Hiking the Rockies: Trails Near Denver
The Rockies call—and Denver is the perfect home base to answer. Nestled near some of Colorado’s most iconic landscapes, the city offers easy access to a wide range of hiking trails that combine stunning views with immersive lessons in local ecology. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just getting started, these trails provide the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs, breathe in that crisp mountain air, and learn more about the ecosystems that make this region so special.
1. Chautauqua Park – Boulder
Just about 40 minutes from Denver, Chautauqua Park is a gateway to the Flatirons—those slanted sandstone slabs you’ve probably seen in Colorado postcards. The trails here vary from beginner-friendly strolls to more challenging ascents. Along the way, you’ll spot ponderosa pines, wildflowers in the warmer months, and plenty of birds, butterflies, and bees doing their thing. Interpretive signs along some trails highlight native plant species and geological history.
2. Mount Falcon East Loop
Only 30 minutes from the city, this scenic loop in Morrison offers panoramic views of Red Rocks Amphitheatre and downtown Denver in the distance. The trail is a local favorite for both its beauty and its educational value. Hikers can explore the ruins of a historic stone house while learning about early conservation efforts in the region. Watch for mule deer, hawks, and the occasional fox.
3. South Valley Park
This lesser-known gem in Littleton is a great option for a mellow hike with big payoffs. The red rock formations here are reminders of the area's ancient geological history, and the gentle trails wind through scrub oak, prairie grasses, and wetlands. It's a great spot for birdwatching and nature journaling, especially in the early morning hours.
4. Bear Creek Trail at Lair o’ the Bear Park
If you’re looking for a trail that follows water (and who isn’t?), this one’s for you. Shaded paths run alongside Bear Creek, creating a peaceful environment for spotting riparian plant life and listening for the calls of songbirds. It’s also a great option for families or anyone wanting a shorter, more relaxed outdoor experience.
Cycling the Scenic Trails of Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids offers a fantastic array of biking trails, each offering a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the area. Whether you’re a casual rider or a cycling enthusiast, these trails provide a perfect blend of scenic views, wildlife encounters, and outdoor enjoyment.
Fred Meijer White Pine Trail
This 93-mile trail is a must for any cyclist looking to experience the beauty of Michigan’s diverse landscapes. From dense forests to expansive wetlands, the trail winds through a variety of ecosystems, making it an exciting ride for nature lovers. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals, as you pedal along this peaceful, picturesque route.
Kent Trails
Located closer to the city, Kent Trails offers a more urbanized ride that still connects you with nature. The trail meanders along the Grand River, offering beautiful riverfront views, and passes through parks and green spaces that showcase the city’s commitment to sustainability. This is a great trail for those looking for a convenient, scenic ride with easy access to Grand Rapids’ downtown.
Grand River Trail
For a relaxed cycling experience with stunning views, the Grand River Trail is a perfect choice. Following the river for several miles, this trail offers plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and spotting local flora and fauna. Whether you're cycling for fitness or enjoying a leisurely ride, this trail is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the river and surrounding landscapes.
Pro Tip: Make sure to bring water and a small picnic, especially if you’re planning to take a break at one of the many scenic spots along the trails!
Exploring Black History in Las Vegas
Las Vegas might be known for its glitz and glamour, but if you take the time to look past the neon lights, there’s an important and often overlooked story to uncover: the legacy of African American culture and activism that shaped the city we know today.
The Historic Westside: A Pillar of Black Resilience
Our journey starts in the Historic Westside, the heart of Las Vegas’s Black community for decades. This area, though now experiencing gentrification, was once a thriving center of Black life, offering refuge and opportunity during the Jim Crow era.
Here, you’ll find the African American Museum and Library at Oakland, which provides an in-depth look at the experiences of African Americans in Las Vegas. From early pioneers to modern-day changemakers, this museum tells the complex stories of struggle, success, and community-building that have shaped the city.
Legacy and Reflection at the Walker African-American Museum
A short drive away, the Walker African-American Museum offers a quieter, more intimate experience. Inside, the walls are lined with photographs, documents, and artifacts that span generations. You’ll encounter personal stories of African Americans who were essential to Las Vegas’s development but often remained in the shadows of mainstream history. Each display is an invitation to pause, reflect, and honor the unsung heroes whose contributions shaped the city.
Modern Culture: Black-Owned Businesses That Define the City
While the museums offer a glimpse into the past, the businesses in Las Vegas today are the heartbeat of Black culture in the city. The Westside’s Black-owned restaurants, like TC’s Rib Crib and Gritz Cafe, offer more than just food—they serve as cultural touchstones, where recipes passed down through generations tell the story of resilience and tradition.
As you explore the local scene, don’t forget to support the small businesses making waves. Whether you’re shopping for handmade jewelry or catching live music, Las Vegas’s Black entrepreneurs continue to push the boundaries of creativity, community, and culture.
