Solsite Co. Creative

Author: Tracy Blowers

Capitol Reef National Park – Utah

Capitol Reef National Park

Celebrate National Park Week in April and explore a new park! Capitol Reef National Park surrounds a 100-mile-long “wrinkle in the earth” known as the Waterpocket Fold and is located in south-central Utah. It is part of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks, including Arches, Zion, Canyonlands, and Zion. If you love to escape the crowds, this park is for you!

Top Things To Do – Capitol Reef National Park

Get homemade pies and cinnamon rolls at the Gifford Homestead!! The pie is homemade from fruit grown in the orchards. The green orchards among the red rocks are so beautiful. Get there early because the pie goes fast! It’s the best pie I’ve ever tasted. So fresh and delicious! Our favorite flavor was the strawberry rhubarb.

After pie, explore the Historic Fruita District. There are historic buildings, a visitor center, campground, and many hikes and trails. Eight families lived in the Fruita District until 1969 (Capitol Reef became a National Park in 1971) and lived completely off the land including the orchards and drinking unfiltered water from the Fremont River. There have been people living in this area for thousands of years as you will see by the petroglyphs below and they believe the first Latter Day Saints settler in this specific area was around 1879. At that time it was known as Junction and mail was delivered to the Fremont Cottonwood tree (“mail tree”), which still stands today.

Scenic Byway 24

Drive Scenic Byway 24 – This is the main road that runs through the park and the views are breathtaking. Some of the top sights along this route are Panorama Point, Sunset Point, and Goosenecks Overlook.

See the Petroglyphs carved by the Fremont Culture in the 300-1300 Common Era. The more you look, the more you will see.

We stayed at Rim Rock Inn located in Torrey, Utah at the entrance to the park. It’s a great location! There are regular hotel rooms and individual cabins. We loved the cabins, the view is incredible. The cabins are super spacious with cool antique furniture and are dog-friendly. There is a very good restaurant onsite plus an awesome bar/patio with outdoor patio with live music.

There’s so much more- we only had one day to visit so this barely scratches the surface. There are a lot of scenic drives and hikes to do in this park. I can’t wait to go back and explore more!

While in Southern Utah, another fantastic drive is Cottonwood Canyon Road at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Read more HERE. Life is short, find what stirs your soul. ❤️

© What Stirs Your Soul Media

April 22, 2022
Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Road Tripping through Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Add Cape Cod to your Vermont road trip! While road tripping through Vermont and Upstate New York, we drove down to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and stayed for a couple of nights. It was nice exploring during the off-season (we visited in the fall) with fewer people. Of course, it wasn’t as warm, but it was still amazing. Top on my list- visiting the Cape Cod National Seashore and Provincetown.

“My life is like a stroll upon the beach, as near the ocean’s edge as I can go.“ — Henry David Thoreau

Cape Cod National Seashore – Marconi Beach

The Cape Cod National Seashore is a must-see. These 40 miles of protected rugged and pristine sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean with six swimming beaches and unique lighthouses offer so much to do. You can hang out at the beach, swim, kayak, bike/walk/run the trails, hike the sand dunes, explore historic areas, and more.

Marconi Beach is gorgeous. The salty air, sand in my toes, dunes, and ocean views made for an unforgettable day.

Wellfleet, Massachusetts

There are many quaint villages to choose from with Provincetown being the most popular. We decided to stay in Wellfleet because it was close to Marconi Beach and only minutes from Provincetown. We stayed at Endless Coast, A Boutique Hotel. Endless Coast is dog-friendly and offers a lovely lounge/picnic area in the back of the hotel to hang out. We liked the hotel, but there was a large group staying next to us that were very loud partying late- plus, if you’re on the lower level, it’s pretty noisy with people going up and down the stairs. We left early because this made it difficult to work and rest during our stay. The staff was accommodating to our request.

We ate at Wicked Oyster and Mac’s Shack. We really loved both and I especially enjoyed the “nester” from Wicked Oyster.

Wicked Oyster – The Nester

We visited Uncle Tim’s Bridge. Built in 1783 and listed on the State Historic Register, the bridge crossing Duck Creek connects Hamblen Island to Wellfleet. The island is beautiful, offering trails and beaches to explore. Timothy E. Daniels, known as Uncle Tim, had a retail shop across from the bridge in the 1800s and the bridge still bears his name.

Provincetown, Massachusetts

It was so fun to walk around Provincetown and see the houses, architecture, shops, and vibe.

Race Point Beach Provincetown, Massachusetts

After walking around town, we headed out to Race Point Beach.

This is another incredible spot to explore and watch for dolphins!

