Wyoming
If you need lots of room to stretch your legs and your mind, Wyoming is the place to be. Known for its forward thinking, Wyoming is a state of many firsts. Nicknamed the "Equality State," Wyoming was the first government in the world to grant women the right to vote, and is home to the first female governor and justice of the peace. Other famous firsts include Yellowstone's legacy as the first national park in the world and Devils Tower's notoriety as the first national monument (today it is still the same ominous rock formation early settlers used as a landmark to the West). One of Wyoming's most famous settlers was William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody. Relive the Wild West at the Buffalo Bill Historical center in the city of Cody. Other reminders of this state's founding days include Independence Rock, an Oregon Trail landmark where thousands of travelers scratched their names, and the Wyoming Territorial Prison that stands today as a museum. Much of Wyoming's scenic landscape remains as pure and untouched as it was in the days of covered wagons and trading posts. As the place where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains, Wyoming is home to a variety of land features, from rolling prairies and rugged mountains to open deserts and evergreen forests. Animals of all kinds roam freely, including the world's largest single herd of elk. Wyoming is often referred to as a "fisherman's paradise," boasting 22 species of game fish throughout the state's crystalline streams and lakes. You are never far from Mother Nature's reach in Wyoming. Even in Casper, the state's second-largest city, a variety of outdoor activities abound. Residents enjoy hiking and mountain biking on Casper Mountain. In the warmer months, three area lakes offer fishing, boating, swimming, windsurfing, jet skiing and pontoon boat and river float rides. For a weekend excursion, Yellowstone National Park is only a few hours away. The natural wonders of active hot springs and geysers, fossil forests and the golden cliffs of the Yellowstone River are preserved for the world to enjoy. Winter months in Casper are filled with snowmobiling and downhill or cross-country skiing. And when locals need a break from the outdoors, Casper offers a lot of indoor recreation during the daylight hours. Area museums cover a diverse range of subjects. The Nicolaysen Art Museum's Discovery Center teaches visitors to tap into their creative side, while its third-floor Science Adventure Center provides interactive learning opportunities. A variety of Wyoming's fossils and minerals are on display at the Tate Geological Museum and the Werner Wildlife Museum features 100 species of Wyoming wildlife, as well as species from Alaska, Canada and Africa. Casper is also home to the largest mall in central Wyoming, and its downtown streets are dotted with specialty shops. Be sure to pick up the all-important cowboy hat during your shopping excursion because every now and then Casper residents feel the urge to go hog wild. When the mood strikes, they attend one of the Cowboy State's favorite pastimes: the rodeo. Casper is home to the annual Collegiate National Finals Rodeo and the Central Wyoming Air and Rodeo. But all that riding and roping can leave a cowboy hungry. Luckily, Casper has a variety of restaurants to please even the biggest appetite. The Cattleman's Club is (you guessed it) the place to go for steak. Although the restaurant has a cozy feel, decorated with photos from the '20s and '30s, the nights are known to get a little rowdy. As the oldest bar in Casper, the club is famous for its inexpensive happy hour, featuring $1 domestics and margaritas. If you're looking for a laid-back atmosphere to listen to a variety of music, then Slocum's is the place to be. The bar features bands from all over the world, including Amsterdam and Liverpool. Even Pearl Jam once performed at Slocum's. When everyone in your dinner party wants something different, head to Sanford's Grub & Pub, where the enormous menu has something to please even the pickiest palette. Dinner entrées include pasta, chicken and beef. Be sure to wash it all down with a selection from the famous Hall of Foam beer list. Locals love the tap sampler tray, with six 4-ounce glasses of different beers. Whether you're looking for action, adventure, scenic inspiration or entertainment - retreat to Idaho, Montana and Wyoming to indulge in the outdoors on your days off.
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