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Our National Parks family photo
Visiting our national parks has been such a rewarding experience for our family. 👨👩👦👦 It combines the challenges of travel, the satisfaction of completing unthinkable adventures, the beauty of our nation's diverse landscapes, and moments we enjoy as a family (largely without technology). So many stories to be retold over and over at another date. It is more than a bucket list, and I wouldn't trade these family experiences for anything. Love. ❤️
Our current Top 3* National Parks are:
- Yellowstone NP (Wyoming). Located atop the largest super volcano on the continent, this area is home to some of the most unique landscape and animal life you will see. Our favorite memories included exploring the area around Old Faithful from sunset to sunrise many days over. The hot springs, mud spots, and of course geysers were unbelievable - and the colors are just an added bonus!
- Glacier NP (Montana). Located on the border of Canada and the US, this area enjoys the beautiful vistas from the Rocky Mountains. Going-to-the-Sun Road is probably one of the most scenic drives we have experienced. We saw bears every day except one. Our favorite family memory was hiking to Grinnell Glacier carrying inadequate water supply - this experience is unrivaled.
- Kenai Fjords NP (Alaska). Getting to this NP is a bit of a trek, but once you are here - wow! Located just west of the cute town Seward, this coastal region is home to fjords and glaciers. It was the first time our family completed a glacier hike. Glaciers calving before our eyes and the thunders we hear when it occurs. And the majestic wildlife of the ocean and air - omg! Bald eagles and orca killer whales in the dozens and so close!
* Rankings are subject to change monthly, weekly or even daily without notice
Our Spain family photo
¡Hola! Our first family vacation to Europe was so memorable - and España was an excellent choice. It is a country of rich culture, tasty foods, beautiful people, and religious history. We learned that the arts is not solely paintings 🎨 (and España has a good share of its famous painters) - art is also dance, music, and architecture. España thrives in all three. Siestas help escape the midday heat, and the country comes alive at sunset - dinners start at 9p 🌜. Much respect to the people of Spain. Thanks for a wonderful family trip. Love.
A few takeaways:
- Madrid and Barcelona were nice, but Sevilla, Córdoba and Granada were our favorites. Way more manageable and friendly - and still lots to see and do.
- Walking along narrow cobblestone streets with old gothic buildings flanked on either side, we wouldn't know what would welcome us as we turn the corners. The expressive music from a flamenco dance performance - the singing, guitar, castanets, and those special shoes? Maybe its the aroma from paella verdura, café con leche, churros con chocolate, or agua con gas? Simple pleasures.
- Pickpocketers are around, and so are manteros hoping to quickly make a sale of (usually counterfeit) goods displayed on blankets. So many around in the touristy spots and the metro.
- The different modes of transportation - walking, high-speed trains, cabs, and the metro. Each mode allowed us to get a different glimpse of the local community.
America the Beautiful
Mount Rushmore NM, South Dakota
Cowboys 👢 or Indians? Magestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.
I remember approaching the monument viewing area - the closer and closer we got, the more magnificent the sight was. We hiked down and around the park and came across a memorial of Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln - the artists who oversaw the completion of this massive sculpture.
Truly, Mount Rushmore represents Americana at its core.
Yellowstone NP, Wyoming
Old Faithful geyser. One of nearly 500 geysers in the park.
I remember the oohs and aahs we all heard as the crowd formed a circle around the geyser. While the geyser is very predictable ⏰️ , the weather is not. Lucky for us we stayed a few nights within walking distance, so we were able to see this geyser go off plenty times.
Yellowstone NP features such a wide array of sites to see, including canyons, alpine rivers, forests, hot springs and geysers like the one above.
Grueling Hikes with a View
Glacier NP, Montana
Grinnell Glacier Trail. Elevation gain of 1,600 feet.
I remember our family underestimating this challenge. One-quarter way in, we realized we didn't have enough water 💧 . We started rationing our water supply - everyone taking just a sip every now and then. But what an incredible view from the top and the satisfaction of family achievements is second to none!
Glacier NP is a huge wilderness area in Montana's Rocky Mountains. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is ta beautiful scenic road that takes you from the west of the park to the east. You can access the Grinnell Glacier Trail from the Many Glacier entrance - on the east side of the park.
