| Special for Memphis Commercial Appeal
Why You Should Be Using Your Travel Rewards Soon
Some travel experts recommend using your travel rewards sooner or later.
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Are you looking for travel inspiration that will indulge your wanderlust without having to travel to another continent? Here are two Instagram-worthy vacations to add to your travel bucket list, along with some recommendations of our favorite spots and activities.
Explore Washington Island Life
Book an Airbnb stay on Camano Island, Washington. This private waterfront property is kid-friendly with direct beach access so visitors can launch kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, which are provided.
It is only a 5-minute walk to the beach Cama Beach Historic State Parkwhich offers many activities for children and adults. Along 486 hectares of waterfront there are trails for hiking and biking, as well as boat rentals and workshops. Stop by the charming one Bed beach cafe, located in the park where English muffins and seasonal jams are made from scratch.
Reserve a zip-lining experience Canopy tours northwest at Kristoferson Farm that’s mild enough for most age groups. The tour includes a ride in a historic Unimog forest vehicle, six zip lines (the longest is 200 meters long), and several short hiking trails before a final 47-foot descent. Stop at the farm’s booth, which sells produce, bread, wine, cheese, and more.
We recommend having dinner at Draft camano Here you will find local pub fare, as well as a selection of Washington and Whidbey / Camano cider and craft beers. In the Camano Commons Marketplace You can stock up on local treats and groceries for the next day.
Drive over for the next leg of your island trip Deception Pass Bridge – which spans the confluence of Skagit Bay, part of Puget Sound, with the Strait of Juan de Fuca – to get to Coupeville, a town on Whidbey Island. If you feel like it, stop it Deception Pass State Park, where there are more than 30 hiking trails to explore. For an easy to moderate hike, visit Hoypus pointwhere on a clear day you can stroll on the beach and admire the views of Mount Erie and Mount Baker.
Check in to the historic Captain Whidbey in Coupeville. The building, built in 1907 from tree trunks and stone, served as a private house, guesthouse, post office, girls’ school and general store. The recently renovated hotel offers great options for dog owners. Stay in the Filson Hut, which is dog-friendly and decorated with the eponymous insignia. The cabin features a cozy fireplace, a king-size bed, and a private porch for coffee on chilly mornings.
The idyllic coastal town of Coupeville became known through the film “Practical Magic” with Sandra Bullock. Known as Washington’s second oldest city, there is plenty to do and plenty of restaurants. Make an appointment and try water marbling below Marbley, a fun hands-on art lesson that teaches you to make a hand-dyed silk scarf to take with you and keep or give away as a gift.
Do not miss Toby’s tavern for delicious Penn Cove clams at this local hangout. The owner actually played pool with Bullock while they were filming around town. Go over to Whidbey natural pet for treats, toys, or other necessities for your dog. In addition to a large selection of chew toys, the staff is friendly and helpful. Search Aqua gifts for fun jewelry, housewares, souvenirs or gifts.
Make reservations for a fantastic dinner at Orchard kitchenwhere you dine al fresco, at a table reserved only for your party. Dine amid the plants and beautiful flowers as the chef and owner Vincent Nattress and his wife Tyla serve up fresh seasonal dishes and local meat and seafood for hungry foodies. Feast on freshly baked sourdough bread paired with liver vole, heirloom tomatoes with walnut pesto and garden vegetable latke and Glendale yogurt.
The next day you can order the previous night’s meal Ebeys Landing Bluff hikewhich is 3.5 miles away and has great views across Puget Sound to the Olympic Mountains.
Glamping in Utah
Autumn is the ideal travel time Zion National Park Now that the school is back in operation and attendance has slowed down a bit.
Book a stay at the newly opened Open sky, a luxurious glamping site in Virgin, Utah that offers the grandeur of the highest quality amenities such as cozy king-size beds, full bathrooms with heated floors, outdoor showers, privacy and breathtaking views. Book the Star Seeker Tent for the ultimate experience. Built from durable yet chic safari-style canvas on a solid platform, the location is close to a variety of hiking, mountain biking, and exploring opportunities.
Hike uphill for 20 minutes Guacamole trailsitting on a table mountain overlooking the Virgin River. With a system of dirt roads, single trails and rocky trails, there is little difference in altitude after the initial incline. The path offers wonderful views of the valley.
Dinner from Balcony one, a chic restaurant in Virgin delivered straight to your tent. The restaurant serves a variety of options from fresh salads, pastas and ribs to pork chops and seafood. Whatever you want you will find it on the menu.
You may be satisfied with not leaving Open Sky, but if you decide to explore Zion National Park, it’s a short 20-minute drive away and well worth a visit. A full list of walks can be found on the The park’s website where the trails are categorized by difficulty, easy, medium, or strenuous. A simple shuttle system takes you from trail to trail. Alternatively, if you are looking for a more personal experience, Tours of wild Utah can customize a hike to suit your level, experience, and interests.
We recommend booking a private yoga session with Elise Mitchell at Gaia tree shalawho has a nice studio about 10 minutes away from the Open Sky Camp. For hikers and bikers, Mitchell can tailor each session to an individual’s fitness level and needs.
When asked how he got started with Open Sky during the COVID-19 pandemic, owner Bygnal Dutson’s passion for the project comes alive. He wanted to offer the guests the opportunity to reconnect with nature away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. “The idea was to keep everything simple,” he says.
While enjoying the sunset and making s’mores on your private veranda, it’s easy to think about what a special destination Open Sky is.
