GatewayCommunities
Explore smarter, and connect deeper, from one horizon to the other.
Dive into insights on local culture, hidden gems, and the most rewarding ways to immerse yourself in these unique destinations. From essential preparations to fostering meaningful connections, embark on a journey that goes beyond the ordinary.
Wine Tours and More in the Pacific Northwest
We love the darling country in Walla Walla, Washington. But, what’s not to love? Downtown is charming and chock full of restaurants, boutiques and tasting rooms. Wine tastings and tours throughout the valley are educational and immersive … and fun!
Things to Do in Colorado: Adventures in Silverthorne
A summertime trip to Silverthorne guarantees a memorable and satisfying experience for young and not-so-young alike.
Dubois, Wyoming: Home Base for Exploring Winter in Yellowstone
There are few places in time more stunning and peaceful than winter in Yellowstone National Park. Exploring this land of geologic and wildlife wonders when it is decorated in frost and white snow is like moving through a fairytale.
Located just outside Yellowstone is the warm and equally peaceful town of Dubois, Wyoming. This will be your home base on your three-day itinerary of discovering winter in Yellowstone.
Go Off the Grid in Capitol Reef Country, Utah
The Capitol Reef Country of Wayne County, Utah, is one of the American Southwest’s least-explored natural regions. Just one look at the map and you’ll see that this is a vast and remarkable area filled with parks, monuments, and countless hidden gems. Here you’ll find few lines and little traffic, leaving more time to enjoy the great outdoors in this alluring area in southern Utah—the perfect destination for year-round adventure!
Experience Culture in Bisbee, Arizona
About ten miles north of the US-Mexico border sits an artsy town called Bisbee, Arizona. Although its’ population of 5,000 people may be considered small, it was once the largest city from St. Louis to San Francisco and considered to be the most cultured town in the west. Now, Bisbee is full of quirky artists, new (and very old) breweries and bars, unique architecture, haunted hotels and a myriad of windy roads and allies to explore by foot.
3 Days in Estes Park: Gateway to the Rocky Mountains
Estes Park is known as the basecamp for Rocky Mountain National Park. Just northwest of Denver, the small town is surrounded on three sides by federally protected land. What does that mean for us? Estes Park is a mecca for outdoor sports and activities all year-round. Plus, it has a thriving downtown area, events for every season, and great local cuisine.
3 Winter Activities in the Eastern Idaho Yellowstone Teton Territory
A quiet and laid-back winter vacation, that’s also affordable and authentic? Yes please! The Eastern Idaho Yellowstone Teton Territory offers travelers adventure, rest and rejuvenation that won’t rob their wallets. From skiing the slopes of Kelly Canyon to a low-key ski tour to Upper Mesa Falls, adventures come in every size. This 3-day loop is recommended for travelers venturing from Idaho Falls, but can be easily modified for any vacation.
Not the Wave, but Still Winning in Southern Utah
The Wave lottery is now online, making it simpler than ever to enter. But if your name doesn’t get called, don’t worry—you’re still in for a big win. Kanab is bursting with red-rock wonders, slot canyons, and desert adventures just waiting to be explored.
Sounds of Silence in Utah’s Canyon Country
Since I turned 30, my days are literally speeding by. Rapidly. I find myself ingesting new information faster and at a higher rate than I stop to reflect on past experiences. When I travel, I notice myself stopping for a few quick photo ops and hurrying onto the next place. Over a luxurious 8 days though, I explored Utah’s Canyon Country in southeast Utah.
Blanding: A Sense of Discovery in Southeast Utah
Around every corner, I felt like I was stumbling upon a new place, ancient site, or the greatest little hotel in Southeast Utah. Sentiments like, “do people know they can go axe throwing in this tiny town?” I felt constantly surprised and delighted! Blanding is the largest town in the region and offers great access to Bears Ears National Monument, Natural Bridges National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Basecamp close to Canyonlands National Park
I stood at an overlook on the Chesler Park Loop Trail in the Needles District of Canyonlands, struck by how quiet it was. The sun was setting behind me, and all of the candy cane colored rock spires stood at attention in the distance. It was amazing how few hikers there were in this part of the national park. I drove back down the dirt road to the highway, dodging cows in the dark and settled into my basecamp in Monticello, Utah. Over the coming days, I would see how perfectly my travel plans would align with this convenient location.
Bears Ears and Beyond
This wasn’t the first time and it won’t be the last time that I pull into Utah at night, and wake up surrounded by giant red walls. Setting up a basecamp in the charming town of Bluff, Utah, I found a variety of adventures within a scenic drive’s distance. The fragile environment in this part of Utah and Bears Ears National Monument should be handled with deep respect. Swing by the Bears Ears Education Center and become oriented with the region before setting off.