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By Brad Shook, Associate Financial Advisor
Here at Ascend we strive for new heights. While things like inflation and the markets may be weighing us down it is important to keep sight on the important things in life. For us, it’s making new memories with the people we love and summer is the perfect time to do it. This year keeping to a budget may be top of mind, so we’ve compiled a short list of some of the most affordable yet rewarding places you can travel to this summer; America’s beautiful national parks.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
For us Buckeyes wanting to stay local, just a short drive from Cleveland and Akron hides the ‘Emerald Necklace’ and its crowned jewel, Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The meandering Cuyahoga River cut out this gem hidden in Northeast Ohio’s concrete jungle over the course of thousands of years leaving a refuge for wildlife and nature enthusiast alike. CVNP boasts many different attractions for tourists to enjoy year round to include multiple hiking/ biking trails, historic canals, and even a ski resort.
Yosemite
If you find yourself on the west coast make sure to see the colossal peaks of Yosemite. Deemed a World Heritage Site in 1984, Yosemite is world renowned for its monoliths, waterfalls, and diverse ecosystem. Nestled within the Sierra Nevada, some of Yosemite’s most famous landmarks include El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. Make sure to book a reservation in advance as the park limits the amount of visitors allowed each day during peak season.
The Grand Canyon
Heading south along the Colorado River will lead you to one of the most serene wonders of the world, The Grand Canyon. Carved out over millions of years revealing a colorful display of rock telling a vibrant story of earth’s geological past. Visitors to the park will commonly find themselves at the North or South Rims however for the more adventurous traveler the park is full of trails that lead you off the beaten path. If the lavish display of color in the canyon doesn’t inspire you the sheer size will. The Colorado River has worked away at the surrounding landscape to carve out a canyon 1 mile deep, 18 miles wide and nearly 277 miles long.
Acadia
For those wishing to explore the rich culture of New England be sure to make your way up to Bar Harbor, Maine. Acadia National Park is a truly amazing experience for those wishing to get away from the noise of the city. Whale watching, mountain climbing, lobster, and the cool spray of the Atlantic await all who venture here. If you are still not convinced some of America’s most astute investors and business titans have all been captivated by the park’s beauty. The Rockefellers, Morgans, Fords, Vanderbilts, and Carnegies have all called the surrounding area home.
Yellowstone
No list of national parks would be complete without the forefather to them all, Yellowstone. History was made in 1872 when President Ulysses S. Grant signed into law the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act formally declaring Yellowstone the first national park in the US and considered to be the first of such parks in the world. Made famous by its spectacular geysers, such as Old Faithful, wondrous landscapes, and the plentiful wildlife Yellowstone is an adventure of a lifetime.
Wherever your travels take you this summer, remember your friends here at Ascend Advisory are always ready to help whatever your financial journey. See you at the top.
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