Buckwheat pancakes recipe inspired by: Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia (alternatively: Shenandoah National Park or New River Gorge National Park) A historic staple in the local cuisines of both Virginia and West Virginia, buckwheat used to be one of the most common crops in both states. It was so popular, in fact, that both George Washington…
Chorizo, black beans and roasted bell pepper skillet recipe inspired by: White Sands National Park, Mexico (alternatively: Saguaro National Park, Petrified Forest National Park or Mesa Verde National Park) Combining influences from ancient Native American cultures, as well as modern-day Mexican cuisine, this chorizo skillet with black beans and roasted bell peppers is a delicious…
White fish gratin in scallop shells recipe inspired by: Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska (alternatively: Kenai Fjords National Park, Channel Islands National Park or Acadia National Park) If you’ve looked through my national park-inspired recipes, you’ve probably noticed there are quite a few recipes inspired by Glacier Bay National Park. There are two very good…
This news story about the new Yosemite National Park reservation system is based on a February 16, 2022, National Park Service press release. You can read the original release here. Following the example set by multiple other national parks across the country, from Acadia to Glacier and Arches, Yosemite National Park has announced the launch…
This new story about 2021 visitation numbers in national parks is based on a February 16, 2022, National Park Service press release. You can read the original release here. It’s been reported far and wide that several U.S. national parks experienced overwhelming crowds last year. Famously, Arches National Park had to close dozens of times…
Key lime pie recipe inspired by: Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida (alternatively: Biscayne National Park) Few recipes are so obviously inspired by a national park as this one from Dry Tortugas National Park. Hailing from the Florida Keys, this iconic dessert combines a deliciously creamy filling with the sweet and tangy flavor of Key limes,…
Banana fritters recipe inspired by: Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin Islands A classic breakfast dish from the Caribbean, this banana fritters recipe is the perfect way to start your weekend morning, dreaming of a tropical vacation in Virgin Islands National Park. You’ll find varieties of these banana fritters all across the Caribbean, from Jamaica…
Sockeye salmon Wellington recipe inspired by: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (alternatively: Katmai National Park, Lake Clark National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, Olympic National Park or North Cascades National Park) The largest of all U.S. national parks, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park encompasses a vast area in southern Alaska. It comprises majestic mountain ranges, glaciers, wide…
Butternut squash soup with popcorn recipe inspired by: Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado (alternatively: Petrified Forest National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park or Capitol Reef National Park) Whether you’re looking for a light appetizer, fun hors d’oeuvre or a comfortable cold-evening dinner, this butternut squash soup recipe certainly delivers! The inspiration for…
This news story about the doubling in size of Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is based on a February 9, 2022, National Park Service press release. You can read the original release here. Preserving some of the most important Native American archaeological sites in the eastern United States, Georgia’s Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park has…
National Park Service sites in the Upper Midwest may be relatively few and far between, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put together a great national parks road trip from one of the region’s major cities. In fact, there are several awesome national parks near Minneapolis – St. Paul, from national monuments and lakeshores to…
Pan-seared sablefish with celery root puree and carrot greens pesto recipe inspired by: Kenai Fjords National Park (alternatively: Glacier Bay National Park). Also known as butterfish or black cod (even though it’s not related to actual cod), sablefish is one of the most sustainable, flavorful and healthiest fish on the planet. Although it can be…
Although a rather small park known mainly for its paleontological and archaeological resources, there are also some really fun hikes in Petrified Forest National Park. Most of the trails in Petrified Forest National Park are paved and fairly easy, while others have some steeper sections. Generally speaking, this is one of the best national parks…
Featured Outdoor Diversity Organization: Outdoor Afro As we open Black History Month, we’re sharing another installment in our community effort to showcase organizations promoting social justice and more inclusive access to public lands. This month’s feature organization is Oakland, California-based, Outdoor Afro. Outdoor Afro is where Black people and nature meet. Founded by Rue Mapp in…