We grabbed a pizza from Ptown House of Pizza and then headed to the beach. The pizza was fabulous!

If you’re planning a Vermont fall road trip, click HERE for our favorite stops.

And make sure to add a couple days to visit the Cape!

Life is short, keep searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

©What Stirs Your Soul Media

April 3, 2022
Glenwood Springs Colorado

The Best Colorado Mountain Town

If you’re going to get stuck on a road trip, Glenwood Springs, Colorado is the place! Vail Pass (10,666′ mountain pass over the Rocky Mountains) was closed due to a snowstorm so we were lucky to enjoy an extra day. We loved it so much, now we always make this a two night minimum stop. *Note- make sure to plan for unpredictable weather when traveling through Colorado in April.

We’ve stayed in a few different hotels in Glenwood Springs and so far Hotel Denver is our favorite dog-friendly hotel. Their service is consistent and above and beyond every time. It’s a super convenient location- walkable in town with an attached brewpub and in-house coffee shop. There’s also great community space which we love to hang out or work.

The rooms are historic (Doc Holliday stayed at The Hotel Denver) and so pretty with beautiful views.

Colorado Hot Springs – Glenwood Springs Resort Hot Springs

The Glenwood Hot Springs are right across the river with a walkable bridge to enjoy all the health benefits of a dip.

It’s so easy to walk around town and enjoy restaurants, shopping, and the Colorado River.

The beautiful views of Hotel Denver.

We loved the food from the Brewpub too. It’s great atmosphere and I appreciate gluten free options. The coffee shop rocks too!

Next time you’re driving through Colorado, make sure to visit Glenwood Springs!

Allen gives Hotel Denver 5 paws up! The cozy bed is his favorite.

We always stop in Glenwood Springs on our way road tripping to Utah. Click HERE for another awesome dog-friendly hotel in Southern Utah. Enjoy the road and keep searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

Life goes fast, never stop searching for what stirs your soul.

©What Stirs Your Soul Media

April 1, 2022
Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile – Dog Friendly Hotel in Southern Utah

Top Dog Friendly Hotel in Southern Utah

Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile is an awesome dog-friendly hotel in Southern Utah. It’s not your typical dog-friendly hotel, pets are not only welcome but expected. Located in Kanab, Utah, it is the perfect base camp while volunteering at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and exploring Southern Utah. The recreation options are endless! Plus, while you’re enjoying Best Friends Roadhouse hospitality, you’re also supporting their life-saving animal work. 🧡

Sunrise at the Roadhouse

We have stayed at the roadhouse multiple times, along with other hotels in Kanab, during our visits over the last 10 years. Here is why we love and recommend Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile (besides being dog-friendly): first-rate customer service, easy online booking, unique and well-appointed guest rooms, a walkable location, and convenient onsite services. Let’s get into the details.

“The only reason we invite people is to open the doors for the pets!” 😉

– JoAnne Rando-Moon, Front Desk, Best Friends Roadhouse

We all love the small touches. Our top two favorite activities at Best Friends Roadhouse are kitty bingo and s’mores by the bonfire. The smell of cedar, pine, and juniper in the evening, surrounded by the red rocks, is the best and warms the soul. Kitty bingo is hilarious- a fun night of community, meeting new people, lots of laughs, and kittens running around the Mercantile. Keep an eye on their calendar because they also offer live music and other events!

Kitty Bingo-

Pet-Friendly Hotel Amenities in Southern Utah

For pets: a fenced, spacious park, a personalized nameplate, a pull-out bed and cubby holes, welcome treats from the staff, a pet-washing station, and their very own drinking fountain. The fenced pet park offers plenty of room to run and a splash zone for hot summer days. There is also a small run area. ALL of this and the pets stay free.

From the cozy beds to the outdoor park, our dog Allen gives the Roadhouse 5 paws up.

For people, shopping and a continental breakfast at the Mercantile, a laundry station with products included, technology (An INTELITY® in-room control and information tablet), and excellent Wi-Fi (which is a priority for us because we work while traveling).

Here is Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile employee, Michael, to tell you more –

Another huge plus for us is being able to walk to the many wonderful restaurants in Kanab. You can read about our favorites HERE.

Best Base Camp to Explore Southern Utah

Location, location, location! Kanab is ideally located close to National Parks and Monuments, Public Lands, State Parks, Geological Attractions, and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. We’ve visited many times, and our “things to do list” is still long. There is so much history and some of the most beautiful areas in the country. Below are a few ideas for your next visit.

Zion National Park. If you want to bring your dog hiking, there is one dog-friendly trail. Read more HERE.

Explore Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon National Park.

Hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon View

Hike to the Sand Caves, Hidden Lake, and around Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.