A Day Well Spent: Reflection and Empowerment
By the end of the day, you’ll have experienced Las Vegas in a new light. Beyond the glitz, the lights, and the entertainment, you’ll have connected with the history of the people who have long called this city home. As you reflect on what you’ve learned, you’ll understand that the true spirit of Las Vegas isn’t just in its casinos or its shows—it’s in its communities, its stories, and its people.
Take Action: Want to dive deeper? Consider joining local Black history walking tours or attending events hosted by the Black Cultural Heritage District. The best way to understand a city is through its people, and there’s no better way to honor the past than by supporting the culture and businesses that continue to shape the future.
Cycling the Louisville Loop
If you’re looking for a way to move your body, explore your city, and connect with nature—all in one ride—Louisville’s got the trail for you. The Louisville Loop is a 100-mile multi-use path that winds its way around the city, linking neighborhoods, parks, and natural areas. It’s one of those rare places where urban living and wild beauty meet, and it’s perfect for cyclists of all levels.
Whether you ride a few miles or go for the full loop, the route offers scenic views, riverside stretches, and access to green spaces like The Parklands of Floyds Fork and Shawnee Park. Along the way, you’ll see everything from songbirds to sycamores, depending on the season—and if you take your time, the Loop becomes more than a ride. It becomes a way to notice the rhythms of the natural world right where you live.
This is also a great ride for learning. You’ll encounter interpretive signs that teach you about the area’s ecosystems, local history, and native species. Try pairing your ride with a nature journaling prompt or a plant ID app—you’ll be surprised by how much you can learn just by slowing down and looking closely.
Tips for Riding the Loop:
- Start small. Try a 5-10 mile section before tackling longer routes.
- Go early or late. Cooler times of day make for a more comfortable ride.
- Pack water and snacks. And don’t forget sunscreen!
- Invite a friend or family member. Riding together builds community and makes the journey even more fun.
So whether you’re commuting, exercising, or just enjoying the breeze on your face, the Louisville Loop is a reminder that adventure—and education—are just a bike ride away.
Ways to Bring Nature Into Your Home
You don’t have to live in the forest to feel connected to nature. With a few thoughtful choices, your home can become a calming, nature-inspired space that supports your wellness, invites curiosity, and reminds you of your connection to the Earth.
Here are a few easy and meaningful ways to bring the outdoors in—no matter where you live.
🌿 Add a Few Plants (Or Start a Windowsill Garden)
Houseplants are an easy and powerful way to improve air quality and mood. Try low-maintenance options like pothos, snake plants, or peace lilies if you're just getting started.
For those with a little more sun, consider growing herbs indoors—basil, mint, and thyme thrive in small pots on a sunny windowsill. It’s a simple step toward urban gardening and supports your relationship with food and the growing process.
🪵 Use Natural Materials
Surrounding yourself with textures from the Earth—wood, stone, clay, cotton, or wool—can ground your space and make it feel more alive. Try a wooden bowl for fruit, linen napkins at the table, or a jute rug beneath your feet. Even small touches bring warmth and calm.
📚 Read Nature-Inspired Books or Art
Fill your shelves with books that celebrate the outdoors—memoirs, poetry, or field guides. You can also decorate with nature art or photographs that remind you of your favorite place to hike, swim, or just breathe.
📝 Start a Nature Journal—From Inside
You don’t have to be outside to observe the natural world. Try sketching a leaf you found on a walk, jotting down moon phases, or noticing how the light changes through the seasons. This simple ecological education practice builds mindfulness and appreciation.
Bringing nature into your home is about slowing down and noticing. These simple shifts can transform your space into a refuge—one that supports your well-being and keeps you rooted, even when you're indoors.
Nature's Classroom: Hiking Trails Around Cookeville
If you're in or around Cookeville and looking for a way to unwind, reconnect, or just get a little fresh air, you’re in luck—this area is packed with trails that feel like a nature class you actually want to attend.
Let’s start with a favorite: Burgess Falls State Park. It’s got dramatic waterfalls, sure—but also some seriously beautiful scenery for anyone who likes to pause, observe, and maybe jot a few things down. We’re talking moss-covered rocks, birds flitting through the canopy, and plenty of spots to sit and take it all in.
If you want something a bit more low-key, Cane Creek Greenway is a solid pick. The paved path is great for a slow walk (or a stroller-friendly family outing), and you can still spot wildflowers, turtles, and the occasional deer. It's the kind of place where a short stroll somehow turns into a full-on nature moment.
Here’s a fun idea: next time you head out, bring a tiny notebook—or just open your phone’s notes app—and try nature journaling. No pressure. Just write what you see, hear, or feel. The crunch of leaves, the shape of a shadow, or the sound of a woodpecker doing its thing—it all counts.
Hiking near Cookeville isn’t just about getting your steps in. It’s a chance to slow down and remember that nature has a lot to say—if we’re paying attention.
Want to turn your next hike into a journaling adventure? Try noting:
- 3 things you see
- 2 things you hear
- 1 thing you feel
That’s it. Simple, grounding, and surprisingly powerful.
