THREE NATIONAL PARKS WORTH THE DETOUR Ditch the Tourist Traps
Whenever you hear a friend or family member say they’re going to take a road trip to visit some of America’s most beautiful national parks, they usually plan to visit the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains, or Yosemite. These national parks consistently attract millions of visitors every year, but they’re far from the only must-see national parks in the country. There are 429 protected national sites within the U.S., and 63 of those have obtained the official “national park” designation in their names. (The other labels are battlefields, historic sites, monuments, recreation areas, etc.) If you want to experience the beauty of America without the crowds, consider visiting these destinations during your next vacation! Channel Islands National Park, California Often referred to as the Galapagos of North America, the Channel Islands are unique areas off the coast of Southern California. While visiting, you can expect to see seals, island foxes, and over
2,000 other plant and animal species, 145 found nowhere else on Earth. You can reach the mainland visitor center in Ventura by car, but the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats or private boats. So make reservations in advance. Cuyahoga National Park, Ohio Like many other national parks, Cuyahoga National Park features 33,000 acres of hiking, rock climbing, and photography, not to mention 1,000 species of plants and animals. However, if you want to have a unique experience, hop aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota Caving may not be your first thought when considering national parks, but Wind Cave is one of the longest and most complex caves in the world and has many unique features, such as frostwork, cave popcorn, and boxwork, all of which create unique sights with every step. Once outside, a beautiful mixed-grass prairie greets you; home to bison, prairie dogs, and more.
Train Your Brain!
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp This recipe is quick, easy, and promises a restaurant-quality meal from your own kitchen. It’s perfect over pasta or a green salad. Impress guests or indulge yourself on a weeknight!
INGREDIENTS
Inspired by CooktopCove.com
• 3 tbsp olive oil • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 1 tsp Italian seasoning • 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley • Juice of 1 lemon
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss until fully coated. 4. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Roast in the oven for 7–9 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and slightly golden. 6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice before serving.
www.federalbenefitsmadesimple.com |3
Published by Newsletter Pro . www.NewsletterPro.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator