Vacations at Yellowstone Shatter Park Records, Prompting More Park Visits

Vacation budgets were tightened this past summer as financial worries continued to plague consumers. The popular term for fiscal summers, "staycation," was already becoming obsolete as families grew more concerned about the ambiguity of financial improvement in our country. The U.S. National Park Service offered a slew of free park days, waving admission costs for all park attendees. This effort to promote an excitement about nature while saving families money was well- received.

Last year, around 3.3 million people visited Yellowstone National Park, placing the yearly attendance about 5% higher than 2007, the former record- attendance holder. Between June, July, and August of this year, the park saw over 2.5 million visitors. On any given day, the number of humans outweighs the number of animals. These astronomical numbers project Yellowstone National Park's yearly attendance to surpass the attendance rates of 2009. Clearly, families are realizing that theme parks and exorbitant, environmentally insensitive resorts are not paragons of what it means to go on vacation. While Yellowstone is the most popular national park in the country, other notable national parks should be considered for any fiscal family vacation, including Saint- Gaudens National Historic Site.

Saint- Gaudens National Historic Site is the perfect vacation spot for families who love art and gardening. The historic site was named after Saint- Gaudens, a renowned American sculptor of the late 1880's. The artistic world traveler was so moved by the natural beauty of the region that he made today's Saint- Gaudens National Historic Site his permanent home. Be sure to visit the museums and exhibits that showcase his many famous works.

The number of flowers planted throughout the natural gardens is overwhelming in the most delightful way. If you visit before the fall season sets in, you are sure to witness the beautiful fall foliage as leaves and plants begin to turn colors. Saint- Gaudens National Historic Site is 195 acres of pure serenity. If you'd like to add an active element to your vacation, be sure to check out the dazzling two miles of nature trails winding through the forest. In addition, there are swimming holes that are sure to bring even more refreshment to your stay, as well as ravines. Of course no sustainable vacation is complete without delicious sustainable food. Just 11 miles north of Saint- Gaudens National Historic Site is the Upper Valley Food Co-op. This sustainable establishment sales groceries and has an in-store deli. From produce to bread to aroma therapy essential oils, the Upper Valley Food Co-op is worth a wonderful way to culminate a trip to Saint- Gaudens National Historic Site.

National parks provide endless opportunities for families to bond and learn more about nature. Getting out of the hustle and bustle of everyday life and realizing the boundless affordances of nature will prove to be one of your best vacations yet.

Photo Credit: sskennel