Grand Canyon NP, Arizona
Bright Angel Trail off the South Rim.
I remember our family hiking down three separate trails down the canyon. Each time, we had to realize that the return hike back up would take a good 3x more effort than down. The trails don't have railings, and often the trail narrows so only one person can pass by - delicately. Going down may have been easier on the muscles 💪 , but 100x more crazy - one misstep from disaster. Talk about an adrenaline rush.
Grand Canyon NP is often considered one of the wonders of the world. Hiking down the immense canyon is truly mind blowing - the bands of red rock reveal millions of years of geological history.
Rarely seen Wildlife by Water
Kenai Fjords NP, Alaska
Pod of Orcas at bay
I remember our boat going out from the Fjords - and before long, we were in the open waters with either one or two pods of orcas 🐋 (killer whales). There were about 20 of them on either side of our vessel - and so close to us. An incredible experience to share with the family. Kenai Fjords NP is on the peninsula just west of a cute town, Seward. It is an easy park to explore because there are a few tour companies that take you right on the waters and close to the glaciers.
Seward, Alaska
Bald Eagle perched along the shore
I remember walking along the shores of Seward, AK at about 4:30a before my family woke up. I couldn't believe what I saw. There were at least a dozen bald eagles 🦅 just perched upon rocks - resting before hunting the waters later that morning. This little town is nestled between mountains and the ocean. There are few places around that you will be able to see such a drastic contrast in terrain and wildlife.
Rarely seen Wildlife on Land
Custer State Park, South Dakota
Herd of Bison moving along the plains
I remember that Custer State Park rivals all our national parks in its offerings. No wonder, President Coolidge lived in this park for a summer. There was wildlife galore around this park. We came so close to huge bison 🦬 traveling around and actually fed wild donkeys.
Can a state park experience trump national parks? Sure, absolutely. Our family felt that we had way more freedom to explore the lands and come super close to wildlife at this park than many national parks.
Everglades NP, Florida
Big Cypress nature walk - Alligator alert!
I remember mosquitos! It's a swamp and our family explored the area on a variety of modes - airboat, fast flat bottom boat and by foot. Most people think of the Everglades and talk about the alligators 🐊 , and that's fine. But, I think we all truly appreciated the other wildlife like the variety of birds, turtles, snakes and yes, mosquitos!
Everglades NP is the largest tropical wilderness in America. Its network of wetlands and forest is fed by a river flowing from Lake Okeechobee. You will 100% respect wildlife if you venture in these quarters.
Highest point in North America
Denali NP, Alaska
"Ain't no mountain high enough!" Mount Denali (aka Mount McKinley) is the highest mountain peak in North America
I remember the relief we all felt when we got a clear view of Mount Denali. After all, only 30% of visitors that come to the area get to see its peak 🏔 . The first day, we couldn't see the snowcap of Denali. We left the park on a morning - it was a clear day - blue skies. We looked back, and there she was - as impressive as ever - Miss Mount Denali!
Denali NP in acreage is larger than the state of New Hampshire. We experienced hiking in true tundra landscape. We learned how delicate the plants are so we were very careful where we stepped. A bus took us to the very interior of the park where we came close to wildlife.
Alaska
Random scenic highway in this beautiful state
I remember the long drives of Alaska. Long and beautiful drives 👌 . There was a sign that we passed. It said, "scenic byway." My wife and I looked at each other and laughed. The whole state is picturesque - the whole state is a scenic byway. We felt like we were in another world.
The drive from Anchorage to Seward is probably the most scenic drive that we have experienced. It's an absolute stunner - winding between the sea and the Chugach Mountains. This state is truly underrated. Beauty at every turn - we miss you Alaska.
Red rocks and Sand dunes
Sedona, Arizona
Subway Cave Trail
I remember this red rock hike like it was yesterday. Unfathomable beauty at every turn. How was the dirt so perfectly colored? How did these huge rocks seem to form monuments of their own? And why are my shoes 👟 full of never-ending red sand? We climbed steep rocks with all four limbs. Standing there looking out from the subway cave - it was all worth it!
