorado Sake Co. in RiNo.

Though I’m not much of a drinker, learning how things are made fascinates me.  I knew very little about sake upon my arrival. Only that it has been made for centuries by fermenting rice and there are hot and cold options.  I was looking forward to learning more, despite my little to be desired, first sake experience 30 years ago.

TRY IT! YOU MIGHT LIKE IT
at kettle ponds

Happy Hiking: Kettle Ponds

For the first time since Memorial Day, I finally got to reconnect with Jim, Diana, and Danelle to hike Kettle Ponds.  My fellow hiking buddies, along with Zoe the dog, were staying up in Breckenridge Saturday night.  Annie and I arose early Sunday morning to meet them in Silverthorne, CO at the trailhead.

HAPPY HIKING!

Six Mine Hikes Near Breckenridge

With the wildflower and fall foilage hiking in Breckenridge complete, and the weather getting a bit cold for 14ers in my opinion, hiking to mines is a good option.  There are several mine hikes near Breckenridge of varying levels.  Some are even popular for snow shoeing as winter approaches.

HAPPY HIKING!
on the way to Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Happy Hiking: Raccoon Trail

On the recommendation of a friend, I visited Golden Gate Canyon State Park to hike Raccoon Trail.  After all, there is likely a reason it is named “Golden”.  The state park includes several trails and features many golden aspen trees. 

HAPPY HIKING!
the girls

Happy Hiking: Sheep Creek Trail

I had the pleasure to join a handful of ladies on a hike on Sheep Creek Trail this past week.  Amazingly, despite having driven the 285 Corridor countless times, I hadn’t heard of this trail or turned off into this National Forest Area outside of Fairplay, Colorado.

HAPPY HIKING

Happy Hiking: Mount Princeton

I recently tackled my fourth fourteener of the summer, or should I say the first of the fall, upon summitting Mount Princeton with my friend Cat and Tanya. We selected Mount Princeton to celebrate Tanya’s final summit in the Sawatch range. 

HAPPY HIKING!