Walking Through History: Black Power Movements in the Bay Area
The Bay Area isn’t just known for its bridges, tech, or sourdough. It's also a powerful site of Black history—especially when it comes to movements that changed the course of civil rights and community empowerment.
If you’re looking for a way to connect with that history in a meaningful, grounded way, start in Oakland. The city was a central force in the rise of the Black Power movement, and many of the people, places, and stories that shaped the era are still here, echoing in museums, murals, and street corners.
The African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO) is a must-visit. Tucked inside a historic Carnegie building, this space is more than just an archive—it's a living record of Black excellence, resistance, and community organizing in Northern California. Exhibits showcase everything from the roots of the Black Panther Party to local leaders whose names might not appear in national headlines, but whose work transformed neighborhoods and sparked change.
Want to take it further? Walk through West Oakland, where the Panthers established their headquarters and free breakfast programs for children. You can still see murals that honor their legacy, and if you pause, it’s easy to imagine the energy and urgency that once filled these streets.
This kind of sightseeing isn’t about checking off tourist boxes—it’s about remembrance, reflection, and appreciation. It’s also a way to keep these stories alive, not just in museums, but in everyday awareness.
📍 Pro Tip: Call ahead to AAMLO to find out what exhibits or special events are on when you plan to visit. Some collections rotate, and community conversations or talks are often free and open to the public.
Paddling Through History: Kayaking the San Antonio River
There’s something powerful about moving through water—especially when that water carries the stories of the past. Kayaking the San Antonio River offers more than a scenic paddle. It’s a chance to connect with nature and history at the same time.
Beyond the popular downtown River Walk, the San Antonio River extends into quieter, tree-lined stretches that are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. These areas offer peaceful views of cypress trees, herons, and turtles basking on logs. But look deeper, and you’ll find that the river also flows through sites of cultural significance, including historic African American neighborhoods and gathering spaces.
From the East Side’s rich legacy of Black entrepreneurship and community activism to the role of the river in early settlement and resistance, this waterway holds layers of meaning. Paddling here becomes an immersive way to reflect on the contributions of African Americans to the region—often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
Tips for a Meaningful Paddle:
- Start at Confluence Park for a beautiful launch point with environmental art and education features.
- Go with a guided tour to learn more about the area's history and ecosystems.
- Bring binoculars or a camera. This area is full of birds, plants, and architectural details worth pausing for.
- Journal or sketch afterward. Reflecting helps connect the experience to your own story.
Whether you’re gliding solo or paddling with a crew, this river offers a journey through both nature and heritage—a reminder that our waterways are not just routes of recreation, but also of remembrance.
How to Start Birdwatching (Even if You Don’t Know a Sparrow from a Chickadee)
You don’t need to buy fancy binoculars, have a field guide, or even know a cardinal from a crow to start birdwatching. All you need is curiosity... and maybe a few moments of quiet.
Birdwatching (or birding) is a great way to connect with nature, whether you’re in your backyard, on a city street, or walking a trail. It’s accessible, calming, and beautiful.
Here’s how to get started, no experience required:
👀 Just look up. Spend five quiet minutes outside. What do you see? What do you hear?
📱 Try a bird ID app. Free apps like Merlin or Audubon Bird Guide can help you recognize common species.
📝 Start a casual bird journal. You don’t need to know names—just jot down what you observe: color, sound, size, or where you saw it.
🌿 Notice the patterns. Are certain birds more active at specific times of day? Do they return to the same tree?
Birding is a practice in paying attention. The more you watch, the more you’ll see. And as your awareness grows, so does your connection to the natural world around you!
This beginners guide is perfect for first-time birdwatchers, families with kids, or anyone wanting to build a deeper relationship with local ecosystems—no expertise needed.
What to Pack for Your First Family Camping Trip
Camping with family is a special kind of magic—starry skies, s’mores by the fire, and time to really connect. But if it’s your first trip or you’re still new to the whole camping thing, the prep can feel overwhelming. What do you really need? What can you leave behind?
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a go-to packing list designed for comfort, ease, and fun. Whether you're car camping or pitching your tent deep in the woods, here's a list of family camping essentials to make your trip smooth and memorable.
Here’s what to bring for a stress-free camping trip with kids:
✔️ Shelter + Sleep: Tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads or air mattresses, and pillows (our Nature Nap Comforter is a great all-in-one option!).
✔️ Clothing: Think layers—warm fleece, moisture-wicking shirts, trail pants, and a cozy jacket. Don’t forget extra socks and a hat!
✔️ Meals + Snacks: A simple camp stove or grill, reusable dishes, and all your family’s favorite trail snacks. Pro tip: prep meals ahead of time to make setup easier.
✔️ Essentials: Lantern or headlamps, sunscreen, bug spray, first-aid kit, and wet wipes (trust us on this one).
✔️ Fun Add-ons: Binoculars for birdwatching, a nature journal, games, and marshmallow sticks!
Camping with kids doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right camping gear checklist and a little flexibility, you’ll be making memories in no time.