Sedona was our stop-over when were were en route to the Grand Canyon. And what a stop, it was! It is a cute and expensive town, but we spent our time hiking and exploring nature instead of spending cash. The heat is real. The rocks are no joke. And the scenery is to die for.
Great Sand Dunes NP, Colorado
Sandboarding and sand sledding
I remember the excitement we all had when we saw the hills. Only a creek filled with cold water was in between the dunes and us. We all pranced and splashed in the water 💦 , and carried our sandboard and sand sled. No lift here. We carried the boards up the huge hills. The sand was hard. The boys went down. Kind of dangerous when I look back. Hey, but we did it. And no urgent care - thank goodness.
One of our favorite memories were the drives leaving the park. It is surrounded by mountains. Storm clouds pushing over the mountains resulting a night show of lightning 🌩 (in all directions) you will remember for your lifetime. A personal fireworks show of sorts.
Peaceful views of Lake McDonald
Glacier NP, Montana
Lake McDonald is the park's longest and largest lake. Ideal for water activities and taking in sunrise.
I remember the early morning walks along this lake before sunrise and before my kids woke up. It was my "me" time, and I loved it. Peaceful waters with kayaks and canoes docked at shore - perfectly. Everyday, I thought - this is the start of a beautiful day - and it was.
Glacier NP is home to so much wildlife. I remember watching beavers 🦫 take part in an early morning love dance in the waters of Lake McDonald. Our family saw bear every day except one (grizzly and black). We saw mountain goat in higher elevation, and we came super close to bighorn sheep on our hike to Grinnell Glacier.
Glacier NP, Montana
The clear waters of Lake McDonald is largely due to the year-long low temperature preventing the growth of plankton.
I remember listening to park rangers give us the inside scoop of this park. It is way more interesting to view a landscape when you understand the scientific background - of glaciers, of fresh waters. The rocks along the lake bedside felt like a Picasso paint palette. The boys skipped rocks at every opportunity.
One evening, on the shore of this lake, a Park Ranger retold the true story of one night - the night of the grizzlies 🐻❄ in 1967. An already fascinating story was even more eerie as the power went out the night before - the speakers didn't work. His pauses of silence were filled with the ruffles of the leaves and the crashing of the waters - and eventual darkness.
Same latitude, Different Views
Badlands NP, South Dakota
Incredible heat ☀️ and impressive landscape - sharply eroded buttes and pinnacles
I remember the incredible heat we felt when exploring this park. Our favorite activity was hiking Notch Trail when we climbed a wooden ladder to the top of a tall cliff. The rugged terrain and the mesmerizing colors of the geological deposits is something you will never see.
The story goes that this area was a haven for runaways and criminals. Everywhere you go, it seemed like the perfect landscape for a hide-and-seek game. Don't get lost because you will quickly lose your orientation.
Grand Teton NP, Wyoming
Jackson Lake with the Teton Mountains in the background
I remember driving past this lake when we entered the park on a late summer evening - and it was cold and a massive hail storm. The park lost power, including our lodge. We brought playing cards 🃏 , so we were able to enjoy fantastic family time. Two days later, the weather changed for the better. Perfect days to hike. We spotted our first bear - 30 yards out - when we hiked at nearby Jenny Lake. So exhilarating. Park Rangers gave the boys a sticker to commemorate the moment.
Grand Teton NP could have the most glorious sites around. You will find incredible contrast between the lush alpine terrain and pristine lakes with the Teton mountain range as a backdrop.
Neighboring National Parks
Yellowstone NP, Wyoming
Grand Prismatic Spring ♨️ is the largest hot spring in America. The pool is sterile and colored because of the mineral-rich waters - and creates numerous runoffs, like this one here.
I remember this park's terrain and its geothermal features. Everywhere we explored, there was protected land because of the active geysers and hot springs Even creeks like the one above were colorful and steam coming off of it. Watch where you step or you could burn your feet. Be careful when you explore or you could come face to face with a bear.
Grand Teton NP, Wyoming
Cowboys or Indians? A wood cabin before the Teton mountain 🏔 range in the distance.
