Nestled away in northeastern Arizona lies the spectacular Canyon de Chelly National Monument. This extensive canyon was cut by the tributaries of the Chinle Creek which has shaped and formed the landscape over thousands of years to the way we see it today. Located entirely within the bounds of the Navajo Nation near the border of New Mexico, Canyon de Chelly, pronounced Canyon “de-shay”, is a wonder to see.
Nestled in northern New Mexico, about a half hour drive northeast of Farmington, lies the Aztec Ruins National Monument. This preserve seeks to protect a 900 year old Pueblo “Great House”. Thanks to the wonderful condition of the standing ruins, visitors are given a unique chance to walk through and get their own intimate experience with the style and intricacies of ancient Pueblo architecture. And remarkably, this national monument is free for anyone to visit.
We were visiting family in Charlotte and were searching for something fun to do with our 2 year old son. Hands down, the Reedy Creek Nature Center, Park, and Preserve was the most fun we had while visiting this beautiful city. From a playground, to a nature center, to hiking trails, to archaeological ruins, this park has it all. And I can honestly say that there is something here for everybody.
On the northern side of the small Greek Island of Ikaria is the Osias Theoktistis Monastery. The architecture of the small monastery is a traditional church, like most of the other ones located on this beautiful island. However, the small chapel, Theoskepasti, located just next door, has the most unique architecture. Built into a cave underneath a large, flat rock, from the outside, the Theoskepasti chapel looks more akin to a mushroom house than a place of worship. It is an absolute gem to see!
Situated in northern Iceland about an hour and a half drive west of Akureyri, is the old “capital of the north”, Hólar, Iceland. This tiny town, which today has a population of about 100 people, was once the religious center of Iceland and served as its northern capital for over 700 years. Today, to those curious travelers, it serves as a window into the past and there is so much to see.
Located in the coastal city of Pula, Croatia, is the well-preserved ancient Roman triumphal arch, the Arch of the Sergii. It stands at the entrance to the old town, providing visitors with the perfect introduction to this beautiful part of the city.
When traveling through the southwest, one of my favorite national parks by far was the Petrified Forest National Park. This park located in northeastern Arizona is naturally and culturally significant and quite beautiful. This area is strewn with colorful fossilized logs that date back to the Late Triassic Period. About 2,000 years ago, humans settled in and built little communities here.
Meandering trails take you throughout the park, giving you glimpses of trees that look like works of art and pueblos from hundreds to thousands of years ago show you how these prehistoric people lived. There’s even one home that looks like it was made from precious stones, which it kind of is.
We stopped by Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument, a large rock face containing hundreds of petroglyphs, on our way from the Needles sections of Canyonlands National Park down to the Goosenecks State Park on our drive through Utah. We had no idea how impressive it was until we saw it in the flesh. It is larger than we imagined and absolutely worth a visit.