Hidden Lake

Sand Caves

You can also go ATVing or sledding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.

Escape the crowds and take a drive through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. We loved driving and hiking, and we hardly saw anyone. Below is one of the coolest stops at Grosvenor Arch. Incredible!

Camping, Swimming, and House Boating at Lake Powell. There is so much to do in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Volunteering at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

And our favorite thing to do is volunteer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary! If you don’t have time to volunteer, we highly recommend scheduling a tour of the sanctuary. You will learn about the inspiration behind Best Friends and meet animals along the way. If you’re interested in volunteering, make sure to schedule ahead of time- they fill up quickly and book out a year ahead of time.

Volunteering with the dogs fills my heart. There are many different jobs to be done, from cleaning to taking them for walks. I don’t like to do my own dishes, but I could wash dog dishes all day long. My volunteer days at the sanctuary are my best days. It’s emotional and hard to put into words- it’s so fulfilling. I love working the morning shift and then grabbing lunch at Angel Village Cafe. Lunch is always vegan, delicious, and is only $5! You can find the menu HERE.

Life can change in a blink; do more of what stirs your soul.

©Tracy Blowers

March 20, 2022
Best Sedona Hiking Trails

Sedona Hiking Trails

We have visited Sedona, Arizona, for extended stays over the years. One of the best parts about Sedona and the surrounding area is that there are endless adventures and things to do. Our favorite activity is hiking! We love how accessible the hiking trails are and the range of difficultly. Below are highlights from some of the best Sedona hiking trails.

Bell Rock and Courthouse are the first two iconic formations that you see as you drive into Sedona coming north on the Bell Rock Scenic Byway/SR 179. The Courthouse Butte Loop is a moderate 4.3-mile trail. This area is very popular so depending on the time of year, it’s best to go early morning (plus it’s the best time to beat the heat). We normally visit in January when it’s not quite as busy or too hot.

There are pay machines for parking that take credit cards. Parking can sometimes be a challenge but if you wait a few minutes, turnover usually happens quickly. Another option is to purchase a Red Rock Pass to display in your window or America the Beautiful passes are also honored.

Dog-Friendly Sedona Trails

Almost all the trails in Sedona are dog-friendly as long as your dog is on a leash. Please make sure to clean up after your pup. #LeaveNoTrace

If you love climbing rocks, Bell Rock Trail is the hike for you! Look how small all the people look in the picture below. You can see all of Sedona as you make the climb. This hike is considered moderate but if you’re afraid of heights, you might find it difficult.

Little Horse Trail tends to be our go-to hike. We love the views. This is a 3.8-mile moderate hike. You can make it easier by not going as far, the view below is less than a mile on the trail. It’s incredible to hike this trail at sunset, the rocks turn a beautiful orange.

I was super excited to hike Soldier Pass and see the Seven Sacred Pools. They are easy to walk past, so keep an eye out for them. There’s also a large sinkhole on your way called Devil’s Kitchen which is very cool. This trail is considered moderate but we felt like it was a little more difficult especially beyond the pools. We ended up turning around on our first hike (which was still an amazing hike).

Red Rock Crossing/Crescent Moon Picnic Site is another go-to spot for us. This is a great area to relax, picnic, leisurely walk, swim in Oak Creek, or play with your dogs. There is a lot of open area with grass, picnic tables, and benches. All of this with the beautiful backdrop of Cathedral Rock. This is also a vortex site and a sacred area in Native American history.

My favorite thing to do is to visit after it rains and take pictures of all the reflections in the puddles. You have to find the perfect angle to see them.

ALWAYS be careful after a rain, pay attention to the news, and ask questions before you go. Even when the rain stops, the runoff can be very dangerous and catch you by surprise.

The staff and owners at The Hike House are super helpful. They will answer any questions and make sure you are geared up correctly for your hike. It’s important to be prepared even if you think the hike will be short.

Another great resource is the Sedona Hiking App. This app gives you all the details of each hike, directions to the trailheads, and a map to follow as you hike. You can also search by the difficulty of the hike. For more details about Sedona, visit the official Sedona Tourism Site – visitsedona.com

If you’re looking for other fun things to do besides hiking, visit my blog post HERE.

Enjoy your travels!

Please don’t hesitate to email me with questions.

©What Stirs Your Soul Media

January 1, 2022
The Thrive Minnesota Event

Thrive Minnesota Event at ModernWell, Minneapolis

One night while trying to fall asleep with a million thoughts racing through my mind, I had an idea. As I thought about my work and how the hospitality industry has navigated the pandemic, I wondered what I could do differently to help. Then I thought, if I’m thinking about this, maybe others are too. Perhaps I could host an event bringing Minnesota hospitality experts together with Travel Bloggers, Influencers, and Content Creators to learn from each other. In my stupor, I mumbled, I will call it Thrive Minnesota. One minute after my idea blossomed, fear moved in and crushed it.