I remember the true western feel of this park. One of our favorite spots was Schwabacher's Landing and Mormon Row which is pictured above. We had fun dressing up as Cowboys - cowboy hats and boots, too!
Our First Trip to Europe: España
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Sagrada Familia is absolutely the image of Barcelona, and quite possibly all of España. It is the final masterpiece of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.
It is a church like no other, and Gaudí devoted his last years of life working on the project. At the time of his death in 1926 it was less than 1/4 done. The church resembles a rainforest inside with mind-blowing steeples outside.
The Sagrada Familia will be finished in 2026, more than 140 years after construction started. Phew!
La Giralda Tower, Sevilla
At nightfall, the plaza in front of the Real Alcazar comes alive. La Giralda Tower lit up perfectly and locals entertaining the public with romantic musica.
España really comes alive at night.
Here, the boys enjoy some ice cream and take in the beautiful surroundings.
The Jardines next to Plaza de España, Sevilla
The Jardines del Prado de San Sebastian next to Plaza de España in Sevilla.
Some like it hot. Real hot. Like 105 degrees in Sevilla.
Nobody goes to the park in this heat, except us wacky tourists. At least the boys got a chance to fool around. Simple fun. Brother love.
Real Alcazar, Sevilla
Locals and tourists flock to the plaza in front of the Real Alcazar and La Giralda Tower at night. People pack the restaurants along the cobblestone streets in the area.
Here, behind us, a couple locals entertain the plaza with a beautiful romantic song.
This is Sevilla at its best. A night we will remember forever.
City View from atop Parc Güell, Barcelona
The residential project was the most magnificent failures of the Catalan entrepreneur Eusebi Güell. He aimed to prioritize health and clean air because of the spread of disease. Güell envisioned a beautiful and almost fantasy land away from the main city - and Güell's friend Antoni Gaudí delivered.
It made perfect sense in concept, but not so practical. So it became a public park. And the most beautiful park you will ever come across.
The Wave Archway at Parc Güell, Barcelona
The work of Antoni Gaudí often included three elements: religion (Christianity), politics (Catalana) and nature. He believed art should not only be pleasing to the eye, but also truly functional and efficient.
The Wave Archway at Parc Güell is a good example how includes elements of nature (the seas) in his man-made walkway.
Here, my two boys enjoyed the archway to escape the midday sun.
Cathedral de Granada, Granada
After a quick stop to enjoy some paella verdura, our family walked the narrow passages and stumbled upon this beautiful plaza in front of Cathedral de Granada.
This massive, but very elegant church, like many other cathedrals in Andalusia, was built on top of the city's main mosque after the reconquest of Granada.
Mezquite-Catedral, Córdoba
When you step foot in this church, you know that you are in a spiritual place of two orders. Along the perimeter of the church and the centerpiece are rich presentations of Christian faith. Look up, and you will see pronounced architecture arch designs of Islam and Moorish architecture.
All under one roof. Truly a sight to see.
The great mosque was constructed in 785. The structure was converted to a cathedral in 1236.
Casa Batlló, Barcelona
Sitting in the heart of Barcelona, the Casa Battló is one of Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces. Few straight lines and irregular oval windows make this unique from the outside. Step inside and let your imagination run wild with this colorful mosaic tiles and attention to detail.
At nightfall, this Gaudí masterpiece glitters behind its mask.
Checking off our Bucket List
Like most people, I am a goal oriented person. This dynamic bucket 🪣 list not only presents life accomplishments, but also gives me an idea of where I should focus next. I revisit this map often to update recent trips, or mark places that I want to go. Sometimes my goals don't come to fruition, but that's okay - it's the mindset of reaching for the stars ✨️ that keeps me going! And it's this mindset that helps me put FAMILY as #1 on my priority. 💯
Neeraj Shah, Esq., MBA, CPA
Neeraj Shah is the owner the two legally separate, but complimentary businesses, Shah CPA Firm, PLLC and Shah Law Firm, PLLC. Over the years, he has earned several professional designations, including MBA, CPA and attorney and counselor at law. However, you talk to him and you will soon find out there is one thing that he is most proud of - his hometown, the Town of Penfield.