Say yes to life

The following day, as the idea was still simmering in the back of my mind, I read a quote. It said Say Yes to Life (see full quote below). It moved me. Those four words pushed me out of my comfort zone. I decided to take a step forward and call one hospitality expert to measure interest.

So, I called Ann Kirby, Vice President, Hospitality Minnesota. I nervously shared my idea, we got disconnected a few times, but then- she said YES. My first yes! Her yes, pushed me to reach out to Stephanie March, Senior Food Editor, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine. Stephanie responded with another yes! I’ve worked with Stephanie before and love that she is a champion for small businesses. From there, my passion was ignited and a domino effect started. I contacted Shelby Stahl, Marketing Manager, Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau and Courtney Ries, Senior Vice President, Destination Branding & Strategy, Meet Minneapolis. Both were on board! The Thrive Minnesota Event was born.

Speakers from L to R – Stephanie March, Ann Kirby, Shelby Stahl, and Courtney Ries

The Importance of Hospitality

The speeches kicked off appropriately with Stephanie March raising a glass. A poetic cheers- that we are all connected and touched by hospitality. “Sometimes we don’t realize the importance of something like hospitality until it’s gone”, says Stephanie. It was an important reminder of all the ways hospitality touches our lives. It’s where we eat, sleep, connect, find ourselves, let go, make new connections, discover adventure, explore, and where family and friends gather to celebrate life.

Each speaker brought a new point of view that was valuable, building off each other’s words of wisdom. Ann Kirby talked about how the industry offers lifetime careers from accounting to management and not just summer jobs. Shelby Stahl and Courtney Ries helped attendees understand the process of travel bloggers working with tourism companies and the best approach. Courtney was open about the recent challenges that Minneapolis faced. She reminded us that we can share our experiences even if they are not perfect. We discussed how George Floyd impacted the world, the changes that Minneapolis is making, and how the city is coming back. We found a lot of common ground and I think it was nice for all of us to have a space to discuss life and everyday struggles. Community coming together.

Amazing Giveaways

A HUGE thank you to all of you for the generous donations.

Jamie Tatge, Leisure Hotels & Resorts, offered two night stays at Pier B Resort Hotel and Cove Point Lodge.

Julie Burton, Founder & CEO of ModernWell, gave one FULL MONTH co-working space, Shelby Stahl, Marketing Manager, Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau, donated a fantastic Mall of America behind the scenes package, North Mallow donated a yummy cocoa package, and Pearson’s Candy donated a ton of Salted Nut Rolls! The tables were full of Salted Nut Roll bars, and everyone loved being able to take some home.

Thrive Minnesota Recap

ModernWell, a collaborative space in Minneapolis, offered a festive setting with floor to ceiling windows, cozy couches, and warm lights. Little Ember Co. mobile sauna set up in the parking lot with lights, lounge chairs, and a bonfire – and a Deane’s Kombucha keg at the ready. Number 12 Cider employees greeted attendees at the entrance with a taste of their best Legacy Holiday Cider. We savored charcuterie from Bacio, baked goods from Honey & Rye Bakehouse, cheesecake cupcakes from Muddy Paws Cheesecake, and the best hot chocolate and gourmet marshmallows from North Mallow.

Minnesota Makers Market

Attendees also enjoyed a small MN Makers market. Sheri with Hartwood Floral offered a gorgeous array of wreaths and fresh flowers. I love her work because it’s like walking through nature, truly wild. Laura with Wood and Weiher brought her incredibly scented candles that she puts her love into and creates scents for every season. Jodi with Women & Veteran owned, Allvane CBD, shared CBD for people & pets that is THC-Free and 100% USA grown.

We learned and we connected. At the end of the night, my heart was full.

I was nervous, especially about speaking in front of the group but I did it. I won’t forget this night and that I stepped out of my comfort zone, made new friends, and connected with old – true what stirs your soul moments.

The full quote that helped change my direction:

Let go. Say yes to life! Be daring. Dance to your heart’s desire. Unfurl your wings and fly. Cast aside conventions and restrictions. Tune in to the rhythm of life. Laugh. Explore. Go beyond your predictable behavior. Sometimes life is messy and chaotic, and that’s okay. Leave the dishes; run outside in the sprinklers. – Denise Linn

The next idea that you have – do it – share it – and say yes to life.

Thank you so much to everyone for being there and your support! Cheers!

©Tracy Blowers

December 17, 2021

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